The Magnus Archives: RQ Network Feed Drop – [REDACTED] S1E1: False Start (Part 1)

Date: November 10, 2025
Host: Rusty Quill Feed featuring Kareem (intro)
Episode Type: Feed Drop/Guest Episode – Introduction to “[REDACTED]”
Genre: Horror, Procedural, Comedy-Drama

Episode Overview

This episode of The Magnus Archives features a feed drop introducing the pilot episode of a new audiodrama, [REDACTED]. Created by the teams behind "The Grotto" and "The Seller Letters," REDACTED is a “Monster of the Week” horror-comedy audio drama, centering on Jacob Kane—a struggling actor who, after the mysterious death of his twin brother, accidentally steps into his brother’s life and joins a clandestine agency dedicated to containing supernatural beings and phenomena. The story deftly blends sharp wit, emotional depth, and genre-savvy commentary on creative struggles, all while introducing the central mystery and setting the stage for paranormal intrigue.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction to [REDACTED] and Its Format

• Kareem, familiar from the Magnus Archives, sets the scene:
  • [00:00] “Today I’m here to introduce you to a brand new show on the RQ Network, Redacted, a procedural Monster of the Week audio drama... following the death of his twin, failing actor Jacob Kane assumes his late brother’s life in hopes of a fresh start.”
• Athen (creator of [REDACTED]) highlights the structure:
  • [01:03] “This is the first part of our pilot episode of our Monster of the Week horror comedy. Part 2 and 3 are out now...”

2. Jacob Kane’s Struggles & Audition

• Jacob phones his mom after a traumatic car accident, conveying both guilt and emotional weight.
  • [01:23] “It’s dad. He didn’t make it… Who was driving? Well, I was, but it’s not my fault…”
• The reveal: The “confession” is an audition scene, not reality.
  • [02:24] (Eli Reyes, director): “Thank you, Jacob, that was great. But did you prepare any of the material we sent you?”
• Jacob objects to the script, branding it “pedestrian,” seeking a deeper portrayal:
  • [02:48] “Look, I get that there’s a vision and all, but the lines that were sent to me were just so pedestrian.”
  • [02:55] (Eli Reyes): “You are aware that the writer is sitting at this table, correct?”

3. Daily Struggles and Jaded Ambitions

• After failing the audition, Jacob vents with friend Eli at a diner, exposing his fragile financial situation and creative frustrations.
  • [04:24] (Eli Reyes): “You mean, like, I don’t know, an actor then?”
  • [04:34] (Jacob): “I prefer to look at it as having artistic integrity.”
  • [04:39] (Eli Reyes): “All of that, whatever that is, it doesn’t pay the bills, Jacob.”
• Jacob’s resistance to “survival jobs” becomes a recurring jab:
  • [05:14] (Jacob): “Like a job?”
  • [05:15] (Eli Reyes): “Yeah, like a job.”
• Comic moment as Jacob utterly misunderstands what “supply chain management” means:
  • [05:43] (Jacob): “This whole time, I thought you supplied chains to management… bike shops, stuff. Places that need chains.”

4. Character Depth: Family, Loss, and Twin Identity

• The conversation shifts to heavier themes—Jacob's estrangement from his twin, Jordan, and recent death of their mother.
  • [07:12] (Eli Reyes): “Do you need a lift to the cemetery tonight?”
  • [07:14] (Jacob): “Nah, I’ll walk over later… Mom’s been gone a week now and still nothing. From Jordan?”
  • [07:32] (Jacob): “About two years. I just thought he would show up for something like this… Towards the end, there were nights where my mom would actually call me Jordan."
• Jacob’s vulnerability and guilt surface:
  • [08:09] (Jacob): “I would actually play along sometimes… I thought it could actually make her proud.”
  • [08:16] (Eli Reyes): “No, Jacob, don’t. You can’t go there. Don’t do that… she was proud of you…”

5. Financial Crisis and Dark Humour

• Jacob receives a call from his angry landlord, Phil, about overdue rent.
  • [09:01] (Jacob): “Landlord.”
  • [09:25] (Jacob): “Look, I’m sorry, okay? I’m a few months late. I’ll have your money soon.”
• The discussion is laced with the show’s signature humor:
  • [09:02] (Eli Reyes): “Oh, that’s awesome. I didn’t realize you auditioned for a landlord. That’s incredible.”

