Well, I’m back. I think. After a long hiatus I’ve decided I would be doing a disservice to all my fans out there if I didn’t keep going with this project. So, after finally finishing up BBC’s adorable television show Ghosts, I’m finally sitting down to present you with my thoughts. First, a quick overview. Ghosts first aired in 2019 and follows a young couple who move into a large, abandoned manor house that isn’t as unoccupied as they might have hoped. Living amongst them are nine ghosts, all of whom died on the manor property during different historical periods. A weekly sitcom starring Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe, along with Horrible Histories stars like Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas and Simon Farnaby, the series has become somewhat of a national gem. The final episode aired on 6 October 2023, bringing an end to the five-season long programme.
Now, onto the spoilers. The final season was generally as I expected it to be. Alison and Mike go through a big life change and come face-to-face with what it means to grow up. On one hand, the familiarity of the season was perfectly suited to the nature of the show. Every episode felt like a warm blanket; cuddly, comfortable, and sweet. No character is outright nasty (perhaps with the exception of the wretched neighbour Barclay) and everyone is truly trying their best to live their best life (or afterlife).
The final season finishes up all the stories about each ghost’s death, and hammers home the show’s thesis: Alison, Mike, and the ghosts want and treasure love and family above all else. Each ghost struggled with being loved in some way during their lives. Kitty’s sister was not as caring as Kitty remembered, Fanny never had a partner who truly loved her, and Pat’s wife was having an affair with the neighbour. Thomas’ obsession with Alison stems from his feeling of rejection in his real life, the Captain was never able to express his feelings for the man he loved, and Mary’s husband tragically died years before her. Even Julian, the Tory MP with exceptionally questionable morals, regrets that he did not cherish his family while he was living. The writers consistently bring us back to a sense of family and belonging, and so it was perfectly fitting that Alison and Mike agree to stay at Button House to raise their child.
However, while the familiarity and consistent message makes the show comforting and wholesome, it also limits the scope of where these characters can take us. By the end of Season 5, I rooted for their development, but ultimately knew the series was better off concluding, and felt satisfied that Alison and the team had finally found what they were looking for.
A quirky show with a winning cast, albeit for perhaps a slightly younger audience, is well worth a watch and leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling that’s perfect for the colder weather.
Reel Talk 