A Christmas Carol: “Episode Nine: Waiting”

Presented by The Merry Beggars
Release Date: December 9, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode, “Waiting,” continues Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey on the night he encounters the supernatural. Following his harrowing visit from the ghost of Jacob Marley, Scrooge is left in a state of anxiety, confusion, and mounting anticipation as he waits for the arrival of the first spirit foretold by Marley. The episode dramatically explores his inner turmoil over whether the entire spectral ordeal was real or a product of imagination. Through atmospheric narration and authentic period detail, the story builds suspense as the hour approaches.

Key Discussion Points & Story Developments

1. Marley’s Departure and the Apparition of Other Ghosts (00:42 – 03:08)

• After parting words, Marley binds his jaw and floats to the now-open window, beckoning Scrooge to witness the supernatural world beyond.
• Atmospheric Description: The air is full of “phantoms, wandering hither and thither in restless haste and moaning as they went. Every one of them wore chains like Marley's ghost… None were free.” (01:58)
• Scrooge regonizes faces among the ghosts and is struck by their helpless misery, especially one spirit weighted down by a heavy iron safe, who “cried piteously at being unable to assist a wretched woman with an infant.” (02:30)
• All the spirits vanish into the mist, their voices fading, and the night returns to normalcy.

2. Scrooge’s Disbelief and Weariness (03:08 – 03:50)

• Scrooge checks the door (still locked) and mutters “Humbug,” though he can hardly finish the word. Emotionally drained, without undressing or even closing his bed curtains, he falls instantly asleep.

3. Disorientation & Doubt After Waking (04:12 – 06:52)

• Awakening in darkness, Scrooge doubts his senses, wondering if his experience was a terrible dream—perhaps indigestion from “spoiled beef.” (04:16)
• He is disconcerted by the clock, which strikes twelve when it could only have been a few hours since he went to bed:
  • Scrooge (Astonished): “12. 12. No, no, that can't be right. It was only past two when I went to bed. The clock must be wrong. An icicle must have got into the works. 12.” (05:05)
• He checks by touching the repeater:
  • Scrooge (Counting): “1, 2, 3, 4. That's 6, 8, 10, 11, 12. That is impossible.” (05:32)
• Perplexed by the darkness and silence outside, Scrooge rationalizes—perhaps a dream, perhaps indigestion—but his mind cannot settle.

4. The Agony of Uncertainty & Anticipation (06:52 – 07:57)

• Marley’s ghost and the whole experience preoccupy him; his mind “flew back again, like a strong spring released to its first position… Was it a dream or not?” (07:09)
• He recalls Marley’s warning that the first spirit would visit at one o’clock and resolves: “I'll just stay awake. I'll stay awake until one and then fall asleep, just to... just to make sure.” (07:46)

5. Waiting for the Ghostly Hour (07:57 – 09:06)

• Scrooge lies awake, impatient as each quarter-hour passes:
  • Scrooge (Clockwatching):
    • “A quarter past.” (08:19)
    • “Half past.” (08:23)
    • “A quarter to it.” (08:27)
• As one o’clock nears, tension surges. The bell tolls, and suddenly, “One light flashed up in the room upon the instant and the curtains of his bed were drawn.” (08:42)
• This cliffhanger moment ends the episode with the approach of the first spirit.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the fate of the condemned spirits:
  “The misery with them all was clearly that they sought to interfere for good in human matters, and had lost the power forever.” (02:30)
• Scrooge confronting reality:
  “Still locked both of them. Nothing changed, nothing disturbed.” (03:14)
• Self-doubt and rationalization:
  “It was just a terrible dream. Some… beef, no doubt. Spoiled. Spoiled beef.” (04:16)
• Skepticism in the face of the supernatural:
  “That is impossible. I can’t have slept through a whole day and far into another night. It’s as black as pitch in here. Completely dark.” (05:50)
• Philosophical musing:
  “Was it a dream or not?” (07:09)
• Emotional suspense:
  “The quarter was so long that he was more than once convinced he must have sunk into a doze unconsciously and missed the clock.” (07:57)
• Climax:
  “One light flashed up in the room upon the instant and the curtains of his bed were drawn.” (08:42)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp (MM:SS) | Segment | |-----------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | 00:42 – 03:08 | Marley's ghost departs; Scrooge sees condemned souls | | 03:14 – 03:50 | Scrooge in disbelief; “Humbug”; falls asleep | | 04:12 – 06:52 | Scrooge awakes, disoriented by time and darkness| | 06:52 – 07:57 | Scrooge agonizes over supernatural experience | | 07:57 – 09:06 | Wait for one o’clock; buildup to spirit’s arrival|

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode maintains Dickens’ somber, suspenseful, and psychological tone. Scrooge is portrayed with authentic vulnerability as he oscillates between disbelief and fear, his skepticism gradually being eroded by the relentless strangeness of the night. The voice acting and soundscapes mirror the eerie, haunted quality of the classic tale.

Summary for New Listeners:
Episode Nine: “Waiting” digs deep into Scrooge’s psyche in the wake of his ghostly visitation. Haunted by Marley’s warning and struck by supernatural occurrences that defy explanation, Scrooge spends a restless night filled with dread and anticipation for what is to come. Ghostly apparitions, chilling time anomalies, and Scrooge’s battle with his own skepticism set the stage for the spectral visitations ahead.

Next Episode Teaser:
The stage is set for the arrival of the first spirit—anticipation and dread in equal measure as Scrooge’s journey of transformation truly begins.