6. Confrontation, Mystery, and Sudden Violence

• Tension ramps up at the cemetery when Jordan, Jacob's long-lost twin, finally appears—seemingly on the run and embroiled in something nefarious.
  • [14:41] (Jacob): “All you have to say to me is get out? Why are you even here?... Where the fuck have you been?”
  • [15:36] (Unknown Thugs): “Roll down the window.”
  • Jacob is warned by Jordan to keep quiet and not reveal his name to strangers.
  • [15:58] (Jacob): "We're in a cemetery, asshole."
• Chaos erupts as violence breaks out:
  • [16:21] (Jacob): “Who are you? Is your belt on? What? No, it’s not. Christ Jordan—did you just run him over?...”
• Jordan tries to protect Jacob, pressing cash on him and insisting he disappear:
  • [17:16] (Jordan): “There’s about 800 bucks cash below the seat. Use that to get away.”

7. Accident and Identity Twist

• Amid confusion, Jacob is left injured—briefly cared for by EMTs.
  • [20:00] (EMT Jody): “Hi, I’m Jody. I’m an EMT. We’re taking care of you. Sir, can you tell me your name?”
• Jacob, possibly to protect himself or in a moment of confusion, gives the name of his dead twin:
  • [20:18] (Jacob): “Jordan. My name is Jordan.”
• Cliffhanger: The lines between who Jacob is and who he’s becoming are blurred, driving the series’ premise.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Creative Integrity:
  • [02:48] Jacob: “Look, I get that there’s a vision and all, but the lines that were sent to me were just so pedestrian.”
  • [02:55] Eli Reyes: “You are aware that the writer is sitting at this table, correct.”
• On Twin Confusion and Grief:
  • [07:32] Jacob: “About two years… Towards the end, there were nights where my mom would actually call me Jordan.”
• Deadpan Comic Banter:
  • [05:43] Jacob: “This whole time, I thought you supplied chains to management.”
• On Familial Guilt:
  • [08:09] Jacob: “I would actually play along sometimes… I thought it could actually make her proud.”
• On Identity and Escape:
  • [20:18] Jacob: “Jordan. My name is Jordan.”

Important Timestamps

• 00:00-01:03 — Kareem’s intro and show context
• 01:23-02:24 — Jacob’s “audition” and reveal
• 04:13-06:35 — Diner banter about ambition, financial struggles, and comic misunderstandings
• 07:12-08:27 — Conversation on family grief, twin estrangement
• 09:01-10:06 — Landlord confrontation with dark humor
• 14:41-16:39 — Cemetery confrontation with Jordan; sudden threat appears
• 17:16-20:00 — Car accident, chaos, EMT intervention
• 20:18 — Jacob claims to be Jordan, setting up identity thread
• 20:38-21:15 — Credits and episode wrap

Tone & Style

The episode deftly balances snarky, quick-witted dialogue with authentic expressions of grief, sibling rivalry, and existential malaise. There’s genre awareness and dark comedy, juxtaposed against moments of genuine peril and emotional rawness. The pacing is brisk, mirroring a television dramedy pilot.

Summary Takeaway

This premier of [REDACTED] functions as a layered introduction: it gives listeners both a meta-narrative about creative self-doubt and a pivotal, engaging setup for a supernatural procedural. The blend of horror, comedy, and emotional realism promises depth, while the cliffhanger ending leaves stakes high—perfect for fans of The Magnus Archives and newcomers alike.

Next Steps:

• Listen to Parts 2 and 3, available now
• More information at theredactedunit.com or rustyquill.com