This episode, while not the worst, was a disappointing follow up to the last episode. To say this is not to lessen the message portrayed in the episode, as I think it is an extremely important one about abusive relationships. However, there were elements of the story itself that just really fell short for me.
The ghost story was not my favorite. Initial presentation makes Ana out to be another pushy, vengeful ghost. Firstly, those types of episodes just kind of grate on my nerves. Second, and most importantly, I think the message of the episode was tainted by making Ana an exceptionally unlikable character for the first half of the episode. Despite this, there were some okay elements. I did think the misdirect with the baby doll, and leading audiences to believe that a mother and child had both died was a good twist. Showing history repeating itself through the mother and daughter was also a good way to bring the ghost story full circle. There was potential for a great story, but something about it just fell short. It gets really old having people freak out when Melinda tells them she can see the spirits of their loved ones. Yes, I get that it is probably a realistic response, but sometimes it just takes you out of the episode because it is a response you come to expect. As I’ve said numerous times before, I like it better when they find ways for Melinda to help that don’t involve directly telling people she has spoken to the spirits. Sometimes there are great conversations that come out of the spirit to loved one interactions, and the one between Lanie and Ana at the end was a great example of this. It just takes way too long to get to these conversations sometimes. There is to much beating around the bush with the “I don’t believe you! You’re crazy.” Followed by the inevitable “Okay I get it. Can you help me talk to them?” Sometimes sticking to the formula too much can prove monotonous.
Side note, I like how the fact that storm happened in 1980 was tagged by the playing of “Don’t You Forget About Me.” Can you get anymore stereotypical 80s than that song? Not really.
The parts with Jim and Mel on the camping trip were fun. It was nice to see them in an environment outside of Grandview. It mixes things up a little bit. It’s also nice when they can bring up positive memories Jim has of his father and brother. If only a ghost hadn’t managed to interrupt their trip. We find out that Jim and Delia seem to have access to a lot of personal information about the residents of Grandview. Plot contrivance? I’m thinking it is a possibility. It reminds me of the way Willow can hack into all sorts of city and government sites on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The characters easily get the info they need to further the plot. Delia being in this episode was kind of pointless. Her parts really just seemed like a way to insert the actress into the episode for the sake of a paycheck. Atleast we got a reference to Ned, whose juvenile delinquency is still reigning strong off screen. Perhaps I’m being to harsh, but I just really did not see the point in Delia being in that scene at all. In fact, I kind of found her annoying, which is not a good thing considering she is still such a new character.
Overall, I’ve come to expect more from this show. I hope that the next episode returns to the status of the one prior to this. I’m guessing that the bee and dripping blood had something to do with the “five signs of death” so my curiosity was peaked by the ending. It’s time for some more Romano, as he has been absent too long. Until then, hasta la vista.
Best Moment:
Camping trip scenes with Jim and Mel.
Best Quote(s):
Jim: Ah, morning Sunshine.
Mel: It’s disgusting how cheerful you are in the morning.
Jim: Well, you sleep much deeper out here in the fine air.
Mel: Speak for yourself. Ah. Breakfast smells so good. I’m starving.
Jim: Yeah, breakfast was about 4 hours ago. This would be lunch.
Mel: Just tell me there’s coffee.
Jim: Why didn’t you wake me up?
Mel: Cause I didn’t have any dynamite.