Wellington Paranormal Season 3 Episode 4 Review: The Sevens Ghosts
Wellington Paranormal Season 3 Episode 4, “The Sevens Ghosts,” is the lighthearted escapism we need while delivering laughs and a fun nod to Where’s Wally?
The episode gives each core lead a chance to shine on the comedic front, from Minogue’s reveal that he still can’t find Wally and O’Leary’s frustration while arresting a ghost to Parker’s hilariously terrible impersonations and Maaka’s thoughts regarding “sexy crayons.”
MINOGUE: That’s a type of literature where the reader is tasked with finding the character called Wally. He’s the reason why I got into policing.
The actors’ performances make the comedy work so well on Wellington Paranormal. With dialogue as absurd as in “The Sevens Ghosts,” it’s easy to provide over-the-top deliveries to match the absurdity. However, the consummate performers on this show allow the lines to speak for themselves while always opting for a more natural, grounded presentation.
There’s no clear acting frontrunner or MVP in this episode. While Wellington Paranormal succeeds because of its stellar ensemble (and snappy writing), this is the first outing wherein everyone stands out. It makes for a delightful 22 minutes of zany antics.
MAAKA: Their van crashed into another vehicle containing people dressed as sexy crayons. Fortunately, the sexy crayons escaped unharmed.
Another reason this show delivers the goods is its episodic formula. Sure, some might find the execution to be tedious — the first act introduces the problem, which culminates in conflict and the third act brings about a resolution — but that’s why it works. You know what you’re getting into when you watch an episode of Wellington Paranormal.
There’s no deep-seated, profound symbolism, metaphors, or allegories. It’s a lighthearted comedy with supernatural elements that makes you laugh and forget about your troubles. What more could you want?
That said, “The Sevens Ghosts” somewhat breaks the mold by utilizing a pop culture reference as the foundation of the episode’s supernatural threat. Not only that, but it’s a nod spanning multiple generations, so chances are the young ones will understand it, too.
We’re also seeing more of Constable Parker in the thick of the action. Thomas Sainsbury seamlessly blends in with our paranormal crew, adding a hilarious new dimension to the group dynamic. Parker surreptitiously asking Wiremu about his flat while he and O’Leary are trying to save Minogue from the ghosts is such a fun moment.
PARKER: People don’t often get my impersonations. So, what I’ve started doing is saying, “Hi, I’m…” and then I say the name of the person I’m impersonating, and that usually gives them enough clues to know who I’m impersonating.
“The Sevens Ghosts” is a hysterical, bitingly intelligent entry in the Wellington Paranormal universe, complete with brilliant gags, eccentric characters, and subtle details. The bit at the beginning with O’Leary describing every man as dressing like Wally while a man donning the same getup stands behind her is pitch-perfect. It’s elements like these that make this show infinitely enjoyable.
Stray Observations:
- Parker should consider moonlighting as a celebrity impersonator. He’d make a killing with a Christopher Walken impression.
- Where’s Wally? being the catalyst for Minogue’s career in law enforcement feels very on-brand for him.
- O’Leary’s “frustration” when she tries to handcuff one of the ghosts for public intoxication is hysterical, given how calm she seems. Wellington Paranormal should have an episode wherein O’Leary completely loses her cool.
- The masses demand a spin-off featuring Sergeant Maaka, his cat Tinkles, and Parker that follows their escapades while sharing a flat in Wellington and working together on the Paranormal unit. It’s The Odd Couple for a modern audience!
- Will we ever learn what happened to Betty, the sheep, and if the team recovered her?
- If Minogue finding a Limp Bizkit CD in the ghost van gave you intense flashbacks to 2001, you’re not alone. We’ll weather this storm together.
What did you think of this episode of Wellington Paranormal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Wellington Paranormal airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
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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.