Old Gods of Appalachia

Episode 74: The Good Shepherd

Release Date: January 16, 2025

Host/Author: DeepNerd Media

Introduction to "The Good Shepherd"

In Episode 74, titled "The Good Shepherd," Old Gods of Appalachia delves deeper into the dark and mysterious world of central Appalachia. The episode continues to explore the eerie undertones of an alternate Appalachia, where ancient forces and occult practices intertwine with the lives of the inhabitants. This installment focuses on Bryce Adams and his descent into the shadowy dealings orchestrated by his enigmatic uncle, Scotty Blankenship.

Plot Overview

1. Bryce Adams' Struggles and Introduction to Scotty

Bryce Adams, a college student struggling to find his place, finds some stability and camaraderie through his girlfriend, Crystal, and their shared interest in the supernatural. Despite his family's prestigious background in Nashville, Bryce is the black sheep, having flunked out of Vanderbilt and working in his father's law office before relocating to a small, obscure school in Tipton.

Quote:

"He was more than down for trading rolling dice to rolling around a campfire with witchy local girls in the name of a little sex magic."
— Narrator [02:30]

2. Escalation of Occult Practices Under Scotty's Guidance

Crystal introduces Bryce to her Uncle Scotty, a practitioner of real magic with ties to ancient occult masters like Aleister Crowley and Kenneth Grant. Initially, their gatherings are light-hearted, involving rituals fueled by weed and playful spirit quests. However, as time progresses, Scotty's demands become more sinister, pushing Bryce and his friends into increasingly dangerous missions meant to "stir up the energy" for forthcoming rituals.

Quote:

"There is power to be had and all the trappings that came with it. Money, sex, a life of luxury and leisure."
— Scotty Blankenship [10:15]

3. The Mission: Surveillance and Confrontation

The pivotal mission in this episode involves Bryce and Crystal tailing individuals tied to a funeral home, an assignment that quickly spirals into a life-threatening situation. Equipped with mascarades and informed by Scotty's cryptic instructions, they follow their targets, only to encounter Cowboy Absher and Cody Blevins—individuals with deep connections to the supernatural protections surrounding Baker's Gap.

Quote:

"We knew. We knew whose land it was. We were shit. We were sent here to bring the old lady and..."
— Bryce Adams [32:55]

4. The Encounter with Cowboy Absher and Cody Blevins

As Bryce attempts to complete his task, he is confronted by Cowboy Absher and Cody Blevins. The tension escalates when Bryce is accused of trespassing and harboring ulterior motives. The confrontation reveals deeper layers of the Appalachian lore, indicating that both groups are entwined in ancient protective practices and dark rituals.

Quote:

"We're expecting company."
— Steve Schell as Narrator [01:47]

5. Climax and Cliffhanger

The episode reaches a climactic point when Cowboy Absher senses something amiss and rushes to investigate gunfire that appears to be eerily unnatural. Upon returning, the group discovers Archie Stallard injured, leading to a foreboding declaration about Old Cowboy seeking justice against Scotty Blankenship. This sets the stage for future conflicts and deeper explorations into the mythos of Old Gods.

Quote:

"They took Ms. Bell. There is a curse upon my every waking breath and I cannot escape the darkness."
— Archie Stallard [35:45]

Character Analysis

Bryce Adams

Bryce is portrayed as a conflicted individual torn between his mundane life rooted in family expectations and his yearning for something more profound and mystical. His vulnerability and gradual empowerment through Scotty's influence highlight his internal struggle and susceptibility to dark forces.

Crystal Blankenship

Crystal serves as the bridge between the ordinary world and the occult realm. Her unwavering belief in Scotty and dedication to their group's cause underscore her role as a catalyst for Bryce's deeper involvement in their shadowy pursuits.

Scotty Blankenship

Scotty is the enigmatic leader whose charisma and knowledge of ancient occult practices draw Bryce and others into his web. His ultimate motives remain ambiguous, adding layers of suspense and mystery to the narrative.

Cowboy Absher and Cody Blevins

These characters embody the protective and antagonistic forces within Appalachia. Their interactions with Bryce and Crystal reveal the existence of safeguards against dark rituals and the lengths to which locals will go to preserve their ancestral secrets.

Themes and Discussions

"The Good Shepherd" navigates themes of power, belonging, and the thin veil between reality and the supernatural. The episode explores how individuals seek purpose and power through occult practices, often at the expense of their morals and safety. Additionally, it delves into the idea of legacy and the burden of ancestral expectations, as seen through Bryce's conflicts with his family's history and his uncle's dark teachings.

Notable Quotes

• Bryce Adams:

  "I felt like I could do anything. And why not? No one was stopping me. People. People were scared of him. And there was power in that."
  [14:45]

• Scotty Blankenship:

  "There is power to be had and all the trappings that came with it. Money, sex, a life of luxury and leisure."
  [10:15]

• Cody Blevins:

  "When the walls close in and the light gets swallowed and there ain't no place that feels like home..."
  [Excerpt from a lyrical moment] [17:00]

• Archie Stallard:

  "There is a curse upon my every waking breath and I cannot escape the darkness."
  [35:45]

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

Episode 74 leaves listeners on a tense and unresolved note, with Bryce caught between his loyalty to Scotty and the unsettling truths unveiled by Cowboy Absher and Cody Blevins. The demise of Archie Stallard and the ominous declarations hint at escalating conflicts and deeper supernatural elements that promise to unravel in forthcoming episodes. As Bryce grapples with his role in Scotty's plans, the boundaries between friend and foe blur, setting the stage for a gripping continuation of the Old Gods of Appalachia saga.

Additional Information

For more details about Old Gods of Appalachia, visit www.oldgodsofappalachia.com. Engage with the community and access exclusive content by joining The Holler subscription service or following the podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr.

This summary is intended for informational purposes and to provide an overview of Episode 74: "The Good Shepherd" for those who have not yet listened to the episode.