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Past Life, the FOX TV series.

Tinkerman

Tinkerman

Director Emeritus
Staff member
Super Moderator
February 19, 2010

The statement below is in response to questions and discussion made regarding the FOX television series Past Life. Two older threads were merged into this one. Your comments are welcome.

Statement to the membership:

The new FOX TV series Past Life is exciting for those of us who have been researching and experiencing past lives. To see reincarnation in the mainstream media is a welcomed development. That said, this particular program has some authenticity issues. As most of you know, the Past Life Forum has been a voice in the field of reincarnation for over 13 years. Its collection of information and resources is one of the foremost on the world-wide internet. The owners and the staff of PLF take the theory seriously and we feel that the program may have some negative implications.

First, the network portrays people with past life memories as people with deep psychological problems. The implications are that they are ill, uncontrollable and even dangerous. This portrayal is unfounded and could prove harmful to those dealing with true past life issues.

Second, the themes of programs aired thus far are sensationalized and tend to debase the theory. Each issue has been tied to criminal and murderous behavior. These are certainly themes familiar to mankind, but the over-dramatized and negative portrayals are not a true representation of the majority of memories we have recorded on this forum. Those unfamiliar with reincarnation may be frightened by this.

We want to remind our membership, and those visiting here looking for information, that television drama, and this particular series, is not necessarily an accurate representation of reincarnation, it is entertainment. For many, past life research is a personal journey of discovery, filled with highly emotional and sometimes tragic discoveries. But the process of discovery and the therapy to deal with it are a serious science as represented in the International Association of Regression Research & Therapies. Many questions can be answered in our FAQ section.

This particular series is misusing terminology and the regression process for the sake of drama. Actors repeatedly use the word “regression” as some type of psychotic episode. Regression is a therapy by which trained counselors assist people with recalling their memories. What is Past Life Regression? Carol Bowman writes about it in this section, please feel free to read this informative article.

As we said above, we are pleased that reincarnation is being placed into the mainstream media, but are disappointed that this program and its creators did not consult professionals in the field. And we would hope that future programs might shed a better light on reincarnation.

We invite our members to post their thoughts.

The Forum Staff
 
Past life Pilot for FOX TV


Here's a link to the trailer for the

pilot:
What do you think of it? I am curious.
 
I think it looks interesting. It is a bit sensationalistic but I think the final verdict will come from watching the show.
 
It definitely has that hollywood drama to it. I find trailers sometimes a poor insight into a movie, but from what I saw it does not turn me on.. a bit too far removed from the more subtle aspects of having an actual memory.. and the difficult subsequent spiritual work around it to give a reason for it all..


soulfreindly
 
I think it looks great :) I'm excited to see how they present reincarnation. I think one needs to expect some "Hollywoodization" to hold regular viewer interest, but it makes me happy to think that the show *may* cause some people to seriously consider reincarnation. If it generates enough interest - I believe people will search for answers ;)


I'm also really excited to watch the new show The Listener - it looks pretty interesting as well :)
 
I thought the Listener looks interesting.. Nice title too.. just makes me hope we are in a time where more people are listening ..
 
I liked it! :D It's a good trailer I think, it made me want to see the show...


There was a comment there from a regression therapist, saying he/she hopes that show stays true to the deep research, tools, and rich techniques that kind of spiritual work creates! I hope so too!


Thanks Deborah! :D
 
Past Life - New Fox series


Has anyone heard about the new Fox series called "Past Life" that will be airing for the 2010 season?


http://www.fox.com/programming/shows/?sh=pastlife

Have you ever experienced deja vu or met someone you thought seemed familiar? Do you believe in karma, fate or love at first sight?
From writer David Hudgins ("Friday Night Lights"), and inspired by the book "The Reincarnationist" by M.J. Rose, comes PAST LIFE, a new drama series about an unlikely pair of past-life detectives who investigate whether what is happening to you today is the result of who you were before.


