Comment Highlight: ‘Extreme Paranormal’
October 19, 2009 by Alison
What do people think of A&E’s new show Extreme Paranormal? Well, a descendant of the New Mexico tragedy featured on tonight’s episode told me exactly how they felt. Paranormal fans, what are your thoughts?
“Shows like Extreme Paranormal have the very real potential to cause undue pain for the survivors, relatives, and descendants of victims of violent death, and for what? So the average hypnotized and dummied down TV viewer can get their rocks off?
I am a direct descendant of the victims of the Bonito Lake New Mexico tragedy being featured on Extreme Paranormal show tonight.
First of all, my ancestors have spilled more than enough blood already. You know, like REAL blood?? That their tragedy is being exploited for sensationalized reality TV is stupid, disrespectful and wrong.
The story has already been told and re-told, and grossly distorted along the way. The only survivor and eye witness (another of my ancestors) of the tragedy had moved far away and never contributed to the stories out there, so it is all based on conjecture to begin with.
Naturally, the ghost story aspect gained steam over time. Just as when anything horrible happens anywhere: ghost stories spring up. Does that make any of these “ghost” stories true? I doubt anybody involved with Extreme Paranormal has a clue…
The show’s chubby cheeked boy hosts have obviously never had any authentic contact with negative entities from the other side, cause if they had, the last thing they’d be doing now is trying to fool around with the ghosts of mass murderers. They would have already learned their lesson.
And this trend of increasingly disrespectful and aggressive paranormal shows is contributing to fast growing numbers of dumbsh!t copycat kids going out there causing property damage at supposedly haunted sites and invading cemeteries all over the U.S.A.
Lovely.
Incidentally, when the “Extreme Paranormal” researchers contacted our family, they were dishonest, hiding the fact that they were out to taunt the killer, “…daring demons to attack” and all that macho childish crap. When my relative tried to straighten the researchers out on the actual facts, it soon became apparent that the show wasn’t likely to allow the truth to get their way.
So tonight, some bullsh!t super fictionalized story will go out there in the world, and for what? To feed gullible goofballs with too much time on their hands their daily dose of hype that now replaces meaningful interaction with actual people in the actual world?
C’mon, let’s get real here. I have lived on this planet many many years, here is some advice. Go get a real life.
Ask yourself this question, how many hours a day do you spend on meaningless entertainment via the computer, TV, cell phones, gadgets, etc? And why are you so interested in pseudo spooky stuff? Got negativity? Just what the world needs more of. Try pulling some weeds in your Mother’s garden instead, it would be far more productive and healthy. Besides, you’ll meet the other side soon enough. Life’s short, why not make something real out of it?
By the way, if you want to know the truth about the Mayberry tragedy, google it in six months, my relative is writing the true story.
Finally, there is no basis to any ghost stories at the Lake. None of the longterm residents and fishermen who’ve lived or now live near Bonito Lake have ever reported any paranormal activity. Yet some say how on a clear night sometimes one can see the steeple from the old church poking out of the water. Yeah right, the lake is 75 feet deep, and oh, there was never a church in old Bonito City….The show is a sham, but you know that already, right?”
I thought the extreme paranormal show was actually really good. I watch paranormal state every week. I saw that there’s another extreme paranormal show coming next week but why can’t I see if there’s another episode after that on my dvr? usually shows me 2 weeks of shows?
While I can’t deny this persons personal attachment to the haunted lake story, I can tell you that I thought this was a really entertaining hour of nighttime tv. I liked how they set up the stories at the beginning. It was very dramatic kinda like watching a movie. I also liked the fact that these guys are normal people at least. I like them and the different ways they acted and think. I’m sure A&E does not design this show as a history channel kind of documentary but more like telling legends and then how people today are being affected by it. I will definitely watch it each week to see how they come up with those ceremonies. Those were my favorite parts of the show. I was really really freaked out when the one guy was locked in the cell and the other guy had to cut him out and then they saw a ghost in the prison place.
So i guess everyone has their opinion of what they like to watch and don’t watch. So far for me I say that A&E did a good job of giving me something pretty crazy to watch before bed.
As far as the comments made by the “alleged relative” of one of the victims from the Bonito Lake tragedy, how do we know that she really is a relative? It seems that everytime something is shown on t.v. about ghost “legends”, someone has to make themselves connected to it in some way to disprove the information. These programs are made for entertainment, if you don’t agree with it, don’t watch it, but don’t ruin it for the people who do.
