Without his familiar surroundings he’s a broken figure, hiding with his old friend Georgie Baker, still clinging to his routine of recording statements. Someone knows where he’s hiding and is supplying him with records and tapes from the archive. But why?

This season follows a split narrative structure. The show’s producer, director and fellow actor, Alexander J Newell, plays the archivist Martin Blackwood, who is trying to hold things together back at the Institute in Jonathan’s absence. Moving away from the more familiar format of the first two seasons was a risk, as this has always been Sims’ show. However, I think this move pays off as it allows the other characters to shine.

Another change, which I believe was down to increased funding for the show which allowed Rusty Quill to expand the cast, is the addition of more female characters

Newell’s performance as Martin is always enjoyable and we really get to know him in season three, balancing his growing fear at what he learns at the Institute with his strength of character and determination to do the right thing. In contrast, the normally so reliable Tim Stoker is struggling to cope and feels completely trapped, whilst mild mannered Elias Bouchard becomes increasingly terrifying.

Another change, which I believe was down to increased funding for the show which allowed Rusty Quill to expand the cast, is the addition of more female characters, such as Daisy and Basira. This definitely gives the show much more balance. Melanie King makes a return as well and is recruited by Elias to join the Institute. Her first recorded statement, Episode 86: Tucked In, is very powerful and will remind you of every childhood fear you ever had!

We have more Gertrude Robinson episodes too, which are always welcome. These provide more insight into what took place before Sims became Head Archivist, as well as hinting at future challenges to come.

There are so many standout episodes in this season, which (without giving anything away) takes place in a number of geographical locations, providing more variety for the story. These range from the humorous Episode 100: I Guess You Had To Be There to the thoroughly disturbing Episode 103: Pig. Episode 109: Nightfall also won the UK’s annual prize for the best use of the phrase “rancid treacle” three years running.

The challenge with a complex multi-layered series like this is balancing the pace at which certain facts are revealed with maintaining a level of mystery to keep the listener intrigued. Sims is such a good writer and he gets this balance perfectly right, and the result is the best season so far. Particularly impressive is how, even when answers are finally given to certain elements teased since season one, the result is actually one of greater unease. Episode 111: Family Business is a perfect example, and probably my favourite episode of the entire season.

Overall, season three improves on every single aspect of what made The Magnus Archives such a great show to begin with. There are still two more seasons left and I have absolutely no idea what is going to happen next. I’m looking forward to finding out!