Ep 16. The Asylum

In the sixteenth episode of the first season of Paranormal State, titled The Asylum, the team from the Paranormal Research Society embarks on a chilling investigation into a historic asylum that has become the focus of haunted lore and ghostly tales. This abandoned institution, with its somber architecture and shadowy corridors, holds secrets from a bygone era that resonate through time and leave an eerie imprint on its decaying walls.

The episode begins with the team receiving a call from a local family who has experienced unsettling paranormal occurrences nearby. They report hearing unexplained footsteps, whispers in the dark, and even glimpses of shadowy figures prowling the grounds. These experiences have left the family feeling unsafe in their own home and distraught over the potential connection to the nearby asylum, which stands as a grim reminder of mental health treatment's darker past.

As the Paranormal Research Society arrives at the site, the atmosphere is thick with tension and anticipation. The team, led by Ryan Buell, includes several familiar faces, each bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the investigation. They meticulously set up their equipment, hoping to capture evidence of supernatural activity. Their goal is not just to explore the asylum's haunting history but also to uncover the truth behind the personal experiences reported by local residents.

The asylum itself becomes a character in its own right. With its vast hallways, crumbling walls, and rooms filled with remnants of the past, every corner is steeped in history. The team investigates the facility's dark legacy, learning about the often inhumane treatments that were once administered to patients, which adds layers of emotional weight to their findings. The narrative intersperses interviews with historians and experts who provide context about the building's history, including tales of suffering and spirits said to linger within its confines.

Throughout their investigation, the crew conducts thorough walkthroughs of key areas known for supernatural activity, including the patients' wards and the old operating rooms. They utilize various paranormal investigation techniques, including EVP sessions and ghost hunting equipment, in hopes of capturing direct evidence of the spirits that are said to roam the asylum. The audience is taken along as the team navigates both the physical space and the psychological implications of what they encounter.

Tensions rise as the team begins to capture unexplained phenomena, and the emotional impact of the ghost stories starts to resonate deeply among them. There are moments of unease as they face the reality of the spirits that may still inhabit the asylum. This emotional connection is heightened by the profound stories shared by the team members, who reflect on their beliefs about the afterlife, compassion for the suffering souls they might encounter, and the fear of what lies in the shadows.

In one particularly compelling sequence, the investigators conduct a séance aimed at reaching out to the spirits believed to be trapped within the asylum's walls. As they attempt to make contact, the energy in the room escalates, leading to harrowing experiences that test their resolve. The episode does an exceptional job of portraying not just the physical aspects of ghost hunting but the mental and emotional toll it can take on those involved in such investigations.

As the investigation progresses, the team grapples with their own fears and skepticism, resulting in a complex mix of excitement and dread. The bonds between team members grow as they share personal fears and past experiences, providing depth to their interactions and showcasing their dedication to uncovering the truth—both for themselves and for the families affected by the dark history of the asylum.

With a blend of historical storytelling and personal narratives, The Asylum takes viewers on an emotional journey through a seemingly haunted location that is loaded with sorrow and mystery. The atmosphere is enhanced by the show's signature blend of suspenseful music and haunting visuals, creating an immersive experience that captivates the audience.

Ultimately, this episode of Paranormal State delves into themes of compassion, the human experience with mental health, and the ongoing impact of historical traumas. The team's determination to uncover the truth about the asylum—from the sensational to the deeply personal—reminds viewers that behind every ghost story lies an often untold narrative of loss and longing. This exploration of the asylum's past and the spirits believed to haunt it leaves a lasting impression, prompting viewers to reflect on the unseen forces that may exist in their own lives. As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that the true essence of the investigation is not merely about seeking out thrills but understanding the human stories that linger in places marked by darkness and despair.