Feed Drop! Unwell 1.01: Homecoming

Summary

Summary of "Feed Drop! Unwell 1.01: Homecoming"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Strange Case of Starship Iris
• Host/Author: Jessica Best (Procyon Podcast Network)
• Episode: Feed Drop! Unwell 1.01: Homecoming
• Release Date: October 29, 2021
• Description: Set in a fictional rural Ohio town, "Unwell" explores themes of memory, community, family, and queerness through supernatural and gothic storytelling elements. This episode delves into the complexities of returning home amidst mysterious and eerie circumstances.

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1. Introduction and Context

The episode opens with Jess, the creator of Starship Iris, promoting her hiatus and introducing Unwell, another audio drama she writes for. Jess provides a brief overview of Unwell, highlighting its setting in rural Ohio and its blend of gothic and supernatural elements to explore deep themes such as memory fallibility, community building, and queer identity in the Midwest. She also mentions accolades like the 2021 BBC Audio Drama Award for Best Podcasted Audio Drama, setting the stage for the episode's quality and depth.

Notable Quote:

Jess [00:00]: "Unwell was the winner of the 2021 BBC Audio Drama Awards for best Podcasted Audio Drama."

2. The Incident on Highway 5

The narrative quickly transitions to a tense situation involving Dot, Russ, Chester, and Lillian Harper. Dot has suffered a fall on Highway 5, injuring her ankle. Russ and Chester respond to her distress, aiming to call for medical assistance. The conversation reveals underlying tensions and introduces elements of suspense.

Notable Quotes:

Dot [02:12]: "Son of a bitch."

Russ [02:24]: "I'll call an ambulance. What were you doing out here?"

3. Supernatural Undertones and Local Lore

An Old Man character interjects with a cryptic monologue about St. George's Day and the rise of evil at midnight, hinting at supernatural forces at play. This sets a gothic tone and foreshadows potential mystical or eerie events in the storyline. The Old Man’s narrative suggests a history of unexplained phenomena in the area.

Notable Quote:

Old Man [02:53]: "It is the eve of St. George's Day. Do you not know that tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, all the evil things in the world will have full sway?"

4. Arrival of Lillian Harper

Lillian Harper arrives in Mount Absalom, seeking assistance after her fall. Her interaction with Mayor Lopez and Chester Warren, the assistant to the Mayor, emphasizes the small-town dynamics and the community’s efforts to welcome her back. Chester provides her with various gifts, symbolizing the town’s hospitality but also hinting at deeper connections and possible secrets.

Notable Quotes:

Chester [10:57]: "I am your official welcoming party. On behalf of Mayor Lopez and the village assembly members, I am to offer a most sincere welcome home."

Lillian Harper [12:09]: "I'm fine."

5. Settling into Fenwood House Boarding Services

Lillian is shown into her old room at Fenwood House, a boarding establishment with a rich history in Ohio. Her reunion with Dot, who appears to be her mother, is fraught with tension and unresolved issues from the past. Their dialogue reveals strained relationships and hints at the emotional and psychological challenges Lillian faces upon returning home.

Notable Quotes:

Dot [14:12]: "45 seconds? Not a bad response to now, let's see you resuscitate the bag of potatoes."

Lillian Harper [15:18]: "And did he ask for sheets with planets on them?"

6. Community Engagement and Local Activities

The episode touches on local traditions and events, such as the ghost tour led by Wes and the upcoming Celery Festival. These elements reinforce the setting’s quaint yet mysterious atmosphere, blending everyday small-town life with supernatural layers. The ghost tour, in particular, underscores the persistent presence of unexplained phenomena in Mount Absalom.

Notable Quotes:

Russ [09:33]: "I also run the ghost tour."

Chester [12:18]: "Hopefully more give than take. That'll be on Labor Day weekend."

7. Tensions and Unresolved Conflicts

Interactions between Lillian and Dot reveal unresolved family tensions and past grievances. Dot's brusque demeanor and Lillian’s references to past conflicts ("I remember you, you snitch.") suggest a complicated history that may influence current events. These dynamics add depth to the characters and set up potential narrative conflicts.

Notable Quotes:

Lillian Harper [13:25]: "You. I remember you, you snitch."

Dot [16:41]: "He's 16, Lily Bell. And yes, he comes with all his papers and his shots."

