Darkness At Noon Part I
Episode 1
You’ll Need A Reference
Darkness At Noon may refer to a book from 1940 with the same title. It was about the meeting of opposites.
Location: NYC (overhead)
You’ll Need A Reference
Opening overhead shot with music is similar to GHOSTBUSTERS™ score.
Location: NYC Subway Tunnel
You’ll Need A Reference
A crew is working in a subway tunnel. They’ve broken through a wall that contains skulls. This is somewhat similar to The Real Ghostbusters episode, Knock Knock.
Extreme Theme
It Just Popped In There
“That’s right.” Grungy, all levels turned up version of Ghostbusters. It was written by Jim Latham and performed by voice actor Jim Cummings. At this point if you’re watching for the very first time in 1997 you’re not familiar with the characters or equipment. One of the shows producers is Joe Medjuck. If you don’t know his real Ghostbusters credentials, come back after you watch Ghostbusters and at least season 1 of The Real Ghostbusters.
Location: New York City College • Setting: Paranormal Phenomenon 101 • Professor Egon Spengler
You’ll Need A Reference
Kylie is reading Spengler’s Spirit Guide by Egon Spengler.
It Just Popped In There
Can’t really blame Garrett for wanting to hear about The Real Ghostbusters adventures straight from the man himself.
It Just Popped In There
Unless Eduardo grew up no where near NY or the northeast how can he not believe ghosts exist? The Ghostbusters and later in The Real Ghostbusters their ‘saving the day’ cases made TV and headlines. Plus their was at least one blockbuster movie. Which isn’t a knock on Ghostbusters II. I know the continuity exists in The Real Ghostbusters episode, Partners In Slime. I’m not aware that Ghostbusters II existed as part of Extreme Ghostbusters, at least not until Back In The Saddle Pt. 1. We’re not their yet.
You’ll Need A Reference (Print Is Dead)
- Ghosts Walk Among Us
- Government Cover Up: Ghosts
- Contacting Spirit World (partial title)
- One other book (title not shown)
You’ll Need A Reference
“Easy-A” – Roland
Rap artist Eric Lynn Wright known as Eazy-E was a member of the west coast gangsta rap group N.W.A. After leaving the group he was known for his internal rap battles with Dr. Dre.
You’ll Need A Reference
Roland saw ECTO-1 at a car show once. ECTO-1 appeared at a car show in the 4th season The Real Ghostbusters episode, Follow That Hearse.
It’s Technical
First lesson (well sorta) Proton Guns.
Quote
“Ecto-plasmic Molecular Displacement Beams.” – Egon
It Just Popped In There
So that’s what they are.
Quote
“Four people are taking this class?” – Egon
Three men and one woman. Two if you’re now including Janine Melnitz.
It Just Popped In There
Janine Melnitz, a big fan of “continuing education.” No double meaning whatsoever.
She was downsized from her last job. Did she finally decide to take a job within the house keeping or food service industries? Or is Janine referring to Ghostbusters where she was a former receptionist and more.
It Just Popped In There
Janine is already ahead of the grade curve as she’s worked with The Real Ghostbusters, had training to use ghostbustin’ equipment, and been around ghosts. It’s also possible she had previously read known paranormal literature. I can’t imagine she wouldn’t have read Spengler’s Spirit Guide. If she wanted to take a class, why not last semester, why not during a previous semester?
How long has Egon been teaching Paranormal Phenomenon 101?
You’ll Need A Reference
Egon still lives in the firehouse. Who could blame him.
Hook & Ladder 8 aka Ghostbusters HQ is located in the Tribeca section of Manhattan. While it is a daily in use, working NYC firehouse, during the filming of both Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II, H&L8’s exterior was used as the home and offices of the Ghostbusters.
It Just Popped In There
Its possible their was a time Janine did accounting work. Once Louis Tully was hired in the season 5 episode Something’s Going Around she wouldn’t have to “crunch the numbers” as much.
It Just Popped In There
I get it, as this is an animated Ghostbusters cartoon, Egon and Janine didn’t really have to age. Seemed like a bold choice or just made sense at the time. If their had been a Ghostbusters III by the end of the 20th century, older characters would have looked more like their real life counter parts. Still, just because I have to get older doesn’t mean they had to.
Location: NYC Locations
Some kind of paranormal phenomena is moving through NYC.
