I loved this episode as well. It felt really fresh. The dialogue felt natural for teenagers.
I don't think I've ever heard the word "dude" used in Odyssey before, so that was interesting. I thought the script was strong. Big kudos to Abigail Geiger
I really enjoyed Buck and Jules's interactions and I felt like I got an even better look at their friendship. I'm glad there wasn't any unnecessary melodramatic tension where Buck felt betrayed by Jules and miscommunications ensued. It was done nicely and realistically considering how close they are as friends. Also, they're basically dating but neither of them will acknowledge it. That's a great dynamic
Three new characters (Savannah, Madison, Devan) were introduced this episode and I'm curious to see if they'll stick around any longer. I wouldn't be opposed to hearing from them again. I wonder if they'll be mentioned or appear in "California Dreams."
Buck's story about Austin made me audibly gasp. I'm going to be honest, throughout the episode I was expecting Austin to become a part of the episode. I thought maybe Austin would hear online about the song Jules wrote about Buck's situation with him and he would come into play. That would have been interesting but would have made the episode go in an entirely different direction.
It's not the fault of this episode, but Valerie makes me sad. The direction they could have taken after "Take Every Thought Captive" had the potential to be really good. Alas, the next episode in which Valerie appears, she is bullying a 10-yr-old.
But anyway, back to this episode. The theatrical, blackmailing Valerie is back! I got big "Friend or Foe" flashbacks. I really liked that.
The guitar and musical transitions throughout the episode were really fitting and lovely. Very unlike usual, but I appreciate that. The soundtracks for this album have been incredible.
And MR. ALTMAN GOT A MENTION?! He's still teaching history 873 episodes after his first and only appearance? The attention to detail! I'm impressed.
Also, I'm calling it now, the reason Jules's mom comes back in "California Dreams" is because she hears of Jules's growing fame and gets her a record deal if she returns to California.