8. Closing and Credits

The episode concludes with a recap of the voice actors and production team, giving listeners insight into the creative forces behind the drama. This segment serves as a bridge to future episodes, maintaining engagement and anticipation for ongoing storylines.

Notable Quote:

Jess [19:35]: "Recorded by Ryan Shealy Directed by Jeffrey Nils."

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Themes and Insights

• Homecoming and Reconciliation: Lillian Harper's return to Mount Absalom serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of reconciliation, family dynamics, and the struggle to confront one's past.

• Supernatural and Gothic Elements: The incorporation of local legends, ghost tours, and ominous events like St. George's Day infuse the narrative with a sense of mystery and suspense.

• Community and Hospitality: The town's overwhelming welcome, though genuine, hints at underlying secrets and the weight of small-town expectations.

• Identity and Memory: The characters grapple with their identities and memories, questioning what is real and what is influenced by past experiences or supernatural occurrences.

Conclusion

"Feed Drop! Unwell 1.01: Homecoming" masterfully intertwines personal drama with supernatural intrigue, set against the backdrop of a small, enigmatic Ohio town. Through rich dialogue and layered storytelling, the episode sets the stage for a compelling exploration of family, identity, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. Notable quotes punctuate key moments, enhancing the emotional resonance and thematic depth, making it a captivating listen for both returning fans and newcomers.

Transcript

[Jess]

Hi there. It's Jess, the writer creator of Starship Iris. We're still on hiatus before the third and final season of the show, but in the meantime, as a Halloween treat, we're dropping the first episode of another audio drama I write for, Unwell. Unwell is set in a fictional town in rural Ohio. The show uses ghosts, the supernatural, and other tropes of gothic storytelling to examine the fallibility of memory building community and family, and being queer in the rural Midwest. All Unwell is a slow burn mystery with occasional moments of more traditional horror. There are content warnings and transcripts available for every episode. Three seasons are out now, with season four coming in spring 2022. We're on Twitter unwellpodcast and our website is www.unwellpodcast.com. the Unwell team is absolutely amazing, and I am so, so proud to work with them. Seriously, they would be so intimidating if they weren't also just super nice. You should definitely start from the beginning, which we're gonna do right now. Give season one episode one a listen, and once you're hooked, you'll see why Unwell was the winner of the 2021 BBC Audio Drama Awards for best Podcasted Audio Drama. See you on the other side. Thanks.

[Russ]

I've got the door.

[Dot]

Thanks, Russ.

[Russ]

Lights out is in 20 minutes. Are you going to be all right getting home?

[Dot]

I think I can handle the mean streets of. Of Mount Absalom, if you're sure.

[Russ]

Good night, Dot.

[Dot]

Night.

[Chester]

Good night, Dot.

[Jess]

Well, hiya, Dot.

[Lillian Harper]

Hi, Dot.

[Jess]

Harper.

[Russ]

Mommy.

[Lillian Harper]

Dorothy.

[Russ]

Good morning, Dot.

[Old Man]

Dot.

[Russ]

Dot. Dottie.

[Dot]

Harper.

[Russ]

Dorothy. Dot.

[Dot]

Son of a bitch.

[Russ]

Dot.

[Dot]

Wes?

[Lillian Harper]

Dot.

[Russ]

Are you all right? Dot?

[Dot]

Definitely not. My ankle.

[Russ]

Don't try to move.

[Chester]

I'll.

[Russ]

I'll call an ambulance. What were you doing out here?

[Dot]

I was on my way home.

[Lillian Harper]

And.

[Dot]

Where are we?

[Russ]

Highway 5, out of town.

[Dot]

Must have got turned around.

[Russ]

Hello? Yes, I need an ambulance. Dot Harper fell and hurt her ankle. No, we're on Highway 5 about a mile from the town line, I think.

[Old Man]

I did not understand. She went on. It is the eve of St. George's Day. Do you not know that tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, all the evil things in the world will have full sway? Do you know where you are going and what you are going to? She was in such evident distress that I tried to comfort her, but without effect. Finally, she went down on her knees and implored me not to go. At least to wait a day or two before starting. It was all very ridiculous, but I did not feel comfortable. However, there was business to be done and could allow nothing to interfere with it. I therefore tried.

[Lillian Harper]

Hello? Hey there, Lily.

[Old Man]

Pam.

