Ghosts UK Season 1 Episode 6 Review: Getting Out

Is there a better way to start a season finale than with a ghost pigeon? Not as far as Ghosts UK Season 1 Episode 6, “Getting Out,” is concerned.

Amazing fake-outs and lore-building aside, this finale is a solid entry into Ghosts UK’s repertoire.

However, the episode revisits the ghosts’ tedious desire to drive Alison and Mike from the property. It’s disappointing, given how far they have come. Thankfully, that misstep is cushioned by the depth on display during this pivotal hour.

Follow the Leader

Hinging the pacing and outcome of this season finale on the power dynamics within the inner ghost circle gives “Getting Out” its edge.

It is reasonable that Alison’s arrival would force these undead roommates out of their routine. It would also make sense that they would start questioning why they mindlessly follow The Captain’s orders — as should we, having watched this dynamic play out all season.

That harmless inquiry is the basis for the episode’s most fascinating storyline as The Captain retreats to the shadows to leave Pat in charge. Unfortunately, passive Pat’s “powwow upstairs nowow” energy creates an enjoyable descent into chaos for the group.

Their power struggle for the throne overtakes any real problems the house is facing. And so, it’s a perfect excuse to separate their conflict from Alison and Mike’s hotel ventures before having them collide violently with eachother.

Oh Captain, My Captain

If there’s one thing this season has been building to, it’s Captain’s victory.

Because even though this man is considered a “prat” among his colleagues, he is the leader they need. The one who brings out the best in them, who is willing to make the tough choices, and it is wonderful to showcase that.

It’s poetic the ghosts take these qualities for granted, blinded by his intensity, until this episode flips those qualities on their head.

As things unravel, the soldier unveils a calm, calculating tone that is as exhilarating as it is terrifying. He comes to Kitty with an ultimatum to hurt Alison or let her go, but his facade cracks, and we realize too late he is speaking from experience, not training.

This subtle study feels like the first of many victories for The Captain. From honorably taking the fall for Kitty to internalizing the group’s mockery, Ben Willbond does a fantastic job of elevating this character to new heights.

Haunted House Hunting

Perhaps the best gag of this outing is Alison and Mike’s return to the housing market.

They have more money to burn this time, but Alison soon realizes her ability to see ghosts will severely limit their choices. The montage building to this realization is a delight, and honestly, if we could have met even more house ghosts, I would not complain.

How can you not enjoy the scene where the realtor describes the architect who owned the house, only for a man to appear in the window wearing a festive party hat over his massive head wound, waving excitedly at Alison? When she spots him, Charlotte Ritchie’s little “NOPE. NO.” is hysterical.

Her growing intensity as she plays hide and seek with the undead in each new house continues to delight. She thinks she’s outsmarted them with a highrise, but the floating pilots outside her window are an excellent twist.

You cannot say Ghosts UK doesn’t strive to expand the ghost lore in the quirkiest, fun ways.

Home is Where the Plaque Pit Is

The decision to incorporate the basement ghosts into the final act is an epic way to close out this season and bring the entire concept introduced in the pilot full circle.

The hilarious physical comedy of stumbling across dozens of skeletons buried in the basement aside, the plaque pit ghosts offer a profound sentiment. They explain they have grown to see the plaque pit as home because that is where their family is.

The finale isn’t about drawing the ghosts and Alison to the same realization. Instead, it forces Alison into staying, and she resents the group for it. Would we have liked to see Alison choose to stay? Absolutely. But Ghosts UK is making it clear their love takes time.

However, we do get a small tease of what could await the group at the end of their hatred and power struggles.

Alison’s relief when she sees the ghosts waiting for her in the drive and the slow-motion montage as the ghosts gleefully run up the stairs to show her something proves there are better days to come for Button House.

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Back-to-back episodes of Ghosts UK air Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS.

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