The Magnus Protocol 33 - Peer Review
Released: March 13, 2025
Host/Author: Rusty Quill
Narrator: Alice Dyer (voiced by Billy Hindle)

Introduction

In Episode 33 of The Magnus Protocol, titled "Peer Review," listeners are immersed in a chilling narrative that blends personal tragedy with supernatural intrigue. The episode delves into the mysterious disappearance of James Dawn, a close friend of Alice Dyer, unfolding a tale that intertwines human relationships with otherworldly phenomena.

Main Narrative

A Fateful Date Turned Nightmare

Alice Dyer recounts a seemingly ordinary first date with James Dawn at Blackpool Pier. The evening begins with warmth and laughter, capturing the essence of budding romance.

• [05:20] Alice Dyer: “It was our second date. We met online, and he sent me to their Blackpool offices for a four-month posting.”

As the night progresses, subtle unease creeps in. The pier, initially bustling with activity, becomes eerily deserted. Strange occurrences escalate, marking the transition from a pleasant evening to a nightmarish ordeal.

• [15:45] Alice Dyer: “There was a dark kind of shadow obscuring the town lights. James got a bit flustered and muttered something about the weather turning.”

A peculiar incident with a cartoon artist and a mysterious woman with an unsettling smile heightens Alice's anxiety. The atmosphere thickens with an inexplicable darkness and an ominous presence enveloping the pier.

• [22:30] Alice Dyer: “The pier just extended out into darkness. And that shadow, the one I thought was fog. It wasn't fog.”

The situation deteriorates as a supernatural entity looms over them, leading to James's abrupt disappearance. Alice's desperate attempt to flee culminates in a confrontation with the unearthly force, leaving her stranded in the inescapable darkness of Blackpool Pier.

• [35:10] Alice Dyer: “Every light was out and the pier was shaking. I was at a full sprint, even though I could hardly see where I was going.”

The Aftermath and Investigation

Following the traumatic event, Alice seeks answers from the Magnus Institute, where she collaborates with Chief Inspector Collins to unravel the mystery behind James's disappearance.

• [50:00] Chief Inspector Collins: “Do you speak German? I did. GCSE French. How about the kind of ciphers a paranoid tech recluse might use?”

Alice discovers a notebook containing cryptic codes, suggesting a deeper, more sinister involvement than initially apparent. The investigation leads her to confront hidden threats within official circles.

• [1:02:15] Alice Dyer: “I watched this man, Mr. Lars, trying to sell private military services to the OIar. His pitch didn’t add up.”

Key Discussions and Insights

• Supernatural vs. Reality: The episode masterfully blurs the lines between the natural and supernatural realms, challenging Alice's perception of reality as she grapples with unexplainable events.

• Trust and Betrayal: Alice's relationship with James is tested as mysterious forces manipulate their experiences, raising questions about trust and the true nature of the people around her.

• Investigation and Obstruction: The interaction with Chief Inspector Collins highlights the bureaucratic hurdles and the potential concealment of truth by authoritative entities.

• Cryptic Communication: The discovery of the coded notebook introduces a layer of mystery, suggesting that James's disappearance may be connected to larger, more complex forces at play.

Notable Quotes

• Alice Dyer:
  “[22:30] 'The pier just extended out into darkness. And that shadow, the one I thought was fog. It wasn't fog.'”
  — Highlights the emergence of the supernatural element.

• Chief Inspector Collins:
  “[50:00] 'Do you speak German? I did. GCSE French. How about the kind of ciphers a paranoid tech recluse might use?'”
  — Emphasizes the complexity of the case and the challenges in deciphering the clues.

• Alice Dyer:
  “[35:10] 'Every light was out and the pier was shaking. I was at a full sprint, even though I could hardly see where I was going.'”
  — Conveys the urgency and fear during the climax of the supernatural encounter.

Conclusions

"Peer Review" serves as a pivotal episode in The Magnus Protocol series, deepening the overarching narrative with its intense exploration of lost connections and hidden evils. Alice's journey from a personal tragedy to uncovering institutional secrets sets the stage for future revelations and confrontations with the unknown.

Listeners are left pondering the true nature of the darkness that enveloped Blackpool Pier and the extent of the Magnus Institute's involvement in combating such enigmatic threats.

Production Credits

• Written by: Aaron Blanton
• Voices:
  • Billy Hindle as Alice Dyer
  • Anousha Battersby as Gwen Bouchard
  • Lowrian Davies as Celia Ripley
  • Jonathan Sims (additional voices)
• Directed by: Alexander J. Newell
• Sound Editing: Nico Vitese
• Soundscaping: Meg McKellar
• Music: Sam Jones
• Produced by: April Sumner

Disclaimer: The Magnus Protocol is produced by Rusty Quill and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 4.0 International License. For more information or to subscribe, visit rustyquill.com.