A murder search intensifies in Night Vale’s “The Collection Plate”
This preview is based only on the published show notes. Episode 289, “The Collection Plate,” centers on the search for Marcus Vanston’s killer as it heats up, with featured voices including Jeffrey Cranor and Meg Bashwiner in a Night Vale Presents production.
**Preview based on the published show notes, not a recap of the audio.** If you’re deciding whether to queue up **“The Collection Plate,”** the clearest draw is right in the episode description: **the search for Marcus Vanston’s killer heats up**. That suggests a more plot-forward installment, likely appealing to listeners who enjoy *Welcome to Night Vale* when its ongoing mysteries move into sharper focus. The notes also highlight a few featured performers: **Jeffrey Cranor** as **Harrison Kip** and **Meg Bashwiner** as **Deb**, with **Cecil Baldwin** narrating. For longtime listeners, that may be a useful clue that familiar voices and character dynamics are part of the episode’s appeal, even though the notes don’t reveal how those roles fit into the story. As usual, the episode includes a **Weather** track, here listed as **“Farting Around Is My Favorite” by St. Alia of the Knife**, plus music by **Disparition**. The show notes also credit the writing team—**Joseph Fink, Jeffrey Cranor, and Brie Williams**—and mention original episode art by **Jessica Hayworth**. If you’re looking for a spoiler-free reason to listen, this seems like a good pick for anyone following Night Vale’s current mystery thread or wanting an episode that promises rising tension without the notes giving away the outcome. If you prefer standalone weirdness over serialized developments, the murder-investigation setup may be the main factor in your decision.
About this episode
289 - The Collection Plate The search for Marcus Vanston's killer heats up. Weather: "Farting Around Is My Favorite" by St. Alia of the Knife The voice of Harrison Kip is Jeffrey Cranor The voice of Deb is Meg Bashwiner Original episode art by Jessica Hayworth Episode transcripts Pre-order THE NUDGE by Joseph Fink Listen to UNLICENSED by Joseph Fink & Jeffrey Cranor. Only on Audible Welcome to Night Vale Roleplaying Game Subscribe to the Night Vale newsletter for news and stories Patreon is how we exist! Music: Disparition Logo: Rob Wilson Written by Joseph Fink, Jeffrey Cranor & Brie Williams Narrated by Cecil Baldwin Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, TikTok, Tumblr, and Instagram A production of Night Vale Presents Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices