Len Barclay

Len Barclay

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Voiced by

Nathan Carlson

Episode appearances

2

Nickname

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Occupation

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Religion

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Type

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First episode

138

#122: “Castles and Cauldrons, Part 1” (1990)

Last episode

139

#123: “Castles and Cauldrons, Part 2” (1990)

History

Len Barclay’s personal history is largely a mystery before he came to Odyssey, but it is clear that escapism was a major part of his life. Eventually, after a few months of hanging out with what they saw as a questionable group of friends, his parents, not knowing exactly what he was doing except that he had “changed” and begun to act even more secretively, convinced him to visit his cousins in Odyssey, in hopes that the town would be “healthy” for him.

During his visit, Len introduced Jimmy Barclay to a role-playing game called “Castles & Cauldrons”, which he had brought along with him. Jimmy was excited about the game, and played along, even as Len (who would later insist on being referred to by his character’s name) assigned him a character (as his own character’s “apprentice”) and railroaded him through a story of barbarians and evil wizards.

While Jimmy enjoyed playing the game, for the most part, he was put off by Len's unusual behavior, which included taking control of his character and telling strange stories about his friends back home — not about playing the game, but about “powers” which he and his friends believed the game could imbue its most devoted players with. He also somehow convinced the Barclays’ cat to tear the arms off of Donna Barclay’s doll and, overall, showed trouble in separating the game from real life.

This culminated in his frustration over Jimmy somehow getting their characters ensnared by a group of wizards in the game, leading Len to decide that the only answer was to “summon” a character using a ritual (which involved at least one element that couldn’t possibly have been legal) while ignoring Jimmy's protests, as usual. John Avery Whittaker and Jimmy’s father soon interrupted them, and the fantasy seemed to abruptly fall away, as Whit stopped the “game” in progress.

Len returned home shortly thereafter. According to a phone call to George from his brother Bill (Len’s father), Len was last said to be going through counseling under a pastor who “knows about this kind of thing”.

Family

Main article: Barclay family

Len is Bill Barclay's son, Donna, Stewart and Jimmy Barclay's cousin, and Mary and George Barclay's nephew.

Quotes

“	Len Barclay: There are things in this world we can't understand. Jimmy Barclay: Well, algebra, for one.	”
— #122: “Castles and Cauldrons, Part 1”

“	Len Barclay: Girls. Ya can't live with 'em and ya can't live with 'em!	”
— #123: “Castles and Cauldrons, Part 2”

“	Donna Barclay: It's an antique doll, Jimmy. Jimmy Barclay: I know that. Donna Barclay: Well then why would you tear it up? Len? Len Barclay: Don't look at me — I gave up playing with dolls a long time ago.	”
— #122: “Castles and Cauldrons, Part 1”

“	Donna Barclay: I'm sorry for accusing you of ripping my doll's arms off. Len Barclay: Apology accepted, Donna. Jimmy Barclay: I'll think about it. George Barclay: Jimmy. Jimmy Barclay: Apology accepted.	”
— #122: “Castles and Cauldrons, Part 1”

Episodes

Len Barclay is voiced by Nathan Carlson, has appeared in 2 episodes.

#122: “Castles and Cauldrons, Part 1” (1) #123: “Castles and Cauldrons, Part 2” (2) #122: “Castles and Cauldrons, Part 1” (1) #123: “Castles and Cauldrons, Part 2” (2)