10 best Ghosts episodes – from Gone Gone to Last Resort

As a self-proclaimed Ghosts enthusiast and binge-watcher of countless episodes, I must confess that each tale from Button House has left an indelible mark on my heart. However, one episode stands out as the pièce de résistance, the cherry on top, if you will – It’s Behind You.

Among the most outstanding British comedies in recent times, Ghosts captivates a multitude of devoted viewers thanks to its vibrant characters and touching narratives.

As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that even though the final curtain has fallen, the magic of this show lingers vividly in our memories. It’s destined to become a timeless classic, frequently revisited on platforms like BBC iPlayer and other streaming services for many years to come.

Originating from the creators of Horrible Histories and Yonderland, this series follows the escapades of characters Alison (portrayed by Charlotte Ritchie) and Mike (played by Kiell Smith-Bynoe), who unexpectedly acquire a peculiar, haunted manor house.

After a close brush with death, Alison acquires the unique talent of perceiving spirits dwelling in her house, which subsequently develops into unexpected relationships and heartrending tales unfolding across the five-season span.

As a devoted fan of the supernatural sitcom “Ghosts,” I’ve had the pleasure of watching all the episodes and have my personal favorite among the top 10 hand-picked ones. For me, it’s hard to beat the episode where the ghost of the gruff but lovable coach meets his former team in Button House. Growing up as a sports enthusiast myself, I connected deeply with this storyline and found it incredibly heartwarming to see the coach finally come to terms with his past and find closure. This episode truly encapsulates what makes “Ghosts” so special – its ability to blend humor, emotion, and supernatural elements seamlessly while exploring the complexities of human relationships. So, if you’re a fan looking for a satisfying return to Button House, I highly recommend giving this particular episode a watch!

10. Last Resort

Although combining two successive Ghosts finale episodes didn’t seem beneficial, Last Resort emerged as a much more effective way to bid adieu to the sitcom format. In this particular episode, Alison and Mike grapple with the prospect of selling Button House to a developer who intends to transform it into a golf resort and spa.

The ghosts frantically try to keep their mortal companion, causing them to panic. They seem on the verge of success until an unexpected twist shocks the audience, longtime viewers especially, setting up one of the most emotionally impactful scenes in the show’s history. Can you refresh my memory as to why this wasn’t the series finale?

9. Part of the Family

A significant portion of the series left a lasting impression, as it delved deeply into Alison’s seemingly solitary family background and her emotions towards it. Moreover, this segment marked Jessica Knappett’s last appearance as Lucy, who unexpectedly entered Alison’s life, presenting herself as Alison’s long-lost half-sister. However, the spirits of Button House remain skeptical about this revelation.

The climax becomes increasingly intense as Alison ponders giving a significant portion of her and Mike’s savings to Lucy, while the ghosts seem to be getting nearer to uncovering the truth. It appears that one segment of their family holds everything, indeed. The series maintains its quick-witted humor, but also delves into a storyline with deep emotions, culminating in a poignant ending – a specialty of Ghosts.

8. Bump in the Night

Alison frequently communicates with ghostly inhabitants of Button House, but it’s seldom when Mike interacts with them. One rare instance where these spirits actively seek Mike’s notice is during the Bump in the Night incident. They are eager to engage him, hoping he can thwart a burglary attempt on their grand mansion.

Alison is out for the evening while things kick off, which makes it tricky for ghosts to rouse her husband who can’t see them. However, they manage to grab his attention, and now it’s up to Mike to act bravely and thwart the intruders. Interestingly, he might get some unexpected help along the way.

Probably the most fun burglary story since Home Alone.

7. Pineapple Day

Among the ghostly entities, Kitty was particularly enigmatic because there were no visible signs of injury on her body and her passing seemed unclear, unlike some others such as Pat who had an apparent cause of death. However, in Pineapple Day, we discovered the startling revelation about the events that led to Kitty’s mortal demise during her Georgian noblewoman days.

Lolly Adefope shines brightly among the cast of Ghosts, and it’s delightful to find her character at the heart of an engaging enigma – although, it should be noted, this mystery won’t be one viewers can crack easily. Indeed, while characters like Kitty’s harsh adoptive sister or the cunning guests at a family gathering party may initially capture our focus, the truth is more bizarre than many spectators could have ever envisioned.

