Two Friends and a Truck
Definitely an enjoyable and amusing episode. It felt like yet another 'classic' day in the life of Odyssey. After a rather traumatic three-parter to continue Album 44, it was good being able to hear a more 'normal' episode. Eugene was back, being his normal, geeky, and somewhat clumsy self--contary to his rather awkward temperament in the past three episodes. And his relationship with Bernard has never been better.
I also enjoyed the fact that entire episode was pretty much a complete parody to the album "Wish You Were Here," as we heard made many notable references to Eugene and Bernard's road trip together. For the dedicated Odyssey fan like myself, it was quite a treat to hear familiar quotes reiterated in this particular episode:
First, we heard Eugene remind us of that the Bernard's "old" truck was purchased in San Diego. Next, Bernard used the line, "It's a matter of principle" from the episode,
Third Degree. Then we heard Bernard using the quote, "You're the only guy I know who could ruin an apology by saying I'm sorry," closely paralleling, "You're the only guy who could run gratitude by saying thank you," a line he spoke to Eugene in
Roomates. Finally, Bernard reused the line, "There's nothing like the smell of a new pickup truck," in reference to the episode
The Fifth House on the Left, Part I. This cued up the appropriate and laugh-inducing line with which Eugene answered: "That still reminds me of artificially-induced pine scent."
I loved Bernard's attempt at trying to emulate Eugene's mannerisms. "Should I have spoken in words you understand and said, 'Kindly refrain from mutilating my vehicle.'"
This episode flawlessly re-established that humorous, love-hate relationship between Eugene and Bernard. Great introduction and use of the character, "Leon," also. Although he's obviously a flat character from whom we'll only hear once or twice more, I loved how he was used throughout the episode.
The misunderstandings brought back memories of the ironic twists from
Gifts from Madge and Guy and humorous presumptions from
Naturally, I Assumed . . . Overall, Nathan Hoobler did a fantastic job with the script. He integrated Eugene's character quite smoothly into Odyssey with only one small reference to the previous three episodes. Kudos to Nathan for not highlighting the events from the preceding episodes, as it would've detracted from the overall humor and flow of this particular episode. As my sister and I listened to
Two Friends and a Truck, my sister commented that it felt like a regular episode. Indeed, like I already commented, Nathan did a marvelous job bringing back Eugene without the somewhat awkward reintroduction to Whit in "It's a Wrap!"
I also appreciated how Nathan was able to tie the whole episode back to an important Biblical theme: mercy and forgiveness.
Just to clarify any misconceptions, I
did enjoy the episode. I give it
five stars for its excellent storyline, humorous quotes, and underlying Christian theme.
If you have not yet heard it, you might want to listen to it here before reading any further. For those who have already listened to the latest episode, post your thoughts and reviews here!
Having Eugene in there was just... wonderful. I didn't realize how much he was missing until I heard this show.
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