Ep 4. Eastern State Penitentiary

In Portals to Hell season 1 episode 4 titled "Eastern State Penitentiary," paranormal investigator Jack Osbourne and fellow investigator Katrina Weidman visit one of the most haunted places in America - the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The prison, which operated from 1829 to 1971, is known for its harsh treatment of inmates and is believed to be haunted by the ghosts of those who suffered within its walls.

Upon arriving at the prison, Osbourne and Weidman are immediately struck by the eerie atmosphere and feeling of dread that permeates the air. They begin their investigation in Cellblock 12, which is said to be one of the most haunted areas of the prison. As they explore the gloomy cells and shadowy corridors, they use various paranormal detection equipment such as EVP recorders, thermal cameras, and a device that measures electromagnetic frequency.

As they delve deeper into Cellblock 12, Osbourne and Weidman begin to encounter strange phenomena that seem to defy explanation. They hear unexplained footsteps, see shadow figures moving in the darkness, and feel cold spots and sudden drops in temperature. In one particularly chilling moment, they hear what sounds like a disembodied voice whispering their names.

As the investigation continues, Osbourne and Weidman venture into the prison's hospital ward, which was used to treat inmates suffering from mental illness. Here, they encounter a sinister presence that seems to be following them, and they struggle to shake the feeling of being watched from the shadows. They also investigate the prison's punishment cells, where inmates were subjected to extreme isolation and sensory deprivation, and which are said to be home to some of the most malevolent ghostly entities in the prison.

Throughout their investigation, Osbourne and Weidman are careful to approach each encounter with a healthy dose of skepticism and scientific inquiry. They are keenly aware of the potential for false positives and environmental factors that could influence their findings. However, there are moments when even they seem to be taken aback by the intensity of the ghostly activity they are experiencing.

As the episode draws to a close, Osbourne and Weidman reflect on their visit to Eastern State Penitentiary and the profound sense of unease it left them with. They discuss the history of the prison and the ethical questions surrounding its use of punishment and control, and ponder the possibility that the restless spirits that haunt its halls are a manifestation of that legacy. The viewer is left to make up their own mind about the existence of paranormal phenomena, and the impact that history can have on the present.