Country Boy by Exploring Tomorrow

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Country Boy" by Exploring Tomorrow

Relic Radio Sci-Fi — April 6, 2026
Host: RelicRadio.com
Guide: John Campbell

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Overview

Theme/Purpose:
This episode of Exploring Tomorrow, presented by Relic Radio Sci-Fi, centers on Roy Bartlett, a naive farm boy from Montana who arrives in futuristic New York City seeking a new life. The story explores themes of urban alienation, personal growth, rehabilitation, and the human drive to help others—even those who cause us harm. Through Roy’s journey, the episode questions human nature, the roots of criminal behavior, and how one’s setbacks can become a catalyst for self-discovery and meaningful vocation.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Arrival and Deception in the City

(00:07–07:06)

• Roy, a young man from Montana, lands in New York City for the first time, overwhelmed by its scale and anonymity.

• He is quickly approached by Diana Lawson, a charming but cunning city dweller who offers to help him—but is revealed to have ulterior motives.

• Diana introduces Roy to city life, impressing him with her kindness, then probes about his finances.

• Notable quote:

  • Roy: "I just sort of decided up and come to the city and sort of try my luck at it." (01:46)
  • Diana: "You carrying it around with you? Yeah, sure. Say, that's dangerous, Roy. You better put it in the bank right away." (05:58)

• Diana lures Roy into a dark alley, where he is assaulted and robbed by Diana and her accomplice.

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2. Interaction with the Central Computer

(07:11–11:32)

• Roy is found by police and brought before "the central computer," which serves as the city’s administrative and employment authority.

• The computer interviews Roy, gathering personal data and assessing his future potential.

• The computer reveals that Diana used a false identity, noting Roy’s experience is unfortunate but not uncommon in the metropolis.

• Roy discusses his wish to help people like himself, displaying empathy for his assailant and expressing a desire to prevent others from being similarly victimized.

• Notable quotes:

  • Roy: "Maybe she could have been helped a few years ago and then she wouldn't have to go around robbing strangers." (09:17)
  • Computer: "You are most unusual, Roy Bartlett. But the probability favors your success." (11:13)

• Roy states he wants to become a policeman—not for revenge, but to genuinely help those like Diana and others.

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3. Personal Growth and New Purpose

(11:58–14:23)

• After psychological testing and six months of training, Roy successfully becomes a New York City police officer.

• One year later, Roy encounters Diana again at the same bar where they first met.

• The roles are now reversed: Roy maintains calm authority, while Diana is anxious and ashamed.

• Notable quotes:

  • Roy (to Diana): "You really did help me. And I really was worth the 5,000 you took from me. I didn't know what I wanted to do. And you showed me how to get the kind of job I wanted." (14:21)
  • Roy: "You've never done any farming, have you? Diane, probably don't realize what a farmer's job is... It's making things grow." (14:24)

• Roy compassionately but firmly arrests Diana, explaining she will get psychological help—not punishment—and the chance to start anew.

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4. Reflections on Rehabilitation and Human Nature

(14:24–End: 16:55)

• Diana voices fear of losing her identity, dreading rehabilitation.
• Roy assures her of a fresh start and promises to help her through the process.
• The narration concludes by reflecting on two kinds of people: those who focus on material things or data, and those (like Roy) who are driven to work with and help people.
• Notable quotes:
  • Diana: "They'll kill me. They'll make me into something I hate and something that'll hate me. It won't be me. I'll be a zombie or something." (14:41)
  • Roy: "No, I mean stop running and start doing what you want for yourself. Instead of what you think you want to do to somebody else." (15:02)
  • Narrator: "Some people like to work with information, bits of data... But some go beyond that and want to work with human beings... He wanted to work with humans. You see, Diane did do him a favor. And he did owe her a favor. She'd shown him what his real life work should be." (16:41)

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Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• First encounter and deception—Roy meets Diana: (01:26–06:32)
• Robbery in the alley: (06:44–06:57)
• Roy interviewed by the central computer: (07:11–11:32)
• Roy expresses empathy for his assailant: (09:17–09:55)
• Roy’s vocational decision—becoming a policeman: (10:32–10:55)
• Year-later confrontation with Diana, role reversal: (12:35–14:23)
• Diana’s fear and plea, Roy’s reassurance: (14:41–16:35)
• Closing narration on personal growth: (16:41–End)

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Tone & Language

• The story blends earnest, direct dialogue typical of Golden Age radio drama with a speculative, future-forward tone.
• Roy comes across as honest, naive, and kind-hearted, with a genuine desire to do good.
• Diana is streetwise, cunning, then vulnerable.
• The computer/narrator is impersonal, logical, providing a contrast to Roy’s warmth.

