BBC Ghosts Season 2 Episode 5, “Bump in the Night,” is a change of pace for Button House with hilarious and dramatic results. The focus on Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe) is so wholesome and leads to a picture-perfect, spooky good time. This episode gives the ghosts a chance to develop their relationships with one another. This shake-up gives the story room to grow and the characters a chance to shine.
The fact that this episode spotlights Mike is such a welcome change of pace. This is a character who’s always shone in the background since the beginning of this series. Here, he demonstrates that he’s more than capable of taking centre stage. Having him alone gives him a chance to demonstrate the fact that he’s more than a pretty face and more than a comedic sidekick. He’s able to handle Button House all on his own.
Additionally, this episode proves just what a talented actor Smith-Bynoe is. Having to carry on as if he can’t see the army of ghosts is nothing short of a Master Class. It’s hilarious watching him work around this crew and, frankly, awe-inspiring. To not react directly to what others are doing is proof of his abilities. Tapping into the ridiculous fun of the show’s premise in this way makes Mike and the ghosts that much stronger.
BBC Ghosts Season 2 Episode 5, “Bump in the Night,” also gives the ghosts a unique chance to make full use of their ghostly powers…kind of. Watching them all run around in the face of these intruders is further proof that this series can be at its best when it leans into the chaos. The fact that they are so ill-equipped to protect their home is equally hilarious and heartbreaking in a way. This gives them a chance to bond further and confront their many, many faults that still make them easy to love.
Relatedly, this episode gives Mary (Katy Wix) and Kitty (Lolly Adefope) a chance to bond. These two don’t get a lot of screen time together, just the two of them. They’re oddly well-matched, and they have many similarities. There’s a sweetness and nativity to both of these characters. They both illicit protective feelings, which makes them so endearing. The two of them are so sweet when they try their best to protect Button House with little success. Thankfully, their good intentions are enough.
Finally, this episode does some interesting character work with Barclay Beg-Chetwynde (Geoffrey McGivern). If this episode is any indication, perhaps he is not meant to be the villain of Button House. This is an interesting development, as he’s really in a perfect position to be a realistic villain. A crotchety property owner obsessed with his own wealth above all else is easy to root against. It will be interesting to see what the series takes this character who could be a menace.
After some emotionally heavier stories, this is a cute and quirky story for BBC Ghosts. This episode is another example of how the series can manage humour and heartbreak in equal measure. Any external force is liable to cause chaos for Button House, with unhinged results. The ensemble work serves the series well, and the tone is exactly what these characters need.
BBC Ghosts Seasons 1-5 are available to Stream on CBC Gem.