Lost on SyFy's "Haunted Highway:" A Television Review (Episode 1)

Producers: John Brenkus, Mickey Stern and Ron Ziskin.

Cast: Jael De Pardo, Devin Marble, Jack Osbourne, and Dana Workman.

Just where can a "Haunted Highway" take a weary traveller? SyFy's latest entry into the paranormal reality genre answers that question by going not to where no man has gone before, but into the lakes, riversides and forests of, so far, America's hidden registry of cryptids. The two teams that make up this show are headed to nowhere fast if the bland production values are any indication.

Unlike this network's two better known products, namely "Ghost Hunters" and "Destination Truth," which is embellished with some character drama and a few charismatic figures, this new series has the feel of giving the supporting characters of Jael de Pardo and Devin Marble from "Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files" their own vehicle to make it out on their own. The other pairing in the show includes Jack Osbourne and Dana Workman, relative unknowns in the realm of established paranormal researchers. The fact that Jack is the son of Ozzy does not give this new television series any added oomph.

His reveal of being interested in the paranormal since he was young has never been strongly alluded to when the Osbournes was on air. This reviewer has only seen random episodes of this family reality program. None of those episodes remotely hinted at his interest. And Dana has to prove herself before being accepted. The first episode features the Osbourne team looking for the Bear Lake Beast, an oversized gator of possible prehistoric origin. True to this genre of paranormal reality programming, only suggestions of what may be are offered than any die-hard evidence.

Not even Jael and Devin prove to reveal anything new either. Along with the cameramen and the tiny production team that follows them, what they find in Minnesota is no better. They are in search for the Hairy Man, a local name for another Bigfoot type creature. Although they find evidence of something in the woods, what they find instead is most likely a prank by locals trying to keep the legend alive. That conclusion came a mile away that even an eagle eyed viewer will realize.

Much of the series style is that of a roaming news team trying to find a story. What gets presented is cut together very fast for broadcast rather than introducing a more effective style. That's good for those viewers who just want the facts and skip the pretense of a huge introduction. However, pieces of what audiences see feels very rehearsed, and others pre-planned.

And as for how both teams learn of these local legends do require someone they know bringing knowledge of the legend to the fore, or someone from BASE Productions who really knows their folklore. The teams are pursuing telltale legends that are not as widely well known. Maybe this show will bring curiousity seekers to those hidden byways after all. If these hunters cannot find any decent evidence, maybe someone else will.

But for some viewers, what this show needs is to get to a story that the series title suggests sooner than later. Fortunately, episode two's teaser looks like it will fit the bill. If "Haunted Highway" is to deal with the supernatural, where are the ghosts? Will they travel to the outskirts of Chicago to pursue the most famous Resurrection Mary? Season one is very short; six episodes have been commissioned for broadcast. With Jael and Devin pulling double-duty now, participating in two shows, their time will be very stretched.

If this show is to succeed, it really has to have the teams delving into one particular highway, namely route 666 (191) in Utah; travelling to Britain to face some ghastly carriages or visiting Ireland to confront the banshee. Even the Will o' the Wisp can prove interesting, since they are said to lure the weary traveller off the path and deep into the marshes, to their deaths. Some dynamic tension in the form of character drama is needed to make this show work. Right now, there is very little.

With some appropriate legends for these two teams to pursue, the series stands a better chance to stay afloat than to sink in the sea of paranormal reality shows out there. Otherwise, should the show actually decide to hit Europe, to see people drown can be morbidly fun. Some viewers could love to see a moment from The Woman in Black to end the series with.

Overall: 6 out of 10.

The "Haunted Highway" at SyFy:

"Haunted Highway" at SyFy

| | |

Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis Email Subscription

Posted in: 2012,cast,crew,supernatural television review,syfy,syfy network,television,television review