Episode 86: Cry Little Sister – Detailed Summary

Old Gods of Appalachia takes listeners on a chilling journey through the shadowed landscapes of an Alternate Appalachia. In this episode, "Cry Little Sister," audiences are introduced to intertwining narratives of youthful rebellion and dark supernatural forces converging in the heart of Knoxville.

1. Family Tensions and Forbidden Music

The episode opens in Glaih Morgan, Virginia, in 1991, where Denise Ramey and her cousin Micah are eager to attend a concert at the notorious Backdoor Records, a record store rumored to harbor satanic influences.

• Conflict with Mother: Upon arriving home, Denise and Micah's mother, Debbie Ramey, confronts them about their plans.

  • Debbie Ramey [01:45]: "Absolutely not, Mike. I don't know why I let you talk me into taking you out to that carny ass record store in the first place."

• Denise’s Defense: Denise argues against her mother's fears, highlighting their previous outings and the absence of any real evil.

  • Denise Ramey [03:10]: "Mom, you barely go to church and you've taken me to the record store a million times. Why are you so suddenly worried about devil worshippers?"

• Micah’s Reassurance: Micah attempts to lighten the mood by downplaying the band's image.

  • Micah [04:22]: "Violent Fear ain't even heavy their name. It's kind of a joke. They just go for the shock value."

Despite Denise and Micah's assurances, Debbie remains unconvinced, leading to a heated exchange that culminates in Micah storming out in frustration. This familial discord sets the stage for the impending events of the night.

2. The Vampire’s Struggle for Control

Simultaneously, in the single-wide mobile home community of Windsor Court, a young woman named Miranda finds herself forcibly integrated into a vampire-supporting society.

• Forced Guardianship: Glenn Shelby and Mr. Troy oversee Miranda's transition, emphasizing the strict rules vampires must adhere to survive.

  • Glenn Shelby [15:30]: "Your senses do not even register me as a living thing, and even if they did, trying to feed on me would not end well for you."

• Miranda’s Plea: Miranda expresses her desperation to return to her former life, particularly her desire to attend a concert.

  • Miranda [17:05]: "I just want to go home and live my life. And that silly concert, as you call it, is important to me."

• Supernatural Control: Elder Cyrus, the head of Knoxville's oldest vampire bloodline, ensures Miranda's compliance, reinforcing the community's strictures.

  • Mr. Troy [19:48]: "There are rules you must learn and follow. Those rules will keep you alive."

This subplot delves into themes of control, identity, and the struggle between one's past desires and imposed supernatural obligations.

3. The Night of the Concert

Back in Cherry Hill, Denise takes on the mantle of responsibility following her brother Bradley's departure. Preparing for the night, she gathers her friends—Lori Powers and Brendan McDaniel—to embark on a journey to the concert that symbolizes both freedom and danger.

• Character Dynamics: The camaraderie among the group highlights their desire for belonging and escape from their constrained lives.

  • Brendan McDaniel [25:15]: "I think I hate my name. Why do you hate your name?"

• Driving into the Night: Denise drives the cherished hatchback, affectionately known as "the vet," symbolizing her brother's legacy and her own sense of duty.

  • Denise Ramey [30:40]: "Yeah, I think so. I've never made a drive this far on my own."

As the group ventures into the darkness, their path becomes a metaphor for the unknown challenges that lie ahead, both human and supernatural.

4. Supernatural Pursuit and Escalation

While Denise and her friends enjoy their night, the supernatural subplot intensifies as Glenn Shelby reports a breach in their control over Miranda.

• Escalation of Danger: Glenn communicates with Bear, highlighting Miranda's escape and the urgency of recapturing her.

  • Glenn Shelby [42:50]: "Don't do nothing stupid now, Glenn. This is Bird we're talking about."

• Imminent Threat: The mention of "Bird" suggests a more formidable antagonist is now involved, heightening the tension and stakes for both the human and supernatural characters.

5. Climactic Convergence and Tease for the Future

As the episode progresses towards its climax, both storylines inch closer towards a potential confrontation.

• Denise’s Realization: The impending collision of their paths suggests that Denise's night of rebellion may inadvertently intersect with the dark forces at play.

• Supernatural Vigilance: Glenn and Bear's conversation hints at broader implications, setting up future conflicts and revelations.

  • Bear [45:20]: "There ain't nobody can reason with that woman once she's on the hunt."

The episode concludes with a foreboding sense of impending doom, leaving listeners eager to discover how Denise and Miranda’s stories will intertwine in the shadows of Knoxville.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Debbie Ramey [01:45]: "Absolutely not, Mike. I don't know why I let you talk me into taking you out to that carny ass record store in the first place."

• Micah [04:22]: "Violent Fear ain't even heavy their name. It's kind of a joke. They just go for the shock value."

• Glenn Shelby [15:30]: "Your senses do not even register me as a living thing, and even if they did, trying to feed on me would not end well for you."

• Miranda [17:05]: "I just want to go home and live my life. And that silly concert, as you call it, is important to me."

• Brendan McDaniel [25:15]: "I think I hate my name. Why do you hate your name?"

• Denise Ramey [30:40]: "Yeah, I think so. I've never made a drive this far on my own."

• Glenn Shelby [42:50]: "Don't do nothing stupid now, Glenn. This is Bird we're talking about."

• Bear [45:20]: "There ain't nobody can reason with that woman once she's on the hunt."

Conclusion and Future Implications

"Cry Little Sister" masterfully intertwines the mundane fears of adolescence with the harrowing realities of supernatural predation. Denise's quest for normalcy through music becomes a battleground where dark forces seek to reclaim or destroy. The episode sets up a thrilling continuation of events, promising intense confrontations and deeper explorations into the lore of Old Gods of Appalachia.

Listeners are left pondering the fates of both Denise's group and Miranda, eager to uncover how these seemingly separate narratives will eventually collide in the eerie hills of Appalachia.

Old Gods of Appalachia continues to blend horror with rich storytelling, ensuring each episode leaves a lingering sense of dread and anticipation. Stay tuned for the next installment as the shadows grow deeper and the old gods stir.