The Return

Focus on the Family: And now, Adventures in Odyssey.
Cryin' Bryan Dern: This is Cryin' Bryan Dern with the joke of the day. What do our illustrious mayor and a person who's been disconnected have in common? That's right, a recall. The verdict is in and Tom Riley may be out. But he says he won't go without a fight. So how about it folks, any takers? He's thrown down the gauntlet and I'm going to add my voice to his. This is an official challenge calling all candidates who have the guts to oust Tom Riley.
Edwin Blackard: Shakespeare, something very odd is happening.
Shakespeare: Odd, sir? How so?
Edwin Blackard: Well, haven't you noticed the reactions I've been getting everywhere we've stopped? The pharmacist and the grocer both said, "Nice to see you again, Mr. Blackard."
Shakespeare: Your point, sir?
Edwin Blackard: I've never met them before. You know I loathe mixing with the common yokels, Shakespeare. That's why I have you.
Shakespeare: Perhaps they were awed by your brilliance. Your reputation does precede you.
Edwin Blackard: How well I know. But if they're awed, then shouldn't they be a bit more cowed in my presence? They're exchanging pleasantries with me.
Shakespeare: Well, sir, after all, this is Odyssey.
Edwin Blackard: Yes, of course. Well, step up the pace, Shakespeare. I have a 2:30 class on using emotions to manipulate your audience, and when I am late, the students make me feel so guilty.
Shakespeare: Here's our last stop, sir. Gantry's Printers. We need to check on the posters for your new production.
Edwin Blackard: Excellent. The door, Shakespeare.
Shakespeare: Yes, sir.
Edwin Blackard: Mr. Gantry, 'tis I, Edwin Blackard.
Gantry: Oh, Mr. Blackard, back so soon?
Edwin Blackard: What do you mean so soon?
Gantry: You were just here this morning.
Edwin Blackard: I was?
Shakespeare: He was?
Gantry: You was, and I'll tell you now what I told you then. Your posters won't be ready before the end of the week.
Edwin Blackard: The end of the week? Well, that's entirely unacceptable. We had an agreement. Never mind that, Shakespeare. Look here, Mr. Gantry. Are you certain you saw me in here this morning?
Gantry: I not only saw you, I talked to you.
Edwin Blackard: What time?
Gantry: About 10:00.
Edwin Blackard: That's impossible. At 10:00 I was... where was I, Shakespeare?
Shakespeare: A mud bath, sir.
Edwin Blackard: Yes, of course. I was taking a mud bath.
Gantry: A mud bath?
Edwin Blackard: It happens to be excellent for the skin. It heightens elasticity and promotes... Look, the point is I was not here at 10:00 on this morning or any other morning.
Gantry: Well, if you weren't, then it was someone who looks just like you.
Edwin Blackard: Just like me?
Gantry: Yes, sirree. And he's not getting your posters before the end of the week either. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got work to do.
Edwin Blackard: Just like me. Did you hear what he said, Shakespeare?
Shakespeare: Yes, sir. Sir?
Edwin Blackard: My good man, I'll have you know there is no one just like me.
Shakespeare: Sir?
Edwin Blackard: Edwin Blackard is one of a kind.
Shakespeare: Sir?
Edwin Blackard: Edwin Blackard is incomparable.
Shakespeare: Sir, Edwin Blackard is a twin.
Edwin Blackard: A twin. Oh, Shakespeare, you don't think...
Shakespeare: I don't know, sir. But we do have to consider the possibility, don't we?
Edwin Blackard: You know, I think it's time we took our show on tour.
Shakespeare: A tour, sir?
Edwin Blackard: Yes, you know, play the provinces, bring culture to the sticks. Get out of town.
Shakespeare: I understand, sir. I'll have us packed in 20 minutes.
Edwin Blackard: Make it 10. Let's go.
Focus on the Family: Defending truth, justice, and lots more truth. It's Captain Absolutely, and now you can read the revised and expanded comic series with 20 pages of new storylines. Join Captain Absolutely as he battles Dr. Relative. Get your copy at adventuresinodyssey.com.
Jason Whittaker: Anybody out here? Jack?
Jack Allen: Jason, hello. What a pleasant surprise.
