227 - A Word with Dr. Jones

Dr. Jones would like a word… in private.
Weather: “When a Heart Breaks Slowly“ by Natasha Remi / natasha_remi
The Voice of Dr. Janet Lubelle is Janet Varney
Original episode art by Jessica Hayworth www.jessica-hayworth.com/
Episode transcripts welcometonightvale.com/transcr...
Our newest podcast, UNLICENSED, is out now! audible.com/unlicensed
Patreon is how we exist! If you can, please help us keep making this show. / welcometonightvale
Music: Disparition disparition.bandcamp.com
Logo: Rob Wilson robwilsonwork.com
Written by Joseph Fink & Jeffrey Cranor
Narrated by Cecil Baldwin
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Check out our books, live shows, store, membership program, and official recap show at welcometonightvale.com
A production of Night Vale Presents. nightvalepresents.com

[@chillsahoy2640]

For a moment I thought Dr Lubelle was going to actually give us the weather. I was getting ready to throw stones at her and yell "INTERLOPER!" because naturally, it is illegal to acknowledge meteorological events.

[@acrowdofpeople]

I find it upsetting that these scientists are trying to explain away Night Vale, rather than trying to understand it.

[@HoodieHorizon]

my heart sunk when Dr. Lubelle appeared

[@flareinc7413]

Same. O.o

[@madsellers4933]

By putting her will at the center of objective science, Dr. Lubelle is inherently acting on her own subjective, emotional experience. Science would say she's lost her objectivity and needs to be replaced.

[@zehsackett6132]

Science doesn't say anything. It's a practice, not a philosophy. Scientists are no more objective than journalists or lawyers.

[@jamesclark6864]

@@zehsackett6132 True, but there are already notable differences between Dr. Lubelle's practice and how science is actually done. There was no consent given for tests on sentient subjects, which is a failure to adhere to professional ethical standards, and no report released of the procedure used to arrive at the conclusions she reached.

[@mezzorosebane92]

I actually caught myself yelling at my phone while doing the dishes when I heard her....man...im ready to see her reign end

[@emma_loomis]

I didn't think I had anger issues untill "dOctOr" Lubelle invaded this broadcast

[@Airress]

Her finally pointing out the obvious did it for me.

[@umbreon013]

Just the title spiked my blood pressure, the description didn't make me feel any better. Fun!

[@TideKeeper]

CHILLS from this episode, omg...

[@Msliliheart]

Cecil is so, someone give our beloved reporter a hug, he believes that everyone can be good but I know from the start that this entire thing is a trap. And now they got Cecil and the radio station. Nauuurrrr

[@TomMcMorrow]

This return to the season long Big Bad has been missing for quite some time and I can't tell you how overjoyed I am to see it! I have no idea what's going to happen to Night Vale. I hate Doctor Lubelle passionately and that's a compliment. Excellent villain you've created!

[@martinalarroza5835]

i finally catch up and was really looking forward to hear cecil say good night, night vale good night before i went to bed, dr lubbele you ruined that for me >:(

[@rebs2333]

Omg I tried so hard to imagine an evil doctor talking, but I couldn't stop picturing an evil Korra.

[@thenameless2379]

Korra fused with vaatuu

[@thistlefield24]

Kuvira?

[@kayladonovan3278]

carlos please we need you buddy. save cecil and night vale

[@galladegamerletsplays]

NEVER tell a secret to Cecil

[@ashlingrey]

I can tell Cecil really enjoys reading the ads for food, water, and air

[@Q-werty30]

i got to this point because i was confused on how a faceless radio show man beat sans undertale in the Tumblr TumblrSexyMan competition (you know the one actually hosted on Tumblr) so I decided to binge this series….. You could say I got over attached … I’m not gonna see this town get “explained away” so fast. I’ll see this radio show through until the very atoms of our universe die out… And I hope you do too.

[@Salamander2153]

Obligatory 'just caught up with night vale!' comment incoming! But fr I discovered this podcast a few months ago (only 10 years late, but better late than never!) It's been so enjoyable and gotten me through the most draining work shifts! I'm celebrating with newly bought merch >:) gonna feel weird waiting for new episodes to release, can't wait to see where this arc goes!

