“Is That Thing Screaming?” This question is the title of the first episode of Give Me Away. It does not take long for the listener to find out the answer. Mac Rogers has written a science fiction audio series which successfully combines ordinary life with otherworldly mystery.
Graham (Sean Williams) and Morgan (Hanna Cheek) are the married couple on a supersonic highway to divorce. Their children are grown. Hanna wants to engage in some counseling. She heavily researched the course called Rebuilding Intimacy. Graham is not keen on sharing personal information with other couples in small group therapy. They are on opposite tracks heading in separate directions. So far, life is ordinary, if stressed.
All of a sudden outside everyone seems to be on their phones. A large object has appeared on Earth which looks like a “big block of nothing.” After sixteen days the army plans to attempt entry. All of this sounds like a standard sci-fi opening premise. However, most of this UFO mystery plays in the background. When Graham and his friend are talking at a bar, the news on the TV mimics cable coverage as if this story were really happening.
The family and relationship drama between two unhappily married adults and their now grown but not yet self-sufficient children are the crux of this story early on. Then the large object opens up on its own. From this foreign entity, screaming can be heard. Many, many screams. Tormented screams. What exactly is this thing?
Near the end of the first episode, we learn that this large object functions as a “penitentiary mainframe.” Inside, souls are imprisoned indefinitely. Are they souls or aliens? Or minds? After the fourth episode that mystery may be closer to revealing itself.
In order to save these aliens from unending torture, humans are being recruited to act as vessels for download. Is this risky? What will happen if we let these “prisoners” out? Those questions surely will be explored in later chapters.
Mac Rogers’ story challenges us to consider more than the science fiction dilemmas. Graham thinks about applying as a host human. The reactions of those around him, particularly his family, inform this drama as significantly as the evolving technology premise. Through a series of quick scenes – and back and forth time perspectives – an eerie yet realistic scenario unfolds.
I enjoyed the first four episodes and certainly plan to see where this intriguing plot is headed. Jordana Williams’ direction is tightly paced so each thirty minute episode moves swiftly while doling out new information in an enjoyably measured way. The only distraction for me is the dialogue of certain older characters coming across as too young for their age.
Season one is nine episodes long. I have listened to the first four which are currently available. The balance will premiere weekly beginning September 17th. I presume you are not a billionaire going out of this world on your personal rocket ship this summer. (It’s the latest thing!) Give Me Away can certainly fill the void for an extra terrestrial adventure. Let’s hope the potentially very juicy plot thickens even further in future segments.
Give Me Away is presented by Gideon Media and can be accessed through their website or your favorite podcast provider.
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