- Rockefeller Center
- Chrysler Building
- Empire State Building
Ghostbusters Firehouse
It Just Popped In There
When did The Real Ghostbusters ‘install’ a landing pad for I presume ECTO-2? It’s possible it could have been referenced during The Real Ghostbusters. It’s been too long and from memory I don’t recall.
Firehouse Interior Ground Floor
The lights are off, we see the rear of ECTO-1, garage bay area, and part of the interior.
Firehouse Interior Lab
A computer and other paranormal equipment turns on, detecting paranormal activity.
Firehouse Interior Living Room
Slimer is sleeping on the couch. During The Real Ghostbusters Slimer use to sleep in the air, floating as ghosts are known to do. Around the time when I watched the episode of Extreme Ghostbusters that I caught I wondered why Slimer was drawn differently from The Real Ghostbusters.
It Just Popped In There
In a corner is a very nice display cabinet with a The Real Ghostbusters uniform wearing a Proton Pack.
It’s Technical
Two P.K.E Meters (one that’s either broken or been taken apart) activate, also detecting paranormal activity. Note they appear to be plugged in.
Slimer in his Slimer like language wakes up, reacts, and doesn’t know what to do.
Location: New York City College • Setting: Paranormal Phenomenon 101 • Professor Egon Spengler
Quote
“He’s giving us hard data on the life cycles of ghosts. As if he has scientific proof they exist.” – Roland
**See previous comment about Eduardo not believing and somehow missing that their are ghosts, and men and women alike dealt with them.**
Location: Ghostbusters Firehouse
Firehouse Interior Living Room/Kitchen
After panicking Slimer checks out Egon’s class schedule on the fridge. Note the A&G Pizza magnet. Before aiding in a potential crisis, their is always room for a fancy piece of cake.
Location: Times Square
Unless it has something to do with his memory, why would Slimer need a map of NYC to find Egon’s place of employment? If it wasn’t free, Slimer better steer clear of the law.
Location: Tall Building
The tall building is reminiscent of 55 Central Park West aka Shandor building/Gozer building from Ghostbusters.
Tobin’s Spirit Guide
Achira is the demon spawn of Duaka. Her name is derived from the Mesopotamian word, “Achira-Teema,” roughly translated to “Destroyer of Civilizations.” Achira’s function is to spread her disease and decay on cities in order to fulfill the 11th prophecy.
Her repeated method of destruction involves taking on a willing host and releasing a plague, which causes victims to grow disgusting blotches on their faces, some form of cross dimensional dermo-transmogrification.
Location: New York City College • Setting: Paranormal Phenomenon 101 • Professor Egon Spengler
Egon is about to talk check lists to determine paranormal factors when Slimer arrives, scaring others on campus who may have also lived under a rock in the ‘80s.
Location: Driving In NYC
You’ll Need A Reference
The Mustang is a sports car from the Ford Motor Company. The first generation models from 1964 were introduced on April 17, 1964.
It Just Popped In There
Roland drives everyone slowly and as safely as possible to the Firehouse in his Ford Mustang. If this was real, there wouldn’t have been any reason for college kids taking Paranormal Phenomenon 101 on the very first day to come along. Why wouldn’t Egon and/or Janine have objected?
Yeah, I know the series is setting up the new team.
Ghostbusters Firehouse (Arrival)
You’ll Need A Reference
Slimer ‘sat’ on Eduardo’s lap, leaving ectoplasmic residue behind. As he always would during The Real Ghostbusters and naturally from when Slimer first “slimed” Peter in Ghostbusters at The Sedgewick Hotel.
Firehouse Interior Garage Bay
Egon left his keys back at NYCC. Garett quickly shows he can “pick locks” by ramming his wheelchair at the doors, opening them.
It Just Popped In There
I hope it isn’t that easy to get inside Ghostbusters HQ without a key. With a valuable vehicle, ghostbustin’ equipment, and I presume a working ECU, surely Egon wouldn’t want anyone who doesn’t belong inside getting easy access. The Firehouse is equipped with a bell, why didn’t some kind of alarm go off?
ECTO-1
It Just Popped In There
The Extreme ECTO-1 seems to be a mix of the movie versions and The Real Ghostbusters ECTO-1. Also as the car is an even older classic at this point, its possible Egon (maybe Ray and Winston) had made changes during the 1990s.