6. Perfect Day

Among several possibilities they pondered for generating income from their run-down property, Alison and Mike contemplated transforming it into a wedding venue. Regrettably, the Button House hosted only one wedding throughout the series, but what a grand one it was! It featured guest stars Isabella Laughland (from Foundation) and Bronwyn James (Lockwood & Co), who portrayed brides Clare and Sam.

In the narrative, the day holds significant weight, not only as a pivotal event but also because Fanny is compelled to confront her ingrained biases and troubled past when she discovers, at the eleventh hour, that the wedding in question is for a same-sex couple. Simultaneously, Alison contemplates her bond with Mike while trying to allay her escalating anxieties on this momentous occasion.

In a show like Ghosts, it’s not giving away any secrets to mention that the ending is filled with warmth and emotions.

5. Carpe Diem

During Ghost’s five-season span, two significant mysteries arose: Firstly, the manner of The Captain’s demise, and secondly, whether he would come to terms with or recognize his true identity. This latter question pertains to the character’s sexual orientation, suggested as gay in earlier episodes through frequent innuendos and visual humor.

As a movie lover, I can’t help but express my excitement about season 5’s episode “Carpe Diem.” This installment takes us on an unexpected journey back in time, post-war, following Robin’s theory that one of the ghosts might be moving on to the next phase of their afterlife. The delayed revelation was truly worth the wait, providing a sense of closure for one of the show’s beloved characters who has grappled with internal turmoil for decades.

4. Fools

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’d say that “Fools” marked the start of the inevitable downfall for Ghosts, laying groundwork that remained central throughout the climactic season – even influencing both finales. However, it’s not its narrative significance that earns this episode such high praise, but rather the sheer anarchy of its script. Watching the chaos unfold is a thrilling, unparalleled experience.

Alison plans to retaliate against the ghosts who played an April Fool’s joke on her, as she has limited time remaining. She collaborates with Sir Humphrey Bone to concoct a sequence of strategies, one of which is a shocking deception intended for Thomas. This trick is so extraordinary that it needs to be witnessed to be fully appreciated, and Charlotte Ritchie shared some insight about the unexpected twist with us.

In this series, it’s more enjoyable to watch Alison take the lead against the ghosts rather than constantly playing from behind. Richard delivers one of her most powerful performances in the show. However, it’s Jim Howick’s character Pat who steals the limelight in this particular episode. His performance takes on a darker, more ominous tone as his arrogance grows increasingly dominant.

3. The Thomas Thorne Affair

In my experience, Thomas Thorne has always been known as a hopeless romantic, and this origin episode shed light on a more melancholic aspect of his character that offered some insight into his questionable actions. Transporting us back to the early 1800s, we witness how he narrowly missed true love and the treacherous plot that ultimately led to his downfall.

The Thomas Thorne Incident cleverly applies the concept of the Rashomon effect, delving into the death day of Thomas from various viewpoints of beloved residents at Button House. This results in hilarious instances, as each spectral character offers a unique take on the events, using their characteristic language styles.

2. Gone Gone

Among the many memorable Ghosts episodes, “Gone Gone” stands out as one where Mary, a victim from a witch trial, is mysteriously transported to the next phase of the afterlife without prior notice on an ordinary day. Though it’s regrettable that Katy Wix, a comedy icon, left the series prematurely, it’s challenging to conceive of a more impactful way to conclude her character’s story.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must confess that Gone Gone left an indelible impact on me. It wasn’t just a heartfelt farewell to a cherished character, but also a profound portrayal of the raw emotions that surface when one is unexpectedly bereaved – feelings that I believe many viewers might resonate with personally. The story serves as a poignant reminder for the Button House residents that beneath their constant squabbles, they form an unbreakable family bond and would rather not face another goodbye.

1. It’s Behind You

As a longtime fan of “Ghosts,” I can confidently say that the 2022 Christmas special, titled “It’s Behind You,” is truly a heartwarming and emotional episode. With my years of watching supernatural comedies, I have come to appreciate the depth and emotion that these shows can bring, and this one certainly delivers.

Instead, Pat finds himself disheartened by the feeling that his loved ones perceived him as a mere joke. This triggers a deep introspection within him, causing him to sink into a depressive state. However, his fellow spirits come together to support him during this difficult time. It’s Alison who eventually helps Pat regain perspective in a heart-wrenching scene that, according to many fans, is the most emotionally impactful moment across the entire series.

Luckily, there’s a delightful surprise in store once the tears subside, making this an exciting tradition worth adding to your Christmas celebrations for many years to follow.

Ghosts is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

2024-08-08 13:05