[Lillian Harper]

Hi, dad. Just wanted to see how you were doing. I'm fine. Though I feel like I should have hit the turnoff by now. From what I remember, that exit is kind of tricky.

[Old Man]

Ask if she's using the Hands Free device. We got her.

[Russ]

Mama C wants to know if you're using the Hands Free device. We got you.

[Lillian Harper]

Yes, because it isn't safe to use.

[Dot]

A cell phone and drive at the same time. I read that.

[Old Man]

It's the same as driving drunk.

[Lillian Harper]

Both of my hands are on the wheel.

[Dot]

Oh, good.

[Russ]

Any idea how long you're gonna be there?

[Lillian Harper]

Six to eight weeks according to the doctor. Maybe longer because of her age. Her words. Not well.

[Old Man]

Cynthia and I are here if you need us.

[Lillian Harper]

Thanks, dad.

[Russ]

You okay, hun?

[Lillian Harper]

Sorry, a dog ran out into the middle of the road.

[Dot]

Are you all right?

[Lillian Harper]

I'm fine. I have to let you go. I need to see if it's hurt.

[Chester]

Okay.

[Russ]

Give us a call back when you get there.

[Lillian Harper]

Will do. Hey, big guy. Are you okay? Yeah, no, you're right. I should just stay in the car. Oh, look, you brought a friend. A big angry friend. Shoot. Go away.

[Mayor Lopez]

You all right, miss?

[Lillian Harper]

Are those your dogs?

[Mayor Lopez]

I'm terribly sorry. They ran off before I could stop them.

[Lillian Harper]

Yeah, well, maybe keep them on a leash next time.

[Mayor Lopez]

I very much doubt an old fellow fella like me is gonna stop them going wherever they want to go with or without a leash. How about you though? Anything broken?

[Lillian Harper]

I'm fine.

[Mayor Lopez]

Well, thank the Lord for that. You hear that, Don? Molly? You got lucky this time. Again, I am terribly sorry, miss. You have a good day. Come on, you two.

[Lillian Harper]

Hey. Sorry. Do you live here?

[Mayor Lopez]

Roundabouts.

[Lillian Harper]

You wouldn't happen to know where the exit road to Mount Absalom is?

[Mayor Lopez]

Mount Absalom?

[Russ]

Sure.

[Mayor Lopez]

You see that tree up ahead?

[Lillian Harper]

Yeah.

[Mayor Lopez]

Turn left.

[Lillian Harper]

That's it?

[Mayor Lopez]

That's it.

[Lillian Harper]

Well, I kind of feel stupid now.

[Mayor Lopez]

The way is always clear once it's been pointed out. Like the little girl in the woods.

[Lillian Harper]

What did you say?

[Mayor Lopez]

The little girl in the woods. It's a story around these parts. A little girl gets lost in the woods. She spends days trying to find her way home. But to no avail. The woods will not give her back. So she sits down and thinks and prays. And as she looks up to the sky to ask God for help, she notices the tree she is sitting under has a single low branch. And so does the one next to it. And the one next to that and they all point in the same direction.

[Lillian Harper]

And she remembers that her father is a wood cutter who goes into the woods to cut branches for firewood. And she thinks maybe he would leave one branch to lead him out of the forest again. So she follows the pointing trees all the way home.

[Mayor Lopez]

You know the story?

[Lillian Harper]

I heard it once when I was a kid.

[Mayor Lopez]

You from around here, then?

[Lillian Harper]

No, I'm. I'm visiting someone.

[Mayor Lopez]

Ah. Well, have a pleasant visit.

[Lillian Harper]

Thanks.

[Old Man]

I therefore tried to raise her up and said as gratefully as I could that I thanked her, but my duty was imperative and that I must go. She then rose and dried her eyes, and taking a crucifix from her neck, offered it to me. I do not know what to do. It seemed so ungracious to refuse an old lady meaning so well and in such a state of mind. She saw, I suppose, the doubt in my face before she put the rosary around my fingers. When I had seen the view, I explored further. Doors, doors, doors. Everywhere and all here we go.

[Russ]

Can I help you?

[Lillian Harper]

Yes. My name is Lillian Harper. My mom is. Oh.

[Russ]

Oh, you're Lily.

[Lillian Harper]

Yes.

[Russ]

Dot said you were coming. Come in, come in. Sorry. Most people don't knock. They just come on in.

