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Break a Leg

Album: 36: Danger Signals

Episode: 470

Lesson/Theme: Appreciating what you have

Bible Verse: Numbers 10:29-32

Characters: Alex, Bart, Edwin

Writer: Nathan Hoobler

Sound Designer: Rob Jorgensen

Original Air Date: May 12, 2001

Last Air Date: October 30, 2009

Description:
It's the end of another performance at the Harlequin Theatre and Edwin Blackgaard has bigger problems than the pathetic number of people who turned out for the show. They're in financial trouble as usual and their array of "public events" (free performances in the park, at the Harlequin) hasn't motivated the citizens of Odyssey to embrace their theatre. Shakespeare has a sure-fire plan-a bike race for the youth of Odyssey. Edwin dismisses the idea as terribly unprofessional, but is persuaded when only one person attends his next show. Weeks later, Shakespeare is trying to balance his schedule of busily preparing for the race and waiting on Edwin hand and foot. The two of them leave to get the registration forms for the race and to correct a poster of the race (Edwin's picture isn't big enough). Meanwhile, on the other side of town, a school day has ended. Alex Jefferson tells his cousin Cal Jordan about a bike race in McAlester Park this coming Saturday. Cal is excited because he doesn't like his bike. Alex challenges Cal to a preliminary race and the two of them take off across town. Meanwhile, Shakespeare and Edwin are approaching Mr. Gantry's Printing. Just as they round the corner, Cal turns onto the sidewalk for a shortcut. Then he sees Shakespeare ahead! He can't stop! There is a grueling crash as the two of them collide. Later at the hospital, a doctor tells Shakespeare he'll have to be on crutches for six weeks. Blackgaard is panic-stricken; he had expected Shakespeare to do all the work for the bike race. Back at the Harlequin, Blackgaard tries to do things for himself-make tea, mop the floor, even call local radio stations, but the results are nothing short of painful. Cal arrives at the Theatre to apologize to Shakespeare, but Edwin puts him to work showing him how to use a stopwatch and asking if he's any good with microwave ovens. The day of the race arrives. Cryin' Bryan Dern is sarcastically announcing the proceedings as Edwin haltingly conducts the throngs of kids through signing their registration slips. Cal is there to cheer for Alex, but he's still very disappointed about his bike. Finally, the race begins, but Dern cuts to a station break. We're back and the race is almost over. Alex narrowly beats David Struassberg for the prize! When Cal comes over to "congratulate" him, Alex says he has a problem-he has two bikes now. Then he sees the solution-Cal can have his old bike! Cal is shocked, but thanks Alex for the gift. Hours later, Edwin arrives back at the Theatre and presents Shakespeare with a gift-a nameplate for vice-president! Shakespeare is amazed, but Edwin tells him there is one condition-he must get better soon!

Questions:
Why did Cal want to win the race so much? Why was the race important to Edwin? Edwin said that without Shakespeare, he felt like he'd lost his right hand. What do you think he meant? It's important to appreciate everything you have. Can you think of anything that God has given you that you haven't been thankful for? How can you start appreciating it?