Ghosts Season 2 Episode 18 Review: Alberta’s Descendant

Ghosts Season 2 Episode 18, “Alberta’s Descendant,” is perfection, much like Alberta and Alicia’s angelic singing voices.

It exemplifies everything we look for in that next-level Ghosts installment: complimenting storylines, a compelling character study, and unrelenting humor steeped in obscure show lore.

Hear me singing my praise for this episode long after it has aired.

Alicia & Auntie Alberta

These Alberta murder mystery episodes are quickly becoming one of the best sagas of the series.

Woodstone’s chorus of characters welcomes the presence of Alicia into their fold so effortlessly there isn’t a single knot to find in this twist-filled episode.

It is staggering how much Alicia looks like Alberta (well done, casting), but her personality isn’t a copy of Alberta’s. Instead, she shares similar aspirations and strengths to the singer. She drops Todd over the back tattoo, ensuring this brief lack of judgment does not reflect her character.

Ashley D. Kelley is one of the most compelling guest stars to visit Woodstone, and Ghosts would do well to invite her back for another stay soon.

Alberta’s disapproval of Alicia following in her footsteps conveys the struggles she glosses over when speaking about her career, and the Creepy Todd romance is great misdirection to that.

Danielle Pinnock is asked to juggle many emotions as her character faces shocking reveal after shocking reveal. Still, she brings the same tenacious energy and sharp wit to this outing as always.

In return, Ghosts gives her an episode with the excitement fitting of a bootlegger enthusiast.

The chilling serenade between Alicia and Alberta is a brilliant way to cap off this special occasion. And the tea that T is Theresa, Alberta’s sister, solidifies this latest in the saga as gasp-worthy entertainment.

Cod-Blocking Comedy

It’s impossible not to love Ghosts when the comedy gets that wild glint in its eye because you know you are in for a banter-filled, ensemble roast fest.

That’s precisely the energy “Alberta’s Descendant” brings.

Flower has some stellar out-of-pocket observations. Whether it’s the reminder she went to law school after Alberta proclaims how hard it is to get in or Pete having to remind Flower her sister did not kill her, the hippy knows how to fill the silence.

Thorfinn’s material is god-tier good with “father of adult male baby ghost” and “sorry, reality TV make Thor catty” — but none are greater than the phrase “cod-blocking.”

Ghosts‘ creativity in the face of network profanity rules is unwavering, and this fish-themed bypass will live among the greats.

Even Pete gets in on this joke roulette. His commentary on Thorfinn’s wokeness is a joke that started gaining traction earlier this season. Still, it seems Pete is hell-bent on exposing “landship-gate” — and I am here for the unnecessary escalation.

There’s no need to add more bits when jokes are already flying about parenthood and Creepy Todd, but Ghosts is feeling the manic energy.

I have no clue what the vibe was like in the writer’s room to warrant Hetty calling Nigel a “filthy little teapot,” but we need to bottle it.

This nonstop purge of impulsive thoughts is why the Tretty confessional and Alberta family drama play off each other well. There is an unpredictability that feeds beautifully into the mystery of Alberta’s death.

House of Secrets

My favorite component of this Tretty reveal is the choice to chase the gasps with a disgraced Sas, who indeed caught himself “slipping.”

I am proud of our two horny ghosts for coming clean and acknowledging they find comfort in each other without shame. I am equally proud of Nigel for having this much fun blackmailing someone — go, little teapot!

The episode finds clever ways to overlap storylines as Hetty power walks by the living room, and Pete proclaims, “We’re denying two lonely people a chance at love.” It is much better than confining pairings to their separate sets.

Ghosts would benefit from having the spirits randomly stumble into other storylines more often.

Hetty and Trevor’s scrumping did not always have a clear path to success, but this episode is rewarded for a long-fought battle.

It is time these two understood that hiding a relationship because you are ashamed is unhealthy. Ghosts calls on Trevor’s puppy dog side to bring that sentiment home.

Trevor’s nice guy persona comes in handy when you want to make a statement, so the hurt in his eyes when he realizes Hetty was not joking about being embarrassed by him (and his Spash roleplay) earns that emotional payoff.

Trevor giving Nigel his room to protect Hetty is a decisive turning point for her treatment of Trevor too.

Facing a Tretty/Creep Todd double feature, this episode beats the odds and delivers one of the season’s sweetest, most quotable episodes.

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

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Upcoming ‘Ghosts’ Episodes Welcome Descendants, Daughters, and Wedding Festivities to Woodstone