diff --git a/scripts/stage3_worker.py b/scripts/stage3_worker.py
index 2f8f6b2..bc4bc6e 100644
--- a/scripts/stage3_worker.py
+++ b/scripts/stage3_worker.py
@@ -107,7 +107,8 @@ def ingest_to_graphiti(source, full_text, orientation):
         payload = {"episodes": episodes, "group_id": "aaron", "saga": source}
 
     resp = requests.post(f"{GRAPHITI_URL}/episodes/bulk", json=payload, timeout=INGEST_TIMEOUT)
-    resp.raise_for_status()
+    if not resp.ok:
+        raise RuntimeError(f"Sidecar {resp.status_code}: {resp.text[:500]}")
     return resp.json()