Ghosts is continuing to shine a spotlight on the beloved spirits of Woodstone Manor with 2×07 “Dumb Deaths.” This time, it’s Pete’s time to shine. Rather, it’s time for a very mean producer to come around and try to demean Flower (Sheila Carusco) and Pete (Richie Moriarty) and the ways in which they met their respective demise. And we won’t stand for it. These are two of the purest characters in a show of perfectly loveable people, living and dead, who have never done anything wrong in their lives (or after-lives).
When Spirit Worlds Collide
American remakes of beloved shows don’t always work. To be frank, Ghosts always has. The American version has long been due for a crossover with its parent series, however. Mathew Baynton, a creator and star of BBC’s Ghosts, fits right into this beautifully chaotic adaptation. Baynton brings his classic melodramatic and romantic overacting to a delightfully unhinged version of poor Pete.
While Pete has always been the very image of kind, stoic, accommodating mid-westernism, there’s a lot more to him. He’s compelled to be honest about his feelings on Ghosts 2×07 “Dumb Deaths” rather than hiding them behind a nice veneer. It’s devastating to think that his death was caused by a brief lapse in otherwise sound judgment. The best part of the focus on Pete’s death is that it wasn’t all in vain. His legacy lives on in his former Pine Cone Trooper Jennifer (Dana Gourrier), who still knows how best to help people in need. One can hardly ask for anything more.
Trouble in Revolutionary War Paradise
The loveable mess that is Isaac (Brandon Scott Jones) and Nigel (John Hartman) and their blossoming love have hit a rough patch as the two actually begin to navigate their existential differences. Thor’s (Devan Chandler Long) visceral discomfort at being put in the middle of their dispute is matched only by Sass (Román Zaragoza) and his deadpan reaction to being subjected to so much white nonsense.
In truth, these two are opposite sides of the same coin. Nigel’s derision against the peasant colonists and Isaac’s Ra-Ra-America attitude comes from the same place of entitlement and lack of self-awareness. In a best-case scenario, the fact that these two are together now, officially, they can grow together, even after hundreds of years of being surrounded by only one historical narrative. They can join forces, and throw all of the shade at Alexander Hamilton that he rightfully deserves.
The Return of The Only Valid 1%ers
Hetty (Rebecca Wisocky) and Trevor (Asher Grodman) are frankly becoming too powerful. They remain the only valid members of the 1%. Hetty in particular gets a chance to show that she can unleash her girl-boss energy. Trevor is the best possible hype-man, to get his fellow richie-rich to use her afterlife to continue to unleash anarchy.
If Hetty lived in the modern world, she would 100% be a film or TV producer. She embodies the necessary skills for this role. The ability to take charge, disregard the feelings and values of any fellow workers, and compel everyone around her to execute her vision means that she would fit right into this toxic system. It’s a shame that she lived in an era that stifled the creative visions of women. Then again, perhaps those who would have worked for her dodged a bullet.
Sweet, Sweet Flower
Poor, sweet Flower. Her demise is that much worst when you realize that her idiot companion abandoned her immediately after her ill-fated attempt to hug a bear. She deserved so much better. She also deserves better than to have her death mocked by a documentary that would show her in the worst possible light. What she deserves is a friend like Alberta (Danielle Pinnock) who is ready to step up to defend her honor.
Flower’s story is also the perfect venue for Sam (Rose McIver) to showcase her talent as an actor. Actors playing actors is the best kind of inception when done correctly. And Ghosts delivers. In addition to Sam writing what is sure to be a banger of a Hamilton book, her character is actually quite talented at portraying one of the sweetest ghosts she’s gotten to know. Only someone who knows Flower so well would be able to give her the tribute she deserves.
This may be among the last we see of the spooky residents of Woodstone Manor this year, before the upcoming one-hour Christmas special. While it will be sad to be on a break, frankly, we’ll just be sitting here wanting more. Hopefully, Alberta, Sam, and Trevor can get more of a chance in the spotlight as this season continues. They all deserve it. Flower and Thor’s relationship is just getting started, and there’s plenty more to explore. Plus, with the holiday season just around the corner, the Woodstone family is in need of a wild celebration.
Other Spooky Thoughts:
- World’s Hottest Dentist sounds like the greatest fake reality show ever. 100/10 would watch.
- Shout-out to Tara Spencer-Nairn, representing Canadians everywhere. Her Young Carol is adorable, and we love her.
- Please bring Jennifer back. Seriously, she’s so sweet, and she is a fantastic Pine Cone Trooper.
- Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) continues to be the best hype man and husband. Seriously, if you can’t match this energy, move along.
Ghosts airs Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS.
