Gathering Thunder
“Gathering Thunder” is episode #326 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written by Marshal Younger, and originally aired on August 5, 1995.
Summary
To help the gang called the Israelites, Butch spies on the Bones of Rath until his loyalty comes into question.
Plot
Lucy and Connie have been nabbed by a group called “the Israelites.” It’s a “good” gang that Whit used to run around town. Jack has brought the group back to take action against the Bones’s crime wave. Their leader is Billy MacPherson, a member of the original Israelites. Jack has also recruited Sam Johnson, which explains why he has been acting so strange lately. And Sam has made Butch their informant. This enables the Israelites to find out the Bones’s next rotten plan: vandalizing the War Memorial in McAlister Park. That night, just as the Bones are about to commit their crime, the Israelites appear, causing the Bones to scatter. To make matters worse for the Bones, a local news reporter happens to see the whole thing and writes it up for morning edition of the Odyssey Times. The "higher up" man is furious. Rodney will have to be replaced.
Meanwhile, based on instructions from “higher up,” Bart makes an appearance on local television, attacking Tom Riley, suggesting that the recent wave of vandalism is all Tom's fault.
Because Rodney has proven inept, a new leader is sent to lead the Bones in their vandalism. His name is Jellyfish and he suspects that there is a traitor in their midst. Jellyfish gives the gang their next line of attack: Part of the Bones will meet at the movies and create a diversion while the rest of them will attack Whit’s End again. Butch tells Sam about the plan. Unfortunately for Butch, Jellyfish changes plans at the last moment and decides to attack the Harlequin Theatre instead. When Butch tries to warn Sam and the Israelites, Jellyfish catches him and the Bones beat him up - badly. When Jack learns about this, he is horrified. He never meant for things to get this out of hand. As a result, he disbands the Israelites. The Bones of Rath appear to have won.
- This plot section is too short and should be expanded. »
Discussion Questions
- Do you think it was a good idea to create a good gang in order to battle an evil one? Why or why not?
- Why did Bart keep hammering away at Tom Riley’s lack of leadership?
- What would you have done if you were in Butch’s place?
Cast
Heard in episode
Mentioned in episode
Notes
- Trivia
- Odyssey seems to be having a lot of thunder storms around this time...
- Allusions
- The movie the Bones are watching in this episode is a spoof of the Rocky film series.
Quotes
Jellyfish: There are two things ya better learn about me, and fast. One: I don't like bein' questioned. And two: Nobody questions me, ya got it?!
Rodney Rathbone: Whoever is vandalizin' our vandalism is gonna get a severe pounding when I catch 'em.
Jellyfish: Rodney and me were just taking a stroll through the woods. What were you doin'?
Butch: You know, strollin'. Just like you!
Jellyfish: Just like me, eh, Butchy? I think you have some explaining to do. And if I were you, I'd tell us everything.
Butch: You don't understand something, Sam. These guys are serious. You're not just doing good deeds around the city anymore. You're in a war.
Billy McPherson: The Israelites are finished. The Bones of Rath have won.
Jellyfish: Do somethin' about your hair, huh?
Bart Rathbone: Yeah? Like what?
Jellyfish: Check the attic: maybe you can find a comb!
Resources
- Episodes aired 15 times
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