Tea in the Sahara
Kev: Critic & Podcaster
I typically wouldn’t kick off a review by generously promoting another podcast, but well, this plug happens to be for my own podcast… so let’s break some trends!
If you’re curious to hear what I actually sound like now here’s your chance.
There’s Something I Need To Tell You
The metal detective
Staying on topic – I have a fondness for the word espionage. However, I’ve discovered another fitting term to characterize this week’s podcast review – and that word is subterfuge.
“The Signal” unfolds against the backdrop of the Cold War chess game in the early 1960s, an era evoking captivating images of double agents, ciphers, and dimly lit, smokey rooms.
Amidst the cloak of secrecy in this era, the United States also nurtured a newfound fascination with UFOs and extraterrestrial life. It is within this distinctive cultural sandbox that writer Cassie Wells finds her inspiration.
The plot revolves around CIA Agent Swan (Daniel Kaemon), who cunningly outwits everyone he encounters with his sophisticated demeanor and manipulative skills.
Adding to Swan’s intrigue, he is also fluent in Russian, leaving a subtle grey area of uncertainty about which side he truly aligns with. Or is Swan’s MO simply a lone crusade?
Swan embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries of exceptional individuals who claim to hear radio signals in their minds (Radiohead’s) – and no the writer is sadly not referencing the timeless British band.
Managing expectations – don’t expect rapid strides in the plotline pacing within The Signal. It’s not wired that way (pun intended). IMO, this podcast is primarily focused on character development as we delve deeper into their own individual darkened backstories.
This shows sound design is nuanced and finely tuned. What you will come to anticipate is compelling byplay between characters with a myriad of sophisticated monologues amid a backdrop of swallowing static.
Do you need to be a Cold War thriller fan to enjoy The Signal?
The Signal has a plot like a hall of mirrors, that grew on me like bamboo. It offers the listener an unvarnished fictional perspective of when the E.T. rumor wagon was in full swing.
My lone gripe is there wasn’t a killer ’60s soundtrack to accompany this striking audio drama. But hey, guess Realm doesn’t have deep enough pockets for a slice of Paul McCartney…
The Signal is written by Cassie Wells, and co-created by Cassie Wells & Charley Randazzo.
Scores for The Signal – a flawless 5/5
Outliers
Podcast Q&A with Cassie Wells
Podcast submissions – tinthesahara@gmail.com
Inspired by The Signal, I’ve devised my own Morse code transmission for fellow amateur radio operator enthusiasts to decipher below. Never say that my reviews lack interactivity!
Credits
Cassandra Wells & Charley Randazzo Written by Cassandra Wells Produced by Fred Greenhalgh and Marco Palmieri Executive Producers: Cassandra Wells, Daniel Kaemon, Molly Barton, and Julian Yap Directed by Charley Randazzo Post-Production Producer: Daniel Kaemon Production Manager: Devin Shepherd Production Coordinator: Angela Yih Sound Design & Editing: Charley Randazzo Music by Quiet on the Set Additional cover art by Heather Mason Executive in charge for Realm: Mary Assadullahi Starring Daniel Kaemon as Swan Perry King as Colonel Sobek Marta Cross as Becky Adam J. Smith as Phillips and Michaels Tracy Winters as Rosemary and Matron and Dr. Elsa Time Winters as Professor Vanyushin and Farmer Harry Gwillim as Timmy Tom Beyer as Dr. Neely and Attendant Jeff Blumberg as Evan Bell Mark Irvingsen as Norman Thorne and Uncle Cole Jaxon Gwillim as Dr. Foley Jennifer Taub as Nurse and Female Voice and Operator
Tea in the sahara 