Not Dead Yet Season 1 Episodes 12 and 13 Review: Not a Fairy Tale Yet and Not Quite Yet

Not Dead Yet Season 1 Episodes 12 and 13, “Not a Fairy Tale Yet,” and “Not Just Yet,” begin with the admittedly predictable twist of Phillip’s reappearance. In case that’s not “season finale-worthy” enough for you, let’s just say things escalate.

In the first half of these two episodes, closure (or a form of it) seems well within reach. Nell is rightfully carrying resentment over Phillip’s handling of her pregnancy loss, but she must also confront her guilt about how she left him.

Aided by a mailwoman ghost pushing her to say what needs to be said, Nell and Phillip are both able to apologize to each other. The only wrinkle is that, as he does so, he makes it clear he still has feelings for her—at a children’s birthday party, no less.

The party is a dual birthday party for Nell and Lexi’s daughters. It winds up being a very sweet and fun event that acknowledges different parenting styles and the pitfalls that can come with giving a child everything they ask for, no questions asked.

Still, where many of the secondary plots have realated directly to the main theme, this one feels a bit disconnected. We do at least get Sam offering some very timely warnings about Phillip. Nell reassures her right until we find out that he’s staying with her and Edward in their apartment.

As much of a romantic as Nell is, it’s an immediate red flag that she man she gave up so much for has essentially moved in while they “figure things out”. And don’t even ask our next, Marie Kondo-esque, ghost about his shaving kit on the floor.

Speaking of the spirits, Nell’s biggest secret does come out, but only to Phillip. His reaction is another hint of trouble. Worse, our heroine makes this revelation at the party Phillip is throwing to celebrate the renewal of their relationship.

The final flaw in this second chance is the one that ultimately dooms it. Nell is a different person around Phillip, though one he knows well. It might be more accurate to say that she’s a different person from the one that she’s spent the last season becoming.

Phillip isn’t really a bad guy. It’s a good bit of writing considering how easy he would be to demonize. Yet he misunderstands Nell on a fundamental level. He can’t understand that she appreciates her visitors—so much so that the ghosts disappear when she takes him back.

A second season may be up in the air, but we know we simply can’t have one without these guest stars, so Phillip is sent off once again. Is he gone for goood? Considering he’s staying in town because of the job he accepted when Nell said yes (whoops), that’s anyone’s guess.

Our dead organizer offers a useful visualization exercise that both briefly pushes Nell back to Phillip and then helps her find her independence: visualize your ideal situation and then keep or add only the things that are present within it.

It’s a good tactic, and one that plays into our second B plot, as Dennis waits anxiously for a call from a foster agency about a baby for him and his husband to potentially adopt. The call comes in the middle of a party, and it’s for a pair of siblings.

Nell comes through with the clarity that she needs as much as he does, and Dennis and his husband are hopefully set to become dads. As much as I love Nell’s main character energy, this is now what I’m looking forward to most if the show gets renewed.

What would you like to see if we get to spend more time with these characters? Will Nell finally tell everyone the truth? Edward’s already noticed her “taking to herself”, and others are sure to be next. After all, she’s taken several big steps, but she’s still going to need a little help from all of her friends.

 

What did you think of this episode of Not Dead Yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Not Dead Yet airs Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30 c on ABC.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

25 Best TV Comedies of 2022