Jason Whittaker: Hi. I knocked on the front door. Figured you might be back here when no one answered. Hey, the garden looks great.
Jack Allen: Thank you. But your dad did most of the work. I've just been keeping it up, that's all.
Jason Whittaker: Better than I could have done if I lived here.
Jack Allen: It's mostly just an excuse to get out into the sunshine. It's nice to have the time to do things like gardening and reading.
Jason Whittaker: Everyone misses you at Whit's End.
Jack Allen: Oh, you make it sound like I've been away for months.
Jason Whittaker: It feels like months. I was thinking of dropping by this afternoon.
Jack Allen: Really?
Jason Whittaker: Yes, just for a visit. Jack, what can I say? Look, I'm sorry we disagreed about the Israelites, and I wish you would reconsider your resignation.
Jack Allen: I'm sorry we disagreed too. I didn't resign because I'm angry or anything like that. I just think it's important for me to be on my own for a while to get a different perspective on things.
Jason Whittaker: But we need you. I need you. Glossman's appearing before the city council at the end of the week to persuade them to close down Whit's End. The fact that the city owns the land could clinch it for him. Why in the world Dad would buy just the building and not the property underneath is beyond me.
Jack Allen: He was trying to save the building for your mother's sake. It was probably the only deal he could make at the time. Have you talked to Tom Riley?
Jason Whittaker: Yeah. He said he'd do what he could, but he's so busy with the recall vote, I don't think he'll be able to help much. That's why I need you to help me plan, strategize, come up with a way to fight this.
Jack Allen: Jason, you can fight, plan, and strategize all you want, but there's an important part of the battle you're not considering.
Jason Whittaker: Like what?
Jack Allen: The spiritual part. For that you need to pray long and hard and continuously. That's the main reason I'm out here. I'm praying. I suggest you do the same, starting right now.
Edwin Blackard: Hurry it up, Shakespeare.
Shakespeare: I'm done, sir. I've packed your personal belongings, but what about your costumes and makeup?
Edwin Blackard: Oh, leave them. Let's just get out of here. Oh, grab that case.
Shakespeare: Yes, sir. But what's in here?
Edwin Blackard: My reviews.
Shakespeare: But sir, I thought we were packing light.
Regis Blackard: Why don't you pack really light and take only the good reviews? Edwin, how good to see you again.
Edwin Blackard: Regis. How good to see me. Hardly.
Regis Blackard: I am glad we had a chance to meet up, though. You see, I owe you a debt of gratitude.
Edwin Blackard: No, Regis, you don't owe me anything. Nothing at all.
Regis Blackard: Oh, but I do. You see, thanks to my past misdeeds, I thought I'd have to fight to be accepted once again by the denizens of this fair town. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that because of your sterling reputation, not only am I accepted, I'm welcome.
Edwin Blackard: It really wasn't my doing, Regis. They're good people.
Regis Blackard: You're far too modest, Edwin. You have restored the name Blackard to a position of honor. Not an easy thing to do, and for that I am grateful.
Edwin Blackard: Well, think nothing of it.
Shakespeare: Yes, the pleasure was all his.
Regis Blackard: How droll. And now, Edwin, allow me to return the favor.
Edwin Blackard: Really, Regis, you don't have to.
Regis Blackard: You can either continue to help me, or I can make life very miserable for you.
Edwin Blackard: That's your offer?
Regis Blackard: Yes, and it's final, if you know what I mean.
Edwin Blackard: Regis, please. These people have treated me with a great deal of kindness. I was just leaving. I want nothing of your intrigue and secrets. Please, let me go.
Regis Blackard: What a simpering fool you are. All right, be up and be gone.
Edwin Blackard: Thank you, Regis. Thank you. Shakespeare, the bags.
Shakespeare: Yes, sir.
Regis Blackard: Oh, and Edwin?
Edwin Blackard: Yes?
Regis Blackard: If you see Mumsy, give her my love and tell her she still owes me for the hip operation.
Edwin Blackard: Of course, Regis.
Regis Blackard: Goodbye, brother.
Connie Kendall: Jason. Jason, where are you?
Jason Whittaker: In the office, Connie.
Connie Kendall: Turn on the radio quick to the Bryan Dern show.
Jason Whittaker: Okay, okay. What's going on?
