Stubborn Streaks
Ephesians 4:15
“Stubborn Streaks” is episode #538 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written by Nathan Hoobler, and originally aired on February 14, 2004.
Summary
Bernard Walton is shocked when he seems to be losing his customers. Liz Horton has to review one of Mandy Straussberg's plays and is worried that her rift with Mandy will taint the article.
Plot
Liz is torn. She's still having her feud with Mandy. But now Mandy is writing, directing, and starring in her first play... and, as a writer for the school paper, Liz thinks it's terrible. She gives her honest opinion, knowing that Mandy will take it personally. Only Mandy takes it very personally: she thinks Liz wrote a negative review just to hurt her.
The window washing business isn't what it used to be, Bernard Walton complains. His best customers are leaving him, and he doesn’t know why. With his eye on a new truck, he had been picking up clients left and right...
In charge of sets and lighting for Mandy’s play, Jared suggests that they make some changes to the play. Mandy reluctantly agrees, even though the changes are from Liz. Jared relays the to Liz, inviting her to come see the play again. "Man, I wish they’d make up," he sighs.
Rushing from customer to customer, Bernard finally asks Jack Allen why he’s been losing business. Jack minces no words: "You’re either too busy to show up or too rushed to do the job right," he says. The window washer realizes he’s been too proud to admit his wrong, and thanks Jack for the truth. He even corrects the problem by dumping his most cantankerous customer: Bart Rathbone!
- This plot section is too short and should be expanded. »
Discussion Questions
- Tom Riley told Bernard at the very beginning that his low standards were the problem. Why didn’t Bernard listen?
- How was Mandy stubborn?
- Do you remember a time when you couldn’t admit you were wrong?
- What made you finally admit it?
Cast
Heard in episode
Mentioned in episode
| Character | Mentioned By |
|---|---|
| Fred Holstein | Bernard Walton |
| Ben Shepard | Tom Riley |
| John Whittaker | Liz Horton |
| Sarah Prachett | Jared DeWhite |
| Mrs. Nietchew | Mandy Straussberg |
Notes
- Trivia
- This episode marks the second instance that Bernard Walton loses business customers. Previously he received stiff competition from Bart Rathbone in #246: “My Fair Bernard” when Bart undercut Bernard's prices.
- This episode continues the feud between Liz and Mandy that began in #526: “Seeing Red”.
- In this episode Jack uses almost the exact same tactic to get two feuding friends together (offering the terrible advice that they are better off apart) that he used previously with Erica Clark and Kim Peterson in #296: “Red Wagons and Pink Flamingos”.
- Jack's conversation with Bernard about the reason for his loss of business is similar to his conversation with Dwayne Oswald in #417: “Not-So-Trivial Pursuits”, where both speak in "hypothetical" terms.
- Bernard's work at the Golden Glass Company (which he mentions in his conversation with Tom in this episode) was first discussed in #516: “Bassett Hounds” when Wooton got him the contract.
- Bernard tells Jack in this episode that he is saving up for a new pickup truck. He bought his current truck in #278: “The Fifth House on the Left, Part 1” and would finally get a new one in #567: “Two Friends and a Truck”.
- Bernard mentions working at the Scheimholtz Building in this episode — a location featured prominently in #223: “Real Time”.
- Bernard's affinity for tuna sandwiches with pickles was mentioned previously in #396: “Poor Loser”.
- Allusions
- Bernard makes references in this episode to Old Time Radio programs Jack Benny, Little Orphan Annie, and The Lone Ranger.
Quotes
Bernard Walton: You need a radio? But you run an electronics store, Bart.
Bernard Walton: It's about as uninteresting as a tuna sandwich without the pickles, I tell ya.
Bart Rathbone: Jack, let me know if you want any help with your people skills. I could give ya a few pointers.
Bernard Walton: Well, cover me in rust and call me a pickup.
Mandy Straussberg: You wouldn't know a good play if it... if it...
Jared DeWhite: Overthrew the government!
Mandy Straussberg: Overthrew the — what?!
Bernard Walton: Well, stick me with needles and call me a pin cushion.
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