Black Clouds

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#527: “Black Clouds”
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Scripture

Romans 8:28

28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Job 31:4
4Does he not see my ways and count my every step?

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“Black Clouds” is episode #527 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written and directed by Bob Hoose, and originally aired on October 4, 2003.

Summary

As Connie and Joanne’s road trip to Washington continues, a raging storm forces them to stop at a roadside diner where they meet a runaway young girl and an unusual woman named Ethel.

Plot

A fierce storm interrupts Connie and Joanne’s road trip, forcing them to take cover at Ethel’s Diner. Ethel, an eccentric woman to say the least, mostly sees only "floods and traveling fools who’ve lost their way" at her out-of-the-way greasy spoon. Yet the three ladies are about to meet a very special visitor.

Ten-year-old Lindy comes into the diner, soaking wet from "taking a walk." Joanne can tell she is a hurting little girl, but cannot get her to open up. When the diner is struck by lightning, it seems Lindy will have to stay for awhile. With all of them a little scared in the darkness, Connie talks about how much fun rainy days are at Whit's End. Her "cheering up" is cut off by the sound of falling tree branches outside. Lindy claims the storm is her fault; “God made me bad luck,” she says. After much concern from Connie and Joanne, Lindy tells them that both her parents have died.

Though the Imagination Station is miles away, Lindy, Connie, Joanne, and Ethel are transported into the story of Noah... by using their imaginations! Having to build an ark, get laughed at, and live closely with animals for a year seems unlucky to Lindy, but God used those events to save the lives of Noah and his family. Lindy is still bitter when her foster mother shows up to take her home, until Lindy learns that she wants to adopt her! The girl and her new mom hug, and the sun breaks through the clouds.

This plot section is too short and should be expanded. »

Discussion Questions

  1. Was it "luck" that the storm came up and caused Connie, Joanne, and Lindy to meet?
    • If not, what was it?
  2. Did Lindy deal with her bitterness in the right way?
    • Why or why not?
  3. How could remembering a Bible story help you get through a hard time?

Cast

Heard in episode

Role Voice Actor
Connie Kendall Katie Leigh
Ethel Jennifer Darling
Joanne Allen Janet Waldo
Lindy Ashley Rose Orr
Terri Noelle McGrath

Mentioned in episode

Character Mentioned By
John Whittaker Connie Kendall


Notes

VERSION DIFFERENCE: [view] The original radio broadcast version included an extra line. After Joanne says "It reminds me of a French restaurant", Ethel replies "I don't care for the French." It was presumably included because, at the time of the airing, the French were in opposition to the US and Iraq War (which began around the time of the episode airing), leading to the US attempting to shun France. However, Focus on the Family likely decided that the joke would become confusing over time and it has been cut from all subsequent airings and the album version.

Trivia
Allusions
  • This episode bears several similarities to the I Love Lucy episode "First Stop," which features the first stop on the Ricardo and Mertz families' trip to California where they visit a hole-in-the-wall hotel/restaurant with a scheming owner who insists all visitors pay for everything. The name of Ethel is also most likely a reference to the character of Ethel, Lucy's best friend.

Reviews

Quotes

Ethel: The bathroom's right back there. You need change?
Lindy: Change?
Ethel: It's a quarter to get in.


Connie Kendall: I think I can understand why business is bad.
Joanne Allen: And where's the cook? Do you think she does it all herself?


Lindy: Who says I'm running away?
Connie Kendall: Just call me Sherlock Holmes.


Lindy: I'm not afraid of anything except crazy ladies who walk around in the rain playing Sherlock Holmes.


Lindy: You're just a bunch of ladies who want me to stay out of the rain so you won't feel guilty.
Ethel: Who you callin' a lady?


Ethel: Yer mother wears army boots!