Can you see us?

So lately my favorite tv show has been Ghost Whisperer.  I had never seen an episode until about 3 months ago when I happened upon one and watched for a few minutes before turning the channel.  I asked my mom about it because I was confused about the premise and I knew she had watched it before.  She explained it all and I knew I would be tuning in again.  For those of you who don’t watch it, Jennifer Love Hewitt plays a woman named Melinda that has been able to see and speak to the spirits of people who have died since she was a child.  Her purpose in life is to help cross lost souls over to the “light”.  She helps them by giving them the opportunity to resolve problems with the living that are keeping them from having peace after death.

I like it for a number of reasons, the first of all being Melinda’s wardrobe.  Her clothes are to die for (ha!).   She’s an antique dealer by day so her outfits have an eccentric, vintage feel that I love.  But the main reason I watch is for the mythology of the show.  I’m not even really sure that’s the right term to use, but in Sci Fi programs, the “mythology” is the back story or the world view that the writers (usually) stick to when formulating the stories.  In the case of Ghost Whisperer, the writers had to create rules for how the living world interacted with the spiritual realm.  I have read enough paranormal books and seen enough ghost hunting shows to know that there are about as many view points on this subject as there are “experts” in the field.  I am still undecided on how I personally believe it works, but if I had my choice on what was true, I would pick the way it works on this show.

I had no idea I felt this way until I had watched a few episodes (thank God for reruns on Ion Television and SyFy).  This revelation came because I noticed that I always got emotional at the same two points in each story.  Both usually occuring in the last 10 minutes of each show.  The first is when the poor lost soul touches or says good-bye to their loved one.  The living person always reacts to the touch.  It’s written as a sweet emotional moment on purpose so it’s no surprise I am affected, but I tend to tear up because I love the thought that those who have passed on can reach out and comfort us in our moments of great loss.  Especially when it is them that we are missing.  The second instance is when that moment has passed and the “light” becomes visible for the spirit.  Sometimes they ask “Is that for me?” or “What is that?” and Melinda will need to explain “It’s for you.”  That gets me every time especially if they see loved ones who have already died on the other side.  They are suddenly excited, overjoyed even that they get to be with them.  They usually describe it as beautiful and all fear that may have existed about “crossing over” vanishes and they can hardly wait to move on.  It’s as if they are beginning a whole new life instead of leaving one behind.  I find that thought exhilerating.

It’s such a formulaic moment, as it comes at the end of every episode, rain or shine, no matter what the show was about and still, I love it.  I love that moment just as if I was actually there, as if that was how it really worked.  Now, this show is supposedly based on James Van Pragh and what he has experienced as a Medium, but I still can’t quite believe it.  It is just a tv show, after all.  So, for now, I’m going to take from it what I can… entertainment and a good cry topped with some great clothes.

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