File #103 (S3-23) - "Cruelty Free"

[Oneiros]

OR: "Questioning the food chain"

So, we get the New Zealand statement alluded to previously, given to Gertrude as she sought out more about the Circus. It seems like the previous Archivist roamed very far and wide to hunt down clues; I'm guessing wild 'goose' chases would be very frustrating, though her diversion wasn't exactly fruitless... or should I say, 'lacking in meaty substance' 

Kudos to Steve Violich for being the most Kiwi he could possibly be - his accent isn't that strong IRL (at least to my ears), plus you've all heard him already as Hope.

An interesting statement from Dylan Anderson, as we get to see various manifestations of the Powers here - both in the affectations of an animal and in John's pursuit of answers from Kurt. Is the Archivist really starting to come into their own? And what does this bode for the future. Also, interesting to see Daisy hasn't given up her 'Kill the Archivist' quest, though maybe John's given her the scent of another target...

[amethystend]

Jon actively using his power to coerce a civilian tickled me in multiple ways.

I wonder how long before he starts gaining control of the other ability that Elias was gushing over in the previous episode.

[regiskobalos]

I loved this episode, and it offered a bit of a reprieve, seeming a bit calmer than the other episodes had been. Also, I really enjoyed Farmer Jonny

[julian]

I have binged all the episodes and although a few still confuse me ( like HOW did the kiss of a young mystery girl spare a youth from the arachnid fate of his fellows in a basement of horror) but this one made me a bit sad. He killed the pig and in a horrible way, burying alive!!! I know, the pig had his little foibles and peccadilloes, but don't we all? The fact that it TRUSTED him as a friend was the hurtful part. Now I admit, this does raise a moral dilemma for me. Or, rather, it SHOULD, although honestly, I might not struggle that much with it, but then again, I may be just a trifle odd in that respect. IF I had a pig that ate... whatever... would I feel compelled to kill it? Or would I perhaps try to harness it for good, id est teaching it to limit the human intake to known pedos, rapists and other evildoers whom I could trick into coming into range? I could certainly supplement the diet with regular food, in between long pig suppers. It would be a bit like having a superhero and a friend and perhaps a guardian. Every day, in real life, I see examples of human scum who do horrific things to innocents, walking the streets freely from corrupt justice systems... a good pig like that could be a lifelong ally. PLUS I would never have to worry about paying money out for my own funeral arrangements, just tell a trusted friend that hwen my time was up, gently roll me into the pen with some savory seasoning in my pockets.

[liraven]

May 31, 2018 9:55:53 GMT amethystend said:

I wonder how long before he starts gaining control of the other ability that Elias was gushing over in the previous episode.

The knowledge power is really cool! Makes me think Gertrude could read the original Spanish statement mentioned in 'Dust to Dust' without the translation after all.

Is it the same as Elias's power though? Seems like he can read thoughts or motivations too, since he knew Melanie's murderous intentions last episode. Which is incredibly creepy. He could've spied on the Archive folks for years figuring out what makes them tick. Doesn't bode well for future confrontations.

Jun 2, 2018 0:45:45 GMT julian said:

I have binged all the episodes and although a few still confuse me ( like HOW did the kiss of a young mystery girl spare a youth from the arachnid fate of his fellows in a basement of horror)...

I believe the young girl was Agnes Montague, who's associated with the Lightless Flame in a couple other statements. This is pure speculation, but perhaps her kiss marked him in some way that reacted when he picked up the apple, causing his cheek to burn and interrupt the Web's control over him?

He killed the pig and in a horrible way, burying alive!!! I know, the pig had his little foibles and peccadilloes, but don't we all? The fact that it TRUSTED him as a friend was the hurtful part.

I know, right? What's a little clown murder between friends? Hate to admit this, but I felt bad for Murder Pig too. Drowning in concrete is an awful way to go.

IF I had a pig that ate... whatever... would I feel compelled to kill it? Or would I perhaps try to harness it for good, id est teaching it to limit the human intake to known pedos, rapists and other evildoers whom I could trick into coming into range?

I think that puts you in 'Death Note' territory though. Can you be 100% certain the people you select deserve to be eaten? Is it truly possible to wield Death Pig for the greater good? Aaand... now I want a 'Death Pig' anime.

[spacesquid]

Murder Pig
Murder Pig
Does whatever a Murder Pig does
Can he turn down a clown?
No he can't he's a pig
(Who also murders)
Look out!
Here comes Murder Pig

That's a thought, actually. Does Murder Pig hang out with the spiders at all? Was Homer Simpson tapping into TERRIFYING KNOWLEDGE?

[julian]

Ah, so many questions to befuddle, bewitch and bewilder! I am SO anxiously awaiting new season of these tales. spending my nights quietly spinning decorative webs around my garret. Actually, to be quite honest, I DO have a number of spiders sharing my home with me, and we get along well. Most are a variety of harvestman, long thin, graceful legs, and always eager to help me in managing gnats or small flies that find entrance. Occasionally a black widow will make her web and I gently carry her outside and place her in a bush or on a tree. Quite non-aggressive, docile unless they feel that they are threatened, the only reason that I remove them is fearing that one of my rescue dogs might bumble into one, or try to eat it, which would be unfortunate for both. And although I DO love people in general ( especially if properly seasoned ) I have often found that my animal family are more honest and predictable in their doings. Thanks to liraven for the comments and food for thought! May your weekend be blessed, your murderpigs be affectionate, and your spiders be friendly!

[liraven]

Hope you have a great weekend too julian !

Um, I'd prefer to avoid the spiders though, friendly or otherwise. I respect their craft, but something about those needle legs irrationally terrifies me. Rather be eaten by Murder Pig than caught by a giant arachnid. Not sure if I enjoy A Guest for Mr. Spider so much because of that fear or in spite of it.

Jun 4, 2018 10:45:05 GMT spacesquid said:

Does Murder Pig hang out with the spiders at all? Was Homer Simpson tapping into TERRIFYING KNOWLEDGE?

Murder pig seemed content to stay in its pen and draw prey in, which is kind of spidery. Ugh, too much thinking about spiders. Love the theme song though!