Paranormal State
New Docu-Drama Leaves the Viewer Wanting More
Paranormal State, a new docu-drama focusing on the investigation of real-life paranormal activity, is a pleasant surprise that leaves the viewer wanting more.
The influx of reality TV shows has become almost unpalatable, but Paranormal State on cable television’s Arts and Entertainment (A&E) channel has real possibilities.
The Concept
This docu-drama follows a group of researchers from the Penn State Paranormal Research Society (PRS) as they investigate cases of paranormal activity. Led by founder and director Ryan Buell, the five-member team hand picks only the most severe cases and seeks explanations and peace of mind for the families involved.
As stated on the PRS website, the team’s main mission is to "scientifically and spiritually explore" the supernatural. Their goal is to resolve the situation, whether there is a legitimate explanation or it is indeed a case of unexplained phenomena.
The Cases
Paranormal State does an outstanding job of making the viewer feel a part of the investigative group. The cases are compelling and varied, ranging from a haunted piano to a shape shifter. For each case, PRS gives the history of the paranormal events, airs in depth interviews with the victims and other relevant individuals, and brings the viewer along as the team performs local research to unearth any relevant information.
PRS even brings in noted psychics and mediums including Ghost Chaser Chip Coffey and Amityville demonologist and psychic researcher Lorraine Warren.
But what is perhaps the most anticipated and fascinating part of Paranormal State is the segment containing the actual on-site investigation and immersion into the paranormal activity.
The On-Site Investigation
The most critical phase of the on-site investigation occurs during what is called “Dead Time,” a period of time around 3:00AM. Using an assortment of equipment to record and monitor events at the location, the team sets out to contact the spirit and determine why it is there and what it wants.
The candlelit surroundings and build-up to “Dead Time” effectively create a dramatic atmosphere that is compelling and admirably heightens the sense of suspense and tension. The viewer is able to sit in with the team as the spirits are summoned and experience the unexplained events as they occur.
Allowing the viewer to experience these phenomena alongside the PRS team makes for a great hook, but also leaves us hanging. Was that really a ghost caught on film? Did we really hear an eerie whisper from beyond? There is woefully little time spent on this portion of the show, and the audience is left wanting more. Much more.
Give Us More
Buell and his team need to realize that an interest in the paranormal is what draws viewers to Paranormal State in the first place. The audience wants to see as much of this activity as possible, not just a few minutes worth.
Additionally, the team frequently talks about evidence they have found and caught on tape but neglect to share it with the viewer. That’s what we’re here for. Replay that footage with the ghostly apparition. Tell us what you saw when the cameras weren't rolling.
A Work in Progress?
It’s a good thing that the PRS website describes Paranormal State as a ”project" since many viewers hope it is still a work in progress. The show has already captured a loyal and curious audience who will be happy to come along as Buell and Co. iron out some of the show’s issues.
Paranormal State has a great premise, but many of the elements that are included to give it a documentary feel come across as second rate and actually detract from the show.
The director’s log seems campy and gratuitous, and watching the training of team members is unnecessary. Similarly, the uncertainty and lack of confidence most of the team display is distracting and doesn’t create more of a rapport with the viewer or allow us to identify better with the team.
Though PRS is taking a journalistic approach to researching the paranormal - making the extensive background and history essential to creating a thorough case study, they do this at the expense of the show's real draw: the paranormal footage and investigation.
Is it possible that we aren’t given any more because there is no more? Why does the team only spend one night at the location? Wouldn’t it benefit everyone involved if PRS spent at least a couple nights investigating? Show us what evidence you have found and let us be part of the debunking or proving of a case.
Full of Promise
Despite its pitfalls, Paranormal State is another winner for the folks over at A&E. It is thought-provoking and full of promise, with all the makings of a hit series. Paranormal State, you’ve got us hooked. Now give us more.
Paranormal State airs on A&E Mondays, 10PM/9C.
