As
someone who’s witnessed a real‑life haunting, I’m always interested in stories
about ghosts. In all honesty, most of the supposedly “true” TV stories about
ghosts leave me feeling unsatisfied, even indignant; they’re just not very
credible. One of my favorite paranormal TV shows is a fictional one that’s been
revived on Ion TV: the “Ghost Whisperer” series. Even though this show is fictional, I find it really enjoyable
for many reasons—one of them being that the show reflects some of the things I
believe to be true about ghosts.
For
anyone still unfamiliar with the show, “Ghost Whisperer” is the story of
Melinda Gordon, played by actress Jennifer Love Hewitt. Since her childhood, Melinda
has been able to see and talk to ghosts. As a newly-married young woman living
in the town of Grandview, New York, she owns an antique store right on the town
square.
But Melinda has another,
very serious mission: to figure out why the earthbound spirits who come to her have
become trapped among the living. Assisted in her adventures by an intriguing
cast of characters, Melinda unravels the mysteries underlying the hauntings. Often
she also acts as a mediator between the living and dead, helping them resolve
any issues between them. Then she assists the trapped souls in moving “into the
light”. The Ghost Whisperer plot, which unfolded over five seasons, also has
some juicy twists and turns. I won’t say any more, since I don’t want to spoil the
story for anyone who might want to discover the details on their own.
There’s
so much about this show that I really enjoy. First of all, “Ghost Whisperer”
has a wonderfully spooky atmosphere, a must for a series about ghosts. The
Grandview town square, which is featured often, seems almost super-real and in
crisp focus—which contrasts nicely with the creepy, surreal appearance of the
dead walking among the living or appearing to Melinda. The show also appeals to
me because it has heart and a positive focus; call me sentimental, but I like
the fact that Melinda Gordon is a gentle, caring soul who has an affectionate
(and deliciously sensual) relationship with her husband. A nice contrast to the
uglier side of humanity that’s so often portrayed on TV.
I also think that the
moments of release, when the trapped souls go into the light, are beautifully
poignant, one of the best parts of the show. It’s also refreshing to see a
show, even a fictional one, where the focus is on helping tormented spirits,
rather than hunting and/or antagonizing them.
Ghost Whisperer also portrays
ghosts and hauntings in a way that reflects some of what I believe about ghosts.
I think that many hauntings really are the result of deceased people becoming
trapped here because of trauma, a sense of unfinished business, or a reluctance
to let go. I also agree, based on personal experience, that spirits really can
find ways—sometimes disruptive ones—to make themselves known. I also agree with
the idea that there is a place of light, beyond the world of the living, where
spirits can find healing and peace; but I think it isn’t the only place. I believe there are many realities
for our spirits to explore after we’ve moved on from this one.
Even though Ghost
Whisperer is not a new show, I think it’s still one of the best choices on
paranormal TV. I’m really glad Ion decided to bring it back.
Curious about some of my own experiences with
ghosts and hauntings? Go to:
Author Ann Young
Fantasy, Paranormal Fiction ... and Fact
