MAG 187 - Checking Out
Added 2020-11-11 16:25:28 +0000 UTCCase ########-27
An exploration of hospitality.
Recorded by The Archivist in Situ.
Content warnings:
- Sudden, loud SFX
- Emotional manipulation
- Bullying / Taunting
- Gaslighting
- Disorientation (Spatial & temporal)
- Pleading
- Arguing
- Second person POV
- Perceived child neglect (inc SFX)
- Character death
Thanks to this week's Patrons: Emmie Knobloch, ludmila schmidt, Matt1344, C-J Saunders, Myshe, Katie Stonestreet, Zoe Payne, Rebecca Field, Taga, Tamsin Myers, Conrad Schaffer Vignati, Jelka Dirksen, sleepy pigeon, Leona Maron, mo, officialspec, Maria x Zhao, Eb Mitchell, Isabel Taylor, cecilfae, Heather Cartwright, Zoe Prescott, Grace Holsten, Jessica Willmore, Beth Carter, Sarah, Null Strolight, Crystal Wang, Noah S Brown, Laura A., Dave, Trinkit, it is a mystery, Ashley S., Anna Laurie, Corina Bantum, flipwizardmcgay, Alexi Bailey, Mikki S., Emma Scrivens, Ebeth, Jordan Whiteley, Jane, Vee, Katherine Carlsrud, Wizard Perry, Abigail Bokun, Leanne Payson, MAX, Ingeborg Pedersen.
Edited this week by Annie Fitch, Elizabeth Moffatt, Brock Winstead & Alexander J Newall
Written by Jonathan Sims and directed by Alexander J Newall
Produced by Lowri Ann Davies
Performances:
- "The Archivist" - Jonathan Sims
- "Martin Blackwood" - Alexander J. Newall
- "Helen" - Imogen Harris
- "The Guest" - Jenny Haufek
Sound effects this week by 13FPanska_Cerny_Jan, AderuMoro, alienistcog, Along12, Anthousai, baryy, bennstir, bone666138, BonnyOrbit, cclaretc, cyoung510, daboy291, eminyildirim, EverydaySounds, Fission9, fmceretta, FreqMan, fritzsound, FunWithSound, Hitrison, InspectorJ, jacobsteel, jeremixogg, karinalarasart, Kinoton, klakmart, kyles, laft2k, laurenmartin236, leonelmail, lewis100011
LudwigMueller, manpriyamy, mlsulli, musicandsoundyay, nikitralala, o_ciz, Oberon81, Omar Alvarado, patchytherat, paulmessier, postworkflow, rachaelbuchanan, sacredmatt, sagetyrtle, sforsman, soundmary, SoundsForHim, SpliceSound, sturmankin, Suburbanwizard, tedlundwall, Thalamus_Lab, ThatMisfit, wavecal22, Yoyodaman234, OGsoundFX, LoafDV, YleArkisto, dobroide & previously credited artists via freesound.org
Additional sound effects from https://www.zapsplat.com
Music
- Corny Christmas Sitcom Opening by fmceretta available on Freesound. https://freesound.org/people/fmceretta/sounds/426704/
- News End Signature by mansardian available on Freesound https://freesound.org/people/mansardian/sounds/61322/
- Manic_No_Depression by Jeremy Korpas, available from the Youtube Audio Library music https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary_download?vid=949f34cb40a52f3f
- Final_Boss by Myuu, available from the Youtube Audio Library https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary_download?vid=6bca17aa0750131e
- Fallen_Soldier by Biz Baz Studio, available from the Youtube Audio Library music https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary_download?vid=4e7d33b38b97a321
- Survive_the_Montage by RKVC, available from the Youtube Audio Library music https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary_download?vid=8e99c4456f1984f7
- In The Middle of July Music Loop by rhodesmas available on Freesound https://freesound.org/people/rhodesmas/sounds/323545/
Check out our merchandise at https://www.redbubble.com/people/rustyquill/collections/708982-the-magnus-archives-s1
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Comments
Oh these horrors are getting more and more real
UngovernableUnicorn
2025-04-14 11:29:25 +0000 UTCPoor Helen. I mean, not really, but... she was fun. Even if she wasn't a real friend, it was nice of her to pretend sometimes.
Rurrie
2024-11-14 15:36:08 +0000 UTCQuite possibly the best episode of the season? One of the best episodes ever? Genuinely lost for words. I loved this. What a perfect and well-earned ending to such a complex character. There are so many things that Helen represents or could represent and they're all so meaningfully thought-provoking. Also, huge shoutout to Imogen Harris- she has done the most outstanding voice acting from her very first appearance, and her voice has really brought the character to life in a whole new way. This podcast will go down in history as a game-changer in the field. I am so grateful I got to be here for it.
gojo fujoshi
2020-11-13 13:46:15 +0000 UTCI am WILD for the fairytale logic of this series. What a fitting end for the distortion, caught in a flat-out lie
Lurkin
2020-11-13 08:41:43 +0000 UTCimogen harris your acting 😳
bramblepaws
2020-11-12 23:20:21 +0000 UTCEveryone else: helen DDD: Me: Jenny!! :DDD
The Magnus Archives Was A Comedy
2020-11-12 20:10:38 +0000 UTCI love Imogen’s Helen!
