Paranormal Television Shows-Ghost Hunter

The Paranormal investigations of the TAPS Society. Started by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, The Atlantic Paranormal Society team takes on investigation to try to debunk reports of hauntings. The show is very fascinating, although I find some of their final assessments to be inaccurate. But that is just an IMOHO (IN my own humble opinion) What I like about this show is they do not go into a place intending to find paranormal activity. Most reports of the paranormal are dismissed by other reasonable explainations. However, there are times when the team is stumped by occurances they experience. I coin the term "paranormal reality show" because one of the best parts of the show is the teams reaction to different things that happen. Although it is in summer Haitus (sigh), it is normally seen on Sci-Fi channel on Wednesdays. (The accompanying picture is from their website)

One thing I dislike about the show is that the crew never seems to grasp the concept that these were (allegedly) once living people! Not only that, but in Ghost Hunters International, they are dealing with once live people who did NOT speak English and they are sending in a bunch of East Coast Americans! One can only hope they will realize their faux pax there.

If you click on this link: http://www.tv.com/video/HcxAjbs4WsV1SrYVzo8ZXguGfWqbVMaJ/haunted-asylum?o=hulu&tag=video;watchbtn;4
you should see a video of them at the "Haunted Asylum"

For those of you who are not yet that familiar with the people on the show, here is a quick overview (these include past members as well(

Jason Hawes He is the Co-founder of TAPS. When Jason does admit there is Paranormal activity, he reluctantly states it. Although He is a believer, he also believes (accurately) that most claims of hauntings can be explained away. He even stubles on teh word "haunted" when he does say it! Normally he says Paranormal Activity. It is apparent that Jason is "The Man" on the show. The enforcer, the boss.
For more on Jason Hawes Visit:
http://www.squidoo.com/JHawes

Grant Wilson Co-Founder of TAPS and Ghost Hunter. Grant, and this is personal opinion, is the "Dad" of the team. When someone states a problem or a concern, he gets that "Dad" look. Grant is a little more apt to find a place haunted than Jason, but unfortunately, always conceded to Jason's judgement. There are times I've agreed with Grant and was disappointed that the final verdict lay with Jason. There are only a couple of occasions where I've seen Grant truly frightened. His actions and expressions were priceless!

Brian Harnois Dear, dear Brian. The brunt of Jason's anger was aimed at Brian, and sadly, there were a good many times he deserved it. Too often, however, Brian caught Hell even when Jason would not have reacted that strongly had another team member messed up. Brian went on to work with Ghost Hunters International. That did ot work out either. He now is on blog radio, with Donna.

Andy Andrews Tiny little guy with a BIG ego. He moved through the ranks at GH pretty fast, then went on to GHI. He somehow has managed to become the "Co-leader" there. Smug and self centered, he is probably my least favorite Ghost Hunter.

Steve Gonsalves Steve took over for Brian when Brian left. You could see it coming. Steve just had a little more stable personality and it was obvious Jason got along with him better. Steve is the Technical Manager. He is very good at what he does. He is an ex police officer. Extreme fear of spiders, heights, clowns, flying and public speaking. Needless to say, Steve didn't join TAPS on any of the investigations outside of the US.

Dave Tango He started out on another team that TAPS was assisting with a case. Jason and Grant were very impressed by him and he became a member of the TAPS team as an investigator.

Brent Fair TAPS Family Coordinator. In view of the length of the shows success, Brent is a newer member, but a good one.

Heather Drolet Investigator. Heather has had Paranormal experiences, and primarily connects with Mom's having trouble with the paranormal. She is very sensitive and tactful with them.

Chris Williams Reasearcher. Chris does the legwork to find out the facts of a place via the library and other sources

Britt Griffith TAPS manager

Joe Chin Joe is new, but I already like him. He seems genuine and a good investigator.

Kristin GartlandCase manager

Matt Prescott Investigator (newer member)

Jenn Rossi Investigator *(newer)

Last but certainly not least, is Donna LaCroix With TAPS from early on, Donna was a case manager. She also went on some GHI investigations and was the first to set up the first Overseas investigation. Donna had to leave due to health reasons and is now working with Brian Hanois on blog radio.

How to Hunt Ghosts!

Using the Scientific Mind to Study the Paranormal

I am now a Giant Squid and a Squid Angel. You can find a list of my Squidoo Articles on my Table of Contents Page HERE I also am working on a blog about the Ghost Hunters and other Paranormal shows.

Ghost hunters seems to be one of the more believable paranormal programs out there. If there is any question on whether an occurance is a haunting, they will count it as a "No" in most cases.
The show also focuses on the relationships between the members of the team. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not, but I guess with any business there is animosity as well as friendships built, and TAPS is no different. Jason (one of the founders) had this on-again/off-again, love-hate relationship with his Equipment Manager, Brian. I never did figure that one out. Supposedly they were friends, but Brian was always messing up and Jason was always on his case-BIG TIME. So the plot on that relationship was something like:

Episode A: Jason yells at Brian (the ONLY one, by the way, he yells at). Brian looks upset but doesn't lose his cool. He promises to do better

Episode B: Brian screws up again and Jason and Grant have a little talk about whether they should fire Brian. They really dog him, But, They don't fire him.

Episode C: Brian decides he needs a break from Taps and takes a Hiatus.

Episode D: Brian is back and messes up

Episode E: See Episode A

That is really the only thing that bothered me about the show. But if you are going to make your relationships part of the show, then they will be critiqued as well. UPDATE Brian moved on to GHI (Ghost Hunters International) and was fired from there. He now is on blog radio with Donna from TAPS.

Back to the Paranormal: The team does a good job of trying to debunk any supposed paranormal activity, but when they can't, they reluctantly admit it.

What makes it a good show then? The episodes are believable for the most part. The team has genuine reaction to experiences. The Team members sort of grow on you, until you find yourself taking sides. The best part about it is, although the reactions seem genuine, they do NOT have a nervous female who screams at the first sign of paranormal activity! If you haven't seen this one, have a look. You'll probably get hooked.

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They seem to have gotten a somewhat stable crew now. Steve, Tango, Kris and Kris, in addition to Jason and Grant. I've been a loyal viewer of this show from jump street and this is my opinion of the show and the crew at this point. Jason no longer has Brian to use as a whipping boy so he doesn't seem so much of a bully, but there is no doubt that what he says goes. Grant is still a "yes man" but is slowly finding his voice and beginning to learn to disagree with Jason. Bravo Grant! Steve and Tango are funny, but Steve gets a bit too big for his britches considering he has so many phobias. Kris and Kris, the two female team members do a good job overall and I enjoy them.

Jason is learning to say "there is paranormal activity here" with more ease, which is refreshing. People need a show that is capable of being skeptical, but also knows when to call a spade a spade (or a ghost, a ghost as it were). They do investigate interesting places, although occasionally I do wish they would investigate regular houses again. Ghosts do not always hang out at museums and asylums, they also inhabit the houses of everyday people.

That is it in a nutshell. I hope to comment on more of the shows and more information in general.