POSSESSION of supernatural powers has always made for popular entertainment. Tales of mystical beings, spirits and magical powers entertained our ancestors but once religion claimed a monopoly on miracles, what couldn't be understood was feared and punished. And the public got to denounce their neighbours and enjoy the spectacle of witches being horribly tortured and put to death.

English statutes against witchcraft were repealed in 1736 and public executions are no longer sanctioned as entertainment, at least not in Australia, but Channel Seven has devised an alternative ordeal a televised quest for Australia's top psychic.

Seven contestants mediums, psychics, clairvoyants, a "medical intuitive" and a witch undergo tests to prove their paranormal abilities.

They have to find a lost boy in the bush with a bit of help from his teddy, examine memorabilia from celebrities and deduce who they belong to, and find contraband inside a shipping container.

Using the good cop-bad cop formula loved by reality TV, two judges Richard Saunders, vice-president of the Australian Skeptics, and Stacey Demarco, a practising witch and author decide each week who stays or goes until three contestants are left. The winner will be chosen by a public vote.  >>read more

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