So this episode covers the results of the most recent Halloween event, which by all accounts was lacking in anything particularly interesting. If they do come up with anything, it will likely fall under heavy scrutiny, after what happened in the 2008 Halloween event and the subsequent allegations. Certainly none of the live footage that I watched (and I watched the majority of it) had any hint of paranormal activity. (But there was an awful lot of blatant Syfy cross-promotion taking place!)
The whole staged scene with Britt and Kris going over to "Ghost Hunters International" was ridiculous. Jason and Grant obviously had nothing to do with that decision; it was entirely driven by the designs of Pilgrim Films. And everyone is already well aware of how little I think of "Ghost Hunters Academy". Considering the hypocritical way that show was conducted, I have my suspicions of why Adam was selected as the winner, and I doubt it was entirely due to his abilities as an investigator.
Also, a minor correction. In a previous review, I alluded to the notion that Robb was replaced by Britt as leader of GHI, during the same period that Kris began working with them. (Which was, by the way, the worst kept secret ever!) I was incorrect. Barry Fitzgerald moved into that role. Kris Williams has also mentioned that she and Barry are co-leaders of the team. As I have liked Barry since the beginning of GHI, and I've had few problems with Kris, I must admit it could have been worse. It all comes down to how that team comes together after some massive personnel changes. But then, that also applies to TAPS and "Ghost Hunters" recently.
That said, despite my misgivings, I want to be fair and give Adam and the new team dynamic a chance, just as I will do the same with GHI. I may feel that the franchise is fraying at the seams, with all this interference from Pilgrim Films of late due to the ratings situation, but the teams and the team members deserve a fair accounting.
Oh, and whatever happened to that investigation with the Real Housewives of Atlanta? Is it possible that someone at Syfy or Pilgrim Films belatedly realized how ridiculous that would be to even the devoted fans?
Case #1: Fort William Henry, NY
Jason and Grant start in the dungeon, which had been the field hospital once upon a time. Nothing much happens, so they move towards the gift shop area. Sure enough, they hear what they seem to hear each and every investigation lately: footsteps from above. I'll just say what I always say: while I think it happens far too often to be believed on the show, I have had definitive footsteps occur (and be captured) during investigations, so I can't simply dismiss it out of hand. I do find it interesting that the footsteps would have come from areas that were apparently inaccessible (thought I would love to have that confirmed, given past issues).
Steve, Tango, and Adam take on the dungeon themselves. Adam instantly displays his poorly-taught EMF meter skills, showing no sign that he recognizes that EMF spikes without associated frequency identification are useless. I do like that Adam went right for the debunking (Steve, you can't seriously take credit for that!), but it was rather half-hearted as presented.
Amy and KJ start in the Sutler shop, where movement and noises are reported. They do hear the same noises themselves, coming from above the ceiling and around the room, but I have to wonder if some of the local wildlife manages to get into the drop ceiling. KJ seems to see a shadowy figure, but nothing comes of it.
Steve and Tango go into Colonel Munroe's office. They believe they hear a sound like a cough or exhale, and wonder if it has anything to do with a display about medical procedures at the time of combat at the fort. It's a definite stretch, and they are left with the usual appeal to the analysis of the audio and video.
Jason and Grant move on to the ramparts. There are plenty of reasons to think that Jason and Grant are right about the local animals producing the reported footsteps. (And Grant might want to stop shoving his face into cannons filled with bees and wasps, for his own sake!) They invite Adam to join them, which seems like a waste of time, considering that they just debunked the reported activity, and evidence from outdoor investigations is infamously difficult to substantiate.
One would think that Adam would be assigned to review the data/recordings with Steve and Tango, but I suppose they want the experienced "hands" on the job at this point. They manage to find the audio of the footsteps rather easily, as one would expect.
At the reveal, they play the audio of what Amy and KJ hear, and the client verifies that it's the same as the reported noises, so that matches the client experience. The EVP doesn't sound like "whatever" at all, and considering that it's buried in the background noise, it's a huge stretch. But the big "evidence" seems to be the footsteps heard by Jason and Grant, which I think actually would have merited a closer look.
Case #2: Buffalo Central Terminal, NY
When it comes to any "evidence" from the 2010 Halloween event, I am highly skeptical. Anyone watching the show had to notice the constant site contamination taking place. People's voices could be heard in the background time and again, and as seen in previous years, the site is never locked down as tightly as one would anticipate. The situation is simply not designed for a true paranormal investigation with credible collection of simple data, let alone compelling evidence!
So they can toss out all the odd noises, lights, and such that they want; none of it holds up because of the conditions of the investigation. But it didn't stop the team from engaging in a massive amount of confirmation bias. Every knock and tap was seen as an intentional attempt at communication. It's ridiculous for a seasoned team of investigators to make such mistakes.
Once again, there was the use of the bogus "flashlight test". This was definitely a case of confirmation bias, because even though the flashlight didn't come on and off on specific cue, they interpreted it as meaningful because the K-II was going off at the same time. Never mind that Buffalo must be inundated with stray RF signals! Nice to see that Adam has been convinced this nonsense is a valid investigative technique.
The evidence is all quite weak: mostly audio of stray sounds that are played up as meaningful, and the silly flashlight footage. The EVPs are nothing, but even if they were substantial, the noise contamination makes presenting this as evidence highly questionable. The thermal hit looks like nothing more than stray reflection, despite what Grant might say to the contrary. Certainly none of it holds up as solid, scientific evidence of unexplained activity.moreless
Episode Summary
EDIT
TAPS returns to New York to nvestigate the colonial Fort William Henry. Later, the results from the Live Halloween Special at the Buffalo Central Terminal are revealed.
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Amy Bruni
Investigator
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Jason Hawes
Lead Investigator
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Grant Wilson (II)
Lead Investigator
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Dave Tango
Investigator
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Steve Gonsalves
Tech Manager
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Adam Berry (I)
Investigator-In-Training
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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
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TRIVIA (2)
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Also Appearing: Investigation 1: Fort William Henry - Lake George, New York Fred Austin - Tour Guide Erin Rice - Tour Guide Investigation 2: Buffalo Central Terminal - Buffalo, New York Ryan Willard - Special Events Manager
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Kris and Britt only appear in the first couple of minutes of the episode. Jason announces that Ghost Hunters International is in need of some experienced investigators, and Kris and Britt are going to need to leave immediately and join that team. Kris' departure from Ghost Hunters was mentioned in the previous week's episode, but this is the first time Britt's leaving is mentioned in an episode.
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QUOTES (0)
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NOTES (1)
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Original International Air Dates: United Kingdom: June 1, 2011 on Sky LIVINGit
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ALLUSIONS (0)
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Taps Getting Sort Of Shady
02/17/1297
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Inaccurate Episode Listing is ok?
02/17/127
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All time favorite Female Investigator
02/17/122
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Name Your Favorite Ghost Hunter's Quote
02/15/1236
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Say It Ain't So!!
02/15/1229
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Please Sign the Ghostbook
S 8 : Ep 12
Aired 5/16/12 (43:00)
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The Princess and the EVP
S 8 : Ep 11
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Haunted By Heroes
S 8 : Ep 10
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A Family of Spirits
S 8 : Ep 9
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