We here at Spectral Review are not paranormal investigators, demonologists, or drama critics. We don’t even play any of those on TV! But we do watch most paranormal shows and can tell the good ones from the bad.

Paranormal State episode report card.

“Hell’s Gate”

Ever since Wes and his family moved into their new home in York, PA they’ve been struggling with a dark force that’s made everyday a living hell. Wes feels his mental and physical health is in jeopardy. PRS feels the danger in the case is off the charts and steps into a paranormal emergency to find that an exorcism is needed.

Paranormal State deals with a demon and this time it feels real.

Client Credibility

The client is a man by the name of Wes. He has a wife and three kids. Wes gave Ryan and the team the tour of the home telling them the activity that is happening in the upstairs rooms. He then proceeds to tell them when a pastor was out to the house to bless it, “this demon got into me.” He then vomited what he thought looked like “tar”. Pretty nasty.

Wes had a drug problem. He had an arm severed on the job but it was re-attached. He became addicted with pain killers.

One of the kids tells us of being slapped by unseen hands.

Their story is quite incredible. They seemed very stressed out to us. They clearly seemed to be living through some nasty circumstances.

Investigation

Ryan brought in Chip Coffey. And Chip was terrific as usual. Chip picks up something that the team does not know the full story yet. With a meeting with the clients Chip pushes them to tell their whole story. Apparently the entity has been pushing Wes to kill his family. What was interesting Wes says “I forgot to mention that…”, and his wife retorts “How could you forget that, I’ll never forget that as long as I live.”

They get Wes some help with a therapist. What was weird the counselor told Ryan what he discovered about Wes. One would think that wouldn’t be put on national TV without a signed release!

The team used a device called the “Ovilus”. The device is a real time spirit communication device that was invented by Bill Chapelle. You can read about these devices and listen to examples at the Bruce Halliday Web Site.

The device was interesting to watch in action. Ryan asks what kind of force the entity was and the device spews “demon”. It was chilling.

Ryan brings in a Roman Catholic Priest Bob Bailey, and they have a stunning scene with Wes. Wes may be a terrific actor or really experienced something. His reaction while being told by the priest to recite words was incredible.

Evidence

The only evidence one might consider would be the Ovilus output. No more “traditional” captures of EVP or anything.

Conclusion

An awesome episode. What an entertaining show. This show had us on the edge of our seats!

As we were watching the show it reminded us of the real Amityville Horror story about Ronald DeFeo killing his family. The difference being that Ryan and the team involved in the case before the crime is committed. Perhaps stopping a future tragic event. We think if Ryan and the team ever question why they are doing this work, remember the good that happened here whether it really was paranormal or just people with problems.

No doubt will be talked about for a long time to come.