“Driven” is such an interesting episode because of how much it’s a different subgenre than is typical of The Magnus Protocol. Yes, the events are horrific in concept. Yes, there are some obvious parallels to the very first episode of Archives. Yes, it has cosmic elements. But the nature of the narrative is more like reading a paranormal investigation story.
“Catching Up” is such an improvement from the last two episodes. It’s weird and horrific and takes its time to build to the horror. And the horror story both informs the overall story and works on its own. It’s an excellent entry.
Today, dear reader, we have a science fiction tale for you. It’s full of worldbuilding, action, and a main character who can handle extremely dangerous situations.
In fact, that’s what makes him such a good pilot.
I didn’t like “Gut Feelings” all that much. I can’t say since “Pet Project” has an episode been this much of a dud. The premise is strong, the ideas—in theory—scary, and the writing certainly got across the ideas the episode wanted to achieve…but I just didn’t like it.
“Raising Issues” has three parts, and none of them feel all that connected to each other. The main thing is that they, yes, involve characters “Raising Issues.” I’ve been amused by the pun titles of The Magnus Protocol throughout, but this might be the most creative use of it.
Life on Earth can be weird, don’t you think? The idea of clouds up above and bugs in the dirt we walk on. We live with it because that’s just how Earth is.
“A New You” is, ultimately, a familiar trope played mostly as expected. But it’s also somehow a lot bleaker in its implications and uses the multi-media format of The Magnus Protocol to add subtle storytelling. This may be my favorite use of the “social media post” format.
Batman: Caped Crusader is incredible. A throwback that doesn’t seem redundant. Each episode of the first three introduces us back to one of the classic villains and manages to set up even more of them without detracting from the immaculate pacing. Somehow, these half-hour episodes are more engaging, better written, and feel more thoughtful than most one-hour episodes of a show I’ve seen.
Today’s story is weird. It has no answers, only nightmarish and inexplicable things.
Tilly is a waitress at a downtown diner. She works there to pay for her apartment until her lease runs out. And sometimes her days are hard.
It’s been a few weeks since I reviewed another episode of The Magnus Protocol and I’m so glad that “Mixed Signals” is the one I returned to. This episode is fantastic, and it’s mainly due to such an interesting, novel, and evocative horror concept.
Empire of Death has weird pacing, a rushed ending for its conflict, and tries to pretend unrelated moments from the season actually reincorporate into the plot. But I didn’t hate watching it. Little sci-fi and fantasy ideas sprinkled throughout are interesting—and I’m glad that the episode finally explains Susan Triad.
There are not many answers. There’s a quick shift in tone. And we never learn anyone’s name.
