This past January, I wrote an optimistic article about a new show on A & E called Paranormal Cops. I watched the premiere episode, then read countless reviews about the show written by others. There were quite a few negative reviews.

The phrases to describe the show weren’t really unique: “It’s just like Ghost Hunters”, “same synopsis”, “same investigation style”, “same equipment”, “I was hoping for something different.”

Personally, I was disappointed to not uncover a unique reason why the show didn’t appeal to some of the reviewers.

Sorry folks, but I stand by my original statement from January that paranormal investigators must adhere to the same methodologies. Yet, even if they all did, the sad reality is that mainstream science is not going to accept “proof” based on evidence gathered from any reality show. To keep audiences happy, I’m sure the networks are looking for that one group that does something radically “different” for the entertainment of us all.

For single overnight investigations, the only thing that should be different are the personalities involved.

Most groups split over personality differences within the teams than over differences in methodologies. The unique personalities on these shows are actually what gets me to tune in.  I’m not looking for proof when I tune into Syfy’s Ghost Hunters. Honestly, I tune in mostly due to my crush on Grant Wilson. Secondly, I tune in for the group’s passion toward the pursuit of some sort of proof the paranormal. What attracted me to Paranormal Cops was the different personality types coupled with something different: cop intuition. Cop intuition isn’t accepted by mainstream science. Yet, I believe in it enough to want to watch these investigators in action. Different people, same methods, same goals.

Some reviewers stated that due to the similarity to Ghost Hunters, Paranormal Cops was boring.

That statement confuses me.

Let me give an example that might make sense to the masses. Let’s say that you send Ghost Hunters to investigate a home. They gather the evidence and present it during the ‘Reveal” portion of the show. The next night, Paranormal Cops comes along to investigate the same location. Would the goal not be to replicate the findings of Ghost Hunters?

That scenario would be way too boring for most people, I know. Leaning a little too much toward scientific methodologies and away from entertainment.

While A & E debates on whether to air more Paranormal Cops episodes, I’m hoping that they, and the viewers, give this show the second chance it deserves.

The Twilight Zone and the 4th of July weekend have become synonymous in my mind for the past 15 years. I had planned to watch the marathon this weekend.

To my horror, I just read that Syfy has decided to replace Rod Serling with William Katt. Yes, The Greatest American Hero William Katt. Don’t get me wrong, I liked The Greatest American Hero when I was growing up. However, I just never felt compelled to watch the episodes multiple times, or to watch them back to back during a marathon. Hell, I don’t even know the episode titles from The Greatest American Hero.

I do have a list of My Top 10 Favorite Twilight Zone episodes. I’m not even going to post a synopsis for each episode, because true fans of The Twilight Zone know exactly what I am talking about. These paranormal tales are classics:

1. “The Invaders”
2. “Twenty Two”
3. “Jess-Belle”
4. “The Bewitchin’ Pool”
5. “The Midnight Sun”
6. “Come Wander With Me”
7. “Night Call”
8. “The Grave”
9. “The Eye of the Beholder”
10. “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet”

In all fairness, Syfy will still run Twilight Zone episodes over the New Year’s holiday weekend. Plus, the series is available on DVD if I just have to see an episode before then.

Most importantly, I’ll accept Syfy’s decision, because we did lose The Greatest American Hero co-star, Robert Culp on March 24th of this year. I will put aside my planned boycott of Syfy to honor Robert Culp – a late, great American actor whose work earned him at least this one weekend to shine.