File #85 (S3-05) - "Upon the Stair"

[Oneiros]

Or: "Transplanted"

Another day, another strange arrival for the Archivist as he ponders the mysteries before him. Is he leading Georgie into danger by his mere presence there? And what of this mysterious figure, who finds themself wandering staircases, able to move to any they find - Tales of the Infinite Staircase perhaps? This figure who somehow lets curiosity get the better of them, and takes over from the previous wanderer...

And now that Melanie's name has come up, will the Archivist attempt to meet her?

Super-creepy episode today, playing on fears of losing one's identity, being lost and alone, forced to wander until someone else can assume your fate. And thank you, Jonny, for turning a relatively innocuous piece of poetry into something with a great deal of menace...

[cannonlongshot]

I have a distinct impression that at some point someone mentioned this poem to Jonny and his reaction was "challenge accepted".

Creepy and creeping, I liked it a lot. I'm pretty sure Mountain Man will have a statement for the Archivist - I can see him being put off by Georgie's creepy ex living in the spare room, especially if he turns out to be a nice sort. Hey, guess we won't be able to tell until we get his surname, right? xD

Also, the potential for talking at cross purposes re: Melanie's new job is delicious and I love it.

[hyoscyamus]

This was another very delightful episode, such a great use for the poem!
Hehe, and that's a nice setup with Melanie now in the archive, she can act as a spy for the Archivist. Once Georgie, Melanie and John actually manage to realize what's going on, that is. Wonder how long that'll take? And assuming Melanie is willing to spy for someone she thinks is awful.
And the jovial banter between Georgie and John was great fun, the nicknames for her "date" made me laugh. Also his reaction to Melanie having been shot was cute.

I guess the increase of police around means there will be a confrontation between Daisy and John soon. Can't wait to hear how that turns out!

[amethystend]

This episode made me turn the lights on in my room. I've known that poem for a long time and the poem by itself was already unsettling, so this episode compounded upon that in the best way.

[seelingkat]

genius episode. That poem was one of a number that always freaked me out when I was growing up, but I was always fascinated by it too.