Blindspotting Review: Ghost Dad (Season 1 Episode 6)
Blindspotting Season 1 Episode 6, “Ghost Dad,” is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that artfully dissects the Black experience, and catapults the narrative forward with Ashley’s decision to tell Sean about Miles. Jasmine Cephas Jones and Rafael Casal create absolute magic together — they dig deep while churning out truthful, grounded performances.
This show has utilized Miles in creative ways this season, but having him serve as Ashley’s conscience is utterly brilliant. The intricate details that go into Blindspotting are what takes this series to the next level. For example, Ashley dons a pea coat that looks identical to the one Miles is wearing in her head. It further solidifies his role as her critical mind.
ASHLEY: Loving a ghost is exhausting.
Casal skillfully represents the multiple facets of Ashley’s thought process. In reality, she’s analyzing the potential responses Miles would have when he learns that Ashley hasn’t told Sean he’s in jail yet. This show contains multitudes, from its nuanced characters to its unique style of storytelling.
The B plot is just as interesting to explore. Earl, Nancy, Janelle, and Trish delve into the Black experience. What does it mean to be Black? Is everyone in the Black community on the same playing field? Does Black privilege exist?
Blindspotting dives into a topic that’s seldom fleshed out on TV in a way that’s simultaneously sensitive and straightforward.
One could say that the city of Oakland is itself a main character on the show. “Ghost Dad” addresses the city’s history through Nancy, who imparts sage wisdom while the youngsters debate about the Black experience. Ashley’s own relationship with Oakland is brought to light, and the pervasive theme of loyalty comes into play — Oakland is loyal, just like Ashley is to her family.
MILES: He’s got to learn to love the gray.
Teaching your kids about the grays of life is tough, but what about when a child’s father goes to jail for an extended period of time? Blindspotting continues to pull no punches when it comes to handling systemic racism, class disparity, and our flawed justice system.
The last scene in “Ghost Dad” might be one of the show’s best yet. Once again, lyrical dancing is seamlessly implemented into the narrative. The fact that the dancers are sporting prison uniforms makes it all the more visceral and gut-wrenching.
Young Atticus Woodward tugs at the heartstrings in this scene, when he finally learns the truth about his father. The last moments are immensely powerful, and the show executes them with such grace and tenderness.
ASHLEY: Some things we’re told are bad are good, and some things we’re sold as good are bad.
Blindspotting‘s “Ghost Dad” is more than just a love letter to Oakland — it’s a tender poem to Black parents and caregivers in marginalized communities. It’s altogether beautiful and heartbreaking while still retaining some of the show’s signature humor.
What did you think of this episode of Blindspotting? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Blindspotting airs Sundays at 9/8c on Starz.
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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.