Cryptids (podcast review).
Well this is new for me, reviewing a podcast. There was a time when I was always listening to podcasts but, somehow, I fell out of love with them. When the opportunity to review ‘Cryptids’, a new SF scripted podcast I was in two minds but decided to give it a go. I’m really glad I did as this is a professionally produced, quality podcast.
At the time of writing, there are two episodes available: 1. Extraordinary Claims and 2. Good Grief and, as a bonus, a short trailer. The second episode follows on and builds on the first episode so start with 1. Extraordinary Claims to get the full benefit of this rather good story. ‘The Cryptids’ podcasts was written and created by Alexander V. Thompson.
From the accompanying press release I can tell you that ‘Cryptids’ follows Eve, a paediatric hospice nurse, and Trevor, a late-night conspiracy radio show host, in search of an afterlife. Instead, they find a truth beyond their wildest nightmares.’ What really helps the story is that Eve and Trevor are actually quite interesting characters so you can’t help but want to know more about them.
While Eve and Trevor are knowns, we can’t say the same for other characters who crop up in the two stories. There’s another faction out there and it’s not clear if they are benevolent or malevolent. I have my suspicions but it’s up to you to work it out. The thing is they are actively participating in our society and using misdirection in a very masterful way but to what end?
‘Episode 1: Extraordinary Claims’ has Trevor interviewing Dr. Thomas Ott, whose cryptic overtones seem to point at a larger mystery on the moon. Eve listens in on her hospital rounds while paying special attention to one particular patient.
‘Episode 2: Good Grief’ has Trevor attending a bereavement group where he encounters the monster-obsessed Mad Al. Eve shares her grieving process which, let’s be honest here, is a bit odd. Seshat is given a special assignment. ‘Who’s Seshat?’ I hear you ask? Well, if you listen to the first episode you will know she’s a prominent member of the ‘other’ faction.
Both episodes are just under 20 minutes long which is a bit on the short side but long enough to contain a good slice of a story. On the plus side they are a well scripted SF/horror story which just promises to get more intriguing as they release more episodes. The plan is to release an episode every Sunday until the end of October, just to get you in the mood for Halloween. The first two episodes are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and others noted below.
The cast has Alexander V. Thompson, Marianna McClellan, William McNulty and Jenna Krasowski in both episodes, supported by a good selection of other actors. The theme song ‘Joanna’ is by Mary Esther Carter with the original cover art by Dave Abel.
I recommend these podcasts and will be listening in on the third instalment when it is released. Of course, this might just be what the other faction wants us to do.
Andy Whitaker
October 2019
(2 approximately 20 minute episodes so far)
cast: Alexander V. Thompson, Marianna McClellan, William McNulty and Jenna Krasowski
check out websites: www.wildobscurafilms.com/cryptids, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cryptids/id1479266398, https://open.spotify.com/show/2qVxo1T9sedjrJGmJfdRRc, https://cryptidspodcast.podbean.com/, https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/wild-obscura/cryptids, https://pca.st/15i8084z, https://castro.fm/podcast/9465734e-a0f1-4ec5-aa5e-af6539bfca33