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Conclusion

"Country Boy" uses the framework of classic sci-fi radio to explore timeless questions of morality, rehabilitation, and purpose. Roy’s journey from victim to helper suggests that adversity—when met with compassion and forgiveness—can become the catalyst for one’s true calling. The episode ends with the message that while machines can process facts, only humans can understand and nurture each other’s potential.

Transcript

[A]

Relic radio.

[B]

This is Relic Radio. Sci Fi Old time Radio Science fiction stories from relicradio.com. Exploring tomorrow. And now here is your guide to these adventures of the mind. John Campbell. The 2 o' clock jet from Montana has just landed at New York. Bring in some 200 passengers including some who have come to the world's largest city for the first time. Roy Bartlett is one of these big strapping kid out seek fame and or fortune. And New York was ready for him. The ancient custom of fleecing the country. Yoko will not die out for quite a few centuries to come. He just emerged from the port terminal and was looking around big eyed and confused, bewildered by the immensity of it all when a girl came up to him.

[C]

Hello there. Waiting for someone?

[B]

You speak to me, miss?

[C]

That's who I was talking to, handsome. I asked you, are you waiting for someone?

[B]

Oh, no, no, no. That is. I mean I just got here, miss. I came in from Montana on the. On the jet plane there.

[C]

Oh, you got friends here?

[B]

I'm afraid I don't, miss. I just sort of decided up and come to the city and sort of try my luck at it.

[C]

Well, maybe I can help you. I sort of like you.

[B]

You do?

[C]

Mm. You know, something in me wants to help strangers to show him the ropes. And I've got free time now. I. I'd like to, well, spend it with you.

[B]

You're so kind and so pretty.

[C]

You think so?

[B]

Oh, yes. Yes, you're. You're a pretty good girl I've ever seen. Your smile, your eyes. Oh, you're good, I can tell you. You're warm and sweet. It's good of you to come to talk to me like this. To stand so close to me.

[C]

Well, I think I like you too. What did you say your name was?

[B]

I didn't. Oh, I. I mean, it's Bartlett. That Roy Bartlett.

[C]

Well, I'm Diana Lawson.

[B]

You're big,

[C]

strong out there, handsome.

[B]

Does it. Does it always happen this way?

[C]

Suppose we stop in for a bite to eat at that refresher man and get to know each other, huh?

[B]

I think that's a wonderful idea.

[C]

You see how it works, Troy? Each drink you want, you put a half credit coin in the slots and punch out the combination. For a martini, you punch out 4, 3, 6, like it says on the board up there. Here, give me the money, I'll get us some drinks.

[B]

All right.

[C]

Four, three, six. There we are, two nice dry martinis here. You take yours and we go to that table. Silly. So silly.

[B]

We going to get Anything to eat?

[C]

Ah, we can eat later. The occasion calls for a drink to. To celebrate your arrival. Hey, I. And sip it this time.

[B]

I'm. I'm sorry if I did the wrong thing with the drink. I just didn't know, you know.

[C]

You didn't know, but you'll learn all these things. Roy, where you from? Why are you here?

[B]

Well, I worked all my life on my father's farm. And he died last year and left me all alone out there.

[C]

Steve.

[B]

I kept things going a while and then figured I ought to try something different and sold a farm. And I bought a ticket to New York in one way. Ticket?

[C]

Ah, it must seem like a different world to you.

[B]

Oh, it does. Big, frightening, unfriendly. At least it seemed unfriendly at first till I met you dying. I can't ever thank you enough for coming over to me when I was alone.

[C]

You don't need to thank me, Roy. Just common decency to help a stranger out. Especially when he's a good looking stranger. When are you seeing the central computer?

[B]

The what?

[C]

The central computer. Well, it runs New York, you know, Keeps the trains moving, the traffic lights, everything. You have to register with a computer when you establish permanent residence here. If you don't have a job, the computer will give you one. You didn't even know that?

[B]

I guess I hadn't heard. Well, word. Where'd I find this computer?

[C]

Just ask any policeman. He'll get you there.

