Ep 9. Alcatraz

The eighth season of the popular paranormal investigation show, Ghost Adventures features an intriguing episode titled "Alcatraz." In this episode, the team explores the notorious Alcatraz Island, once home to some of the most dangerous criminals in American history.

The episode begins with the team arriving on the island at night. Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley, and Jay Wasley are all visibly excited to investigate one of the most haunted sites in the United States. The team members discuss the island's history, detailing how it was used as a military fortification and later as a federal prison. They note that over the years, countless inmates suffered brutal conditions and even death within the prison walls.

As the team makes their way onto the island, they experience strong energy fields and disturbances. Zak and Billy investigate the main cellhouse, which is the most haunted area of the island. They use various devices to capture electronic voice phenomena (EVP) and thermal imaging. The team members also report feeling strange sensations and hearing unexplained noises.

One of the most chilling moments in the episode occurs when Zak and Billy enter the prison's infamous "hole." This is the area where inmates who broke prison rules were punished severely, often confined for days or weeks in complete darkness with no food or water. The team feels a sense of intense energy and fear in this space, and it's clear that the punishment experienced by the inmates here was truly terrifying.

Throughout the episode, the team interviews former Alcatraz inmates and officers who worked at the prison. These interviews provide valuable insights into the experiences of those who lived and worked on the island, and also reveal some of the most disturbing stories and legends associated with the site. The team also uncovers evidence of paranormal activity, including EVP captures, thermal images, and video footage.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this episode is the focus on the Native American history of the area. Before it was inhabited by Europeans, Alcatraz Island was home to the Ohlone people, who believed the island to be a place of great spiritual power. The team visits some of the island's more remote areas, including the site of a former Native American burial ground. They discuss the impact of colonization on the island and the role that the violent history of Alcatraz played in this process.

As with all episodes of Ghost Adventures, the focus of "Alcatraz" is on investigating potential paranormal activity and uncovering the truth about the island's haunted history. The episode does an excellent job of balancing more historical information with the traditional paranormal investigation elements that fans of the show have come to love. The Alcatraz island special is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and informative episodes in the series.