Paranormal State - on A&E

My first impression was not a good one. The show has a weak structure about it. The directors log thing the host does is very annoying. The show in my opinion is navigating the viewers to feel some sort of mystery involving this 'Demon" the host is so afraid to talk about. The cleansing of the house towards the ending is focused on one faith, what if the 'Demons" are Islamic, or Hindu? In my opinion, the show is without a doubt "CHESSY".

Originally posted by ChilledVoodoo
I really hated the narrators voice like he was talking through a two-way on a nextel. After watching it last night though, I Cant wait to watch it next week!

The voice bothered me at first as well, until at the end I realized he was using a personal tape recorder/voice recorder for taking notes. They then used these notes thoughout the show.

Still irritating, but it explains it for me.

reply to post by Grailkeeper


I love this show! To me, it has surpassed Ghost Hunters, (and all other paranormal shows) by far. I really find it hard to deny what the little boy was saying (and seeing) in the premire episode... Just my opinion, but so far I am definately impressed. If you haven't seen it yet, it's worth checking out!!!

I give it a 9 on the "goose bumps" scale. The episode on tonight about the trailer park family was creepy. I've never heard of that B****L demon but I'm not gonna type it or say it out loud,,,,ever......!

What the heck did Ryan do to piss this demon off?

So far I like it pretty well and it seems exciting. I'm sad it's going to be off for a while cause of the holiday's but it's understandable that they want their viewers and ratings and all. Only thing I don't like is how they use Catholic beliefs in it but I guess as long as it gets the job done. Only thing I disagree with them on is how they think because you say a spirit's name that gives them power. I don't agree with that at all from my experiences. Negative spirits feed on your energy and fear etc. I know throughout time I've had a bunch of name's. I do like though how they have different people in the group though. I still love "Ghost Hunters" too of course.

You bring up a lot of good points. One thing I like about "Ghost Hunters" that you don't get with this is they give people evidence or don't if they happen to not get anything. This group doesn't try too hard it seems to get any type of evidence. You don't see them doing evp work or anything. As you mentioned you're just supposed to "trust" them. And yea I noticed on last nights episode it does seem to be about this main guy and his "demon" battle like they're going to build up to something for the season finale. So far they've used a lot of the Catholic people and this is the first time we got to meet the pagan girl and she didn't really do much in the episode like be a part really of the investigation. You also don't really see them talk much about their evidence or lack there of as you do on "Ghost Hunters." I like that about them and they send the owner they're helping away from the property and do their thing for at least half of the night. These people don't seem like they stay there very long. Either that or they just don't show it to us all cause of time. I'm still probably going to watch just to see what else they do. And on the boy and the holy water yeah I didn't like that either cause you don't really need holy water. I would've asked permission of the parents to put a shield around the boy and left instructions for when he's older on if he wanted it removed. Or at least put a shield around the house if they wanted and told them how to do it if they needed to with their son.

Originally posted by Comma8Comma1
I just finished watching both episodes of PS and all I can say is WOW!
What a piece of garbage. I really don't know where to begin. I'll still give it a try though.

No Evidence, none, nada, zip. You must throw your trust in the word of the host that he's been having dreams of a particular "demon" that for some reason no one can say it's name because of the "bad things" that will come to the person that does so.

This show should be aired on something like DayStar or one of those born again networks. The host incessantly preaches of fighting evil with the bible and at the end of the first episode hands this obviously troubled kid a plastic bottle of "holy water" in case things get out of hand when the "team" leaves. And speaking of his team; you have a couple of lazy college girls who stare blankly as if asking themselves "I dont need a college credit THIS bad".

The show is obviously about the host, NOT the families, or people in need of help. It's constantly referring to HIM and HIS dreams and that HE is some kind of warrior for god or some other BS. The best part is, you don't have any reveal at the end, you just have to wait until next week to see if the host will reveal this demon that he's been dreaming about for weeks.

Well, there ya have it. Yeah, yeah I know my argument isn't that well thought out but Im trying to convey my initial reaction after having just turned off the TV. This was a poorly executed show (with a self absorbed "host") that barely disguises itself as a jesus camp infomercial.

I really wanted this to be good, but Ghost Hunters (flaws and all) IMO still retains the crown.

Isn't the name supposed to be Belthazar (sp?) or something like that? I don't know why but the name seems familiar like from a cartoon or something. And yeah I noticed that about his smile too. It was so timed.

Originally posted by sandman441
Wow that's kind of incredible and scary at the same time. I agree that they should make the show an hour instead of 30 minutes because time flew and before I knew it the show was over. They did show the demons name and I guess some people picked it up. I can't remember the name but supposedly he is Satan's second in command. His name is Bel something or another. I'll probably keep watching it.

[edit on 18-12-2007 by SouthernBelle82]

It's not the words that matter it's the energy and intent behind it. I've dealt with negative spirits plenty of times and only one time I've used a spell and it seemed to help with focus with the energy but that's generally it. Same thing with reading the Bible.

