249 - Rifts
Digest
This episode of Welcome to Night Vale begins with Cecil Baldwin, the show's host, updating listeners on the town cleansing project, a citywide cleanup event sponsored by Mother Lauren. Mother Lauren has been transforming Night Vale, rearranging buildings and people's hearts and minds with beams of amber light. The episode highlights the changes in Kevin, the boy from Grove Park, who has grown up significantly under Mother Lauren's influence. Meanwhile, the portal in Carlos's lab is making a hissing noise, and a figure emerges from it - Kevin, who is not smiling and seems to be waiting for something. The episode culminates in a confrontation between Kevin and his younger self, with Mother Lauren intervening. The library tweens, who previously vanquished the villainous librarians, arrive to confront Mother Lauren, leading to a chaotic battle that divides the town. The episode ends with Cecil describing the chaos and uncertainty of the situation, leaving listeners to wonder what will happen next.
Outlines
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Welcome to Night Vale
This Chapter begins with Cecil Baldwin, the show's host, welcoming listeners to Night Vale and providing updates on the town cleansing project, a citywide cleanup event sponsored by Mother Lauren. Mother Lauren has been transforming Night Vale, rearranging buildings and people's hearts and minds with beams of amber light. The episode highlights the changes in Kevin, the boy from Grove Park, who has grown up significantly under Mother Lauren's influence.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Town Cleansing Project
This Chapter focuses on the town cleansing project, a citywide cleanup event sponsored by Mother Lauren. Mother Lauren has been transforming Night Vale, rearranging buildings and people's hearts and minds with beams of amber light. The episode highlights the changes in Kevin, the boy from Grove Park, who has grown up significantly under Mother Lauren's influence.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Charities for a Smiling God
This Chapter features a public service announcement for Charities for a Smiling God, a local nonprofit organization that collects old weapons for charitable reasons. The announcement emphasizes the importance of teeth and the organization's constant surveillance.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Kevin's Return
This Chapter focuses on the return of Kevin, who has stepped through the portal in Carlos's lab and is now facing off against his younger self. The episode culminates in a chaotic battle that divides the town, with Mother Lauren intervening and the library tweens arriving to confront her.
Keywords
Mother Lauren
A mysterious and powerful figure who arrived in Night Vale from a desert other world. She has been transforming the town, rearranging buildings and people's hearts and minds with beams of amber light. She is a strange benefactress who has taken Kevin under her wing and is a central figure in the town cleansing project.
Kevin
A character in Welcome to Night Vale who has undergone significant changes under Mother Lauren's influence. He is now an older, taller, and more mature version of his former self, the boy from Grove Park. He is also known as Kevin from Desert Bluffs. He is a central figure in the episode, facing off against his younger self and playing a key role in the town's transformation.
Town Cleansing Project
A citywide cleanup event sponsored by Mother Lauren. It involves rearranging buildings and people's hearts and minds with beams of amber light. The project has caused upheaval and unrest in Night Vale, leading to the creation of smiling God worship centers and the emergence of new factions in the town.
Library Tweens
A group of three children, Alejandro Núñez, Ronnie Sharma, and Nonaco Barnes, who previously vanquished the villainous librarians at the East Side Branch opening. They are now on summer break and have returned to confront Mother Lauren, playing a key role in the chaotic battle that unfolds in the episode.
Portal
A mysterious portal located in Carlos's lab. It has been making a hissing noise and has allowed Kevin to travel between realities. The portal is a source of tension and uncertainty in the episode, as it represents a connection to other worlds and the potential for further disruptions in Night Vale.
Q&A
What is the town cleansing project and who is behind it?
The town cleansing project is a citywide cleanup event sponsored by Mother Lauren, a mysterious and powerful figure who arrived in Night Vale from a desert other world. She is transforming the town, rearranging buildings and people's hearts and minds with beams of amber light.
What has happened to Kevin, the boy from Grove Park?
Kevin has grown up significantly under Mother Lauren's influence. He is now an older, taller, and more mature version of his former self. He is also known as Kevin from Desert Bluffs. He is a central figure in the episode, facing off against his younger self and playing a key role in the town's transformation.
What is the significance of the portal in Carlos's lab?
The portal is a mysterious connection to other worlds. It has been making a hissing noise and has allowed Kevin to travel between realities. The portal is a source of tension and uncertainty in the episode, as it represents a potential for further disruptions in Night Vale.
Who are the library tweens and what role do they play in the episode?
The library tweens are a group of three children, Alejandro Núñez, Ronnie Sharma, and Nonaco Barnes, who previously vanquished the villainous librarians at the East Side Branch opening. They are now on summer break and have returned to confront Mother Lauren, playing a key role in the chaotic battle that unfolds in the episode.
What is the overall atmosphere of the episode?
The episode is filled with tension, uncertainty, and a sense of impending chaos. The town cleansing project, Kevin's return, and the emergence of new factions have created a volatile situation in Night Vale, leaving listeners to wonder what will happen next.
Show Notes
Mother Lauren begins a city-wide cleanup.
Weather: “Freak Flip“ by Lafayette The Artist
The voice of Tamika Flynn is Symphony Sanders
Original episode art by Jessica Hayworth
Patreon is how we exist! If you can, please help us keep making this show.
Music: Disparition
Logo: Rob Wilson
Written by Joseph Fink, Jeffrey Cranor & Brie Williams
Narrated by Cecil Baldwin
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