Connie doesn't think her vote makes a difference. But Whit tells her the story of how Texas became a state after a series of events were decided by one vote. |
Written By: Chandler
It's not every day that you get to talk to Abraham Lincoln; but that is exactly what happens to Chris when she visits the Lincoln Memorial! That's right, the statue starts conversing with her. Ok, so maybe that's not a typical occurrence, but I think Lincoln best sums it up with this statement: "It's amazing what you can do on radio isn't it?" As you may guess from this intro, the show's focus is on politics, more specifically--voting.
Chris introduces the episode by saying that Horace Higgenbotham is giving a speech at Whit's End but none of the kids are listening. "Let's find out why," says Chris. However, I fail to understand how this ties in with the show since the reason for the kid's lack of attention is never clearly stated. It seems as if Chris has nothing better with which to begin the show.
After Horace's speech, Tom Riley tells Horace that he would make a fine class president. Considering that Horace doesn't seem particularly bright, I have my doubts. When Tom comments that Jamison Shoemaker must no longer be with us (since Whit said he lived in the 1800's), Horace asks, "Where'd he go?" Also, when Whit confirms that by saying that Shoemaker lived about 150 years ago, Horace brilliantly responds, "Wow! If he were alive today, he'd be dead!" At that, Connie sarcastically remarked, "Very good."
Although Whit's story is a good one, a lot of lines seem to just be filler in order to extend the show. It might have been better if there was a more developed plot to accompany Whit's story. I do think it's unique how the story is told "backwards," starting with the most recent event and moving back into history. It's intriguing to hear the climax of the story (Texas receiving statehood) first, then the transition (Madison Marsh's tie-breaking vote), and finally the anticipated part of the story (Jamison Shoemaker's single vote).
Although it's probably imaginary, I enjoy the scene with Madison Marsh's advisors and their verbal banter. They both display their ignorance by dismissing James Harrigan because he lacks experience and instead promoting men who obviously aren't qualified. Madison Marsh wisely sees through their arguments and votes for Harrigan. Also, I like the scene with the two men at the voting place. Although the man was correct about not closing down the poll until the proper time, he was extremely picky about "going by the book." There are people out there who are exactly like that and it was well captured in this character.
Two final notes... Will Ryan once again displays his multiple voice talents by doing Sam Houston, Mr. Lang (Madison Marsh's advisor), and Jamison Shoemaker. Also, a lot of these early shows are aimed at bringing Connie to Christ. The end of this show is no exception as Connie compliments Whit on his ability to relate any subject to God or the Bible.
In the wraparound, Chris is talking to a statue of Abraham Lincoln. A spoof on this happens in "Eggshells" when Connie says that the Lincoln statue "isn't much for conversation."
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ChandlerPhil Lollar and Bob Luttrell teamed up to do the comedic pollworkers who remain unnamed on the show. About 6 months later, they reappear in "The Return of Harley" as a pair of goofy bootleggers. They are called Smith and Thompson in "The Return of Harley" and they are credited with those same names here for "A Single Vote."
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Chandler
Whit: Jamison Shoemaker. He was an Indiana farmer.
Tom: Was? Then I take it he's no longer with us.
Horace: Where'd he go?
Connie: He died, Horace.
Horace: Oh.
Whit: Well, it's only natural, he lived more than a hundred and fifty years ago.
Horace: Wow, if he were alive today, he'd be dead!
Connie: Very good.
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Chandler