This show was awful. It was a mockery of real investigations. They desecrated the site they were investigating, did not analyze any of their so-called “evidence,” and did nothing but show people how NOT to conduct proper investigations.
we don’t know 100% if she’s a relative, but she took the time to express herself and made some points that evoked a discussion hence my posting it up there. the shows are for entertainment but they are pushed as being the real deal. i enjoy watching paranormal TV but there are some shows that appear to be riding the coattails of its recent popularity. just my opinion and my goal is to allow for discussion where we can all share a different opinion on the matter.
paranormal TV is entertaining for me and even though i didn’t like this show as much as some others my goal for the website is to allow for discussion where we all share a different opinion. thanks for sharing your thoughts.
In my opinion she must be a relative to make the statements she has. I feel sorry for the families that lost treasured loved ones, it is extremely tragic in all situations.
Extreme paranormal was so interesting in an OH MY GOD way. Why on earth is he doing that its soo dangerous!!Taunting spirits however… very entertaining I was at the edge of my seat the entire tim. But I wish they could help the trapped souls of the victims instead of running for the nearest exit. YOU are crazy enough to be there already.
I have googled a few things and one consistent thing that i have noticed that no one (person or dog) can not swim, wade, or boat in bonito lake no picining or tenting at the lake side, yet i can not find any explanation of why? Anyone??
And to Alison on a positive note Your past relatives have not been forgotten and the world has been reminded of them, I am sure they have been in many people’s thoughts & prayers (for sure mine). Also I will definately be looking forwards to reading the mayberry tragedy in 6 months time!
thanks for your comment–and that’s an interesting observation about the lake! hmmmm….
I am a Mayberry descendant alright. But even if I weren’t, just as a responsible and thoughtful person – I’d have problems with this show. The increase of negative programing that focuses on violent themes as entertainment is disgusting and millions of people consider it to be potentially harmful to young viewers, many of whom grew up with the TV as their babysitter. However, I am also a strong believer in the first amendment of our constitution: the free speech aspect that enables much good in our society but also allows shows like this to exist. We take the good with the bad.
One major complaint I have about the show is the entire lack of quality control pertaining to the truth. The show was well aware that the buildings were long ago torn down, yet they say how the lake covers the old city, which is really stretching it. It was never a “city”, just a small gathering of a few cabins, tavern, a post office, a hotel and a school. The western picture they showed at the beginning of the segment was not of Bonito City. And, Martin Nelson lived longterm at the hotel/boarding house, he was not a “drifter who roamed the streets” randomly killing people like the show said. My relative told the show’s researchers these facts, but the show chose to ignore them. The only thing that the show got right was the date of the tragedy.
There have been Christian ceremonies and funerals for the victims, and no “trapped souls” exist beneath this beautiful lake. My ancestors are just fine, thank you, and are held in the hands of God. My relatives have recently spent time at the lake, at night, and have nothing paranormal to report. The show knew full well that there is no actual basis for any stories of hauntings either, they just scouted around until they found someone who would say what they wanted them to say.
There is enough sham and lies in our world, and I do not approve of holding something up as true for entertainment purposes, again, whether or not I am a relative does not affect these points of view that are shared by millions of americans.
Again, the factual story is being written by my relative, and will appear in about 6 months.
Finally, Allison is way off about Bonito Lake. The reason not swimming is allowed is because the lake is the main water source of the City of Alamogordo, and they do not want any contaminants in the water. Bonito Lake is a very popular fishing spot, and many people come to enjoy the campgrounds on the lake, where picnicking certainly occurs…and folks from the area don’t appreciated how the show made the area out to be this remote, dank, dark and spooky place. The show was very unfair to the residents of the area.
Again, there’s enough over-sensationalized lies in our world, I challenge folks to try to live in light and truth.
Having grown up in Ruidoso, which is where the quote haunted Lake Bonito is located. I was totally shocked to hear it was haunted, I never experience anything haunted there nor have I ever heard of it being haunted. Believe me if it was haunted, I am sure that in High School it would have been one of the spots to visit at night, yet it wasn’t. The show was so stupid I am surprised I watched the whole thing, the only reason I did was because they were in my home state. But I won’t be wasting any more time on it, since they have to make up storied, really sad.
dude all i know is i have my own paranormal team and we watch all the shows and this show is a riot we love it they are extreme and they push boundries fake or not its a cool show to watch make for good laughs and jumps better than the lame crap they show in the movie theaters. atleast you can get entertained on the boring nights..lol keep on keeping on guys. but remember wsometimes you get whatyou ask for i hope their prepared.
