So, as the BCPS gears up for the year ahead, looking into possible
locations and potential investigations, I find myself perusing
documentary/factual paranormal tv entertainment for inspiration.
The
other day I came across that old chestnut 'Most Haunted' with what
started out as promising concept in the early 2000's that quickly became
an embarrassment to watch, not only from the rank-amateur approach to
investigations, but also a unique BCPS personal insight as to how
ethical and professional they were. Sure, over the years they caught
the odd bit of interesting phenomena, but on the whole it was a
cringe-worthy hour of people screaming in the dark, practicing methods
and 'rituals' that they had no knowledge or experience of, along with
the usual suspects becoming all macho and being aggressive at every
possibility in the hope of getting some kind of response from whatever
alleged spirit was said to haunt the place. One live investigation left
me aghast as I watched Yvette show everyone Blue peter-style, how to
supposedly summon up a demon, drawing symbols and reciting incantations
...I wonder if I could get a blue peter badge for doing that
successfully? The strange and suspicious circumstances over the
sudden departures of mediums, cast and crew members over the years has
sparked lots of rumours, along with youtube video clips supposedly
showing them faking stuff on camera.
Even the demise of the show was
surrounded in controversy. The worst effect this had by far though, was
the way it soon turned the paranormal into a national theme park, with
events companies popping up left right and center offering people
looking for a 'Most haunted' style thrill ride the chance to take part
in an evening of ghost hunting ...for a handsome fee too of course. I
have attended one of these things personally and in my own opinion it is
a complete farce, a waste of someone's time and hard-earned money, as
no real investigating can be done. The end result of all this has
wizened locations known to be haunted (such as hotels, public houses,
historical sites etc) to cash-in on the craze and makes things
exceptionally hard and unbelievably expensive for a true, passionate
investigation group to gain access to these places. Its a real shame
really, as groups just like the BCPS (who were here long before the days
of Yvette, Carl and Co.) find it incredibly hard to offer their
expertise, helpful advice and information to business-owned premises who
would rather make a quick buck by opening the doors to anyone willing
to pay the hefty price tag. Not to say we aren't more than happy to
make a contribution to utilities used during the investigation or even a
charitable donation etc.
The above show seemed to inspire
numerous shows from all corners of the globe, and soon certain TV
channels became almost devoted to the theme of the paranormal. Perhaps
most notably is 'Ghost Hunters', following the adventures of
plumbers-turned ghost hunters TAPS, as they investigated hauntings
across the USA, even trespassing on UK territory occasionally, which
spawned their spin-off 'Ghost Hunters International' and their (I
assume) short-lived 'Ghost Hunters Academy' ...I shudder thinking about
that one! As with Most haunted, Ghost Hunters seemed to practice iffy
techniques and rationale, often being more self-important and
hierarchical rather than focusing on the job at hand. That said, they
are far less irritating on screen and they thankfully keep a level head.
Whats more, they have produced some truly fascinating evidence over
the years, stuff that stays in your head long after the show ends.
Another
promising show was the New Zealand-set 'Ghost Hunt'. Lasting only one
series sadly, it was ten episodes of fairly interesting stuff (and had a
great theme tune), and kept things quite intimate and honest with a 3
person investigation team, approaching things from an objective, fresh
point of view. Evidence produced ranged from the suspect, to pretty
interesting. Worth a watch if you can catch it.
On the poorer
side of things is 'Ghost Adventures' - another US produced show that
ignores the level-headedness of the TAPS team and goes for all out macho
warfare on alleged ghosts. The host utterly irritates me (I dare you
to last an episode without wanting to shouting at the TV for him to shut
up) and opts to prove how big his biceps are and challenge, aggravate
and stomp about like some ghost-busting Rambo with a death wish.
Irritating on every level, I implore you to avoid this.
For a more
different approach, the show 'Paranormal Witness' is a great watch, and
refreshingly includes other areas of the paranormal including UFOs -
which seem to be 'out of fashion' these days. There are some chilling
and thought-provoking stories here and often the interspersed interviews
with the actual people making the claims come off very well, believable
and compelling, with some very polished and effective reconstructions.
Another similar factual, interview-based show is the UK made 'Great
British Ghosts' hosted by Michaela Strachan. Honest in its approach,
the show is a great way to spend half an hour and often surprises, with
some fascinating locations hidden in remote corners of the UK.
So,
I hope this part rant-part review of TV based entertainment has offered
you some ideas on something to watch on a rainy day. Following my
earlier thoughts on locations, if you do think your premises is haunted
and would like a genuine team to investigate, just drop us a line via
the email address at the top of the blog, or visit www.bcps.moonfruit.com for more information on us.
Please
note: this blog offers only personal opinions and views, and in no way
reflects the views and thoughts of every BCPS team member and the BCPS
as a whole.
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