Mei Mac, an actor famed for her role in My Neighbour Totoro, plays Kay McAllister, while Adam Buxton, known for Adam and Joe, portrays DCI Roy Burgess. The discussion unveils Kay's chaotic journey as she navigates public humiliation and personal turmoil after a shocking discovery. They explore the spellbinding world of psychic mediums, including a gripping séance aiming to connect with the spirit of Mason. The narrative poignantly mirrors the rise and fall of fame, revealing deeper truths about loss and the quest for meaning.
The speaker's desperate pursuit of truth leads to a public séance that exposes the distortion of genuine intentions by the medium, Grace Argyle.
The revelation of Mason's possible survival ignites a tumultuous conflict between hope and grief, impacting relationships and personal credibility.
Deep dives
The Encounter at the Quarry
A significant revelation occurs when the speaker witnesses Mason Miller at the quarry with his father, Otto Miller, after a tumultuous series of events involving a fire and a wrongful arrest. This sighting raises critical questions about Mason's fate and Otto's intentions, as Mason urges his father to confess to the police regarding a framed charge against another man, Lawrence Goddard. The vivid description of Otto's mysterious powers, as the environment distorts around him, creates a haunting atmosphere and suggests a connection to supernatural elements. The confusion deepens as the speaker grapples with the contradiction of Mason potentially being alive or a ghost, prompting a thorough examination of the motives behind Otto's actions and the need for answers.
Desperation for Truth
Following the encounter, the speaker faces personal consequences, including a strained relationship with Lindsay, Mason's mother, who struggles to reconcile hope and grief upon hearing the news of Mason's possible survival. The speaker's attempt to bring clarity to the situation takes a dramatic turn when the editor expresses concern over the credibility of the account, leading to immediate suspension from work. This turmoil fuels a decision to reach out to Grace Argyle, a YouTube medium known for her claims of connecting with the deceased, hoping to obtain answers about Mason's condition through a public séance. The desperate need for validation and clarity drives the speaker to pursue this unconventional path, highlighting the lengths one may go to in search of truth in a chaotic situation.
The Séance and its Consequences
During the live séance with Grace Argyle, the speaker's hope for closure quickly unravels as Grace prioritizes her narrative over the truth of Mason's situation, showcasing how personal agendas can distort genuine intentions. As questions arise about Mason's fate, Grace attempts to steer the conversation away from the allegations against Lawrence Goddard, further complicating the speaker's quest for truth. The confrontation escalates, leading to a disheartening realization that Grace, whom the speaker initially turned to for support, is more focused on maintaining her reputation than listening to the testimony about Mason. The entire experience culminates in a painful recognition of how seeking answers from the supernatural can lead to deeper feelings of isolation and vulnerability amidst a backdrop of tragedy.
Shaken by what she’s witnessed, Kay scrambles to correct her story. In her desperate attempt to undo the damage, she digs herself deeper - triggering a series of mistakes that explode into a public humiliation.
Episode 6 out now.
Written and Directed by Guy Larsen & Cambria Bailey-Jones
Editors - Dan Pugsley and Guy Larsen
Studio Producer - Gabriela Jones
Theme music - Tom Larsen
Mixing & Sound Design - Dan Pugsley & Cassini Sound
Script Editors - Gabriela Jones, Peter Fellows & George Riley
Casting Director - Sydney Aldridge
Kay McAllister - Mei Mac
DCI Roy Burgess - Adam Buxton
Lyndsey Miller - Tracy Wiles
Grace Argyle - Han Evans
Dylan Michaels - Preston Nyman
Additional voices by Guy Larsen and Julian Bailey-Jones.
Special Thanks to Jo Tyler, London Southbank University and Janet Jones.
Up In Smoke is a production of Penny4 penny4.co.uk
