Ghost Hunters

For the most part, I really enjoy watching Ghost Hunters. I didn't think Sci Fi would take a chance on something like this, just knowing it could possibly be an hour of just guys in a dark house. But I like the main 'cast' (yeah .. that's not the word I wanted to use).

The Eastern State phantom still bothers me. I don't know what a ghost looks like, but this guy(?) appears to be someone in a black cloak walking towards and away from the camera ... and that's about it. It seems solid and nothing indicates this is a ghost to me. Jason has menioned the odd movement about it and Brain is unable to recreate this on the catwalk. He also mentioned the thing was only four feet tall which is odd because this makes what ... the third or fourth four foot tall entity they've spotted, which is really suspiscious to me. I wonder if there is a small person on the GH payroll!

A reality show that documents the efforts of part-time ghost hunters. The group of individuals, called TAPS, and led by Grant and Jason, Roto-Rooter Plumbers full-time, are called upon to investigate private homes and public buildings by those who believe they are experiencing supernatural phenomenon. The ghost-hunters employ what they perceive as a scientific approach to investigation of the paranormal. Psychics are seldom in accompaniment and cameras and various other recorders and filming devices are used in the examination of the various sites that the Hunters choose to investigate. Given the minimal amount of "scientific" evidence of haunting that is obtained, it is easy to recognize that the show is not completely staged. In fact, the plugs for Roto Rooter and meetings with family members by the investigators are the only obvious staged filming. Oddly enough, the camera personnel often focus on the TAPS members during moments of supernatural occurrence rather than zooming in on the ghostly activities.

The show has soap opera like qualities as much as soap opera has life-like qualities. The show focuses not only on ghost hunting, but also on the personal squabbles and bickering among TAPS members.

The TAPS members are very down-to-earth, but professional and committed to helping those who are alarmed or curious about potential haunts. Its not long that you become acquainted with the central characters, Brian, Steve, Grant, and Jason, and familiar with their personal pitfalls and strengths.

Occasionally the show manifests its quest for ratings, but seldom delivers anything that will make your heart peak the Richter scale. You will either grow to love or hate the characters, and expect disappointment in the way of ghost investigation after repeated viewing.

I remember enjoying this show in the early days, however now it's basically just a new group of marginally employed people standing around in the dark. Now they even have a therapist on the team, I cant imagine its helped her business much, unless shes a pet therapist. I hate to admit it but I actually get more enjoyment from watching the over the top dramatics of ghost adventures.

I liked this show when it first appeared but over the years it has gone downhill and is now not worth watching. I think the reason I liked it at first was because they seemed quite honest and sometimes said they had found nothing at all. They also don't use mediums unlike most other similar shows.

There were a few bits of the early shows that seemed questionable. Grant is clearly a pretty pushy guy and him speaking to other cast members like crap seemed to be something they wanted to highlight for the purposes of drama. I didn't really like that angle. Then there is the whole issue of repetition. They talk to someone. Grant then tells you that he spoke to someone. Then another cast member then sums that up. This is not taking into account all the repeated information you get because of the advert breaks. You also get a sound track over the entire investigation which makes it seem like something is happening.

For me though I started to lose interest after watching their live investigation where a recorded voice growled "You're not supposed to be here!" twice. To anyone impartial that was clearly a recorded voice. Since then every show I've seen has had Brett saying "did you see that?" and of course, we didn't. Off he runs to investigate but alas, despite this happening nearly every episode he's not wearing a headcam or anything so every week golden evidence of the paranormal is lost. You'll just have to take his word for it I suppose.

I think this show started off quite well but turned to pure rubbish. I see it is now officially described as a docu-soap, sounds about right to me.

Compared to all other shows in this genre this one takes the cake so to speak. They are better than all the other ones for one simple reason. This show doesn't go out trying to make things happen just to keep the viewer entertained. TAPS goes out with an objective view to validate their own subjective opinions. If you want to see just the highlights of what they have found, go to the website.

Sure, some episodes come out with nothing at all. But they compliment this with emphasis on genuine character relationships and development (if you watch them in series). Then when you come across some of the episodes where unexplainable (and in some cases unbelievable) things occur, you appreciate them all that more because you know it isn't staged or a hoax. I wish I had the sci-fi channel just for this. I would strongly recommend the DVD's whether your just superstitious or a full fledged hunter yourself.