Ghosts UK Season 1 Episode 3 Review: Happy Death Day
Ghosts UK Season 1 Episode 3, “Happy Death Day,” navigates the highs and lows of ghost milestones and the harshness of Alison’s new reality.
Startingly mellow in its sorrow, we witness a new side to the comedy that is more solemn and callous than expected. But like an excellent mediator, the episode also provides hilarity with the “How are babies made?” conversation and a Julian/Captain team-up.
The ambitious episode excels in the ensemble and comedy departments. Yet, it has its first real stumble as a series in the character backstory department.
Despite its ability to charm our pants off, “Happy Death Day” might be the first disappointment of the season.
This episode doesn’t delve into Pat’s life and death, much beyond revealing his final moments and explaining what a death day entails. I do feel Ghosts Season 1 Episode 6, “Pete’s Wife,” did a better job capitalizing on the scoutmaster’s death — both emotionally and comedically — by making Pete the focus.
The episode title and cold open suggest Pat would be the main focus. However, he is not prioritized effectively enough.
This is an overwhelming episode, juggling 3-4 storylines. And the side quests I consider a game-changer quickly become Pat’s downfall as his death day is sidelined for far less intriguing plots.
Each time Alison shoos him away to terrorize the construction crew, the episode drives a wedge between us and Pat’s big moment.
Pat’s New Family
That said, what we see of Pat’s death day is still brimming with heart.
The mid-conversation realization that his friend having a key to his house and leaving clothes on the stairs was not normal behavior is hilarious. As is Pat’s little run back and forth across the driveway.
Additionally, the reveal of Baby Pat hits all the right notes as the music swells and the group breaks out into emotional gasps.
The underlying lesson of family at the core of “Happy Death Day” is beautiful and compelling. It comes to an emotional forefront when Laurence Rickard’s Robin gives this phenomenal monologue about loss and accepting that when one family leaves your life, you must be open to accepting family in other forms.
From blocking the driveway scene so Pat passes between his two families to his embrace of a new family, Ghosts UK has outdone itself in the emotional damages department.
Couple of Chaps in the Library
The greatest weapon Ghosts UK has in its arsenal is forced proximity.
So even though Julian and The Captain are at odds with everything, their united front against the construction workers fuels a loveable dynamic. Their “Just a couple of chaps in the library” gives “Two guys in a hot tub, 5 feet apart” vibes in the best way.
The most subtle joke from their reign? The two ghosts are so sure they can tattle on the workers to Alison, yet are constantly foiled by the crew’s increasingly kind gestures.
To unite two opposing characters, one who abuses authority and one who upholds authority, towards the same cause is an effective use of individual character personas. So it’s a shame Pat isn’t given the same treatment on this episode.
If only because these are lovely characters, and we want to get to know them better.
Alison’s Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Alison and Mike’s storyline is a mixed bag too.
On the one hand, it is a riot to watch their intimate bedroom moments foiled by Kitty and to learn Mike’s fear of being watched in the shower is not misplaced.
Also, Allison throwing the mug sends me no matter how many times I replay that moment.
On the other hand, this show is putting Alison through the wringer, and it is tedious to see her struggle so much so early on. Most of her interactions with the construction crew lean towards cringe comedy, and having them leave deflates the momentum a little.
That said, little can dampen the episode’s finale because Mike going “Full Monty” and streaking through the empty hallways to face a fear the ghosts could care less about is amazing.
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Back-to-back episodes of Ghosts UK air Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS.
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Alicia Gilstorf
Alicia is a Rotten Tomatoes Certified Critic and a Critics Choice Association member. She credits her passion for TV to workplace sitcoms, paranormal dramedies, and coming-of-age stories. In her free time, Alicia loves to curl up with a good book and lose herself in a cozy game. Keep a lookout for her coverage of Ghosts. You can also find her work on Eulalie Magazine and Cool Girl Critiques. Follow Alicia on social media: @aliciagilstorf