The Magnus Protocol Reviews: “Sink or Swim”

“Sink or Swim” Actually Gives Us Many Plot Clues

“Sink or Swim” is a disturbing, creative episode that would’ve likely creeped me out if I weren’t very used to these kinds of stories. Sometimes, horror media still “gets me,” and I jolt a little, but I was mostly just enjoying the little clues that I picked up as it went.

Clues like how the narrator unlocked a “power” after a horrible, fear experience. This is not the first time we’ve heard an External come into existence, but with the context we now have, that’s clearly what happened—and we sort of know why now. The fear of the storm somehow reacted with something else, and the rules of the magic worked within the framework of the person experiencing it. Maybe even the boat had some kind of alchemical metal on it, though that line of thinking does beg the question of what was nearby Sam in “Hostile Workplace” to make the skeleton activate.

But that’s not the only set of linked clues hinted at. Tattoos showed up again in “Sink or Swim.” It’s been a while since Ink5oul appeared in the plot, but the early episodes really did have a strong focus on magical tattoos, and likely that was foreshadowing for this. It’s clearly linked to alchemy. Though I can’t quite work out a theory for how it works, except being a way to put magic into a person. It seems like a way to curse people. Though this episode’s External didn’t need a tattoo to summon forth Vast-themed attacks on others. I’m positive we’ll get an answer pretty dang soon.

“Sink or Swim” Feels Like The Start Of Big Reveals

And that’s actually most of my thoughts on the episode. The only other thing of note, really, in “Sink or Swim” is that the framing device has yet again gotten in the way. Arguably, it’s caused even more issues than normal. I think the dialog and tension of the statement were really well-handled, except for the constant interruptions of the letters marking the speakers. The one-word sentences were especially annoying. It’s implied the recording never made it back to whoever was going to publish the interview, and I’m unsure the recording was even on something connected to the internet, so how did the O.I.A.R. get that data? Just let the wonderful voice acting deliver the tale, please.  

I guess, considering how disappointed I was with “Internal Investigation” and considering how much I liked the last episode, having a solidly good—but-not-great episode—round out these three is a fine enough outcome. The characters are all isolated; most are actively dealing with dangerous things (I’m sure Celia will be too, soon); and we’re getting little clues and answers at a great pace. That’s what I want from this series, so thank you, “Sink or Swim.” I hope that it’s the new baseline going forward.  

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