Ghosts 2×11 “The Perfect Assistant” brings the show back from hiatus for more spirited, spooky shenanigans. No, there’s no addressing that ending, but no matter. This is one of the greatest ensemble episode that the series has featured in some time. While getting to know the ghosts individually has been amazing, it’s nice to see so much of the crew come back together again.
Sam and Jay Are in Need of a Third
Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) are feeling overwhelmed. It’s such a mood, especially coming back from the holiday break. Enter Freddie (Mike Lane). He’s funny, computer-savvy, and knows just how good Speed is. He’s the whole package, seemingly. He fits the vision Sam and Jay have for Woodstone, to expand it and make it a can’t-miss destination.
Jay continues to be so incredibly relatable in his search for friendship. It can be easy to forget how lonely his existence can be, not being able to see the ghosts. Jay never comes across as pathetic. Rather, he’s portrayed as incredibly, well, human. Everyone needs connection, and it looks like Jay’s circle is getting a tiny bit bigger. It’s what he deserves. There’s a lot riding on Freddie’s success. Hopefully, time will give him a chance to become a full part of the Woodstone family.
Ghosts-Superstore Crossover
Ghosts 2×11 “The Perfect Assistant” introduces Jessica (Nichole Sakura) the car ghost. She adds to the ghost lore in a nonsensical but super fun way. It’s so unfortunate to think that in the Ghosts universe, if you die in a car you’re forever bound to it. The arrival of Freddie and Jessica is also a venue to explore how close the ghosts have gotten to Sam. It’s hilarious and also pretty sweet to see how much Hetty (Rebecca Wisocky) and Alberta (Danielle Pinnock) feel particularly neglected if Sam isn’t paying sufficient attention to the ghostly crew.
This story allows the show to explore the moral complexity of the ghosts in a really fun way. Of course, we love our morally complex revolutionary Isaac (Brandon Scott Jones) and our Irish-hating capitalist Hetty. However, it’s weirdly captivating to watch them all work out whether or not to come clean to Sam about Freddie’s past (or lack thereof). This is a chance for the ensemble to shine, and show how well they can come together in times of crisis.
Thor’s Daddy Muscles
Bjorn (Christian Jadah) is back, and it’s time for Thor (Devan Chandler Long) to step up as a father. Poor Bjorn is up against the worst and most violent kind of bully, a 1950s housewife. It makes sense that he would deputize Flower (Sheila Carrasco) and Pete (Richie Moriarty), who are the perfect sounding boards for Thor’s parental woes. They’re who Thor needs as he navigates parenthood. Between Flower’s unwavering support, and Pete’s truth bombs, they make Thor a better parent.
While the focus of this story is Thor’s relationship with his son, Pete brings a surprising emotional richness as an observer. We get to see a glimpse of the heartbreaking backstory, of a little boy who grew up with an emotionally unavailable father. It’s nothing less than devastating, thinking of Pete as a boy full of so much love to give, being stonewalled by his father. Thankfully, he is able to impart his wisdom to Thor, so that Thor can be a better father than Pete’s ever was.
Season of Love
Ghosts 2×11 “The Perfect Assistant” is intent on continuing to give us multiple ships, just waiting to set sail. Hetty and Trevor (Asher Grodman) are still on the down-low, but we respect that. In fact, Trevor’s mostly in the background, only making an appearance to defend the right of a Jewish guest to have her fully Kosher meal. We’re more than willing to explore this ship, even if it might be shocking at first. It’s early days yet.
Sasappis (Román Zaragoza) is all in on pursuing Jessica, and we’re also into it. We’re still holding out for him and Shiki (Crystle Lightning), but we understand, long-distance relationships are hard. Sasappis and Jessica share an appreciation for just the smell of pizza and other good food. There may be hope for them yet.
Ghosts is back from the holiday break with a bang, and these characters are more loveable than ever. As Woodstone grows and becomes the cozy B&B it was always meant to be. With a lot of potential ships waiting in the wings, there are clearly more than backstories to explore. There is so much richness in these characters and their stories. Near the halfway point of the season, it feels like things are just getting started.
Ghosts airs Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS.