Quote
“It needs a wash.” – Roland
Firehouse Interior Office
Quote
“P.K.E readings are through the roof.” – Egon
You’ll Need A Reference
A variation of what Egon also has said about high readings. Considering who he’s talking to, some of these students may not quite understand the paranormal jargon anyway. Where’s Winston when we need him?
Quote
“This is indicative of major outbreak of ectoplasmic activity.”
It Just Popped In There
This has little meaning, at least initially to most of the group as Garret decides to have a candy bar. Slimer, who has the attention of a small child is distracted enough to want to really eat that candy bar. Now isn’t the time, plus their is practically an entire cake in the fridge, unwrapped by the way.
It’s Technical
Roland sees a Proton Pack sitting on a desk. Along with a Spectral Proto-Capaciator. Or in lam-en’s terms, a Ghost Beacon.
For some reason Janine picks up a book. Because of the dust, drops it on a desk near a TV that has Slimer’s ectoplasmic residue on it. Oh hey a TV, let’s turn it on to further advance the plot.
Great timing too, the news is on. A reporter is at the end of a news story about what city workers found while digging a subway tunnel. The reporter mentions it could be supernatural or without any proof blames it on poor working conditions.
Quote
“In any event the new subway tunnel is slated to be christened by the mayor later this afternoon.” – Reporter
It Just Popped In There
With finding bones and who knows what by your average New Yorker, wouldn’t that have stopped work on a new subway tunnel? As work continues, the media can check out the progress on this one new subway tunnel. Usually isn’t something christened when its 100% ready? Maybe that’s more a dedication ceremony.
Regardless Egon already knows (and why shouldn’t he?) that the tunnel opened up an ecto-triangulation breach.
Quotes
“You do know your Spengler don’t you?” – Egon
“I’ve got to get down to that tunnel, take some readings.” – Egon
“I’m coming with you. You know how being underground gives you nosebleeds.” – Janine
It Just Popped In There
When did Egon ever get a nosebleed underground?
Quote
“Class dismissed.” – Egon
It Just Popped In There
Was it really wise to leave 4 students alone (ok Slimer is there, but still) in the Firehouse?
Location: New Subway Tunnel (Crosstown Subway)
Is it just me or does the mayor seem familiar?
You’ll Need A Reference
In 1997 Rudy Giuliani continued being the Mayor of New York City. Rudy Giuliani was mayor in the Big Apple from 1994-2001.
It’s Technical
A P.K.E Meter shows the whole area is brimming with residual ectoplasmic vibrations.
In Egon’s own way he explains that a ghost doorway has opened and an unknown number of ghosts have gotten out. Cue the mayor.
Quote
“For those too young to remember this is the illustrious Egon Spengler. A charter member of those psychotic vigilantes once known as the (Real) Ghostbusters. Yeah back in the ‘80s they tried to con the city in believing their were ghosts. In order to line their own pockets. But fortunately they were shut down.” – Mayor Rodent
It Just Popped In There
I’d understand more that Eduardo and Roland may not have believed in ghosts because even if they lived anywhere in or near NYC they would have been too young to know what The Real Ghostbusters accomplished. This mayor c’mon, where did he come from, Pittsburgh?
Quote
“That’s totally untrue. We shut ourselves down because their weren’t any ghosts…” – Egon
It Just Popped In There
It took almost the entire episode, at least we have a vague idea why the Ghostbusters aren’t in business. Which can explain why Peter, Ray, and Winston aren’t around.
Location: Central Park
Achira needs a willing host to take control of to do her bidding. An alleged homeless man won’t cooperate for multiple reasons and his life is spared.
Location: Kylie’s Apartment • Interior: Bedroom
Kylie, missing her grandmother Rose uses the Ghost Beacon she “borrowed” to summon her grandmother.
It Just Popped In There/It’s Technical
How would she know how to use it anyway? Read and study all you want. I seriously doubt Egon Spengler published a user manual.
With the beacon active it summons a spirit, just not one she loves. In the meantime, Kylie’s cat Pagan comes to check out the weird tech. Animals usually know what’s coming before we do.
You’ll Need A Reference
Grandma Rose looks like every sweet old grandmother. The mannerisms also remind me of Mrs. Rogers before she turned into WHAT during The Real Ghostbusters first season episode, Mrs. Roger’s Neighborhood.
