Editor’s Note: This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labour of the actors and other creatives involved in the project(s) mentioned here, Pages and Pictures would not exist. Pages and Pictures stands firmly behind SAG-AFTRA members as they fight for fair labour conditions.
BBC Ghosts Season 1 Episode 6, “Getting Out,” is a season finale with a lot of heart and notes of hope for the future. This is a chance to reflect on the story so far, and showcase everything that makes it so charming. Even after spending a short time with this ensemble, it’s clear that there is much to love about each of these characters. In many ways, this episode feels like the start of a new chapter for the Button House family.
The fact that this could possibly be an ending for this story could have been so overplayed, from a storytelling perspective. Instead, watching Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) and Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe) reflect on everything Button House has meant to them is so incredibly endearing. Their journey has been an intense one, learning to share their lives with ghosts. However, this episode demonstrates that they are much stronger for it.
Thankfully, this episode also gives the ghosts a chance to reflect on their own afterlives as well. Evidently, each of them have been impacted by the Coopers’ presence at Button House. Even if some of them would deny it, it’s clear that each of the ghosts love the Coopers in their own way. The fact that Fanny (Martha Howe-Douglas) is willing to open up more to save Button House shows how far she and by extension all of the ghosts have come in such a short time. It’s heartbreaking, watching them all prepare their goodbyes.
BBC Ghosts Season 1 Episode 6, “Getting Out,” also makes use of the plague pit in a fun and strangely heartwarming way. The fact that it’s the discovery of the plague pit that ultimately saves Button House feels fitting. The plague ghosts have proven, even with their short time on screen, that they can certainly add to the chaos of Button House. It would be fascinating to get to know these ghosts who are also an integral part of Button House’s story.
Additionally, the plot to discover the plague pit truly showcases the Captain’s (Ben Willbond) leadership. Throughout this premiere season, the Captain has shown repeatedly that he is a leader worth following. This episode is simply further proof that he cares about his chaotic family. Watching him move heaven and earth to protect his home makes him that much easier to get behind.
Finally, this finale leans into the premise of this story and focuses on the humor in a really unique way. Focusing on the villainy of realtors is a charmingly effective way to shake up Button House’s new status quo. Presenting such an external villain for everyone to fight against is a surprisingly sweet way to bring everyone together. Ultimately, the goal of securing Button House’s future is a powerful motivator.
The premiere season of BBC Ghosts ends on a hilarious and heartwarming note, capturing the entire series so far. The heart and humor of these characters comes through in every sc Allowing the series to embrace its chaotic nature and equally unhinged characters allows the story to flourish. The fact that this finale sets up Button House’s future makes it even more poignant. This is just the start of more to come.
BBC Ghosts Seasons 1-5 are available to Stream on CBC Gem.