Shadows of Doubt (webcast)

Shadows of Doubt was a P.R.O.B.E. webcast first released in 2020 via YouTube. It was the first story released in the series since 2015's When to Die, just over five years prior. It also featured the return of Giles from that story, now serving as director of the organisation.

The story served as a prelude to the Arcbeatle Press anthology Out of the Shadows, although it was set during the anthology.

Plot
Giles records another case file. He notes that, while it doesn't feel like it, he has run P.R.O.B.E. for the past five years—and "five years of recording these too". He hesitates, before bringing up a pressing issue; perihelion is approaching, and he states that he needs to get the team, and himself, ready, as they have no idea what lurks in "that reservoir of evil". He mentions that, all across London, "dark forces are gathering", and that he knows it's all linked to perihelion, and P.R.O.B.E. are probably the only ones who can stop it.

He expresses his concerns over his team, how Tasha is failing to get along with everyone, how Maxie still hasn't got used to life on Earth, and he concludes, by saying that "they could do with all the help they can get". He goes onto say how Agamya is intent on not talking to him but can tell that she is worried, deep down, and that he can't fail her, as he considers her to be his best friend, even if it isn't reciprocated. Giles feels that due to how soon Az joined, he isn't trained well enough to take on the preternatural. He voices resolve to not fail them, to not lose them.

He addresses himself, telling himself that "this ritual of self-indulgance needs to stop", that he needs to stop talking to himself; however, he tells himself that he's got this, that despite his lack of confidence, and that he needs the same faith in himself as the faith Haggard had in him when she put him in charge of P.R.O.B.E.. He affirms that P.R.O.B.E. can handle anything—so long as they're properly funded—and he tells himself to take a deep breath, and get ready and not be late.


 * "Perihelion is waiting."

Cast

 * Giles - Bill Baggs

Characters

 * Tasha
 * Maxie
 * Agamya
 * Az
 * Haggard

Crew

 * Writer - Hunter O'Connell, James Wylder, James Hornby
 * Initial concept - Aristide Twain
 * Editing - Callum Brown

Worldbuilding

 * It has been five years since Giles took over the Preternatural Research Bureau. Haggard put him in charge.
 * Tasha, Maxie, Agamya, and Az are members of P.R.O.B.E..
 * Giles mentions he lost someone called Archie.

Story notes

 * This story marks the first webcast in the P.R.O.B.E. series. All prior releases had been either direct-to-VHS or direct-to-DVD.
 * This story also marks the first in the series to be produced by Arcbeatle Press and is therefore also the first not released by BBV Productions.

Continuity

 * The reservoir of evil is once again becoming a threat due to the upcoming perihelion. (HOMEVID: The Zero Imperative, PROSE: Preternatural Days, et al.)
 * Giles mentions that Liz Haggard put him in charge of P.R.O.B.E.. (PROSE: A Worthy Successor)
 * Maxie is still getting used to Earth, (PROSE: She Came From Another World!) and Az is still new to the team. (PROSE: Preternatural Days)