Now More than Ever
Proverbs 17:17
“Now More than Ever” is episode #592 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written by Kathy Buchanan and John Fornof, and originally aired on April 29, 2006.
Summary
Liz Horton is determined to find out why the usually cheery Mandy Straussberg seems depressed.
Plot
When Liz notices that usually-cheery Mandy seems depressed, she determines to find out why. A boyfriend crush? Test anxiety? Liz goes the extra mile to care for her friend, and discovers that she’ll have to stick by Mandy now more than ever. (Warning: may contain spoiler)
Liz and Mandy are at Whit's End. Liz tries to pay for Mandy's ice-cream, but Mandy doesn't want any. Liz suddenly knows that something is up with her, for she has never turned down ice-cream. Whit says that he has noticed that she has been a little different lately and tries to convince Liz to be patient for Mandy to open up to her. Liz does try to be patient...for about three seconds. She suddenly comes up with the idea of Mandy having a crush.
However, when Liz talks to Mandy about it, the situation that has Mandy depressed is far more deeper than a simple crush. Liz, determined to find out what has Mandy grumpy, manages to convice Mandy to let her sleep over at her house. However, Liz finds out that it's not only Mandy who is acting differently. During dinner at the Straussberg's house, Liz notices that it is more quiet than usual. Mandy's parents are barely talking to each other, and Liz even catches Mandy's dad sleeping on the couch. Mandy reveals that her brother David has been spending less time with his best friend, Alex Jefferson, and has been hanging out with a different kind of crowd. Liz is even more worried of Mandy's situation.
The next morning, Liz tries to talk to Whit, and Whit then says that he will talk to Mandy's parents to check up on them. While Whit talks to Mandy's parents, Liz talks to Mandy. Liz tries to find out what is really bothering Mandy and asks her about her parents. Mandy is not happy, and even yells at Liz to leave it alone before heading home. Meanwhile, after their talk with Whit, Mandy's parents go out to eat, but come back early before they deliver horrible news to Mandy and David. Their marriage is failing, and they are separating, in hopes that some time apart will give their marriage a better chance. Mandy runs to her room and cries when Liz shows up. Liz comforts Mandy, saying that they will get through it together.
- This plot section is too short and should be expanded. »
Discussion Questions
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Cast
Heard in episode
Mentioned in episode
| Character | Mentioned By |
|---|---|
| Alex Jefferson | Liz Horton |
| Mrs. Horton | Liz Horton |
| Dale Horton | Liz Horton |
| Jenny Whittaker | John Whittaker |
Notes
- Trivia
- This episode is only the second time an Odyssey kid's parents are faced with divorce (not counting Connie and the misunderstanding in #140: “The Vow”). The other is Freddy in #2: “The Life of the Party”.
- Originally, Aria Curzon's friend, Miles Marsico, was originally supposed to play Mandy's brother, David, but was replaced with Robbie Rist during post production. Rist was in his 40's by the time he played David.
Reviews
Quotes
David Straussberg: Do you ever use sentences that don't end in question marks?
Liz Horton: Do I?
John Whittaker: The best thing to do when you don't know what to do is pray. God knows what's going on even when we don't.
Liz Horton: I want to do more, though. I want to do what a best friend should do.
John Whittaker: Even if it doesn't seem like much, prayer is powerful.
Mandy Straussberg: And there's nothing to worry about, anyway! So keep your nosy... NOSE out of it!
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