[B]

Diana, you're swell for helping me out like this. I mean, I wish some way I could thank you for this.

[C]

I told you, it's just common decency. Roy, the money from the sale of your farm, did you bring it with you?

[B]

You bet. Yes, sir. 5,000 in cash and the same in traveler's check.

[C]

Oh, so much. You carrying it around with you? Yeah, sure. Say, that's dangerous, Roy. You better put it in the bank right away.

[B]

Well, I don't know any bank.

[C]

Oh, I'll take you to one. Come on, unless you want another drink before we go.

[B]

No, no, I haven't. I haven't finished this one yet. Here, wait a minute. Those things taste better after you've had a few.

[C]

Now, come along. I'll take you to the bank and then to the computer.

[B]

Oh, it's wonderful of you to take this interest in me. They. They warned me New Yorkers were unfriendly people. But they sure aren't.

[C]

Down this way in here.

[B]

But it's dark in this.

[C]

Hey, go ahead, my kid.

[B]

Get away from me. You leave me alone.

[C]

Diana. That comes.

[A]

You are Roy Bartlett, age 25. Height 6ft 2 inches. Weight 185 pounds. Born in Helena, Montana, 17 February, 2184. Parents deceased. If any of this information is incorrect, please amend it.

[B]

That's all correct, sir.

[A]

Use of honorific titles is not necessary when addressing us. According to the report of the police officer who found you, you were beaten and robbed shortly after your arrival in New York.

[B]

That's right. She said she wanted to help me, to show me the ropes in New York.

[A]

Identify more specifically the she to whom you refer.

[B]

She gave her name as Diana Lawson.

[A]

Describe her.

[B]

Oh, she's medium height, 54 or so and blonde hair. Good looking. Cute face. Though the eyes are a little hard. Now that I think about it. She looks about 23 or so.

[A]

Our record banks hold no information on someone of that name fitting the description you give. The name was obviously assumed. Your introduction to New York life was unfortunate, but not uncommon. Do you plan to remain here as a permanent citizen?

[B]

Yes. I mean, yes.

[A]

What are your vocational plans?

[B]

I'm afraid I don't have any.

[A]

Your previous experience is wholly agricultural. This will be of little use to you in the metropolitan area. Have you any preference for the type of work you would like to do? This would guide us in assigning you.

[B]

I. Well, I'd like to help people, if you know what I mean. I'd like to keep people from having the thing happen that happened to me. I mean, New York is full of confused, unhappy people who have to prey on others like the girl did on me.

[A]

You regard her as confused? Unhappy?

[B]

Of course. I can't think of her as being just. Well, wicked. People aren't born bad or good that they're raised that way. Maybe she could have been helped a few years ago and then she wouldn't have to go around robbing strangers.

[A]

You harbor no hatred for the girl?

[B]

I sort of never looked at it as hatred, sir. I mean, I'm sorry, sir. I can't help calling you sir.

[A]

If it makes you more comfortable, you may.

[B]

Thanks, sir. Well, as I was saying. No, I don't hate that girl, Diana. I'd help her if I could.

[A]

She is a warped criminal.

[B]

But is that permanent, sir? Can she be brought in and straightened out somehow?

[A]

There is psychological rehabilitation for criminals, yes.

[B]

You mean if she could only be caught and brought in, she could be turned into a useful citizen?

[A]

If she could be found in a city this large, it is not always possible to track criminals.

[B]

Well, I'd like to try to find her, sir. I mean, that's my vocational plans. I'd like to become a policeman, sir.

[A]

You will have to face psychological testing first, of course. And a training period of six months. But let us warn you, Roy Bartlett. If your motive in this is one of revenge, you will not survive the first battery of tests.

[B]

Revenge? Oh, no. Not revenge, sir. I want to help that girl and the others like her. Honesty, that's what I want to do.

[A]

This will be demonstrated in the tests.

[B]

Do you think I'll make the grade, sir?

[A]

The tests will answer that.

[B]

But I mean you. Computers configure probabilities. Can't you tell me if they fit?

[A]

You are most unusual, Roy Bartlett. But the probability favors your success. You will be taken to the testing center immediately. And if you are approved, you will go to the training camp.

[B]

Thanks, sir. Thanks for listening to me. Will you wish me good luck?

[A]

Our data banks do not show the validity of such a wish, Roy Bartlett. But if your statements today were sincere, you should have no difficulty attaining your goal. The robot will show you to the testing center.