DR. KATE MCGINN (Kelli Giddish, "All My Children") is not your typical psychologist. Confident, outspoken and highly educated, she works at The Talmadge Center for Behavioral Health in New York City, a world-renowned institute dedicated to the study of the science of the soul. After experiencing a past-life regression in her 20s, Kate became a believer in reincarnation. Using regression therapy and her natural gift for reading people, Kate helps solve the mysteries of her troubled clients who suffer from present-day problems caused by past-life traumas. She believes there are levels of consciousness and explanations for human behavior that science can't begin to explain. Accustomed to skeptics, but not bothered by them, Kate is an unapologetic believer and a force of nature who marches to the beat of her own drummer.


Her partner, PRICE WHATLEY (Nicholas Bishop, "Home and Away"), is a different story. A former NYPD homicide detective, pragmatic and cynical, Price is a damaged soul who constantly battles grief and guilt over the accidental death of his wife. Price feels that Kate, though not certifiable, certainly operates on the fringes of science. It's a volatile relationship, but with Price's solid detective skills, and Kate's penchant for out-of-the-box thinking, together they make a formidable, if somewhat dysfunctional, team.


A fast-paced emotional thrill ride, each episode finds Price and Kate working with their colleagues to unravel a new mystery involving the past-lives of their clients. DR. MALACHI TALMADGE (Richard Schiff, "The West Wing") is Kate's mentor and the center's namesake, an avuncular but gruff elder statesman who is a legend in the field of cognitive research. DR. RISHI KARNA (Ravi Patel, "Scrubs") is the rookie of the group, a baby-faced therapist from Calcutta who loves bad American TV, Cuban jazz and driving everyone crazy.
Click to expand...
Not sure how this will pan out but I'll set my Tivo to record it.
 
Thanks for the heads up Ariannel


I have heard about the new series, but unfortunately no sign of it being shown here in the UK yet, but maybe we'll get it later on.


There are several previews on YouTube like this one


Hope you enjoy the show, let us know what it's like :)
 
Past Life


Hi all,


The show will be on in March - right now they are saying 9PM after American Idol on Tuesdays. I saw the pilot and even though I'm not impartial - I thought it was wonderful.


The show is based on my novel The Reincarnationist - but very much it's own effort and not a copy of the book at all.


Meanwhile the second book in my series - The Memorist - which is also in the Reincarnation series came out in November 2008 and got some great reviews - so if any of you are looking for a new novel to read - its available all over - online and off - and the next in the series will be out during the show. The Hypnotist.


I'm currently working on the fourth book in the series.
 
Congratulations MJRose.


Your website and book are very well done. Kudos! I am looking forward to the TV series. :D
 
Congratulations from me too MJ, good luck with your new book. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the show will be aired in the UK not too long after you've seen it over there, however I also noticed that we'll be able to watch it on the internet if not: :)
 
This reminds me of a show that I saw a couple episodes of several years back.


The hypnotherapist would do a regression on an individual. They would then go out and do the research to validate the memories for that person, then actually take that person to the place where they lived in that lifetime.


I just checked around and i'm pretty sure this is the same show. It's called Past Life Investigations. I'd love to see this come to the US again!


:thumbsup:
 
Thanks for the link azgrl


I found an episode from Past Life Investigations on YouTube,
:)
 
Thanks for posting the trailer link Deborah. I'd definitely tune into the show to check it out. Though the concept is very interesting I'm curious to see how well it pans out as a series. Often with such programs....like Ghost Whisperer, Medium, The Listener, etc.....it becomes either more of the same after a time....or it becomes so far fetched as to be almost unbelievable. Most of these programs really shouldn't survive beyond season two.


I seriously related with the young male character in the trailer when he cried out that he was going crazy. The question in the intro about 'what happens when the past and the present collide' also struck a chord in me. Several years ago I had my own first hand experience with past life recall that I just couldn't seem to integrate into my current life. It's taken a long time for me to heal from that experience. I was working with a young man whom I learned had been my son in a past life, and I went through some serious emotional chaos as a result of those memories. It was as though my soul had come out of a coma and I couldn't cope with my new reality. It was, by far, the most emotionally gut-wrenching time in my life. I wonder how much more of this show I'll be able to relate to. I'm looking forward to seeing it.
 
