Many ghost-hunting shows consist of similar approaches and technology, leaving audience satisfaction up to distinguishable personalities. For example, Ghost Adventures has thrived with its likable investigators.
But Paranormal Lockdown was unique, and not just for its lockdown stunt. The majority of the show actually prioritized investigation over interviews. Further, investigators Katrina Weidman and previous Ghost Adventures member Nick Groff, had sensible methods and good chemistry. So, it was a shame the show was cancelled. However, fans can still find Katrina in the relatively new Portals to Hell. It may have a more traditional formula, but Katrina’s expertise shines, and the technology on hand is well up to par. Please mind the spoilers ahead.
Season 2, Episode 2: Fort William Henry
Much of the fun to be had in ghost-hunting shows is derived from intriguing, tangible evidence that can be subject to scrutiny. So, it may seem odd to champion an episode wherein the investigative equipment has consistent technical problems. However, the issues themselves are interesting, certainly since entertainment is always Travel Channel’s priority. But it suggests some kind of supernatural interference, which is mysterious enough. But more so, the episode features both an audible groan and yawn. So often, investigators rely on EVP sessions, but strange audio in a live recording is truly unsettling.
Season 2, Episode 6: Haunted Hill House
The title should instantly conjure thoughts of Netflix’s hit show. But a particular spirit named Toby is an unusually coincidental name from Paranormal Activity 3. And one could hardly script the tension in this episode. Katrina, who almost perpetually maintains a composed demeanor, seems genuinely shaken here. It’s enough for the familiar to share her unease. Additionally, the alleged responses are distinctly intelligent. Voices over the “Geoport” device acknowledge the presence of the investigators’ cameras, and apparently affect the Mel Meter on request. Strangest of all is compelling evidence of a smoky mass, seemingly with two red eyes—which is more convincing and disturbing than it sounds.
Season 1, Episode 7: LaLaurie Mansion
Fans of this genre have become so familiar with its technology, few ghost-hunting shows even explain the basic technology. The Structured Light Sensor camera has become an intriguing staple, using infrared to attempt to map out figures. Excluding previews, the appearance of mapped skeletons can be pretty unnerving, particularly with intelligent behavior.
One such figure interacts perfectly with a chair, followed by a voice that correctly answers how many people are in the room. Further, yet another shadow seems to move past lights. And although using a spirit board is usually dull, Katrina’s session results in a candle dying out without apparent cause.
Season 1, Episode 4: Eastern State Penitentiary
Prisons are one of a handful of extremely popular hauntings, much like hospitals and asylums. There’s supposedly a high concentration of lingering negativity. And the investigation doesn’t disappoint with the location’s reputation. A radio that Katrina distinctly turned off seems to turn on by itself. A hefty light hanging from the roof even appears to swing back and forth on its own. However, possibly the most terrifying evidence is footage of a light source that is apparently being blocked out by movement. As always, trust in any ghost-hunting show is necessary, and everyone was allegedly accounted for. But the footage itself is undeniably chilling and open to scrutiny.
Season 2, Episode 3: The Shanghai Tunnels
It’s always frustrating when an investigator has a compelling experience that can’t be shared with the audience. Genuine fright, headaches, and exhaustion are typical. Here, Katrina smells an awful stench, which is commonly noted in cases of dark negativity. It’s even mentioned in the consistently terrifying Conjuring franchise. However, there could be no better physical evidence than visible harm. Producer Austin appears to be subjected to three evenly drawn claw marks on his back, which will always be controversial but eerie.
Season 1, Episode 5: Emerald Hill Hell House
The most frightening evidence isn’t just visual, but any that suggests immediate intelligence and awareness. Sometimes, EVP recordings produce intriguing voices with accurate answers. But there is something especially disconcerting about auditory communication without language.
This episode features an extensive conversation that Katrina’s partner, Jack Osborne, carries on with an apparent ghost named John. Using a simple “yes or no” code, John’s answers take the form of utterly strange scratching noises over the Rem pod. Further, the crew catches an unnatural shadow whooshing across the wall from multiple angles, which is definitely unusually impressive.
Season 2, Episode 1: The Old Paulding Jail
This was the extra-long premiere that kicked off what is shaping up to be a superior season. So often, digging into the history of the investigation site discusses some particular act of violence, which prompts intrigue or even ghost tours. And this episode really taps into the current trend of true crime, regarding a potentially corrupt sheriff. Katrina and Jack attempt to use spiritual contact that might resolve the mysteries here, where bones are literally buried. Additionally, intelligent communication comes up again, including clicking and voices that answer lengthy questions.
Season 1, Episode 8: Strawberry River Inn
This is truly the odd one out, thanks to the proximity with Skinwalker Ranch. Beyond mere spirits, investigators have pursued wildly different supernatural reports around the area. Everything from UFOs to cryptids are concerned, which may be frustrating for some, and totally compromising for skeptics.
But the investigation prioritizes ghostly matters, inviting terrifying results. There are audible breaths both inside and outside the premises, intelligent knocking, and an SLS figure appears on request. Strangest of all is their footage of a light on a hill, surely stoking debate.
Season 1, Episode 6: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Any lunatic asylum would be plenty daunting enough, as is. This one had over a hundred lobotomies, even without consent. But the awful “bedpost murder” reported here is truly tragic and cruel. Two violent patients killed another named Dean, who was sweet and childlike. Dean subsequently appears to present one of the longest intelligent conversations in any paranormal show, through the Rem pod. Dean answers multiple questions, and leaves when Katrina brings in his murderer’s artwork as a “trigger object”. And something even seems to disrupt the investigators’ laser grid in a hallway. The sheer history is fascinating and sad enough as is, for any viewer.
Season 2, Episode 4: Iron Island
This engaging episode has one of the highest IMDb ratings yet. Sometimes the show can get bogged down in interviews or “psychic sweeps”. It results in less empirical evidence that translates on screen. Here, Iron Island Museum owner Linda Hastreiter has plenty of her own thrilling evidence from the get go. She has intriguing footage and a strange photograph. Local investigator Patrick Burke has a picture of his colleague’s alleged scratch wounds, and a threatening EVP. It’s non-stop evidence, and Katrina herself is successful with the “flashlight game”. Something appears to turn a flashlight on and off by itself on request. This is a superbly paced episode, driven by curious and creepy evidence.