Extreme Halloween - Part 5 ("Killjoys" & "The Unseen")

From September 1st to December 8th 1997, Ghostheads were treated to the first new Ghostbusters media since The Real Ghostbusters aired its last original episode in September 1991. Back in the '90s, everything was EXTREME! So, naturally, we'd get EXTREME GHOSTBUSTERS!!! Yeah, the title was dumb even back then, but at least they weren't "super". The series saw a new crew of young 18- and 19-year-olds being mentored by an older Egon and Janine, who were the only original team members left after the city's influx of spiritual energy ran dry years ago.

A lot of Ghostheads disliked the show at the time, as they wanted to see Peter, Ray, Egon, and Winston; not Eduardo, Kylie, Garrett, and Roland. Those who stuck with it - assuming they could find it, as Sony dropped it into the shittiest syndication deal possible at the time - found a show that was a lot more mature than the "kiddie" stuff ABC was peddling with The Real Ghostbusters in the latter years. I rewatched all 40 episodes last year, and was surprised by how well the show has held up 20+ years later. The writing is sharp, the acting in on point, and the character designs are fantastic. The only thing that sucks is the piss-poor animation. Sorry animators, but flickering back and forth between Photoshop filters is not how you animate proton streams.

Spook Central is giving you the chance to watch this semi-forgotten piece of Ghostbusters lore all throughout the month of October. Every day leading up to Halloween, I will present one or two episodes, with optional English subtitles, and a little bit of commentary from me. A little something to whet your appetite until Afterlife comes out next year. So, sit back, relax, and let's get EXTREME!!!!!

A group of paranormal clowns that feed on laughter stalk New York City. The Ghostbusters chase one of them down and Eduardo traps a clown in a heartbeat, there's only one catch. Eduardo must replace the clown which he trapped by turning into one!

Killer Klowns from Outer Space is one of my favorite "out there" horror comedies. I'm surprised that it took this long for the Ghostbusters to finally have to deal with some killer clowns - aside from the Chiodo Brothers-created ones in the Universal stage show. There are also some nice moments for the Eduardo/Kylie relationship.

FAVORITE QUOTE
Eduardo: [singing] Ecto-Man got a clown in the can. Ecto-Man taught the clown, who's the man?

A mysterious orb never seen by the public is on display at the Manhattan Museum of Natural History. The only problem is that once someone lays eyes on the orb, an entity appears and takes away their sight by pulling their eyes out!

Even after 20+ years, I vividly remember the main ghost, Tenebraug, and his mantra of "Oh, sacred seal you did partake. Now your sight you must forsake." A ghost that can take your sight is pretty scary on a basic level. There's a Scooby Gang-type of splitting up with Roland and Garrett (Shaggy and Scooby) dealing with Tenebraug, while Eduardo and Kylie (Fred and Daphne) try to find Kylie's missing Proton Pistol.

FAVORITE QUOTE
Eduardo: I almost took an Ecto-Grenade for you lady. I practically saved your life.
Kylie: Don't call me lady!