Episode Postmortem: "Freshman Fear"
Tuesday March 11, 2008 8:49 AM
Case File: 2006.11.27F
Code Name: "Freshman Fear"
DIRECTOR'S LOGS
These logs have been condensed and edited, but to the best of our ability, they remain an accurate account of the case.
LAUREN'S CASE
Lauren's case seemed rather typical. However, we wanted to look in to the activity as best as possible. The only problem was the location. We're used to houses or, at the very least, small apartments. This was a tiny dorm room. We experimented with placing the surveillance system around the dorm, but we kept running in to difficulties since there was no place to store the computer.
Since the activity was very recent and confined to a small space, there was very little we could do to fully investigate the location, but Lauren's fear was still something that needed to be addressed.
Piecing her story together, we quickly learned that the majority of her fears and anxiety came from playing spirit communication games, such as 100 Candles. She and her friends had also been on campus tours where they learned about some of Penn State's haunted history.
100 CANDLES
The game is simple enough. You light 100 candles in the dark, usually in a confined room. You then tell a gruesome or supernatural-related story and blow out a candle each time you complete a story. As you tell more horrific tales, the room gets darker and the spirits slowly move in. By the end of the game, you are left with just one candle. You tell the last story and then blow it out, hence allowing the darkness to completely envelope over you. If you survive, then you have completed your test of courage.
According to some research, the game is an old Japanese samurai warrior test.
We played this game in not the most ideal environment — the woods. Although we were outside, I could still understand the psychological impact one could have playing the game. To focus on and tell scary tales over and over again as the room gets darker and darker can cause fear and anxiety. Furthermore, if one believes that such activities can invoke spirits, this game probably convinced Lauren afterwards that she had invited numerous spirits in around her.
THE PSYCHIC
We brought in an outside psychic who was suggested to us, who felt that they could provide some insight in to our investigation. We brought the psychic into the dorms without letting her know anything about the location or haunting. We then decided to take a double-blind approach. I sent Eilfie up with the psychic. At this time, Eilfie had yet to see Lauren's room. Nor did she know the location. She was just as cold going in as the psychic. We were able to clear out many of the rooms on Lauren's hall and the two were allowed to roam in and out of the rooms.
The psychic said that she was drawn to what was Lauren's room. That was really the only impressive thing during the reading. All the other facts we were unable to verify.
Therefore, we ran in to another dead end. This investigation was becoming increasingly difficult. Paranormally speaking, we weren't coming up with anything to corroborate Lauren's experiences.
FRESHMAN FEAR
After conducting several interviews with Lauren, her friends and even university administrators, we ultimately felt that Lauren was suffering from what we call "freshman fear." Dr. Simon Bronner, an urban legends researcher and Penn State professor, brought up several good points. Legends linger on campuses because it's something that connects everyone together. Just think about the first time you moved to college. New place, new surroundings, new friends. You didn't really know anyone, but as you toured the campus or even talked to people in your dorm, you shared stories of hauntings, deaths and other spooky tales. It's the power of storytelling.
In Lauren's case, I believe it got a little out of hand. She may have legally been an adult, but she was still a child fresh out of high school being exposed to a new place for the first time. Combine that with her fears of the supernatural, and it results in a fear so powerful that she's terrified to live in her dorm room.
After a few months, she told us that she moved on from her fears and lives safely on the campus.
THE HAUNTED CAMPUS
For the past six years, I've occasionally investigated some of the local haunts of Penn State. From Old Botany to Schwab Auditorium, we've caught a few interesting things, but nothing substantial.
During my investigation of the campus, I was able to discover the answer to one urban legend. It involves Old Botany, and whether or not Mrs. Atherton is buried in the attic. I would tell you, but then again, what fun would that be? After all, the truth of the matter is, urban legends aren't meant to be proved or disproved. And they'll last well after I've left the campus.
Even though I don't have any substantial evidence to prove that the campus is haunted, I'll go on record and say that Penn State is indeed haunted by spooks. Why? Well, because campus life seems so much more fun knowing that there's a mystery that's waiting to be solved.
Comments (10)
This was one of the most disappointing episodes yet. I felt like this was a young girl looking for attention (initally, probably from her new boyfriend, Tex), and then maybe attention from those interested in hearing her new and exciting ghost stories! Little fish in a big pond wanting to make a splash??? Once the cameras were rolling, however, she could hardly describe what she'd supposedly seen on more than one occasion. I'm no PRS member, but my BS detector was going off big time. This one was boring. Sorry guys, other than that, I love this show.
