Ghosts Season 2 Episode 12 Review: The Family Business

Ghosts Season 2 Episode 12, “The Family Business,” might rely on cheeky dialogue and sexual imagery to paint a picture of horny spirits in captivity, but make no mistake — this episode is about family.

More specifically, the multigenerational trauma and resilience of a mother-daughter relationship a hundred years in the making and the mistakes that push two distant relatives to fill the void of loss with each other.

But yes, the ghost without pants does make a sixty-nine joke. Ghosts is nothing, if not versatile.

That’s the beauty of Ghosts. There are so many threads and easter eggs built into its premise that nothing ever feels out of character, let alone a betrayal.

Hetty has made her distaste for the help known for seasons, leaving Woodstone primed for juicy drama the moment Freddie is rehired.

So, the decision to have Sam and Hetty declare war over micro-managing the new assistant is expected.

But I still get goosebumps witnessing Ghosts tap into the tenderness of its dynamics. That raw, emotional prickle in the back of the scene elevates the comedy and ensures conflict changes these people for the better.

Beyond the madness of cabin fever is a story that continuously transcends its limitations.

War of the Woodstones

Trevor and Hetty hooked up, and Woodstone’s foundation barely creaked. This show’s ensemble work, from writing to chemistry, is rock solid.

That could not be more apparent than when Sam and Hetty put aside their fight to reconcile and uncover deeper insecurities they have carried through life.

Hetty wasn’t present much in her children’s lives, and while the show’s use of flashbacks can be distracting, the cutaway to Thorfinn giving Hetty’s son the wrong advice is hilarious. It’s also a poignant reminder this was Hetty’s house, and she was haunted by those she left behind for years.

We never lose sight of what Hetty’s frustration means for her and Sam. Of course she cares, but like all good humans, sometimes we lose our way and threaten to take away someone’s inheritance.

There’s so much heart behind this core conflict that drives the episode.

Hetty’s obsession with control and Sam’s refusal to admit she wants to strangle Freddie play off each other brilliantly as the two Woodstones face off.

However, their willingness to embrace that oddball mother-daughter relationship and let Hetty have her motherly do-over is much more exciting. It doesn’t mean Hetty will stop barking orders, but it will tap into a much more tender dictator.

For this, Hetty might very well be the MVP of this episode as Wisocky navigates the “taskmaster” role with provocative hilarity and outrageous hypocrisy. The gilded-age tyrant is in her element as she embraces her inner robber baron.

But McIver and Wisocky, alone in that final scene without witty banter or ensemble cues, transform their characters’ traumas into something emotionally riveting. Their performance proves this family dynamic has so much to offer moving forward.

Sas + Jessica 4ver

Ghosts could have taken Sas and Jessica’s relationship in several directions, but embracing the jealousy trope straight out of a teen rom-com is easily the best.

As much as Sas loves to flaunt his 500-year-old status, and as much as Jessica loves that for her daddy issues, the storyteller died without much dating experience. So portraying Sas as an angsty teen is a brilliant way to explore this new chapter of his afterlife.

I particularly like the part where he calls Sam and Jay “the worst livings” and stomps away when he can’t slam a door.

Also, this adorable high-school parking lot romp dispels any notions that Jessica should be punished for living eternity surrounded by hot ghosts. Seeing Sas confront and learn from his problematic behavior is an effective end to this storyline.

It’s fun to see Sas explore a more physical relationship without huge stakes if he fails.

A Family Affair

All in all, “The Family Business” confirms this assistant saga isn’t going to cave easily to external conflict.

Freddie and Jessica’s time at Woodstone has only highlighted what this show does best. While most of the ensemble has had to keep to the sidelines to usher in this multi-episode storyline, they have hardly kept idle.

Whether it’s Trevor chasing Freddie to see how hot his ex-girlfriend is, Thorfinn refusing to drop “landship” from his vocabulary, or Isaac making insensitive jokes about clean drinking water, these ghosts threaten to steal every scene.

Keeping it in the family may not have worked for the Woodstones, but Ghosts thrives best when it embraces its found family.

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

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