GoldFish65 said:
Often with such programs....like Ghost Whisperer, Medium, The Listener, etc.....it becomes either more of the same after a time....or it becomes so far fetched as to be almost unbelievable. Most of these programs really shouldn't survive beyond season two.
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Funny you should mention two seasons because typically that's about how long I can stick with.... well, any TV series before it starts to get stale. I started out watching the Ghost Whisperer, but after a couple seasons all the episodes were pretty much the same. That's usually about the time when the writers start to push the envelope to make the show more interesting. Then the show almost becomes a joke.
I'm definately going to give "Past Life" a chance. I'm excited about it because its something I can point at to stimulate conversation on the subject and get an idea if people are open to it or not. If nothing else, the show will introduce the concept of reincarnation to a main stream audience.
 
Past Life on FOXTV Airing 2/11 8 PM


Hi everyone - I'm excited to tell you all that the show will air 2/11 on Fox TV at 8PM - please tell everyone. They take reincarnation very seriously on the show:thumbsup:


Also the novel its based on The Reincarnationist will be rerelease 2/23 with the next in the series The Memorist on 3/28 and the third - the new one 4/28 - The Hypnotist!


Can't wait to hear what you all think!
 
Premiere Tonight!


Just a reminder that the new show Past Life premieres tonight on Fox 9/8c - check your local listings! If you miss the broadcast, you may be able to tune into Fox on Demand as listed at the top of the Past Life page to watch the full version online. Please be aware this service is only available in some regions.


After the premiere, subsequent airings will be broadcast on Thursdays beginning February 11, 2010 during the 9/8c timeslot.


Be sure to tune in - and let us know what you think of the show.


Aili :)
 
So what did you think? We don't get it here, but an American friend was telling me about it, and I'm curious if his view is similar to members' here. :)


Karoliina
 
I thought it was a well-done show, but I'm a bit skeptical that it's going to last very long. Do you have Cold Case or the Ghost Whisperer where you live? It kind of reminded me of a cross between those shows. There seems to be a definite trend in American TV shows that "try to find justice for the dead" (think of all the CSI shows!), plus a spike of interest in the paranormal, and this series is kind of riding on their coattails ... yet the plain fact is most Americans don't believe in reincarnation, and the show seems targeted towards those who take it as a given. I'm hoping it will find a niche audience, though, I liked it -- the second episode airs tonight at 9 on FOX.
 
Jody said:
Do you have Cold Case or the Ghost Whisperer where you live? It kind of reminded me of a cross between those shows.
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That's a good analogy.
Crime drama is definately a genre that seems to be getting worn out.


As far as Past Life goes, I can't judge the series off of one episode, but I felt like it was overdramatized. The boy having spontaneous memories and just start freaking out in public over them is not very realistic. Quite frankly, I think it makes the concept of past life memories not very believable to the average viewer. I know entertainment value is more important to the network than realism. I'll watch it tonight and see how they follow up the pilot episode.
 
I know that other writers have tried to sell past life stories to TV networks without success. It's difficult to find the right balance between realism and entertainment, something network execs will buy. But in the case of FOX's "Past Life", I believe they sacrificed any sense of realism about reincarnation and past lives for sensationalized crime drama. I am sorely disappointed in the result.


When I first heard about this project I was hoping that with all the reincarnation experts around that the producers would hire a consultant, as they have done with other programs relating to crime, medicine, etc. Clearly, in this case, they didn't. Nothing rang true about "Past Life".


First of all, the terminology wasn't even correct. These people were not having "regressions" every time they experienced a horrific past life flashback. Each time I heard one of the experts refer to a character's "regressions" I cringed. They could have at least called these memories, not regressions. I won't even comment on how off-base they were with the "regressions" the therapist did. Apparently, the writers had never read an account of a past life regression or any authentic cases of past life memory. Clearly, there was no one with any experience in the field advising them. If they had guidance, they would known that people aren't possessed by these memories, even traumatic ones, as depicted in the show. It's a much more subtle process. But this is FOX. They went for high, inauthentic drama with stupid dialogue. Okay, I said it. The part that pained me most about the show was that the "experts" jumped to improbable, ridiculous conclusions about past life connections to the present characters' situations. This would have been laughable if I hadn't spent the last 21 years of my life trying to accurately describe these memories and how they really affect children and adults. To me, that was the real crime in this "crime" series.


