The Magnus Protocol Reviews: “Raising Issues”

“Raising Issues” Is Very Similar To Other Episodes

“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.

As to that titular horror story, the one that makes it a pun, it’s body horror that’s main appeal is the sound design. It’s obvious—immediately—where it’s going. There’s very little character-building. Very little backstory. Just disturbing and creepy audio as yet another plot deals with a small, likely secret group of human-like monsters. It’s got almost the same plot as the last episode, “A New You” down to the ultimate fate of the victim.

But to be clear, I did find it scary. I did find it effective as a horror story. I can’t speak to how it interacts with the obvious parallels of the worries and concerns of childbirth, but, like, the story builds to creepy moments.

This Is Some Of The Creepiest Audio In The Series

The other two stories contained in “Raising Issues,” however, were more disappointments—mainly because of how little we learn. I thought Gwen being “fired” would last more than one episode. It feels like walking back a plot point to keep having externals show up. I do get the impression that Gwen was in danger if she didn’t get back to the job, though. No way would the “Protocol” allow that much of a loose end. But that’s about all that section reveals.

Same for Sam and Celia’s adventures. Alice warning them is a good moment, but obviously doesn’t dissuade them—and then Sam and Celia just have a semi-normal conversation with Basira. We already know the original cast has doubles in this universe. It’s cool to hear Basira again, yeah, especially in a new context, but the moment could’ve revealed more clues. The mainthing that caught my interest was Celia knowing Basira was a police officer in the other world. That suggests either that Celia is from The Magnus Archives world specifically, or Basira is a police officer in most universes. I don’t know how much that truly affects the plot, though, more just a curiosity.

And that’s it. “Raising Issues” is a short, spooky little story about some poor soul dealing with their inhuman child. It’s well-voice-acted and the sound design is great. I liked it.

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