Ghosts 2×17 “Weekend From Hell,” sees the return of a less-than-savory character. This episode is a perfect example of how well this show manages multiple storylines, and never rushes through any of them. Even when adding to the series’ lore, everything about Ghosts stays grounded in organized chaos and a profound love for an unlikely family.
A Redemption Arc Too Good to Be True
Elias is back and he’s raising all kinds of hell…literally. Hetty (Rebecca Wisocky), for all of her child-labor-supporting ways, comes out as the more sympathetic of these two former spouses. Elias was never serious about making amends. The fact that Hetty sees through his bullshit shows that some things remain the same even after an eternity. One has to imagine this isn’t the first time Hetty has been put in this position, of being coerced to forgive her conniving husband.
What works best about this story is the fact that it reminds viewers that forgiveness is not so flippantly sought nor received. If Elias had stayed Earth-side, Woodstone have gained a horrible new housemate. Hetty also would have lost a massive amount of self-respect if she wasn’t able to be honest with herself. Alberta’s (Danielle Pinnock) advice is always apt, and this episode is no exception. Hetty has had to grow immensely to receive this information.
Pete in Peril
Pete Martino (Richie Moriarty) has always been a literal saint. Ghosts 2×17 “Weekend From Hell,” doubles down on this sentiment. His soul really is too pretty to have to put up with Elias’ nonsense. It’s equally devastating and beautiful that the Martino family keeps Sam in the loop about family happenings so that Pete can The drawn-out pause from Hetty even considering having Pete sent to hell is so wildly hilarious. Of course, it’s clear that she would never condemn the lovable Pete to a hellish existence.
Thor’s (Devon Chandler Long) ghostly self-defense lessons are well-timed. His love language is so clearly teaching others how to punch their enemies in the genitals. Pete’s lucky he has Thor in his corner. In fact, this entire story is the perfect opportunity for the ghostly Woodstone crew to rally around the often-overlooked Pinecone troop leader. Pete deserves so much love, and a chance to stand up for himself when his literal soul is on the line.
Tripping Jay is Best Jay
Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) remains one of the most relatable characters on this show. He just wants to be included. It’s so sweet that it hurts. Sam (Rose McIver) may be trying her best to make Jay feel like he’s part of the ghostly family. Jay evidently has his own talents and ambitions. Ghosts 2×17 “Weekend From Hell,” lets him show off in the best possible way. Flower (Sheila Carrasco) is the perfect muse for Jay, even though the result is the poor man having to re-create his iconic dish.
Sam and Jay also brilliantly capture just how cringe nerd culture can become, and how quickly too. Jay may be the best kind of nerd. Let’s be real though, even the most beloved franchises need to be taken down a peg or two, at least occasionally. Watching their nerd-talk devolve into the uncomfortable reminder that yes, Luke Skywalker really did kiss his sister is so darkly hilarious. Ms. Jay is just the best kind of nerd, forgoing any sense of toxicity or really taking any of it even a little bit seriously. This is truly The Way.
Woodstone’s Culinary…Wonders
Jay’s dish may bring a new meaning to the term orgasmically good. As Sam and Jay continue to grow Woodstone as a business, they’re always going to have the ghostly crew causing shenanigans along the way. The series could continue to focus on how the ghosts integrate into daily Woodstone life. As the business becomes more successful, there are sure to be more similar…incidents to the ones in this story.
Ghosts continues to work spectacularly well because it understands the assignment. The most effective part of this episode is that it shows the ghosts being the barriers to their own happy afterlife. This band of misfits may be dysfunctional. In their chaos, however, they fit together perfectly.
Ghosts airs Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS.
