Very minor witherburn theory:
Mr. Pickler is a family friend of the reporter.
My evidence:
- in most episodes, the monster of the week is brought to us by mr Pickler. She also after recounting his claims often gently teases him for it, however mr Pickler never seems to take offence in it, kind of like he knows it’s not from a place of malice, but a place of joking around, so the reporter clearly feels comfortable poking fun at him knowing it wouldn’t make him upset
- the reporter also frequently states concern for his well-being when theorizing what he really experienced in monster of the week, worrying for his safety, sleep, mental state, and health, and while the reporter is a compassionate person, she clearly does worry about mr Pickler
- unlike her interview with dyce, which was via call to protect her identity, the reporter felt comfortable interviewing mr Pickler in person, meaning she felt comfortable with him knowing she does the show, her face, and her name, as shown when he also almost said her real name at the beginning of the interview, before correcting himself and saying “the reporter” in a slightly amused tone, like indulging in his friend’s kid’s passion project
- in that same interview, when she gets anxious about the pieces she’s putting together, mr Pickler is quick to reassure her that he and the town has her back, and says that these are the people who raised her, and while he might just be referring to the community, it could be hinting to it. Also she’s more comfortable with him knowing she’s the reporter than her parents, kind of like going to an uncle instead of your parents when you’re need to talk through something that they would just scold you for
Then again I could just be desperately reaching for a theory while I claw at the walls of my enclosure waiting for season two
