Little Voice Review: Ghost Light (Season 1 Episode 7)

It’s a good thing that spirits of past residents live within the walls of Bess’s apartment on Little Voice Season 1 Episode 7, “Ghost Light,” because she needs their guidance. 

Before we get into the details, we must talk about what a brilliant method of storytelling this is. I have watched a lot of television and I’ve never seen narratives literally spring from layers of wallpaper like that. It’s awesome in the truest sense of the word. 

If you watch too closely, the magic of the spirit in the walls is foreshadowed quite blatantly by Ethan’s grandfather at the storage space when he says he thinks Bess is a spirit in the wall; perhaps Bess needs to hear those words to spark the muses that literally emerge later. 

Either way, the anger and pain between the queer bride as her lover sews her into a corset to marry a man is mesmerizing. 

So is the joy that emanates from the space when Bess peels back a layer of wallpaper to reveal a mother and her children letting out energy before dinnertime when the abusive patriarch arrives home.

Both tales from the past are heartbreaking and, sadly, Bess’s life is headed in the same direction by the end of the episode.

It’s just unfortunate that there is so much to take in while Bess is writing “Ghost Light.” Considering the inspiration for the song, the lyrics could possibly tell a rich story, but they honestly don’t make too much of an impression. 

Bess doesn’t make an impression on record label executives, either. It’s refreshing to see her truly struggle where her music is concerned. 

Even though conflict is what makes TV shows soar, struggle is different than suffering. So the whole vibe completely shifts when Bess finds her dad drunk on the streets. 

It’s never been more clear why Bess is so protective of Louie. We don’t know very much about their mother or why she left, but when Louie and Bess are alone, they are really and truly alone. 

At least they have been completely alone — Bess has Samuel now, luckily. As on Little Voice Season 1 Episode 6, “Tell Her,” he is exactly who Bess needs him to be. This time, that means he doesn’t let her push him away. 

It means he follows her all the way home and into bed, where he just holds her. He holds Bess, his friend, or perhaps the woman he loves. The label is irrelevant. Samuel just holds Bess because she matters to him. 

Moments like this remind us who the creators of the show are. Samuel’s actions are reminiscent of a well-known quote from Waitress. How could the composer and playwright of the Broadway adaptation create a show and not carry over some of that magic?  

We hope Bess knows how lucky she is. She may have a long road ahead of her. Her dreams may be crushed right now. But she has Samuel and not everyone can say that. 

Song Notes:

• Louie’s house manager is right that he needs to learn how to live life without calling her. 
• Louie’s story seems to mostly serve Bess’s journey at this point. This is problematic because he’s a disabled character. 
• Benny is woefully underused. Even with a Black lead, we need to call out the “Black best friend” trope officially at work. *Sigh* 

 

What did you think of these episodes of Little Voice? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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