Ghosts Season 2 Episode 8 Review: The Liquor License

Ghosts Season 2 Episode 8, “The Liquor License,” is criminally good!

Sam and Jay’s life of crime escalates beautifully when they’re forced to run a speakeasy out of their vault. The couple may question their business skills, but this comedy has no problem selling us on its heart-pounding levity.

Ghosts pulls off the perfect crime as it smuggles heartfelt performances into a storyline bursting with chaos and contraband.

Alberta the Accomplice

The MVP of this episode is undoubtedly Alberta.

The 1920s singer and part-time accomplice has had several stand-out performances already, but “Liquor License” showcases the best version of Alberta Haynes yet.

The bootlegging mastermind cackles her way through this chaotic outing, her confidence and flawless risk assessment captivating at every turn. Alberta is entirely in her element, with everyone bending to her whim.

She radiates joy as she orchestrates this illegal whiskey tasting. That relaxed response to danger and flippant enjoyment in her murder makes Pinnock’s Alberta a delight to watch flourish on screen.

Yet, Alberta’s confidence isn’t weaponized against Pete. Instead, Ghosts pairs the two together to showcase how those from different lifestyles can strike common ground — a trademark of the comedy’s success.

This is the first meaningful foundation the show has laid for Pete and Alberta’s dynamic, and it is good.

Alberta’s soft leadership is where the performance truly shines as Pinnock demonstrates what a force Alberta’s multifaceted persona can be. She’s kind and never dismissive of Pete’s insecurities.

And the execution of Pete’s almost-kiss is perfect.

The hand on the face plays to great hilarity, but Alberta’s quick feet keep the scene alive. Her assertive yet sweet delivery, paired with a dialogue that minimizes Pete’s humiliation, gives this joke a clean exit.

The Bro Code

A ghost fraternity is precisely the kind of playful nonsense a paranormal comedy should lean into. These attempts to liven up the afterlife never fail to think outside the box.

The refusal to acknowledge the fraternity outside its immediate storyline is executed brilliantly as Sam witnesses Thorfinn fall off the roof and doesn’t bother to investigate. Its absurdity shines brightest when the frat shenanigans go unchecked.

The frat gives us lots to work with, from grotesque (and educational) Thorfinn monologues that deeply traumatize Flower to Sas and Hetty on their absolute worst behavior.

It all weaves into the vault party effortlessly, and the ghosts dancing alongside the party crashers might as well be a victory dance.

However, Ghosts cannot simply introduce a ghost fraternity without diving deep into the psychological trauma of its characters.

Even though Trevor and Isaac are fighting over a fake frat, they also deal with the upheaval of insecurities as Isaac struggles to fit in with the other ghosts.

At the core of this ridiculous rivalry is so much heart.

Isaac’s backstory helps to say what he cannot bear to say in the present day. And Trevor — I cannot help but be continuously impressed by the vulnerability Grodman’s finance bro is capable of.

Of course, Trevor would understand how important it is not to abandon a friend in need. And his continued desire to prioritize friendship for the group brings “Trevor’s Pants’ full circle in such subtle ways as Trevor slanders Penn to comfort Isaac.

A Perfect Crime

“The Liquor License” has it all: stellar character developments, spit-fire comedy, and heart-pounding crime.

Its character dynamics take center stage, making fraternities and crime sprees a fun afterthought. Every storyline weaves together character lore that has been building for over a season with conviction and killer comedy.

Everyone is entirely in their element yet reaching toward a growth that fizzes and cracks with potential.

The murder mystery and straight-for-the-jugular one-liners are enticing incentives, but Ghosts‘ story of acceptance and found family is all this comedy needs to reach perfection.

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Ghosts airs Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS.

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