The gang at Whit's End try to come up with a unique television advertisement for the shop and Tamika gathers information for a report on her hero. |
"A Davey in the Life"
Written By: Shadowpaw
Adventures in Odyssey is a character driven show. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of plot strewn about from time to time, but it's because our favorite characters have been thrown into these unusual situations that make them so lovable. There's so many interesting characters that you're drawn to them. And what makes Stars in Our Eyes so fun is that, if only for brief moments, we get a close look at the way in which our favorite characters tick.
Wooton is crazy. We all know that, but he's such a lovable dufus that anything he says is gold. A lot of fans are still divided over their feelings for him, but it's become increasingly clear that he's an acquired taste that has thankfully been acquired by more and more people. His "commercial" idea made absolutely no sense but it was cute. I'm also thrilled to hear he's hard at work on Powerboy... and that the secret is safe in that muddled head of his.
Connie was good in this show too. She wasn't at the center of attention, which suits her character, as I tend to like her shows more when she's in the background (with notable exceptions of course). She's always been more of a supporting character for me and she fulfilled that role here. Her commercial was funny, hip and typical of her demographic. Very nice.
Tom... well he's always had a soft spot in my heart. After hearing his commercial idea it's no wonder he spends so much time with the horses on the farm... he hates the racket at Whit's End! Then there's Walker Edmiston's counterpart... Bart Rathbone. Who couldn't help smile during his idea? Hearing Bart's words come out of Connie and Whit was hilarious. Hard to believe this shyster started out as just the father of Rodney. He's such a unique and interesting person that despite his scams, he's an endearing character.
And that brings us to Whit, who over the course of the last several years seems to be pretty inconsistent. Some episodes I love him and other shows I want to strangle him. This episode, I loved him. His interactions with Tamika were genuine, his advice was sweet and not over bearing, and it reminded me why Whit is a person people want to be around. Fitting, since that's the theme of the episode.
So what is the point I'm trying to make? It all goes back to my mention of Odyssey being a character driven show. We love these characters to death regardless of the incredibly mundane plot. I mean let's look at it: A group of adults bounce ideas around for a tv spot and an old man helps a girl with her homework. Whoopie! But it works. We are so familiar with the characters that we just go along for the ride. Everyone is so rich and developed that it's just a joy listening to them interact. Of course there needs to be some plot to keep it going but it doesn't need to be complex. I've stated many times in my reviews that simple shows are the best of the self contained bunch. I love story arcs just as much as the next guy, but not every show can be part of a bigger picture. So, when a show like Stars in Our Eyes comes around, it's received by my ears with pleasure.
So is Davey Holcomb. Though two references in three episodes to "Whit's Flop" is a bit much. It is great to see what he's up to now that he's older, though these days it seems there's a reference to a past event or character in every other episode. I enjoy the occasional nod, but we've been bombarded by them! Fortunately Davey is more than just a reference... he's actually utilized in the story, despite the fact he's not the same actor. I guess not everyone falls into the Odyssey abyss after all.
This episode marks the return of Davey Holcomb, who appeared in "Whit's Flop" 17 years before this episode. Interestingly, this is the second episode in the Fall 2004 season to feature a reference to "Whit's Flop."
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nonameTom orders a chocolate strawberry banana malt, the same favorite drink of his he ordered in 120: "Pranks for the Memories."
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Ben
The character of Sydney Sellica is a reference to Sydney Bristow, a similar character played by Jennifer Garner on the television show "Alias."
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nonameSydney Sellica's quote about smoking is a reference to a similar quote by real-life actress Brooke Shields.
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nonameThe title of Sydney Sellica's TV show, "Most People Love Sydney," is a reference to the real-life sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond."
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BenThe Title of this episode is probably a reference to a line from the song "Juke Box Hero"
'He's a juke box hero/ got stars in his eyes'
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The Programmer