[@DANGERINTHEFALLS]

I really liked how he spoke. His moving words have inspired me to become a medic. Thank you for this moving moment.

[@SirSadness]

I just want to see Lubelle trying to explaing Cecil. I want to see her go insane.

[@flareinc7413]

I really thought Strexcorp or That Beagle were bad.... This woman is horrifying. Hope Night Vale will return to normal once this woman is disposed of. (Amazing voice acting btw)

[@lilaboxx]

I can't wait to see how they defeat her

[@flareinc7413]

@@lilaboxx Hell yes!

[@Rosales3269]

I started this series halfway last year. What's the story behind those two things?

[@flareinc7413]

@@Rosales3269 Strexcorp was the BBEG of season 2 and iirc 3 and was a terrifying corporation led by Kevin who took parts of his ideas from the Smiling God. The Beagle was.... Season 4? I think. It was a terrifying demon...thing. Hard to describe.

[@jamesstonehaus6187]

Look around you. Look inside you. Go to sleep.

[@sleepyselkiesiren]

By far the most fear-inspiring footsteps I've ever heard!

[@candlelit33]

my heartrate, upon seeing this title, increased so much

[@hailtothegeeks]

I'm freaking out

[@canteventhough]

I'm terrified for Cecil. And for city council.

[@amandas8266]

Anyone else getting Strex vibes from the University?

[@justeundonut-moi.7979]

It's even worse than Strex honestly

[@amandas8266]

@@justeundonut-moi.7979 True, at least Desert Bluffs, no matter how much they suck, had their own brand of strange.

[@thenameless2379]

WHAT IS DR. LOUBELLE GONNA DO?! "SCIENCE BEND" NIGHT VALE! That's a "Legend" 💜🤘

[@thepresence365]

What an episode to catch up on! I found Night Vale during the first lockdown. It is wonderful, terrifying, smart, and beautiful. I could say more, but all I can think right now (as I am about to walk into work) is: Cecil!!!!!!

[@gamingvampireking1704]

All Hail the Mighty Glow Cloud

[@alexnorton6850]

I will continue to believe even if night vale residence cant

[@lilaboxx]

ALL HAIL

[@b1merio]

Janet Varney is so much fun as Dr. Lubelle.

[@juliegolick]

Hot Take: Dr. Lubelle is the Dolores Umbridge of Nightvale

[@adrienne-ukulelecraftsandm559]

Oh my god that’s brilliant

[@dracorex426]

Read Another Book

[@juliegolick]

@@dracorex426 Valid point. I try not to reference anything H.P. anymore, and I definitely don't give money to any H.P. intellectual property at this point, but I figured the "Dolores Umbridge" comparison was too on the nose. Rowling is the TERFiest TERF and I am 100% on board with the "read literally any other book" message.

[@MerewHereret]

Someone call an exterminator. There's a sentient pile of roaches in the booth and they're skittering all over the sound board.

[@panth753]

Time to fight for Night Vale

[@felixcosm]

Goddamnit it Cecil, why do you have to be so trusting. But I'm very eager to see where this takes us next! Janet is terrifying and infuriating but so cool

[@milonotsponsored]

they are going to massacre my boy :((((

[@dracorex426]

Murder wasn't a crime in Nightvale until after the Sandstorm.

[@jessicapriester8861]

This podcast is full of so many interesting conflicts besides Good vs Evil. I can't think of anything else that has put a spotlight on the kind of black and white thinking represented by the University of What It Is. Can't wait to hear how this season pans out!

[@jessicahanlon6742]

I KNEW that the smarmy, dispicable voice of Dr. Lubelle sounded familiar! I don't think I will ever hear Janet Varney the same way. 😆

[@iliketoeatbatteries8122]

Every part of this episode after the weather made me sob

[@galladegamerletsplays]

finally. I've watched EVERY SINGLE episode...well except for the 7 bonus episodes but besides that IT'S OVER...well for now BUT

[@pizzaridergaming5315]

Oh no 😮

[@SiiriCressey]

The weather was appropriate.