Liz M
2020-11-12 19:38:49 +0000 UTCThis ep was so good! Love the reveal of what exactly Helen is!
Alexandra DeCarlo
2020-11-12 17:38:14 +0000 UTCAt last, the name Alex popped up, huh! Aside from that... I am quaking for what's to come, gosh
Julova
2020-11-12 14:15:52 +0000 UTCWOAH what an episode! I think I vocally shrieked when Jon tried to say “ceaseless watcher” and couldn’t! Gonna miss Helen but man did they go out with a bang!
Jess Nicolazzo
2020-11-12 11:33:51 +0000 UTCOh my god, this episode was so good, everything was amazing. 😍
That Podcast Queer
2020-11-12 11:02:14 +0000 UTCHoly shit this was so good. Helen was incredible, and the Archivist being a bit tactile and downright threatening… WOW
Deneb
2020-11-12 10:16:02 +0000 UTCGotta say I love how this fandom seemed to collectively gasp at a real estate agent being a closet Tory lol. But if you think about it the fact she's a CLOSET Tory is so representative of everything about Spiral!Helen: it's all about the smile. Appearances. Gaslighting etc. When that parallel was made I thought instantly about that infamous vase - the horror is not /where/ the objects have gone, but rather that everybody else forgets them which invalidates the statement giver's feelings.
Sashvinx
2020-11-12 10:06:26 +0000 UTCUghhhhh this was so good. Probably one of my easy favorites for the season. Helen is awful but an absolute pleasure to listen to because of how much she enjoys herself. I loved her snarky interjections into the statement they were so casually sinister. I will miss her (not classic!Helen though I no longer recognize her).
Charida Belle
2020-11-12 09:29:18 +0000 UTCOh no. They got silly. ):
Meredith
2020-11-12 04:05:14 +0000 UTCAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH— Imogen's performance was insaaaaaaane ugh I will miss her so much. But what a send-off!!!
Sashvinx
2020-11-12 03:37:39 +0000 UTCLook, I knew that this podcast was going to break my heart over and over, but I still was not prepared for my girl Helen to be revealed as a Tory. :(
Kate Sparrow
2020-11-12 01:20:39 +0000 UTCHelen was amazing and I just would like to thank Imogen Harris for her glorious portrayal over all these years. Brilliant work! 💜👏
Gilligan Mungus
2020-11-12 01:17:10 +0000 UTCJust wanted to say I love your comment. Also agreed - hotels are effing creepy!
Gilligan Mungus
2020-11-12 01:14:32 +0000 UTCThis might be my new fav episode of TMA. the interactions are well done and wonderfully acted, and we learn more about Jon, Martin, and the Spiral/Helen. I loved the bgm at the beginning too.
AshGarnet
2020-11-12 01:05:42 +0000 UTCOof. I knew this was going to happen eventually but I liked Helen a lot.
Laura Bailey
2020-11-12 00:23:03 +0000 UTCI am genuinely sad Helen is gone. She was my favorite eldritch horror besides John (and I guess, Martin?). But I knew it was going to happen eventually.
Tahir Raines
2020-11-11 23:52:58 +0000 UTCJon might not have wholly trusted that the victim was what she really appeared to be. Maybe he expected her fingers to feel sharp and heavy.
Robbie Lyons
2020-11-11 23:37:34 +0000 UTCI kinda liked Helen but this was a really good episode. I'll miss her random check ins.
Eboni Daniels
2020-11-11 22:06:23 +0000 UTCThe Magus Archives sure is a podcast
Audrey Voit
2020-11-11 21:47:35 +0000 UTCWell...that hit hard. I kinda knew Helen didn't really have their best interests at heart but that Jon would have to kill her? Damn. Also wondering about the whole 'don't touch me' reaction of Jon's. scuse me while I go unwind to the eagles -thank you
BaronNumNums
2020-11-11 21:46:33 +0000 UTCOMG! This was so good.
Kara Moskowitz
2020-11-11 21:17:31 +0000 UTCnot her but the character ahh
giantenemykat
2020-11-11 21:17:04 +0000 UTCthank you for this i hated her
giantenemykat
2020-11-11 21:16:49 +0000 UTCHELENNNNNNNNNN MY EVIL AWFUL WIFE
ttroutlaw
2020-11-11 21:07:21 +0000 UTCNot gonna lie. I saw character death and panicked. While I'm mourning one of the monsters, I'm so glad it wasn't who I was scared it was going to be. As to Helen's performance, brilliant as always. she had me smiling in parts. I'll miss that.
