Ghosts Review: Flower’s Article (Season 1 Episode 7)

It pains me to say it but Ghosts Season 1 Episode 7, “Flower’s Article,” might be the show’s first weak episode.

Weak doesn’t seem like the appropriate word here because, by sitcom standards, this Flower-centric installment is still stronger than most material on television. It is by no means a regrettable submission to the series.

The opportunity to explore the free spirit of this ghostly manor means the episode takes on a slower, thoughtful pace than we are used to seeing. Flower’s heightened presence means these ghosts have to embrace a little more love than they are used to — as do we.

I am beyond happy we finally get to crack open Flower’s persona and with a bank robbery mystery of all things!

Sheila Carrasco plays to a different skill set than the other characters of this sitcom. Flower is reserved and unpredictable in her outbursts, a tendency that plays perfectly to this secretive behaviour. The slower pace allows her spacey jokes to thrive in the awkward pauses.

Offbeat, her comedy doesn’t always have the space to land properly, so it’s lovely to see Ghosts give this hippie spirit her much deserved time in the spotlight. This wacky backstory gives Flower great material moving forward too.

Regardless of how far out this plot is as it struggles to fits into the rest of the episode’s mangled arc, the final beats of Flowers’ backstory land strong. As unsubtle as Jay was announcing the coffee shop name like that, it pays off as her ill-advised bear hug spirals into an eco-friendly business that gives back.

When in doubt, bringing things full circle is the best way to regain control of the narrative.

It’s not often a larger ensemble cast leaves viewers with a desire to see everyone interact onscreen together, but when it comes to Ghosts, any absences in its wonderful cast are missed.

This episode works with the smallest ensemble yet, as Hetty and Thorfinn have up and vanished. The absence of Thorfinn especially means the main source of loud, chaotic energy is suddenly missing from the equation.

This gives Alberta and Isaac ample space to stir up drama, but without bodies filling every comedic beat this haunted house feels uncomfortably quiet for the first time.

In return, the sitcom has more material for Jay as he befriends the trust of Sam’s ghost guys with suspect dating advice. Giving Jay more dialogue is never a bad idea. However if Ghosts is ready to play with the roster, introducing more livings and more ghost-ridden town locations couldn’t hurt.

It’s a solid effort to give Flower’s tantalizing mystery breathing room, however, another storyline may have helped the softer beats simmer. This season has been one long roll call of scathing banter, so the lack of conflict is somewhat jarring.

Thankfully, the side-stories did not entirely get the memo that this is an episode for positive reflection.

Jay using Sam as a conduit to teach the ghosts how to snag a lady in the modern day is truly a gift as Trevor’s disdain morphs into respect for a true baller. Pete’s friend zone expertise adds another layer of delusion to the discussion for us to appreciate.

Sasappis is out of his element as he reenters the dating scene but the moments spent bonding with Jay are some of this episode’s strongest. More of this beautiful ghost frat-bro dynamic, please!

This show’s comedic genius shines as Sas and Jay enter into a wonderful convo about the logistics of ghost sexual relations. Yes, this happens and it leads to Sas yelling the iconic line, “Sam, come back! I wanna tell Jay about ghost sex.”

CBS, don’t you dare take Ghosts away from us, it is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Ghosts‘ soft and reflective character study will induce gasping but beyond its jarring segway from the formula, is a gaggle of dead people with a desire to grow — and a heart that will continue to allow crueller jokes a safe space to fester.

Just like Flower, this latest installment thrives in quiet, psychedelic chaos of its own making.

Isaac and Alberta are a hilariously blunt reminder to Sam that these ghosts are entirely here for the drama. You have to respect the hustle of people who have nothing better to do than escalate situations. The ghosts want a story as bad as we do and they’re willing to nudge the episode down more volatile paths to get it.

While Flower’s power and her positive presence may damper their efforts to weaponize the gossip mill, the chaos still reigns.

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What did you think of this episode of Ghosts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Ghosts airs Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS.

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