Plot Summary of *Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction* – “The Scoop”
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when an ambitious journalist crosses paths with a volcano and a mysterious scoop, then you’re in for a treat. In the segment “The Scoop” from the show *Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction*, we delve into the uncanny story of a local newspaper crew that gets more than they bargained for. This episode has all the elements of a classic mystery with an added twist of supernatural uncertainty.
The Story Begins: Enter the Volcano
Our story kicks off with a scene that will make any journalist’s adrenaline spike—a massive, long-dormant volcano is threatening to erupt near a small town. Naturally, this brings a flood of reporters eager to cover the drama. But the newspaper crew at the local office isn’t exactly biting their nails with excitement. They’re a seasoned bunch, slightly jaded, and skeptical about whether this volcano will really do anything at all.
**Wally**, played by the ever-sarcastic and skeptical **D.C. Douglas**, is one of those newspaper staffers who isn’t easily impressed. He’s the kind of guy who rolls his eyes at conspiracy theories, scoffs at rumors, and considers himself a champion of truth (which is ironic considering the premise of *Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction*). He’s got that typical newspaper guy attitude: if it isn’t printed in ink, it isn’t real.
The Mysterious Scoop
Amid all the excitement about the volcano, a strange man arrives at the newspaper office. He offers an inside scoop about the volcano—claiming to have information no one else knows. Naturally, Wally, being the eternal skeptic, dismisses this as nonsense. “If this guy knew anything about volcanoes, he wouldn’t be here telling us. He’d be on TV,” Wally quips. (Classic Wally.)
Mark, the more impressionable reporter, however, is intrigued. He’s got that youthful ambition, and this scoop seems too good to pass up. Against Wally’s advice, Mark decides to follow up on the mysterious man’s tip. The scoop leads him to a hidden part of the mountain where something bizarre happens—details are unclear, but Mark returns shaken to the core, convinced something otherworldly is at play.
Wally’s Skepticism Cracks
As the plot unfolds, things start getting weirder around the office. Small tremors shake the building, odd occurrences pile up, and even Wally starts to wonder if maybe there’s more to this volcanic story than meets the eye. The editor tries to keep the staff calm, while Diane is ready to head for the hills.
At one point, Wally delivers one of the best lines of the segment: “If this is a scoop, I’d like my news served cold. I don’t do hot lava.” Despite his bravado, Wally can’t help but notice how things start aligning with the stranger’s cryptic warning. Perhaps this scoop is worth more than just tomorrow’s headlines—it could be a literal life-saver.
The Climactic Eruption
In true *Beyond Belief* fashion, the tension builds until a dramatic climax. The volcano, which had been showing minimal signs of life, suddenly erupts! The newspaper office is in chaos, and the crew has to scramble for safety. As they make their escape, Mark reveals that the mysterious man’s scoop had led him to a shelter—a place where they can wait out the destruction. Coincidence? Fate? Or maybe… something else?
Wally, of course, can’t help but throw in one last snarky comment about how he “always knew the volcano was a bad idea.” But deep down, even he realizes that something strange, perhaps supernatural, had just transpired.
Fact or Fiction?
As with all episodes of *Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction*, viewers are left guessing whether “The Scoop” was based on a true story or if it was a total fabrication. The segment wraps with host **Jonathan Frakes** teasing the audience, as usual, leaving you scratching your head. Could such an eerie coincidence actually happen? Could a journalist’s skepticism be melted away by lava and mystery? You be the judge.
Conclusion: A Fiery Tale with a Skeptical Twist
“The Scoop” is one of those episodes that perfectly blends the show’s core elements of mystery, humor, and a dash of the supernatural. **D.C. Douglas**’s portrayal of Wally adds a layer of dry wit to the story, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. The cast, led by **John Hostetter** and **Tracy Fraim**, does a fantastic job of keeping the tension alive while delivering a fun narrative that leaves viewers pondering the line between fact and fiction.
So, was this story true, or just a clever piece of fiction? That’s for you to decide. But if you ask Wally, well, he’d probably still be skeptical.