Heather MacKenzie
2020-11-11 20:43:19 +0000 UTCDAMN INDEED.
fromgloriousjupiter
2020-11-11 20:28:29 +0000 UTCOh! He finally used Alex’s name! Great episode!
Maloni
2020-11-11 20:16:59 +0000 UTCI knew it was inevitable, but still sad to see it happen. Helen interjecting during the statement was giving me Imogen vibes.
Myshe
2020-11-11 20:11:47 +0000 UTCThis ep was almost a Stellar Firma crossover, what with the voice actors of I.M.O.G.E.N. (interjections and all) and Hartro Piltz.
Nicky
2020-11-11 20:10:11 +0000 UTCThis episode is now my favourite of S5. Actual it's probably my favourite ever.. Had me hanging on every word and that cliffhanger made my stomach drop.
Reanna _
2020-11-11 19:38:43 +0000 UTCI looooove the big conversation episodes, and this one was FASCINATING. I think I'm sort of in shock? Is it possible to listen to a game of chess? That's kind of what I feel like I just did, except the chess pieces are really bitter at only ever being able to see their side of the board. P.S. Hi Jenny!!! What a good surprise!!
james evelyn
2020-11-11 19:34:52 +0000 UTCThat "don't touch me" really did a number on me. Truly terrific writing, though minding the genre I kind of wish I wasn't as emotionally invested in the main duo as I've grown to be! All the best and stay safe everyone!
Maria
2020-11-11 19:27:48 +0000 UTCF for my evil hallway wife, but what a good episode. Astonishing writing and the VA performances from everyone were just *chef's kiss*
Aydenburd
2020-11-11 19:09:25 +0000 UTCoh whoa this episode had me leaning forward in my seat the entire time, that "DON'T TOUCH ME" from Jon was so surprising, and that cliffhanger ending...OOF. Fantastic writing, definitely a series highlight
Mantha Grant
2020-11-11 18:51:19 +0000 UTCOk, that was amazing
Linnéa Sandberg
2020-11-11 18:49:09 +0000 UTCAhh this is so good, I love Helen's level of interaction that we never get because in other "statements" Jon tends to make the statements in seclusion. It's fascinating
non-euclidian weasel
2020-11-11 18:26:52 +0000 UTCok bear with me while I capslock my reaction I WORK IN HOTELS OK, I HAVE FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS HOTELS ARE *CREEPY* AT THE BEST OF TIMES AND HAVE THAT LABYRINTHINE QUALITY ABOUT THEM. IN A BAD CASE THEY LOOK LIKE THEY CAME STRAIGHT FROM THE SHINING. IN A GOOD CASE THEY LOOK LIKE LUXURIOUS, GLISTENING MAZES. I HAVE *ALWAYS** YEARNED FOR A DISTORTION EPISODE SET IN A HOTEL AND HOLY COW YOU DELIVERED. I STRAIGHT UP AND WENT TO GET ME A DRINK AFTER THIS. MY MIND IS REELING. R E E L I N G. I need to relisten to this at least 10 times. No make that 20. I need to KNOW. I need to SEE. if we're doing gifs, I am the screaming yellow bird with the AAAAAAAAA behind it. I'm putting that on my ID. Will be back for more comments when I stop AAAAAA.gif
Juls SK Vernet
2020-11-11 17:45:17 +0000 UTCDamn y'all are so good at hitting the devastation of gaslighting right where it hurts. Martin's reaction at the end hurt my heart. The statement being interrupted was cool and super weird. Just all around fantastic
Glenntropy
2020-11-11 17:35:08 +0000 UTCI'm the gif of the Muppet with fire right now. GOD what a good episode. On the note of CW, I don't pay attention so i'm not sure if you usually put in warning for sounds in there? but the high pitched beeping was gloriously insufferable, might be worthy of note.
sAZAndorable
2020-11-11 17:28:55 +0000 UTCThat was incredibly satisfying. Stupendous work, as always!
Stu Pollock
2020-11-11 17:26:36 +0000 UTCThis was one of the best episodes this season. Now, excuse me while I spend some time staring at a blank wall and screaming intermittently.
Anna S
2020-11-11 17:19:57 +0000 UTCDamn, that was a brilliant episode! I'm genuinely in awe! In particular, Helen's snide little comments during the statement were such a great touch, I'm just...
Victoria Lapteva
2020-11-11 17:19:09 +0000 UTCAlex's name was used in an episode! Also, this one was great! Left on a nice cliffhanger there. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
Sinclair Cross
2020-11-11 17:17:56 +0000 UTC....But we respect! his! craft! (incredible episode, I loved every bit. props in particular to Imogen for their flawless performances. legends only.)