[Lillian Harper]

Right. Because it's a boarding house. Yeah.

[Russ]

So. Welcome home, I guess. Do you want something to drink or.

[Lillian Harper]

I'm sorry, who are you?

[Russ]

Sorry. I'm Wes. I work here part time. Part Ish time. Evenings and weekends, mostly. More right now because school's out, you know. Oh. I also run the ghost tour.

[Lillian Harper]

Ghost tour?

[Russ]

Yeah. Only the most haunted house in Mount Absalom.

[Lillian Harper]

Ooh.

[Russ]

Tour begins at dusk, if you're interested. Free of charge for you, of course. Oh, shoot. I almost forgot. Here, this is for you.

[Lillian Harper]

A casserole.

[Russ]

I made it myself. My mom said it was a traditional welcoming gift.

[Lillian Harper]

And how long has it been sitting under your desk?

[Russ]

Oh, this probably should have been in the refrigerator.

[Lillian Harper]

Probably.

[Russ]

I'll be right back.

[Chester]

Hello.

[Lillian Harper]

Can I help you?

[Chester]

I'm looking for Lillian Harper.

[Lillian Harper]

Yes.

[Chester]

Chester Warren, assistant to Mayor Lopez.

[Lillian Harper]

Oh, hi.

[Chester]

I am your official welcoming party. On behalf of Mayor Lopez and the village assembly members, I am to offer a most sincere welcome home.

[Lillian Harper]

And a casserole. Yay.

[Chester]

Not just the casserole. I also have a gift certificate for one free ice cream over at D'Souza's D'Ice Cream. The best scoop in town. You'll find them down on Maine. If your car needs an oil change while you're here, a certificate for a free oil change and a tire rotation at Auto's Auto, also on Main. Don't let the name fool you, though. There is no auto. Mary Lou just likes puns. Here's a coupon for one free movie rental from the movie night.

[Lillian Harper]

Let me guess. On Maine.

[Chester]

It's all coming back now, isn't it? Like you never left. Now this. This is expired.

[Lillian Harper]

I'm sorry. How did you know I was coming? Dot mentioned it to the mayor.

[Chester]

No, but small town. You know how it is.

[Lillian Harper]

Sure.

[Chester]

Oh, and the biggie one, free admission to the celery festival.

[Lillian Harper]

Right, the celery festival.

[Chester]

How long has it been since. Since you attended the celery festival?

[Lillian Harper]

Yeah. I really couldn't say.

[Chester]

15 years.

[Lillian Harper]

Give or take.

[Chester]

Hopefully more give than take. That'll be on Labor Day weekend. Do you think you'll still be here on Labor Day weekend?

[Lillian Harper]

Honestly, I don't know.

[Chester]

Well, you should definitely try. It's always a heck of a time.

[Lillian Harper]

I'm sure.

[Chester]

Anyway, I should let you settle in. It was a pleasure to meet you, Lillian. And again, welcome home.

[Lillian Harper]

Thanks.

[Russ]

Was that the door?

[Lillian Harper]

That was Chester Warren.

[Russ]

Oh, and another casserole.

[Lillian Harper]

Yeah. Look, is my mom home? Hmm?

[Russ]

Oh, sorry. Yes, I'll take you.

[Lillian Harper]

No, thank you. Just tell me where she is.

[Russ]

She's decorating room three for a new border.

[Lillian Harper]

That's third floor. I know, right?

[Russ]

I'll just put your casserole away then.

[Lillian Harper]

Right? You. I remember you, you snitch. Jesus. Yeah, I remember you, too. Mom. Mom.

[Dot]

Lily?

[Lillian Harper]

Mom.

[Jess]

Lily.

[Dot]

You made it.

[Lillian Harper]

Are you. Is everything all right?

[Dot]

Of course. Why wouldn't it be?

[Lillian Harper]

It's just. It sounded like done.

[Russ]

Done what?

[Dot]

45 seconds? Not a bad response to now, let's see you resuscitate the bag of potatoes.

[Russ]

I thought you were hurt.

[Dot]

And let that be a lesson to you. If I were actually hurt, there'd be a good deal more swearing.

[Russ]

Crazy old bat bitch.

[Dot]

Dear, if you're going to work in this house, sooner or later you have to learn to cuss. You forgot the potatoes.

[Russ]

I hate you.

[Dot]

Lift with your legs.