[@cameronsmith3047]

This means war

[@hawk222]

15:42 *FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE HAS BEEN TRIGGERED*

[@obsidian0dragon269]

I thought she was going to "explain the weather" for a second >.< Phew Edit: I was wrong

[@Leoniscordis]

The more sinister question I have is.... what happened to Dr. Kayali? What did the university do to her...

[@peebeejay8213]

Get off our radio Dr. Lubelle! No scientist losers allowed >:(

[@lilaboxx]

How did Cecil know I'm spring cleaning today

[@ronin-reverie]

HOW DARE!

[@MorganRenfield]

It's that time again

[@Gothhippie667]

The most Firesign Theater episode yet!!!

[@TheOwlHat]

gods i wish i knew where i left off of you

[@khaosB47]

Is anyone else super behind the series now? I'm wondering if I should start all over again :/

[@redbirdmatches6881]

Yeah I wonder how long its gonna take me but it’s probably worth it i miss these soothing vibes ✨

[@cartoonking1789]

I think it’s worth it, I got into this series about a year ago and I had a huge backlog to get through, but it was worth it😊

[@thenameless2379]

I'm very behind

[@alexnorton6850]

I find starting at each year is a good place when I haven't listened in a while 💞 that's where major plot points usually start

[@dracorex426]

15:26 Well that was a short episode. Weird that there's so much time left.

[@caleightilson8030]

Does this mean we won't be getting anymore weather music? Since she explained that it wasn't weather?

[@truantverreaux5483]

what happened to the audio quality? i was just checking on this episode out of curiosity cause im listening to the older ones and for some reason the voice sounds, a bit less easy to hear then the older recordings

[@noahg6024]

She almost had a point, but then became a megalomaniac.

[@pareidolist]

If I had a nickel...

[@Msliliheart]

Also her voice is so beautiful, gdi, I dislike her character but her voice is just *chef's kiss*

[@galladegamerletsplays]

no you CAN'T just end it on a shows over you CANNOT do that

[@SiiriCressey]

15:42 GRRRRRRRRRRR EVERYBODY HATE NOW

[@zacwolfe6701]

Future episodes must be without Weather for continuity. Good in-universe send off, I hope Unlicensed is successful.

[@lilaboxx]

I think this wont be permanent, I guess they'll return to some status quo after Dr Lubelle is defeated

[@jamesstonehaus6187]

This felt weirdly like science denial by the writers.

[@Sekhubara]

My hypothesis: Cecil was in a car accident ten years ago and currently lays in a coma. Night Vale is his brain's way of making sense of his reality. The University of What It Is is actually the medical staff in the real world trying to wake him up, which his mind interprets as slowly destroying Night Vale.

[@adrienne-ukulelecraftsandm559]

Why would you do this ? :( /nm

[@Sekhubara]

@adrienne-ukulelecraftsandm559 Oh... I just realised this is something the University of What It Is would say. Sorry... :(

[@JosiahSBriney]

200th veiw1

[@Indykitty1]

Nah just go back and forth non linerarly

[@tohitarmorclass0846]

The university of what it is arc is ruining this show

[@zacwolfe6701]

Might be in-universe ending. The podcast has been on for 10+ years

[@wilan6340]

I genuinely find it the most interesting thing that's happened to this story in a long time. This story has been going on for a VERY long time now and at some point new episodes kinda started feeling like reheated status quo. This University arc is shaking things up like nothing else and legit feels like a threat. It feels like a reverse descent into madness, an... ascent into logic. I hope they don't magically undo the damage they caused and that the characters they explained away will stay explained.

[@lilaboxx]

​@@zacwolfe6701 I don't think so, I think they wouldn't just let it end without announcing that it's the final "season", there were threats to night vale before but despite this one being more serious I think they can resolve it

[@fauxclaws]

I don't know why everyone keeps saying that, this is the best arc we've had in awhile, it finally feels like there's real stakes to get invested in like the strexcorp arc.

[@ErurainonTheWhite]

Janet sounds and acts like Kamala Harris. She’s just as bad for Night Vale as Harris is for the US.