Last Update on the Left - Episode 2: Enfield Poltergeist Strikes Back

In this enthralling episode of Last Update on the Left, the hosts delve deep into the infamous Enfield Poltergeist case, revisiting the paranormal phenomena that captivated the world in the late 1970s. Released on May 12, 2025, the episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the haunting, the key figures involved, and the ongoing debates surrounding its authenticity.

1. Introduction to the Enfield Poltergeist

The episode begins with Ben Kissel setting the stage for the Enfield Poltergeist case, describing it as a classic poltergeist haunting from 1977 in Enfield, London. The Hodgkin family, comprising a mother, her two daughters, and their briefly included son, became the epicenter of inexplicable activities at their residence, 284 Green Street.

Ben Kissel (04:44):
"The Enfield Poltergeist case was in 1977 in Enfield, which is a suburb of London. It's a classic poltergeist haunting with furniture moving and objects flying around the room with credible witnesses."

2. Key Figures: Maurice Gross and Guy Playfair

Central to the investigation was Maurice Gross, a paranormal researcher whose personal tragedy—the death of his daughter Janet Gross in a motorcycle accident in 1976—propelled him into the Enfield case. Guy Playfair, another significant figure, brought mysticism and expertise to the investigation, authoring the pivotal book "This House is Haunted".

Marcus Parks (07:28):
"Maurice Gross embedded himself in the case with a cherry red sports car, making him stand out in the otherwise mundane British landscape."

Henry Zebrowski (11:56):
"Guy Playfair brought the mystics to the investigation, adding a strong, ethereally pale presence to the team."

Ben Kissel (12:00):
"Guy Playfair wrote 'This House is Haunted,' which significantly elevated the Enfield case in the realm of serious paranormal research."

3. The Haunting and Reported Activities

The Hodgkin family experienced escalating paranormal activities, from subtle movements of furniture to severe incidents like objects flying through the air. One particularly notable event involved a Daily Mirror reporter being struck by a Lego piece during an investigation, raising questions about the source of the disturbances.

Ben Kissel (06:34):
"A Daily Mirror reporter was hit with a Lego piece, leading to suspicions that either another reporter was throwing it or something paranormal was at play."

Henry Zebrowski (16:23):
"They also had coins falling from the ceiling and instances where objects like a red cushion would inexplicably appear on the roof."

4. Attempts to Debunk: The Ventriloquist Incident

In an effort to debunk the haunting, the Daily Mirror sent a famous ventriloquist to interrogate the Hodgkin daughters. The ventriloquist claimed that the girls confessed to orchestrating the entire phenomenon, suggesting the use of ventriloquism techniques to simulate the poltergeist activities.

Ben Kissel (19:12):
"The ventriloquist took the girls into a room, and afterwards, the Daily Mirror reported that the girls admitted to faking the hauntings."

However, the hosts express skepticism about this debunking attempt, highlighting inconsistencies and questioning the motives behind the ventriloquist's intervention.

Marcus Parks (19:20):
"If the ventriloquist manipulated the girls to confess, it raises questions about the authenticity of their statements."

5. Documentation and Evidence: Tapes and Footage

A significant portion of the episode discusses the extensive 200 hours of recorded activity captured by Maurice Gross. The documentary series on Apple Plus meticulously reconstructs the events, including the famous photograph of Janet Hodgson seemingly floating above her bed—a moment captured with her camera clicking in mere fractions of a second, raising debates on its plausibility.

Ben Kissel (34:17):
"The photograph of Janet Hodgson floating above her bed was taken 1/6 of a second after she was still under the covers, making it seemingly impossible."

Marcus Parks (35:28):
"The documentary reconstructs the poltergeist activities, presenting compelling footage that challenges skeptics to maintain an open mind."

6. Impact on the Hodgkin Family

The relentless haunting took a severe toll on the Hodgkin family, particularly on Janet. The episode highlights how Janet underwent extensive medical evaluations, all of which returned normal results, yet her experiences within the home continued to escalate the haunting incidents.

Ben Kissel (40:19):
"Janet was taken out of the home and placed in a hospital where she was under observation for six weeks, only to return and find the activity intensifying once more."

Janet's lifelong struggle with the lingering effects of the haunting is poignantly discussed, emphasizing the enduring psychological and emotional impact.

Ben Kissel (44:15):
"Janet described feeling like she wasn't entirely herself during the haunting, a feeling that has persisted into her later years."

7. Current Status and Documentary Coverage

The hosts discuss the new documentary reboot of the Enfield Poltergeist case, lauding its faithful recreation of events and the integration of eyewitness accounts. The documentary not only revisits the original events but also explores the aftermath and the long-term effects on the family and investigators.

Ben Kissel (49:24):
"The documentary takes Maurice Gross's actual tapes and rebuilds the poltergeist house, using actors to lip-sync with the original recordings, offering a compelling portrayal of the events."

The documentary's approach underscores the complexity of paranormal investigations, emphasizing the need for patience and immersion to truly understand such phenomena.

8. Hosts' Perspectives and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, the hosts oscillate between skepticism and belief, acknowledging the compelling evidence presented while pointing out the gaps that leave room for doubt. They explore theories ranging from collective unconsciousness to external intelligences manipulating events, ultimately leaving the question of the Enfield Poltergeist's authenticity open to interpretation.

Henry Zebrowski (32:35):
"If this is a poltergeist torturing a girl, what a better way to torment someone than only doing it when no one else is around."

Marcus Parks (35:31):
"Watching the Enfield documentary put me closer to the core of what a paranormal investigation truly entails, making the phenomenon feel more real."

Ben Kissel (50:28):
"The documentary presents thousands of incidents recorded by Maurice Gross, which challenges purely skeptical interpretations."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Kissel (06:34): "A Daily Mirror reporter was hit with a Lego piece, leading to suspicions that either another reporter was throwing it or something paranormal was at play."

• Henry Zebrowski (16:23): "They also had coins falling from the ceiling and instances where objects like a red cushion would inexplicably appear on the roof."

• Marcus Parks (19:20): "If the ventriloquist manipulated the girls to confess, it raises questions about the authenticity of their statements."

• Ben Kissel (34:17): "The photograph of Janet Hodgson floating above her bed was taken 1/6 of a second after she was still under the covers, making it seemingly impossible."

• Henry Zebrowski (32:35): "If this is a poltergeist torturing a girl, what a better way to torment someone than only doing it when no one else is around."

Conclusion

Last Update on the Left masterfully navigates the labyrinthine details of the Enfield Poltergeist case, presenting a balanced view that honors the mystery while scrutinizing the evidence. Through engaging discussions, insightful analysis, and memorable quotes, the hosts invite listeners to ponder the enigmatic events that transpired at 284 Green Street, leaving the door open for both believers and skeptics alike.

For more spine-chilling content and in-depth analyses of the world's most notorious paranormal events, subscribe to Last Podcast on the Left and join the community of enthusiasts eager to satisfy their bloodlust.