Connie Kendall: Something weird. Dern's doing a special broadcast and he just said he has a big announcement to make about the recall election.
Jason Whittaker: Oh boy. What now?
Connie Kendall: Turn it up.
Cryin' Bryan Dern: ...special edition of the Cryin' Bryan Dern show. As all of you know, I think this city is going down the tubes, especially since the last election. We've had a sharp increase in crime, general unrest, and now our illustrious mayor is suspected of malfeasance and misconduct. Apparently a lot of you agree with me that Mayor Riley and his cronies are to blame for all our troubles because you've authorized a recall vote. I've been putting out the call for anyone with the guts and the wherewithal to stand up to Riley. Well, my call has been answered. With me here in the studio is the man who says he'll bring our troubles to an end. Ladies and gentlemen, Dr. Regis Blackard.
Connie Kendall: What?
Jason Whittaker: No, it can't be.
Regis Blackard: Hello, Odyssey. I've come home.
Connie Kendall: I can't believe it.
Jason Whittaker: This is impossible. He's dead.
Brock Peterson: This is Brock Peterson from Channel 10 News, reporting on the stunning announcement by former resident Dr. Regis Blackard that he will run against incumbent Mayor Tom Riley in a recall election. Earlier today, I spoke with Dr. Blackard in front of Rathbone's Electric Palace, where he told me just why he is doing this.
Regis Blackard: Well, Brock, when I left Odyssey several years ago, I felt the citizens of the town and I parted on somewhat less than friendly terms. It was all a large misunderstanding on the part of some very well-meaning people here, among them your current mayor. I was trying to improve the town, but the voices of resistance spoke louder than my own.
Brock Peterson: Dr. Blackard, isn't it true that you used to own the very property where the Electric Palace now stands?
Regis Blackard: Yes, I had a discovery emporium for youngsters called Blackard's Castle.
Brock Peterson: A discovery emporium, you mean like Whit's End?
Regis Blackard: Well, some might have called us competitors, yes. Blackard's Castle offered the youth of Odyssey a chance to examine and explore the latest in computer and electronics technology in a fun-filled environment. Whit's End... well, I'm sure your audience already knows what it offers.
Brock Peterson: What happened to Blackard's Castle?
Regis Blackard: Alas, it burned to the ground one evening at the hands of a foe of progress and progressive thought. It's a shame, really. The castle was becoming quite popular and, more importantly, the kids were learning, truly learning. Now all they have is Whit's End. You see, Brock, that's one of the reasons why I'm running for mayor, to restore that kind of forward thinking. By working together under my leadership, we can return Odyssey to its former glory and build a community that's the envy of the world.
Brock Peterson: That was former resident and now mayoral candidate Dr. Regis Blackard. In other news, more vandalism visited Odyssey last night, only this round seems to have come from a surprising source. At least that's according to the victim, Mrs. Lorraine Steeb of Oaklawn Drive.
Lorraine Steeb: Well, I was about to go to bed when I heard a commotion out near my old storage shed. I went out to check on it and saw some kid dressed in a costume. Looked like something from a Bible movie. Didn't think any more about it until this morning when I came out to this: graffiti all over my shed. Some of the words are so bad I don't know if you can show them on TV.
Brock Peterson: This isn't the first sighting of a costumed figure in the night, but up until now, they were known for their acts of goodness and charity, a gang of true do-gooders. And so the question remains: has the good gang gone bad? For Channel 10 News, I'm Brock Peterson.
Jason Whittaker: Great. Just great. Now the Israelites are getting blamed for the bad things.
Connie Kendall: Jason, you know that it wasn't an Israelite who spray painted Lorraine's shed.
Jason Whittaker: Of course I know it, Connie. But the news media doesn't. What exactly did happen last night?
Connie Kendall: One of the boys painted Lorraine's shed. He sneaked off to clean the brushes and came back to find graffiti where he had painted.
Jason Whittaker: And Lorraine picked that moment to step outside.
Connie Kendall: Yeah. Looks like the bones of wrath are following the Israelites around and undoing the good things we're trying to do.
Jason Whittaker: We need to find out how they're getting their information.
Connie Kendall: Yeah. But the bones and the Israelites aren't our main concern right now. The bigger question is Blackard.
Jason Whittaker: True.
