Ghost Hunters 2.14: "Halloween Special"

Case #1: Boyer House
Case #2: Cemetery
Case #3: Brewery


I have to say, I was a bit leery of the whole idea of a “Halloween Special” (which I’m listing as just another second season episode for simplicity’s sake). It’s bad enough that the second season was largely devoted to investigations where little happened. Dumping a special into the mix almost demands that something happen on camera, just so that it can live up to the hype. Clearly, based on just the wardrobe alone, this was a promotional stunt. So the question is: was this all just good timing, in terms of the results?

A comment on Brian’s return: I think this is a mistake. The group has run ten times better without him, because he’s a distraction. Sure, he has plenty of experience, but that doesn’t count when he can’t play well with others or do the job he’s assigned to do without constant supervision. Believe me, I have someone in my work situation with exactly the same kind of work ethic issues, and it’s a constant drain on my time.

I am pleased, of course, with the amount of success that allows them to say “First Annual”, which certainly implies a long-term relationship between SFC and TAPS. The future is bright! Never mind the promotional joy of so much apparel. I like it when people I like succeed. One caveat: where was Paula this time? I want more Paula Donovan!

Anyway, first case:

Well now. That’s one hell of an EVP. I’m really surprised at how clear it was. Usually there’s a lot more background hiss and white noise involved. For that reason alone, I’m a bit concerned. Sure, it fits the history of the building perfectly, but that’s exactly the point. I’m not at all convinced that the SFC personnel wouldn’t ensure that TAPS had evidence during such an important investigation. (I stop very short of even suggesting that this was a purposeful hoax by TAPS or TAPS personnel.)

Second “case”:

Damn, am I glad the cemetery thing wasn’t the rest of the episode. There’s a reason I hate cemetery investigations, and this highlights every issue I have. A bunch of people running around in a space with tons of ambient noise, animals, and people looking to mess with your head. Though I was impressed that the team kept running towards the unknown, not away from it!

Third case:

This is the one that’s going to cause the most discussion, and I’m afraid it will be to the great detriment of TAPS and their credibility. That “ghost” in the basement looked super-fake, like someone told a kid to run into the room with a blanket over his head. The mist was a little better, but still not conclusive. I’m not sure what the situation was during that case, but my natural skepticism definitely kicked in.

For all that, this is what a lot of viewers wish every episode could be like, in terms of the amount of “evidence”. And that’s why some will question the timing. For my part, I was highly entertained, and if I question the veracity of some of the evidence collected, I point to SFC as a likely culprit. I also believe that it will be a long wait until January for new episodes!

Chill Factor: 8/10