The Mysterious Stranger, Part 1
Exodus 20:17
“The Mysterious Stranger, Part 1” is episode #244 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written and directed by Paul McCusker, and originally aired on September 18, 1993.
Summary
Whit is pulled into a perplexing mystery when a strange man arrives at Whit's End and claims to have lived there as a small boy.
Plot
Whit and Connie are sorting through the mail one afternoon when they come across a request to be able to stay at Whit’s End. Whit is just about to write the magazine and tell them that Whit’s End isn’t a hotel when suddenly a strange young man, Kent Wakefield, walks through the front door. He is visibly stunned as he stands in the center of the room and looks around, telling Whit that he knows the place because Whit’s End was his home! Whit explains to Kent that it is impossible. Kent is insistent that it was his home and gives Whit the strong impression that he is mentally unbalanced.
After Kent leaves, Whit begins to investigate Kent’s claims. Soon, certain pieces to the puzzle fall into place, and someone keeps making anonymous threatening phone calls telling Whit to “beware.” Whit also meets Kent’s uncle, James Wakefield, who begs Whit not to indulge his nephew’s fantasies. He tells Whit that Kent is seriously ill because of what had happened to his parents.
Whit is ready to give up his sleuthing when he learns that Kent’s parents were the heirs to the Wakefield family fortune. They really did live in Odyssey once, in a mansion outside of town called the Tate House. Whit talks to the original architect of the mansion and finds out that the basic design was copied and used in the early part of the twentieth century for the mayor’s house, which is now Whit’s End.
Whit and Lucy, who is writing an article for the Odyssey Times, visit the burned-out shell of the Tate House. It looks exactly like Whit’s End! Inside, they hear a creepy howling sound. Suddenly, debris is dropped onto Whit.
- This plot section is too short and should be expanded. »
Discussion Questions
- Why was it so easy for James Wakefield to manipulate Kent?
- Why was Kent’s uncle so bent on keeping Kent locked away?
- What are some of the consequences of greed?
- How can you avoid becoming greedy?
Cast
Notes
- PARENTS: This is a mystery, crafted in the traditional style of mysteries, which means there are a few scary spots. While older children should be able to handle the suspense, this story is not intended for younger listeners.
- Trivia
- Lucy's role in this show is reminiscent of Jami's role in "#39 – #40: “The Case of the Secret Room”."
- This episode introduces several details not only of the history of Whit's End but also of its architecture, including a stained glass window and a servant's staircase.
- Reviews
Quotes
Dale Jacobs: Why you getting so involved in this, Whit?
John Whittaker: I dunno. Because there was something about him — something in his eyes that seemed so... lost.
Unknown: <whispering> Beeeeewaaaaaaaaare...
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