The decade of the 2010s was quite a memorable one. It also brought with it over 220 episodes of our favorite audio drama, Adventures in Odyssey. There were some bad, good, and great episodes throughout those years. Of course, that is the case of all three decades of AIO.

As 2020 is drawing to a close, I would like to look back at what I consider to be the 10 best episodes to come out during 2010-2019. This list covers episodes from the mainstream albums and the Adventures in Odyssey Club albums.

10. 

The Lone Lawman

This fun little episode from the AIO Club’s first season is one that is usually overlooked but deserves more attention. It is yet another Western on Kids Radio with a little different twist. The episode goes back and forth from the script being performed by the characters to them talking to each other in between takes.

This stands out as one of the funniest episodes of Odyssey since the hiatus. It is somewhat of a spoof on the Old Time Radio show The Lone Ranger. That humor ranges from characters breaking the fourth wall and calling out tropes in audio drama. It definitely harkens back to the classic episodes of The Big Broadcast and Over the Airwaves.

9. 

A Thankstaking Story

It showcased the talent of veteran voices like Katie Leigh and Will Ryan, but also let newer talent like Andre Stojka and Jim Ward show off their skills. And don’t forget the songs! After hearing this episode, you would more than likely have one or two of the catchy tunes stuck in your head.

8. 

Green Ring Conspiracy, Parts 1-12

This 12 parter has been compared (and contrasted) to the Novacom Saga several times. The aforementioned saga brought back old fans to the show during the split episode era. The Green Ring Conspiracy did much the same to draw back some disillusioned fans who had not felt too good about the new episodes after the hiatus. To this day, many fans pick this album as one of their favorites.

This story arc introduced new characters like Buck Oliver and Penny Wise. It also brought back fan favorite Jason Whittaker and Whit’s grandson Monty. When people talk about Paul McCusker’s best work, you’re likely to hear the GRC among the titles.

7. 

The Jubilee Singers, Parts 1-3

Adventures in Odyssey returned to the airwaves after its 2 year hiatus in 2010. The majority of the first new album after that was filled with introductions of new characters. In the middle of the growing pains, this 3 parter is one that many fans agree was the best of Album 51.

Listeners were made aware of a piece of history that is relatively unknown to most and hear some incredible singing. The Jubilee Singers were Dave Arnold’s first scripts to write by himself for AIO and stands out as some of his best work.

6. 

Charlotte

This episode answered the age-old question “Where is Whit’s sister?” She was only briefly mentioned in My Brother’s Keeper. That episode was originally a Family Portraits episode that was later labeled as an AIO one.

This episode gave us more info about Whit’s past and his relationship with his stepsister and brother-in-law. It allowed Andre Stojka to have a story to show off his acting abilities in a serious role that previous actors for Whit had (i.e. Recollections and Clara). This episode also did much to make newcomer Wilson Knox more endearing to listeners. 

5. 

Have a Heart

This episode was written by Marshal Younger and fans may have some flashbacks to another one of his scripts, A Lesson From Mike. The last scene of the episode may be one of the most emotional scenes in the history of the show. The acting, music, and writing all come together to make a moment that listeners will never forget.

4. 

The Ties That Bind, Parts 1-14

After the success of the first 12 part episode, AIO followed it five albums later with the show’s first 14 parter. It dealt with several contemporary issues in a way that was accessible to kids. 

Although a few new characters were introduced, this story arc involved several well-established characters and focused on developing them more. It brought Buck and Jules back to the show and saw longtime character Wooton Bassett propose to Penny Wise.

3. 

One More Name, Parts 1-3

The episodes got pretty intense at times. Not surprisingly, they came with a parental warning on them. As most fans agree, if an episode has one, it’s going to be great!

2. 

Life Expectancy, Parts 1-3

These episodes stand out as a significant point in the history of Odyssey. After a long time of not being heard on the show, Connie Kendall’s mom, June Kendall, died. It also introduced Connie’s half-sister Jules. This story also harkened back to past emotional episodes like Where is Thy Sting?.

This 3 parter shines because of Paul McCusker’s writing and Katie Leigh’s acting. Episodes like these are the ones that are long remembered and cherished when us fans have to deal with similar situations in real life.

1. 

The Toy

The story sounds like it will be a typical mystery when it begins. As time progresses, it is shown to be much more than that. It’s a mystery that invokes similar emotions to that of Buried Sin and Karen. The introduction of the character of Luella (played by Della Saba) was a sweet and memorable part of the show.

The Toy ends with a great plot twist and a great message. It also helps humanize the mostly comedic character of Detective Don Polehaus. This may be one of the best, if not the best, episode Phil Lollar has written since his return to the show.

These are just a handful of episodes that I think will be considered classics someday. Even though I love to look back at past episodes, I’m excited to see what new episodes we’ll get to hear in the next decade!

What do you think about my list? Which episodes from the 2010s do you think are the best and why? Let me know in the comments below!