I think the show is fake. They all just seem to be acting and doing an aweful job at it. But that’s just my opinion. Oh, my roommate is related to the late Marshall Applewhite Jr. of Heavens gate. Interesting.
There IS something good coming out of the bs hyped up show: Look at all the interest in the lake and surrounding area now. Ghost hunters will abound and follow the misguided investigators right into our area, bringing their money with them. This show probably will bring more than a few pennies of thrill-seekers money to our local economy. We all know New Mexico is a hotspot for those who like to roam through ghost towns and the locales for the legends of the wild wild west.
The thing that concerns me most is encouraging people to summon the dead for communication purposes, or any other purpose. It is an extremely bad idea to do this, or to encourage it. It can ruin lives.
that’s one way to look at on the + side. the show obviously gets people talking!
wow Heavens Gate eh?
cool that you had a heads up on the area. is Ruidoso a nice place to grow up?
thanks yvonne once again for sharing your story
thanks
xo
You’re welcome Alison. I meant not to offend or upset anyone, I just have strong feelings about the whole deal becasue it relates to my family history.
Again, the real story about what happened is being written by my relative, Annette McGee Rasch, and will be out there in the world in 2010 sometime. Annette’s mother was raised by the only survivor and only eye witness of the tragedy: Nellie Mayberry.
Be well and please strive for the light, everyone, Yvonne H.
The town of bonito was actually moved to another location and all members of the town were moved. I think the show is bogus.
Well I am from New Mexico myself and i have always heard that Bonito Lake was Haunted and when we visited we were bluntly told not to swim in the lake but wouldnt be given a real reason. I never knew the true story of Bonito Lake and I ran across the episode of Extreme Paranormal. I dont personally like how they go about their investigations, then again im a dedicated Ghost Hunters Fan on SyFy. But It was good to finally hear the true story. I dont think anyone should be offended by this.. Its stupid. Its like saying we cant teach people about the Kennedy Assassination in schools because its gonna offend the family. Dumb..
I know this is a bit late, and I’m sure it’s a bit obvious to point out, but “gman”? Definitely a producer/actor on the show.
skeptics welcome here always
This is the worst paranormal series on the air today.These three guys on the show are some of the worst actors i have ever seen, and all the episodes are obviously staged.Get rid of this show.
I like your site!
Everyone is able to speak their mind whether pro or con.
This show on other hand I have nothing nice to say about it. These guys are no better than kids running up to tag the joint on a dare. They are running around like a bunch of squealing girls after playing light as a feather stiff as a board only difference they have cameras & equipment. Summoning spirits is dangerous running away without proper education & closure. if the site is indeed haunted this can cause a more dangerous situation for you and the others whom follow your footsteps after you have amped up the area. Under no circumstances should you summon or challenge a dark spirit or entity for a chit chat that’s just asking for trouble.
Do your research find the truth… all myths and legends start from some truth but it may be a very small truth. Its not always the hyped up story you are looking or hoping for. Some are some aren’t but stick with truth or bill it as fiction. It is setting a very bad example. I am all for free speech, thinking outside the box, violence on TV etc. but use some common sense especially when it is really dangerous that can’t be fixed with a bandage or even a cast. Anyone whom has experienced any paranormal activity big or small would know better than to just play around with it for semi-fame or otherwise.
Be respectful of the living and dead…yes that means the ahole in front of you who can’t merge into traffic the right way. Unless someone has done you a SERIOUS wrong then it is all fair game mess them up. Just think a hundred years from now how would you feel about some stranger harassing you… there are no restraining orders for the departed
thanks–i like to remain open to different view points and i’m not here to sell a product or an idea so i welcome the negatives and positives about stuff as long as it’s presented maturely–so thanks for noticing!
your comment cracked me up. i think i would be the crankiest ghost ever. seriously!
the key word here being actors. i wish one of them would come to Screamstress and tell us what the deal is.
If you want to read what seems to be a fairly accurate account of the real story, go to this website…
http://www.livestockweekly.com/papers/96/10/03/3bonitolake.asp