When her parents tell her she’s not allowed to be in a play due to its anti-Christian content, Aubrey goes on an Imagination Station adventure to John the Baptist to learn what standing up to authority is all about.


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UAIO Review:

John the Baptist is a old story told in a brand new way.   John the baptist is not as you have heard before.  Instead of the wild men who ate locus and was went around in rags, the episode brought more Character to him.   You will begin to like John the Baptist like you haven't before.  As Aubrey is in the episode, she is in this adventure to simply learn why to stand up for what you beleive in.  Only things change the normal type of adventure you exspect when the solders come and take away Aubrey, John, and John's assistant, Micah.  While in prision John refuses to "take back" what he said against the king, and Aubrey can understand why.  Micah is then sent with a message from John that you find in the next episode what it is.

UAIO Rating (out of 10):
Message/Lesson: 8
Plot: 7
Character Usage: 10
Musical Score: 8
Overall Entertainment Value: 7.1
See below fan reviews for there rating:
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Fan Review(s):


Nathan's Review:
- Review by Nathan of Illinois
"Poor Aubry, You Don't Understand Do You?"
"You Right I Don't"

Aubry isn't a favorite charecter of Odyssey fans.
But in "The Big Deal" her charecter comes through wonderfully.
John has charecter, Micah is rather odd, and Aubry doesn't start to drown, which would of been predictable.
It's a great episode! But what is this strange message John has for Micah? Listen in next Saturday on the radio to find out!
Oh, and by the way, if you ever happen to take a trip in the imagination station.......LOOK at your food BEFORE you eat it!
Nathan's rating: 5 Stars (Best)

Corey's Review:
- Review by Corey of Iowa
A very very well done episode. Although I have not heard the second half yet.  The story was great and was that Dwayne's voice I heard as Micah?   Aubrey was used very well in this episode.  I felt that they hadn't put her to good use in other episodes, but in this one she does a great job.  I think it is the best Aubrey episode so far.  It was also great to hear Whit act like himself and be a fun, wise and caring instead of the cardboard prop that had been used as Whit in some other episodes during the Spring season.  All in all I say this was a great start in what looks like it will be a great season.
Corey's rating: 4 Stars (Great)

Brian Goad's Review
- review by Brian Goad of NC
The show starts off as Aubry gets the lead in an un-christian play. She gets upset at her parents when they tell her that they will not allow her to be in the play. She goes to see Mr. Whittaker, who is swinging on a swing. They talk and Whit convinces Aubry to go back in the Imagination Station to the time of John the Baptist. Aubry lands in some water when a "heroic" Micah "saves" her. They hear John preach and Aubry convinces Micah to take her to see John. They meet John after almost being attacked by leopards. While Aubry is talking to John Herod's guards come and take them prisinors. Herod gives John a choice of either staying in prison or renouncing what he said about him and getting out. John refuses to do so; and give Micah a special mission. That is when the story is cut off and we have to wait for the conlusion till next week...
Brian Goad's rating: 4 Stars (Great)
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Dustin Foree's Review (AIO HQ Site)
- review by Dustin Foree, age 12
This was a great episode, much better than anything we were subjected to in the spring season (except maybe for I Slap Floor). Whit was back to his old self, and Aubrey was better in this episode than in any other. She's a great character, and I hope she comes to Christ soon. Now, it may just be me, but didn't Micah sound a bit like Dwayne Oswald? Just wondering.
Dustin Foree's rating: 4 Stars    (Link to AIO HQ Reviews)

Alice's Review (AIO HQ Site)
- review by Alice, age 17
A pretty good episode, but doesn't anyone else think that Whit's swinging was a little...strange? Or maybe I'm the strange one? Anyway, I think this episode was a solid start for the new AIO season.
Alice's rating: 3 Stars     (Link to AIO HQ Reviews)

TWF's Review (AIO HQ Site)
- review by Alice, age 17
Good Episode. It seems like AIO is back to normal. I'm looking forward to part 2.
TWF's rating: 4 Stars     (Link to AIO HQ Reviews)

Audrey's Review (Town Hall Boads)
- review by Audrey
I got the chance after going through ALL of the stations in my area to listen to this ep. I didn't hear all of it but what I did hear I loved. It's geat that I am (finally) able to once again say "I can't wait for next weeks show". Those words didn't come out of my mouth during the spring season, but I think I'll be saying it a lot more during this season.
Audrey's rating: None  (Link to Town Hall message) 

Corey's Review (Town Hall Boads)
- review by Corey
I thought it was neat how they had Whit swinging. It is also nice to hear him back to normal. Last season he seemed out of character. Now he is back to listening and talking. It also showed his unpredictable side when they had him swinging.
Corey's rating: None  (Link to Town Hall message)

Errol's Review (Town Hall Boads)
- review by Errol
I heard Part One Of " The Big Deal " This Morning (9/30 ) I Like What I've Heard So Far. Looking Forward To Part Two. It Was Also Great To Hear That Motion Picture And Television Actor Jerry Houser Is Doing V/O for AIO, Now. It Was Great Hearing Chris Name Most Of The Voice Actors This Time, Instead Of Just The Principles.
Errol's rating: None (Link to Town Hall message)

Caleb's  Review (Book Addits Central)
- review by Caleb of Books Addits Central
After the mediocrity and split episodes of last season, this comes like a breath of fresh air. Whit is showing some character for once, rather than just giving out advice and ice cream. The story is interesting, fun and just plain good.
One good aspect of the story is that there is more than just the bible story to the plot. We also have the dilemma with the play. It is with the aim of helping Aubrey to understand that Whit sends her in the Imagination Station. This in itself isn't new, but we have more of that problem as well.
The production standard is high, too. There's some good dialogue and characters, although Micah seems a little over the top. Aubrey is better used in this episode. I like the way in which John tells Micah there is something important he needs to do, but the episode ends before he tells him. It's effective in making you wonder what comes next. I can't wait until next time.
At last, Adventures in Odyssey is back on track. I eagerly await the next part, and indeed, the rest of the season. I hope the high standard is maintained. Come back next week for an extended review including part two!

Caleb's rating: 4 Stars out of 5   (Link to Book Addicts Central Review)

Voice Talents:
Peter Renaday as John The Baptist
Kenneth Mars as King Herod
Randy Crenshaw as Jarus
Kris Kachurak as Micah
Camilla Belle as Aubrey Shepard
Paul Herlinger as John Avery Whittaker
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Memorable Quotes:
[John the Baptist while talking to Aubrey]
John The Baptist:  "Most people put honey on there locust."

[John the Bapist when he meets Aubrey]
John The Baptist:  "I'm John the Baptist"
Aubrey:  "I'm Aubrey, the Methodist..."
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Fun Facts:
1.  Did you know that the character that played Micah was that same actor who played Dwane in the earler episodes of Adventures in Odyssey as Jared's side-kick in most episodes.

2.  Did you know that "The Big Deal" was originally written with both Nick Mulligan and Aubrey Shepard in the Imagination Station. Due to a schedule conflict, Chris Castille (Nick) wasn't available for the recording sessions, so the show was re-written by John Beebee, to take the Nick character out of the show.

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