It Just Popped In There
How did Achira know (just one of those powerful ghost traits?) what Rose looked like anyway?
Sorry, I Missed It
Once Achira reveals herself to Kylie, she reacts in a similar way as the guy on a park bench did and really any of us would. She isn’t a willing host, that no longer seems to matter. Was it because of the physical touch from Kylie? Or more to do with the Ghost Beacon?
Ghostbusters Firehouse (Night)
You’ll Need A Reference
Similar music to Ghostbusters II plays from when the Ghostbusters arrive at the museum.
Egon opens his locker, revealing a darker The Real Ghostbusters uniform and a Proton Pack. Egon suits up in this darker uniform (aged from all the ghostbustin’ and laundry?) wearing red gloves instead of black.
Its Technical
The Proton Pack has a very worn out cable, causing ‘smoke’ to escape. Egon doesn’t seem too concerned. Good thing the E.P.A isn’t around.
ECTO-1
Slimer tries to stop Egon from basically saving New York once again. Sure the caring and concern for Egon’s wellbeing is sweet. How many times did Egon face these kinds of supernatural entities? What could possibly go wrong with less then 6 minutes remaining?
Quote
“To put it in the vernacular, who ya gonna call?” – Egon
You know you marked out. 😀
Sorry, I Missed It
This ECTO-1 seems more boxy (for enthusiasts it doesn’t even seem like its a Miller-Meteor. The license plate isn’t the same from The Real Ghostbusters. To be fair, license plate designs do change. As it did between Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II. That could be a reason. Plus if they had been out of business, maybe at some point ECTO-1 had to be re-registered.
Location: NYC Driving
Tobin’s Spirit Guide
Quote
“A Class VI S.P.E.” – Egon
It Just Popped In There
Who knows what that means at this point. I thought it was a nod to Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Location: A NYC Alley
Quote
“I’m breaking the first rule of ghostbustin.’ Never go solo.” – Egon
Unfortunately Egon was no match in this first round with Achira and seems like he’s unconscious. Kylie appears from the shadows, now a host to the more powerful Achira!
The Next Day
Location: New York City College • Setting: Paranormal Phenomenon 101 • Professor Egon Spengler
You’ll Need A Reference
Maila Nurmi, a 1950s horror host created and played a character called Vampira.
With Egon and Kylie absent from class Janine doesn’t object when Roland thinks they should check the Firehouse.
It Just Popped In There
Is Paranormal Phenomenon 101 the only class they’re all taking? Or coincidentally do they just have time that day to leave NYCC and check on both Egon and Kylie?
Ghostbusters Firehouse
Sorry, I Missed It
The “no ghost” logo is missing from the passenger side door.
It Just Popped In There
If Egon was infected and perhaps still unconscious, how did he manage to drive back to the Firehouse?
You’ll Need A Reference
Egon’s ghost dermal infection reminds me of The Real Ghostbusters 5th season episode Something’s Going Around. In the episode The Real Ghostbusters eat chips they think are good for them. In fact it made them sick, becoming some kind of ghost!
Sorry, I Missed It
Egon’s uniform “no ghost” logo patch is missing the ghost. Sloppy (perhaps cost effective) animation.
It’s Technical
The Ghost Beacon might have helped Egon, since Kylie “borrowed” it, much to Egon’s emotional outburst he feels he’ll have to go back out. That will effect Kylie’s GPA.
Egon’s health doesn’t really clear him to fight a Class VI S.P.E. At the suggestion of Roland, then Garret, Egon allows new ‘recruits’ to become Ghostbusters.
It Just Popped In There
Slimer, who didn’t want the experienced Dr. Spengler to go out to ‘catch’ a ghost immediately was on board with college students (Janine excluded) to become a new team?
Janine isn’t so sure, although she trusts Egon. Honestly wouldn’t now be a good time to call Peter, Ray, and Winston?
It Just Popped In There
I’m pretty sure when you closed your business (even when you ARE the Ghostbusters) you can’t just immediately “open for business.” Isn’t there paperwork and other things that have to be done so you can be in business? i.e: advertising, training new employees
Sources:
- Reference: Achira’s ‘Tobin’s Spirit Guide’ entry from Ghostbusters Wiki.
- Screencaps: Ghostbusters Wiki. Used as reference under fair use of United States copyright law.
Ecto-Containment 