Originally posted by jbondo
I watched last night and the impression I got was that the little boys problems probably stem from the mother.

At one point they are sitting in the dark and the mother says that something is here. The host asks what is it and she replies, "nothing good" and bam! It hit me like a ton of bricks! That's exactly what the little boy said at the beginning of the show. I think allot of what's happening with him is directly related to the mothers belief system and she is bleeding this stuff down to him.

As for picking out the guy in the picture, I don't know if that is legitimate or not but I will say that it would seem as though the host is trying to help and he did in this case.

What other way to fight evil than with God's Word. I guess some would rather the evil stayed around for their amusement.

All in all I'd say it look OK as long as they don't feel pressured to make the shows more than they are.

Ah so I guess I was wrong on the name. Whoops. Heh heh. But if this guy does exist and is this highpower demon why would he be following this guy? Doesn't he have lower demons for that? I've dealt with bad spirits before and they were always lower spirits except one where I had to have help from Michael.

Originally posted by MurderCityDevil
after watching it, I looked up the name of the demon he was talking about after deciphering the lettering that was going back and forth in red and mixng up fast

the name was

Belial
(also Belhor, Baalial, Beliar, Belias , Beliall, Beliel; from Hebrew בְּלִיַּ֫עַל Bəliyyáʻal; also named Matanbuchus, Mechembuchus, Meterbuchus in older scripts) is an evil being in Jewish apocrypha, and also a term used to characterise the wicked or worthless.

The etymology of word is uncertain but is most commonly translated as "without worth".[1] Some scholars translate it from Hebrew as "worthless" (Beli yo'il), while others translate it as "yokeless" (Beli ol), "may have no rising" (Belial) or "never to rise" (Beli ya'al). Only a few etymologists have assumed it to be a proper name from the start.[2] In the Book of Jubilees, uncircumcised heathens are called "sons of Belial".

In the Goetia, Belial is said to be very respectful. Belial is also the demon of lies and guilt. As a Prince of Hell, he commands 80 Legions of Demons and is specifically the Prince reigning over the Northern Reaches of Hell. He controls the element of earth and reigns over the Earth Elementals (earth demons.) The other princes of Hell include: Olias, Asmoday, and Vassago

I find it hard to believe a prince of hell is following this guy or for that matter in that house

but what can you do

the suspense wasnt that great and the proof was crap

Well, I wasn't too keen on last nites episode.

The trailer park episode lacked credibility. I didn't find the people all that believable. Not blaming the crew, they work with what they get apparently, just found their story/situation a little to easy to fabricate.


Still like the show and will continue to watch, but it just didn't have the 'Awe' factor I found in the first one.

And again, as someone has mentioned the 'Evidence' evaluation gone a stray. My thoughts on this are that they are trying more to focus on the Paranormal situations they are in, rather than if they are real.

The Crew/Team obviously believe in the paranormal, so I think their goal may not be to prove it to anyone, just to live the mystery.

The motion detectors were a nice addition, but not a 'Hands down' piece of evidence.


That.... or they just can't get anything remotely close to evidence.

Preview for the next show looks interesting, I'll wait the two weeks and see what happens.

reply to post by SouthernBelle82


Honey,

I have no idea what you are talking about. with the voice thing and spells. Furthermore I don't think you are understanding what I was relating there n that the child could be merely picking up on his mothers beliefs and parroting her.

Furthermore you mention Catholic beliefs in another post. What makes you think it's Catholic and not Christian? As a Christian I have done cleansings before and that is exactly what they were doing in that episode. However, if I'm missing something Catholic please point it out for me. I could have very well missed something.

Grail,

I believe you are right in your opinion. I don't think they have any intentions to prove anything but go in with the attitude that it is authentic every time whether it is or not. This giving the BOTD may backfire in that one of these times someone is going to be running a complete scam and make them look silly.

[edit on 18-12-2007 by jbondo]

Originally posted by jbondo
Grail,

I believe you are right in your opinion. I don't think they have any intentions to prove anything but go in with the attitude that it is authentic every time whether it is or not. This giving the BOTD may backfire in that one of these times someone is going to be running a complete scam and make them look silly.

Thats what I was thinking when they did the 'trailer park' episode. I don't blame the 'crew/team' so much ( although the blame could lie there ), but the people they are doing the investigation for.
These people didn't seem right to begin with.

The part where they were all outside ( team ), and they hear the blood curdling scream from back inside. It just seemed a little too convenient for this to occur while all the cameras and investigators were outside.
The husband /wife or friend of theirs could have easily turned the crosses around while everyone was outside.

That episode just didn't carry anything for me.