[Russ]

How did you even get this up here?

[Dot]

A magician never reveals her tricks. So, Lily, what do you think?

[Lillian Harper]

Same as always.

[Dot]

The room. I just painted it.

[Lillian Harper]

Oh, right. The room is a kid coming to live here.

[Dot]

An astronomer plans to fix up the old observatory on Chapel Hill. Thought he'd like to look up at the stars at night.

[Lillian Harper]

And did he ask for sheets with planets on them?

[Dot]

That is the personal touch that only Fenwood House Boarding services can provide. It's good to see you, Lily Belle.

[Lillian Harper]

It's been a while.

[Dot]

14 years.

[Lillian Harper]

Yeah, well, things have been. You know.

[Dot]

Right. Well, let me show you your room.

[Lillian Harper]

You can just tell me which one is empty and let me show you your room. Fine. Show me my room.

[Dot]

This way.

[Lillian Harper]

Do you need help?

[Dot]

I've got it. I've got it.

[Lillian Harper]

Okay.

[Dot]

Are you still working at that alpaca farm?

[Lillian Harper]

Not for a year and a half. I work at a call center now.

[Dot]

A call center For Spoodle. Doesn't sound as fun as the alpaca farm.

[Lillian Harper]

Yeah, well, getting bit by an alpaca makes you reconsider how important boring little things like health insurance are. How long has Wes been working here?

[Dot]

A year or two.

[Lillian Harper]

Is that even legal?

[Dot]

I'm not screwing him.

[Lillian Harper]

You know what I mean. He's, like, 12.

[Dot]

He's 16, Lily Bell. And yes, he comes with all his papers and his shots. Unlike someone who I recall somehow worked four jobs in a single summer.

[Lillian Harper]

That was different. Oh, I was 17.

[Dot]

Your room.

[Lillian Harper]

You didn't. You saved my room?

[Dot]

Of course not. I've got a business to run, and this is prime real estate. But I saved all your things. And when you called, I took them out of storage and put him back just as you left it. Embarrassing amount of stuffed animals and all.

[Lillian Harper]

It's exactly the same. Like, exactly.

[Dot]

I took pictures of where it all went.

[Lillian Harper]

You are a crazy old bat.

[Russ]

Hey, Dot.

[Dot]

Yeah?

[Russ]

Look out the window.

[Dot]

The window? What in the. Give me a hand, will you?

[Lillian Harper]

Sure.

[Dot]

This thing does not like to move. Russ.

[Russ]

Dot. Hi. Did your daughter arrive yet?

[Dot]

Yeah, she's here.

[Lillian Harper]

Hi.

[Russ]

Lillian. Russell Epstein.

[Chester]

Hi.

[Russ]

We are the official unofficial town welcoming party. And as you can see, we come bearing gifts.

[Lillian Harper]

Yes, I do see that.

[Dot]

We'll be right down, Russell. Hope you like casserole. Welcome home.

[Lillian Harper]

Sure. Home.

[Russ]

It.

[Lillian Harper]

This episode features Shariba Rivers as Lily.

[Dot]

Marcia Harmon as Dot Clint Worthington as Russell Epstein Bethany Hart as Cynthia Harper.

[Russ]

Laquin Groves as Dale Mark Soloff as.

[Mayor Lopez]

An old man on the edge of.

[Russ]

Town Michael Turrentine as Wes Pat King.

[Old Man]

As Chester Sebastian Orr as Ellie Maitland.

[Jess]

As.

[Mayor Lopez]

Written by Jim McDonnell sound design.

[Russ]

By Ryan Shealy Directed by Jeffrey Nils.

[Dot]

Gardner Music composed by Steven Poon Recording.

[Mayor Lopez]

Engineer Mel Rooter Unwell Lead sound designer.

[Russ]

Ryan Shealy Executive producers Eleanor Hyde and Jeffrey Nils Gardner by heartlife NFP.

[Dot]

Unwell.

[Jess]

Is supported by our listeners Patreon. You can support us by visiting patreon.com heartlifenfp and a special thanks to our supporting producers, Caitlin White, Bill Gardner, Steve.

[Russ]

Diamond, James Battle and Anton S.

[Chester]

According.

[Jess]

To the disputed filings in the state Historic Preservation Office. The Fenwood House is the oldest continually inhabited residence in all of Ohio.