Grant’s Back: Thoughts on New “Ghost Hunters” After Watching First Episode

Did you ever wonder what happened to Grant after he left Ghost Hunters? He wasn’t on air really anywhere. But he’s back now in a Ghost Hunters reboot on A&E, which premieres Wednesday August 21 at 9pm ET/PT.

Thanks to A&E, I had a chance to watch an advanced screening of the first episode. Here’s a couple thoughts on it:

Answering the Calling

The series begins with Grant sitting alone, looking very contemplative, before introducing himself and explaining he’s been investigating the paranormal for 30 years, eight of which included his time on Ghost Hunters.

He co-founded the group that led to that show (and is now being rebooted in this one) because he wanted to help people who were terrified to live in their own homes.

But then he decided to trade it all in to spend time with those who needed him most: his family.

That’s what he’s been doing ever since. Except, now his kids are grown and more independent and he’s ready to answer the calling again. So that’s what he’s doing. Getting back to his roots and investigating places in the hopes of helping people experiencing disturbing phenomenon.

The Cast Team

Because former investigators he’s worked with now have their own shows –Amy & Adam have Kindred Spirits; and Jason, Steve and Tango are launching their own Ghost Hunters like show on Travel Channel, Ghost Nation— Grant was in need of a new team. Here’s who he rounded up:

• Kristen Luman – Co-Lead Investigator. (If she looks familiar, it’s because she’s investigated on Ghost Hunters before.)
• Daryl Marston – Co-Lead Investigator.
• Brandon Alvis – Investigator.
• Mustafa Gatollari – Team Researcher. Viral media journalist.
• Richel Stratton – Investigator.
• Brian Murray – Investigator.

Unlike the original Ghost Hunters, who all hailed from the Northeast, this group comes from all over the country.

Also, in the original Grant and Jason were co-leads. This time it’s a threesome between Grant, Kristen and Daryl. The chemistry isn’t as easy as it was between Grant and Jason. They weren’t put together just for TV. They were co-workers and friends first who became TV sensations.

Everybody who followed after were in it for one reason and one reason only: to become a TV star.

Yet, even with that, there’s been some great on-screen chemistry match-ups. Like Amy and Adam, or even the Steve, Jason, Tango trio.

Will Grant, Kristen and Daryl form the basis for another dynamic trio? Will any of their supporting cast mates be a stand out stars? Time will tell…

The Principal’s Plea

Lisa Delonas is the principal at Pocatello High School in Idaho. The school was built in 1892 and is over 125 years old.

She’s heard the rumors about her school being haunted, and perhaps even someone dying there, but never paid much credence to it until middle of the night activity alerted security, which called her to the school.

She submitted footage of the school’s security cameras catching lights flickering and a mysterious apparition in a hallway. She also explains how the activity and rumors have ramped up after the incident.

Can Grant’s team help figure out what’s going on and if there’s any truth to the stories?

Urban Legends or True Stories?

Fear’s just a lack of knowledge. Grant Wilson

Mustafa briefs the team about two rumors that may or may not account for the school’s paranormal activity: Allegedly,

1. a student drowned in the school’s pool, and
2. a librarian hung herself in the school’s library.

The Format

It follows very closely to the original ghost hunters.

• A call comes in.
• The team meets up.
• Off they go to the site.
• They meet with the person in charge –be it a homeowner or otherwise. (Like the principal in the first episode.)
• There’s a tour of the property.
• Next comes set up and investigation.
• Evidence review.
• Reveal.

The Haunted High School

So what’s happening at Pocatello High School in Idaho? Is there an electrical problem? Is it as simple as a cobweb or dust bunny causing what appears to be an apparition on the security camera near a women’s restroom?

Is there a girl ghost haunting the auditorium, or not? What frightened the teacher’s young kids in the gym? Ghosts, or a case of over-active imaginations?

In general are people predisposed to the notion of ghosts since the school has the rep for being the haunted high school? Or are there really restless spirits roaming the halls?

Does Grant’s team dispel the rumors, or find evidence supporting the urban legends?

No spoilers here, but I will say even though the faces are different, if you were a fan of the original Ghost Hunters, you’re going to dig the reboot.