Ghosts 2×01 “Spies,” kicks off a spooky good time with the Woodstone Manor family. The Manor now operates as a B&B which means…customers. Anyone who’s ever worked in the service industry knows that ghosts are nothing to be afraid of when you have the Karens of the world screaming in your face for the most unhinged of reasons. The premiere indicates that fans can look forward to more world-building and more shenanigans of the paranormal variety.
In a show that features incredible feminine energy, it may seem odd to single out a man. However, Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) is really making the case for himself as Husband of the Year. That fake-out was both hilarious and heartbreaking, further proof that this show is still able to do both. Jay is who wife-guys think they are, but will never be. Jay’s quest to see the ghosts is a relatable and endearing one.
The premiere episode is all about the real horrors that are outwardly polite white mid-Western boomers. We all know these people. Quick with criticism, slow with kindness, and only ever showing a sickeningly sweet smile. Tom and Debbie are the embodiment of everything wrong with white boomers, and it’s actually quite validating watching everyone grow to despise them more and more. Ghosts manages to take a tired (but accurate) concept, boomers who can’t understand basic technology, and make it art.
“Spies” is also a tribute to the absolute anarchy that was the 1990s. Watching the ghosts, themselves from different generations, discover this mess of a decade is both sweet and hilarious. The show’s commitment to the bit that none of the ghosts had any entertainment beyond the likes of ants is admirable. Haven’t we all been saved by the escape that TV offers at some point in our lives?
Isaac (Brandon Scott Jones) is the real star of this episode, as his relationship with Nigel (John Hartman) continues to grow. This is one of the sweetest storylines on the show, even if Isaac is the embodiment of neurotic energy. The continued expansion of this universe, including the mechanics of traveling between the main house and the shed really shouldn’t work, and yet it does every time. Hopefully, this season will see more of these two lovebirds. We’re rooting for them.
This is also the perfect way to advance Isaac and Thor’s (Devan Chandler Long) friendship and to showcase the diva that Thor is. Imagine being asked to tone yourself down and immediately throwing yourself into a cholera pit with cholera ghosts? Relatable. It’s also great seeing the ghosts collectively call Isaac out on his crap, and demand he treat his friend with respect. This is when Ghosts is at its best, showcasing friendship but also watching everyone grow.
Ghosts 2×01 is off to a strong start, tapping into everything that makes the sitcom great. This is a winning formula, that’s essentially a workplace comedy, especially with the opening of the B&B. The American version manages to take all the best from the BBC source material, and make it its own. Hopefully, this is a sign of what’s to come. As long as we get more Alberta (Danielle Pinnock), because everyone needs more Alberta, we’ll be satisfied.
Ghosts airs Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS.