Connie Kendall: He is really outdoing himself this time.
Jason Whittaker: If he's behind it. We don't want to jump to any conclusions. The only thing we know for sure is that he's running for mayor.
Connie Kendall: But why? I mean, being mayor of Odyssey just isn't his style. There must be another reason.
Jason Whittaker: Yeah. I think it's time I met with Dr. Blackard in person.
Connie Kendall: Now wait a minute, Jason. You don't know who you're dealing with here.
Jason Whittaker: It's all right, Connie. I appreciate the concern, but all I want to do is talk to him. I'll be at the Harlequin Theatre in case you need me.
Connie Kendall: Why there?
Jason Whittaker: I'm going to ask Edwin what he can tell me about his brother.
Connie Kendall: Hey, listen. Before you go there, there's something I've been meaning to ask you.
Jason Whittaker: What?
Connie Kendall: When we first heard that Dr. Blackard was back and running for mayor, you said it was impossible, that he's dead.
Jason Whittaker: I did?
Connie Kendall: Yeah. What did you mean by that?
Jason Whittaker: Nothing. I mean, I think any candidate that goes up against Tom Riley is dead. Blackard doesn't stand a chance, right?
Connie Kendall: Right.
Jason Whittaker: Right. Listen, Eugene told me he's going to be toying with the imagination station and he doesn't want anyone using it, so keep the kids away, okay?
Connie Kendall: Yeah, sure.
Jason Whittaker: Great. Now hold down the fort, and I'll be back soon.
Connie Kendall: Bye. Be careful. More secrets. Nobody ever tells me anything.
Jason Whittaker: Hello? Edwin? Shakespeare? Anybody home?
Jellyfish: Hiya, Jace. Come on in.
Jason Whittaker: What?
Jellyfish: Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to scare you. There's nothing quite as spooky as an empty theater, is there?
Jason Whittaker: Who are you?
Jellyfish: Well, my friends all call me Jellyfish, but you can call me Jellyfish.
Jason Whittaker: What do you doing here? Where's Edwin Blackard?
Jellyfish: Oh, him and that sidekick of his had to leave suddenly. Family emergency. But don't worry, there's still someone here who wants to see you, live and on stage.
Regis Blackard: Hello, Jason. Caught any good viruses lately?
Jason Whittaker: Dr. Blackard.
Regis Blackard: That will be all, Jellyfish.
Jellyfish: Sure thing. See you around, Whittaker.
Regis Blackard: Won't you join me on stage for some refreshments? My brother may be a scenery-chewing ham, but he does have excellent taste. Lemonade?
Jason Whittaker: No thanks. So, it really is you.
Regis Blackard: In the flesh.
Jason Whittaker: Yeah, that's what's confusing me. Seems last time I saw you, you'd been stuck with a syringe full of Ruku virus. If you don't mind my asking, why are you still alive?
Regis Blackard: Ah, therein lies the tale. As I'm sure you know, Ruku is extremely unstable. If it's exposed to the air, it dies. Apparently the virus I received had been thus exposed. It was strong enough to make me very ill, even to simulate death, but not to kill me.
Jason Whittaker: Fortunate. So, why are you in Odyssey?
Regis Blackard: To run for mayor.
Jason Whittaker: Oh, come on, stop the charade. If you're here because of me, you're wasting your time. I'm not with the agency anymore.
Regis Blackard: And I am no longer with European Security, so we have no reason to mistrust each other, do we?
Jason Whittaker: Well, except that the folks here told me about what you did all those years ago.
Regis Blackard: Did they? What did I do?
Jason Whittaker: Tried to steal a powerful computer program my father created called Applesauce. Then there was that little incident in Chicago where you tried to steal a computer filled with military secrets.
Regis Blackard: And while they were telling you all this, did the good citizens of Odyssey also happen to mention that your father destroyed both programs?
Jason Whittaker: Destroyed them?
Regis Blackard: Yes. He fixed the military computer so that the files would be corrupted the instant anyone started it up. And I believe he outright erased Applesauce. Your father deprived Europe and the United States of valuable information that would have benefited both nations immeasurably. So in a very real sense, Jason, he did the stealing, not I.
Jason Whittaker: You'll never win points with me by insulting my father.