Maddie B
2020-11-11 17:17:20 +0000 UTCGenuinely think this was the best episode of this season but i feel like im going to eat my words later lmao! So good!! That song at the start slapped too
Owleics
2020-11-11 17:16:55 +0000 UTCOh i LOVED this!! The distortion has always been a weird one that even the fans tend to emphasize with despite the fact she (uhh.. he?) tortured tim and martins in their corridors. The distortion is presented quite frequently as a victim (taking over helen when she has been lost in the corridors, when michael was sacrificed by gertrude, considered a monster and "abandoned" when she was asking for help by jon) and often that makes people forget that the distortion is a monster who has committed several heinous deeds. It doesnt matter that the face it wears was human; ultimately helen and michael were dead as soon as they entered those hallways. Good ending for such an interesting character! Episodes like this always make me wonder about jon and his fate however. His question has always been about whether he is a monster or a human but I dont think the answer will be that binary.
Owleics
2020-11-11 17:10:59 +0000 UTCThis is one of my absolute favorite episodes—nearly cried until that end just one hit killed me and left me in aw.... getting closer and closer to melanie and Georgie...
Isabelle
2020-11-11 17:09:41 +0000 UTCGosh the relisten value of this season is just off the charts.... What a fantastic episode, every line packed a punch. The distortion and its motivations have been such a highlight of this entire series. After begging for her help and the stalemate in the tunnels, I wondered what Jon's thoughts on Helen were. What a great listen,, What a way to go...
Lurkin
2020-11-11 17:09:01 +0000 UTCWell fuck I’m speechless. We all saw this coming but damn it was rough!
James White
2020-11-11 17:08:47 +0000 UTCThis is beautiful beyond belief. Good job to all RQ team. You've done it again. And by "it", I mean break our hearts and suffer. Love you guys.
Tatianna A
2020-11-11 17:08:46 +0000 UTCRQ correctly identifying the most terrifying thing in the known universe: Hartro Piltz
Murdo Homewood
2020-11-11 17:07:02 +0000 UTCOhhhh i really had to remember to breathe the whole time, what a ride <3
Roggepan
2020-11-11 17:06:59 +0000 UTCThis was such a cool episode! I can’t wait to listen again tomorrow!
rose nightingale
2020-11-11 17:03:06 +0000 UTCFor once i am going to relisten immediately, I don't want to miss a thing
Lavanya Annette
2020-11-11 17:00:13 +0000 UTCoh it's been a hot second since tma's made me cry. rip you absolute legend ...........
Griffin Irradiatedsnakes
2020-11-11 16:59:42 +0000 UTCWOW!!!!
thenonsensearchives
2020-11-11 16:57:46 +0000 UTCOk. That happened.
The Leo!
2020-11-11 16:56:48 +0000 UTCRip all the lesbians
Grif Stian
2020-11-11 16:54:53 +0000 UTCWELL. That certainly happened! Amazing work as always, really twisted me up this time! I hope there is time for proper explanations before the next hellscape is appoached! Excellent episode but just a quick note, I've still not had my patreon email about this ep dropping, checked here after discord said it was live-I assume its just glitch with the slightly later release but I just thought I'd flag it incase it was a wider issue! Thanks again! :D
MuddyHippy
2020-11-11 16:54:16 +0000 UTCMy new favourite episode of s5, emotional devastating, I am giddy GIDDDYY
Lavanya Annette
2020-11-11 16:54:06 +0000 UTCI am practically shaking. That was so good. SO SO GOOD! I really want to leave a good comment to celebrate how good it was but I have been robbed of coherence. The emotional build up. The tension. The twists (no pun intended!) I was 110% engaged and on the edge of my seat the entire time. What a brilliant take on the Distortion, what it is and how it works. So brilliantly insidious and subtle. And that ending! THAT ENDING. Brilliant voice acting from everyone of course. And amazing sound. And writing. And just !!!!!!! What an episode!
ThirdFromTheLeft
2020-11-11 16:52:19 +0000 UTCthis... this sure was an episode
Idris
2020-11-11 16:51:11 +0000 UTCLet's be real though, the second Helen admitted Helen Classic was a secret Tory we knew what had to happen
Adam Honeyman
2020-11-11 16:50:21 +0000 UTCDamn...gone but not forgotten I'll miss u...also love Jenny's inclusion, this episode was baller
Adam Honeyman
2020-11-11 16:49:48 +0000 UTCme, seeing the warnings: oh no me, seeing the cast list: OH NO
Aloe
2020-11-11 16:48:27 +0000 UTCHelen’s a WHAT???
The Leo!
2020-11-11 16:43:12 +0000 UTC
