Ghost Hunt
Saturday, January 20th, 2007
Ghost Hunt grabbed my attention with its first episode, and has been reeling me back again and again for ten episodes now. I anxiously await each release from the small cluster of fansub groups that purvey this title.
Each plot arc takes a few episodes to resolve, balancing accessibility with mystery. As a series that revolves around a team of paranormal investigators, Ghost Hunt faces the pitfalls of the genre: the writers must not make the solution too obvious, nor can they make it too arcane. The basic structure follows a simple structure that helps assure that this balance is reached. First the problem is introduced, with its new characters, setting, and the particular symptoms of the haunting or curse. Then the regular cast peels things back a layer or two, easing the audience into the particular parapsychology that will be used to resolve the case. In one cast we learn about poltergeists, in another about onmyouji curses, in another we learn about the paranormal properties of dolls. With this foundation, the parapsychology and the facts are thrown against each other. Investigation and experiments yield a theory or two, and the audience has a solid opportunity to puzzle things out. Ten episodes in, each story has been wrapped up tidily in the end without insulting or frustrating its audience.
The production value has been quite good. The character designs are a bit shoujou, but not enough to grate. The stories are the primary focus of the series, which I appreciate. Mid-series, I give Ghost Hunt a solid A-. Check it out.
