Ghost Hunters

Started in 2003, Ghost Hunters began with Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson. I don't know exactly what caused them to start T.A.P.S., but they worked together for Roto-Rooter. Grant recently retired from Ghost Hunters, but Jason continues on with Ghost Hunters and keeping his day job as a plumber. Got to give him props.

The TV series began in 2004 on Sci-Fy network. T.A.P.S. stands for The Atlantic Paranormal Society. They have a fairly large crew and investigate people's homes as well as larger institutions. They have a boatload of equipment, and each investigation compiles many, many hours of data which sometimes take many hours to go through. And to their credit, they admit sometimes they don't get ANYTHING that can be considered paranormal. They also try to debunk any evidence they gather.

The network calls the show a docu-soap, as they show conflicts and the personal lives of the crew members.    It's a decent show, but I have a few gripes. It seems that they don't investigate very long. Either this could be due to the fact that they had to go work the next day, or they just don't like to stay up late. Jason usually calls an end to the investigation, and sometimes this has been as early as midnight. Since 3am is considered the anti-hour, this seems to me to be way too early. This is why Ghost Adventures has them beat hands down. Who knows the evidence these folks have missed? I mean come on, what gives? As the show gained popularity, I know that Jason and Grant didn't really have to go to work. Jason still works as an honorary member of Roto-Rooter. Which means he can come and go as he pleases.

I believe success can be detrimental. In the beginning they had headquarters in a trailer behind Jason's house. They had one van. By the second season they acquired new vehicles and, more equipment, and a storefront. It seems to me that would be inspirational. But instead it has made them slackers. The show reached syndication. I know they have made money. Why not throw every thing in and investigate all night? It frustrates me.

In 2011 the show was renewed for an 8th season, making it the longest running reality series on the network. The new shows after this have been fairly sparse. I think in Jan. 2013 they will be airing new shows again. But they have lost me, and I think they have lost themselves in the process. Critics have cited numerous errors the team has made. Which really means, even after all this time they don't know what in the hell they are doing. So is it surprising that they don't get evidence? I feel you must treat spirits like people, after all they were at one time. You have to show respect. They have all this scientific equipment and don't know how to use it. The funniest quote I've read about these guys is,  "you may own the world's most sophisticated thermometer, but if you are using it as a barometer, your measurements are worthless. Just as using a calculator doesn't make you a mathematician, using a scientific instrument doesn't make you a scientist."

I will close by saying that if you want to watch folks who are stumbling through an investigation, this is the show for you. It can be comical at times. And some of their crew members can be people you love to hate. Showing reruns right now, but new shows are supposed to be shown on Wed. at 9pm Eastern, on the Sci-Fy Network.