[B]

Of course, a computer can talk about revenge. That's a word that can be put in its vocabulary. But it couldn't understand what revenge meant. He couldn't understand human feelings of any kind. For that, human beings are necessary. For that, Roy had to be passed along to human beings who could teach him, could understand him, could help him understand himself. And find what his life work should be. Mind if I sit down here, miss? You seem to be alone.

[C]

I am alone. Glad to have some company. Sit down, stranger.

[B]

Thanks. Thanks very much. You waiting for someone?

[C]

Yeah, I was. I don't think he's gonna show up. You must know how that sort of thing is when someone you're counting on doesn't show.

[B]

Yeah. Yes, I know what that's like, Diana. And I've been looking for you almost a year.

[C]

You know my name, who I am?

[B]

You mean you've forgotten me, Diana? I suppose you would have. The pitiful greenhorn you picked up last March.

[C]

You the Montana fella?

[B]

That's right, Roy Bartlett. You taught me how to drink a martini, remember? In this very place. And then you taught me what it was like to be robbed by someone you trusted.

[C]

I'm getting out of here. You can't keep me here.

[B]

You'll leave when I want you to leave, Diana. Not before. Sit still. Make a fuss. They go.

[C]

My arms. You're hurting me.

[B]

Just sit and try to look relaxed. Don't attract attention.

[C]

You can't prove anything. Leave me alone. I'll call A cop.

[B]

Go ahead, Diana. Call one. Now, look, that badge.

[C]

Oh, no. You.

[B]

That's right. I found a job in the big city, Diana. Six months of training and the breaking in period. I don't happen to be wearing my uniform now. But the badge is real.

[C]

What are you gonna do with me?

[B]

Take you away, Diana. To Sykes center. Where they can help you straighten up and grow the way God meant you to. You know, girl, you really did help me. And I really was worth the 5,000 you took from me. I didn't know what I wanted to do. And you showed me how to get the kind of job I wanted.

[C]

What are you talking about?

[B]

You've never done any farming, have you? Diane probably don't realize what a farmer's job is. Well, it's making things grow. Grow strong and right the way they were meant to. But I guess I got sort of tired of working just with plants.

[C]

No, no, no. They'll kill me. They'll make me into something I hate and something that'll hate me. It won't be me. I'll be a zombie or something.

[B]

I suppose it does seem that way. You never tried it the other way, though, have you? Without hate and bitterness driving you?

[C]

You mean tried being dead? No, I haven't.

[B]

No, I mean stop running and start doing what you want for yourself. Instead of what you think you want to do to somebody else. Now, look, we need Mike, too. Your accomplice. He's outside, isn't he?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay, let's walk out together. Act natural. That's right. Just walk along with me. If I'm a rube you picked up when you're taking me down the block to that dark alleyway.

[C]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

Where's Mike? Is he right behind us? He ought to be.

[C]

Mike.

[A]

Mike.

[C]

Get him. He's a cop.

[B]

That stun gun blast ought to keep him on ice for a couple of hours. Long enough to get him down to headquarters, anyway.

[C]

I hate you. Why'd this have to happen? Why couldn't you left me alone?

[B]

I wanted to help.

[C]

Help me by turning me in like this? Behind me, over at the head shrinker.

[B]

They'll heal you, Diane. Take all the bitter hatred out of your mind. Make you a useful citizen.

[C]

Who wants to be a useful citizen? I had a good thing here until you busted it up. Now they'll fix me. Sir. I'll have to go straight. Be a good girl. Sell buttons on shirts for 30 credits a week.

[B]

There are good jobs open for rehabilitated criminals. Nobody will hold your past against you.

[C]

Good job. I'LL never be able to go near my old friends. I'll have to begin life all over. It's somebody new.

[B]

That's right. And I'll be there to help you start all over. You sure I'll be there to help you. I told you I owe you that. Come along now. Let's go down to headquarters. Some people like to work with material things and some can't see beyond it. When they can't see beyond material things, they're like Diane. Some people like to work with information, bits of data. Accountants, lawyers. Many people work with data and information. So do computers. But some go beyond that and want to work with human beings. Now some lawyers are not merely information handlers. They're human handlers. I guess Roy was one of those who wanted to go beyond the material and even the low living things. He wanted to work with humans. You see, Diane did do him a favor. And he did owe her a favor. She'd shown him what his real life work should be.