Posted by Connie | March 11, 2008 3:43 PM
Posted on March 11, 2008 15:43
This episode should have remained on the editing room floor. Since it did not, I believe you did a terrible job with Lauren - or - you did a terrible job convincing the audience that you did not give her report short shrift.
After mentioning, Ryan, that you had been upset that your parents didn't believe your experiences as a child; you went on to treat her just like a child whose report wasn't worth really considering.
Posted by Ken | March 11, 2008 6:22 PM
Posted on March 11, 2008 18:22
wow what a great waste of everything! why bother with an episode that is totally garbage.
Posted by Anonymous | March 11, 2008 7:22 PM
Posted on March 11, 2008 19:22
I didn't care for this episode. Either there was more to it that we didn't get to see because of time restrictions or this girl was just full of it. I didn't get the feeling she really saw anything.
I lived in a house that was haunted growing up. I have lived in them as an adult. My kids saw their first ghost when they were 4 and 7...they provided much more detail than Lauren did. While some of the memory has faded over the past 14 years, it is still vivid enough that they can describe it in good detail now. Lauren just had a confused look when she described it...which, she really couldn't do. What was it she said?? When you asked what the ghost looked like, she said nothing really stood out? My then 4 and 7 year olds were able to describe clothing, color, hair, glasses, eye color, etc.
Posted by Marlene | March 11, 2008 10:54 PM
Posted on March 11, 2008 22:54
I watch every paranormal investigation show I can and I find that this show is the least believable. You guys gather info and then don't share it. What's the point? This was by far the worst of the worst. I think the only interesting thing about Paranormal State is Chip Coffee and Loraine Warren. Otherwise you don't have a show. Sorry..I really really was excited when I heard there was a new one out there but you pretty much show the very best of your show in the commercials. There's no answers only more questions. The ad peaks your interest thinking you'll get some kind of information or answer to the questions raised then nothing...absolutely nothing! I am so disappointed....I hope you can make some changes and keep it on the air..otherwise I don't think we'll be seeing too much more of you. Good Luck!
Posted by ollie jordan | March 12, 2008 3:28 PM
Posted on March 12, 2008 15:28
i didnt watch this espisode but mainly the point of parnormal state is helping people being haunted..the other parnormal shows are so fake i laugh at them..yea..but anyways keep up the good work parnormal state!!! =)
Posted by Christine!! | March 12, 2008 9:44 PM
Posted on March 12, 2008 21:44
It would be great if the paranormal investigators would take lie detector tests to see if they manipulate their equipment to lose power, etc during "dead time."
The "Mothman" episode supposedly had Chip and a show investigator see a pair of red dots or eyes. If the investigators had cameras or night cameras hooked up to their heads this type of episode might be somewhat believable.
I also get discouraged hearing and seeing Chip Coffey in many of the episodes. I'm not psychic, but I think the only thing Chip sees is a need for another cigarette.
Finally, it would be great if the "investigators" had some members who had some charisma (and personality wouldn't hurt either).
Posted by Tad Anderson | March 13, 2008 11:12 AM
Posted on March 13, 2008 11:12
This episode was not one of your better ones. I have seen some that I didn't really care for but I do not know how this girl could say she was so scared yet she couldn't even say what she saw? I have had experiences in the past that scared me pretty bad and believe me I remember every detail to this day. You guys do a good job, this one just kinda wasn't hitting the mark. But I plan to keep watching cause you do have a good show, if we could just get them to stop going to commercial every time something cool happens!
Posted by Krista | March 16, 2008 3:19 PM
Posted on March 16, 2008 15:19
You guys have a pretty good show but I'm sorry this was a horrible episode! I agree with some of the other watchers who said you guys need to show more of the evidence & have cameras on each person or something to really see whats going on so much is edited out & that causes viewers at home to get frustrated & not want to watch cause there is so little to see or look forward to! If you guys added alittle more style to your show & gave us alittle more to say wow about & prove to us that it's real or atleast to the best of your ability, you'd have a great show & most likely a bigger audience. Good Luck in the future & please give us more!
Posted by Crystal M. | March 18, 2008 1:17 AM
Posted on March 18, 2008 01:17
I agree, this case seemed like a waste of good time, though I could see where you would accept this, considering your previous disappointment with your parents. Don't get me wrong, you guys did a great job, but there was little point to this episode.
Posted by Brigid | June 24, 2008 7:23 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 19:23