Minute 024: How O’Dell’s Dad Died

  • 24 May, 2024
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GUEST: MSHA Senior Policy Advisor Amar Pandya
Link to Mine Safety & Health Administration website

“Oh, walk. That’s a fantastic idea!” says O’Dell, sarcastically.

Homer grabs Roy Lee by the arm. “Let’s go! Come on!” says Homer.

Roy Lee shakes Homer off. “Wake the hell up, will ya, Homer?” says Roy Lee. “I got about as much chance of winnin’ that science fair as you do winnin’ a football scholarship.”

“I know I’m gonna be a miner,” says Homer. “I’ve known my entire life.”

“What the hell’s so bad about minin’ coal?” asks Roy Lee.

“Nothin’, Roy Lee. Coal minin’s great,” replies Homer. “That’s why your stepdaddy’s the biggest drunk in West Virginia. I mean, come on, guys! You know the mine’ll kill ya. Did you ever hear the story about how O’Dell’s dad died?”

“Homer, will you forget it?” says Roy Lee.

“Shut up, Homer,” says O’Dell.

“A piece of slate caught him right in the neck and cut his head clear off,” says Homer.

“Bitch! Come on!” O’Dell swings at Homer. They fall to the ground.

“O’Dell!” shouts Roy Lee, trying to pull them apart.

“Get off of me!” shouts Homer.

A car horn beeps. A red and white Corvette is stopped by the roadside. A young couple sits in the car.

“Hey, fellas,” says the driver we’re lookin’ for U.S. Fifty-Two!”

The boys stop fighting, and look at the car, and the driver.

“Fellas?” repeats the driver.

“Just stay left at the fork,” says Homer, pointing down the road. “It’s about another five miles straight ahead.”

In This Episode

  • Jake Gyllenhall as Homer Hickam
  • William Lee Scott as Roy Lee
  • Chris Owen as Quentin
  • Chad Lindberg as O'Dell
  • Douglas Swander as Corvette Driver
  • Keeli Hale Kimbro as Girl in Corvette
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