Ep 8. Go West Young Man

The Adventures in Odyssey season 1 episode 8, Go West Young Man, opens with a discussion between siblings Whit and Tom Riley about Tom's upcoming summer break. Whit suggests that Tom should take a job as a ranch hand in Montana instead of just hanging out at home for the summer. Tom is hesitant at first, but Whit assures him that it will be a great experience.

Tom eventually decides to take the job and sets off on a train journey to Montana. He makes friends with a fellow traveler named Jack and they arrive in Montana together. Tom is excited to start his new job, but when he meets his boss, Mr. Jenkins, he realizes that he may have made a mistake. Mr. Jenkins is gruff and unfriendly and assigns Tom to do all the dirty work around the ranch.

Despite this, Tom tries to make the best of his situation and puts in a lot of hard work on the ranch. He also becomes friends with a Native American boy named Paul who works on the ranch as well. Tom and Paul bond quickly and share stories about their respective cultures.

One day, while out on the range, Tom and Paul come across a group of cowboys who are rounding up a herd of wild mustangs. Tom is fascinated by the wild beauty of the horses and convinces Paul to help him catch one. They manage to capture a magnificent stallion, which they name Thunder.

Tom trains Thunder and turns him into a skilled trail horse. He also learns important lessons about responsibility and perseverance. However, things take a turn for the worse when Mr. Jenkins discovers that Tom and Paul have been keeping Thunder and threatens to sell him off.

Tom is heartbroken at the thought of losing his beloved horse and decides to run away with Thunder. He leaves a note explaining his actions and sets off on his own with the horse. However, things don't quite go according to plan and Tom finds himself lost and alone in the wilderness.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Whit arrives to check on Tom and realizes that something is wrong. He recruits Mr. Jenkins and Paul to help him search for Tom and Thunder. Together, they brave treacherous terrain and bad weather to find Tom.

In the end, Tom is found safe and sound and returns to the ranch with Thunder. Mr. Jenkins is initially angry, but is impressed by Tom's determination and hard work. He decides to let Tom keep Thunder as a reward for his efforts. Tom is overjoyed and grateful for the experience he had in Montana.

The episode ends with Tom returning home and telling his family about his adventures out west. He also shares the valuable lessons he learned and thanks Whit for encouraging him to take the job in the first place.