Well if you've been watching the main guy uses a priest a lot and the use of holy water. I'm Christian and my denomination doesn't use holy water. Oh I see now what you're saying about the child. That could very well be possible since kids that young sometimes mocks their parents and whatnot. I did notice though he seemed happier after finding out he wasn't a lone in the situation so that makes me think it wasn't parroting. I've done cleansings on my own house (stuffed up energy etc) and I didn't use anything they did. I just used reiki energy. I'm actually sad of the lack of evidence. One reason why I love "Ghost Hunters" is because they show the evidence they do have to the viewers and we can make up our own minds too. However the next episode in the bar seems interesting. That guy seemed really depressed though.

Originally posted by jbondo
reply to post by SouthernBelle82

 

Honey,

I have no idea what you are talking about.

with the voice thing and spells. Furthermore I don't think you are understanding what I was relating there n that the child could be merely picking up on his mothers beliefs and parroting her.

Furthermore you mention Catholic beliefs in another post. What makes you think it's Catholic and not Christian? As a Christian I have done cleansings before and that is exactly what they were doing in that episode. However, if I'm missing something Catholic please point it out for me. I could have very well missed something.

Grail,

I believe you are right in your opinion. I don't think they have any intentions to prove anything but go in with the attitude that it is authentic every time whether it is or not. This giving the BOTD may backfire in that one of these times someone is going to be running a complete scam and make them look silly.

[edit on 18-12-2007 by jbondo]

reply to post by SouthernBelle82


I guess I missed the Priest part as I was switching back and forth during commercials. No we don't use Holy Water so I guess that should have rung a bell.

Also, don't you think if the mother is calmed down and less volatile that the son could very well follow suit? I really think there is a connection there.

Grail,

Unfortunately I didn't see it last night. In fact I'll most likely have to wait for a marathon before I can actually see them all. I prefer to do that anyway.

Originally posted by SouthernBelle82
You bring up a lot of good points. One thing I like about "Ghost Hunters" that you don't get with this is they give people evidence or don't if they happen to not get anything.

I've seen them to EVP work but the show isn't about evidence or if they get any it's about 2 things.

1. getting rid of a spirit is it exists in the home
2. Changing peoples lives for the better


I don't think this show is on the up and up or maybe it is and these are just re enactments or something but what they do most of the time is they will help people change their lives around and accept or understand what happened to them and help them cope with it.

About the hosts reaction to the note:

Sometimes people have funny reactions to things they are not happy about. For instance:

Back in my youth when I got into a lot of trouble, I had to take a class on safe driving. It lowered the points on my license, however, I had to not get a ticket for a full year. A few months later, I got passed a car on a double yellow and got yanked.

When the cop walked up I started laughing and he got real angry. I couldn't help the laughing, it was just that I was so upset that I had to have an emotion come out and I chose laughter.

The show itself is entertaining to say the least, but I suppose it depends on how much you believe. I myself, am agnostic, so I have no real opinions on it other than that it's fun to watch.


reply to post by Grailkeeper


I noticed that also. The cameras and crew are outside and all of the drama occurs. How convenient? That's how it always is though, eh? The stuff you have to believe in always happens when people aren't there.

[edit on 1-1-2008 by Sublime620]

Oh, and any ideas on what this "demon's" name might be?

Is this show in the lines of paranormal investigation along the lines of "Ghost Hunters" or is it more like "Most Haunted" where part of the investigation has a medium or psychic come in to get a reading?

I often get excited about these shows only to be disappointed when I watch. I used to watch "Haunting Evidence" on Court TV (now the Tru Channel, I think). I kept watching it, waiting for one episode to reveal that the psychics had actually aided in the investigation, but I never even saw a follow-up on any of them. I was entertained for a while, but it didnt last. I dont think it is fair to make a big production like that and drudge up the families' grief on unsolved crimes and then never produce a usable result.

At least in shows like "Ghost Hunters" the teams go in with a healthy dose of skepticism. I am fascinated by psychics, but I am not gullable. I really like the show "Psychic Detectives" that is on Court Tv. In that show, the investigating authorities are able to tie the psychic's information to key elements/clues uncovered in the investigation. Many of the police involved would give a lot of credit to the psychics, who all in all seem very credible.

I think most people are probably familiar with the show- I would reccomend it if you haven't watched it before.

reply to post by raven bombshell


I like that show too, don't watch it much now, but enjoyed whenever I had the opportunity.

The last Paranormal State episode ( last new one, they seem to be flooding the airways with repeats of the show ), seemed to revolve around the same premise as Psychic Detectives.

The young girl in the show exhibited certain signs of being a medium, having visitations by a slain teenager, whose case has never been solved.

My verdict is still out on this show, but as mentioned already.... its entertaining to say the least.

One thing I did notice, they seem to have a fair size budget for the program, they sent one of their colleagues off to Texas just to find information regarding the case.

Not that plane fair/ hotel bills are overly expensive, it just seemed like an overt the top expenditure where a phone call may have been suffice.

reply to post by Grailkeeper



Well, they do have the budget of a Televesion station. Remember, they are students at Penn State. It's not their money. My guess woudl be that they mostly delt with people around their area before this oppertunity.