By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
The final season of Ghosts is here, and it is such a bittersweet feeling…
In terms of a writer or this case writers, this troupe have always been among my favourites, as they have the ability to craft stories that entertain, amuse and tug at your heartstrings in equal measure. Individually and collectively this group are incredible writers and performers, so when it was announced that the this would be the final series of show, I expected nothing but greatness – and greatness we got!
Ghosts has consistently made us laugh, made us cry, and has always entertained viewers beyond the limits of what any sitcom should. Series 5 of Ghosts continues that trend, delivering an incredibly funny and heartwarming six episodes of exceptional storytelling and phenomenal performances. We get resolutions to some continuing story threads for some of the characters, and I feel that the audience will be very satisfied. The comedic beats hit your every time, and the gag-per-minute is subtle, but always landing the punchline. As for the dramatic and more emotional plot elements, these are handled with the care, attention and the beauty that we have come to expect after five series. Simply faultless.
As for the cast, Charlotte Ritchie (Alison) and Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Mike) are once again the pillars of the show, and their chemistry is enhanced further, with a surprise twist in the first episode. This factor sets them down an interesting path and go through many amusing and heartfelt moments. Just like the “living” characters, you can always count of “The Ghosts” to deliver, and five series in, I have run out of superlatives for Mathew Baynton (Thomas), Ben Willbond (The Captain), Laurence Rickard (Robin), Jim Howick (Pat), Martha Howe-Douglas (Lady Button) and Simon Farnaby (Julian). Be it Horrible Histories or Yonderland, this group always has big ambitions and without question, always deliver the best of what a sitcom has to offer. Their real-life friendships once again flow into the script and performances, delivery an organic and faultless performance from every member of the ghosts.
The level of production has never been higher and the direction is just as impeccable as the writing and performances, with every element and detail handled and executed to perfection. The pacing, enhanced by the edit, helps to maintain a consistent flow that mirrors the consistency of the writing and performances.
I know we have the wonderful news of one final Ghosts Christmas Special landing at Christmas, but at the same time, this series really did feel like it had a satisfying ending. I laughed so hard during this series, by the time it was over, I needed a few minutes to collect myself, as the realisation hit me. All good things must come to end, and while I am sad to see Ghosts end, I am just excited to see what new characters and stories this amazing ensemble of human beings has to offer in the future!
While it is unbelievably sad to say goodbye to this show and these characters, Ghosts ends on the highest of highs, thanks to the incredible performances and exceptional writing of this talented ensemble. Ghosts truly is a modern sitcom great!
X-Geeks 