Regis Blackard: Insulting? Oh, Jason, can you really be that naive about the business you and I and your father were once a part of? International Security is a high-risk game, but it is a game. There's nothing personal in it. I respected your father because he understood that. What he didn't understand was that ultimately we were on the same side.
Jason Whittaker: Same side?
Regis Blackard: Yes, just as you and I were in Switzerland. I only wish I could have made your father understand. But that's all in the past. My earnest desire now is the same as yours: to live a normal life.
Jason Whittaker: And you think you'll get that as mayor of Odyssey?
Regis Blackard: Well, I never said I wanted to be bored. So, do I pass the test?
Jason Whittaker: I didn't come here to test you, Doctor. But you know, you can't hide the truth forever.
Regis Blackard: Oh, then you still don't trust me.
Jason Whittaker: Of course I do. But as much as one former security agent can trust another, which is also why I'm going to be watching you.
Regis Blackard: Well, while you're watching, how about an endorsement?
Jason Whittaker: Very funny. Just stay on your toes, Doc. You don't know what you're getting into. You're among honest people now.
Regis Blackard: I'll try to keep that in mind. Thanks for stopping by. We must do it again soon. Jellyfish?
Jellyfish: Right here.
Regis Blackard: Did you get it?
Jellyfish: Every word. Live on tape.
Regis Blackard: Excellent. Glossman?
Glossman: Yes, sir, Dr. Blackard?
Regis Blackard: Are you set for the council meeting?
Glossman: I am.
Regis Blackard: What about our council members? Have they been adequately taken care of?
Glossman: Every palm greased, sir. I mean, yes, sir, they've all been taken care of.
Regis Blackard: Good. You see, my dear Jason, it's not I, but you who don't know what you're getting into.
Glossman: And so members of the council, the fact is we don't really know what we're dealing with here. The elements in the soil under Whit's End are highly unusual and must be examined further. Therefore, until a proper determination can be made about those elements and their potential health hazard, I request that you order Whit's End closed down.
Mayor Tom Riley: Members of the council, I protest. There is no proof that these elements are hazardous and no one has ever gotten sick from playing at Whit's End. Now, if you close it down, you will be depriving the kids of this community of a valuable educational resource.
Glossman: Members of the council, we all know of Mayor Riley's close association with Whit's End. It's even closer than his association with the Edgebiter Chemical Company.
Mayor Tom Riley: That was way out of line, Glossman. The point is Tom Riley has had a vested interest in Whit's End for years. He's even managed the place on several occasions. How can he possibly be objective about it? Besides, is it really appropriate for a mayor who is in the middle of a recall election to try and use his influence to sway the council on what is for him an arguably personal matter?
Mayor Tom Riley: I'm warning you, Glossman, I am not going to take any more of these attacks on my character.
Hank: Tom, Tom, that's enough.
Mayor Tom Riley: Hank, you can see what he's doing.
Hank: Yes, yes, but I also know that he's right. You're too close to this and you're just making matters worse with these outbursts. Is the council ready to vote?
Mayor Tom Riley: Hank, please, we need to talk about this more.
Hank: I don't want to drag this thing out, Tom. We have other business to attend to. The motion before the council is that we use the city's rights as landowner to close Whit's End until a thorough investigation can be conducted of the lands beneath it. How do you vote? Ms. Turner?
Turner: Aye.
Hank: Mr. Gresham?
Gresham: Aye.
Hank: Mr. Porrath?
Porrath: Nay.
Hank: Ms. Jackson?
Jackson: Nay.
Hank: That leaves the deciding vote up to you, Hank. What'll it be?
Hank: I vote... aye. The motion is carried.
Glossman: There we go. A fine-looking sign. By order of the city of Odyssey, until further notice, Whit's End is closed.
Focus on the Family: Whit's End closed, and Dr. Blackard running for mayor? What does he really want? Will Jason find out in time to stop him? Things are definitely heating up around here, believe me, you don't want to miss anything. So make sure you keep listening. Meanwhile, if you want to write, just send your card or letter to Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3. And when you do, ask about how you can get your own copy of today's episode. It's called "The Return." That address again is Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. "The Return" was written and directed by Phil Lollar. Our production engineer was Dave Arnold, and our executive producer, Chuck Bolte. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.