I feel that it undermines any legitimate attempts by qualified researchers and therapists to explain the validity of past life memories and the healing effects of past life regression therapy.


It would have been so simple for a consultant to help the writers tweak the dialogue to make it more authentic and perhaps reach a more intelligent audience. But they completely missed the opportunity. Hopefully, those with a rudimentary understanding of reincarnation will turn off their TVs after realizing that this is just a sensationalized, made-for-TV version of past lives, without a trace of truth.


The best thing that could happen to this series is that is dies a sudden death, with no chance of rebirth.
 
Links to Download Past Life


For members in foreign lands, or people who missed the Fox broadcasts:


Here are links to download the two episodes shown so far. Follow directions on screen for the FREE download (don't pay anything). If you don't have AdBlock you'll get a bunch of pop-up screens and even pages. Just close all those. Don't pay anything. For the free download you'll have to fill in a captcha and wait 45 seconds. Then you get an .avi file that works on any computer. I haven't checked the quality but a 350mg Xvid should be fine.


Past Life pilot

https://www.filefortune.com/search/past-life-s01e01-pilot-hdtv-xvid/
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2OKQ6FXT
 
Hi Steve and Carol,


I was reminded yesterday by someone who is not "in to reincarnation" that the fact that it is even a topic for a show on FOX - is amazing. When you stop and think about how hard it was to even broach the subject ten years ago - and even still --- - it might help to at least open doors of conversation. Sometimes what gets people talking is the absurd and unreal scenarios on TV and in movies.


On that note - I had to turn the channel last night when the woman (regression expert :laugh:) said to the girl "you are sick" with reference to her experiences. OMG! :eek: Ridiculous. Could they be anymore damaging to the phenomenon!


At that point I lost interest. I think a few of us should tweet our thoughts and post on facebook and on the FOX facebook page. (If I can find it.) I know I will be.
 
Deborah said:
I had to turn the channel last night when the woman (regression expert :laugh:) said to the girl "you are sick" with reference to her experiences. OMG! :eek: Ridiculous. Could they be anymore damaging to the phenomenon!
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When she said that I about fell out of my chair. What irritates me the most about the show is that they make it look like some kind of mental illness that you can't control.
 
In fairness, I understood that quote to mean that the girl was an addict and that her drug dependence was THE illness.


It is a shame they didn't research this better and at least get the terminology down. I hope they come up with something other than murder scenarios every week. There is a beauty to reincarnation along with the tragedy.


I too am happy that the topic is at least getting some attention, even if it is poorly scripted.


Tman
 
It's too connected to the criminal justice angle. And they all have such an easy time verifying things and solving crimes.


I am glad that the subject matter has come to light but at what cost?
 
There are other shows on TV that step outside the boundaries of reality. I watch CSI and I know that every episode solving a murder and having the guilty party in custody in the same day the murder happened is not even close to reality. I also love at the end of the episode when the murderer freely confesses everything without any legal representation.


The difference is the crimal justice system isn't fighting of legitimacy in the eyes of the general public.
 
Considering that the show is for FOX TV & is a "reality-based show" (which are actually HEAVILY scripted & manipulated by the producers for maximum ratings) I can't say that I'm surprised by any of this. They're not airing this for the advancement of the reincarnation field after all, they're airing it for ratings.


Now had it been filmed as a documentary series for something like the The Discovery Channel I would have expected more, but this is what it's meant to be...a soap opera supposedly based on reality.


Sincerely,


Laurasia
 
the show itself seemed too slick like the rest of the drama shows are being filmed these days.


and her memories or whatever she was going thru, looked like she was more going into a fit than having a real memory. plus it looked like she could turn it on and off pretty much at will.


I didn't expect it to be true to life, but even an amature like me could see it wasn't exactly mind boggling. it was also very predictable.


I'll watch it until they take it off the air but I'm only looking at it as entertainment.
 
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