User Reviews

Button House has a visitor at Christmas.

The last Ghosts Christmas special really was something, and I think many, like me, were expecting something along those lines, let's be honest, it wasn't, but it was good.

It works, because of the characters, I'm not sure this would have worked in an earlier series, but because we know the characters, it works pretty well.

Unfortunately it isn't the funniest episode, but it is heartfelt and moving, I loved the story of the Nick, and Lady Button's past, Jennifer Saunders was cracking as her mother. We get an insight into why she is like she is.

I understand why it perhaps isn't a favourite for some, I really did enjoy it though, very moving.

Super sweet, 8/10.

The British version of Ghosts often differentiates itself from other current comedies through its emphasis on character development and emotional depth. Many of the episodes are also hysterical. He Came! Continues the trend of increasing emotional depth and character development, although it's not one of the funnier episodes of the season. The show made a good decision with the homeless drama and diving further into Fanny Button's background. There are also many funny moments in the episode, such as the Thomas Thorne portrait. However, some of the jokes in this episode are mediocre, such as Robin and Mary's negotiations with Alison. Overall, an episode that fans will enjoy. 8/10.

Pros and Cons Summary

+Heartfelt drama for the episode's plot

+Interesting backstory for Fanny Button

+Thomas Thorne portrait

-Not the funniest episode.

I've thoroughly enjoyed Ghosts since stumbling across series 1, but I must say this episode was fairly bland.

It was great to get a bit of insight into Lady Button's past, but aside from that the episode wasn't all that great.

It had the cliche feel good Christmas message about helping others but ultimately it lacked comedy.

The acting was on top form as always, but I hope there's some strong stories to tell in series 4 in 2022.

This year the Coopers just want a quiet Christmas just the two of us.

Pat though wants a light Christmas quiz. While Thomas is horrified with the portrait that Alison has painted of her.

The main problem is a vagrant called Nicholas has camped outside the house. His dog tends to leave a deposit behind.

However Nicholas has a back story, he is ex army who is a good cook who fell on hard times. This means nothing to Julian who also has time to teach Thomas how to become a better liar.

Jennifer Saunders makes a guest appearance as Fanny's overbearing mother. She just wanted her daughter to marry well rather than be brilliant at mathematics as their father is hell bent on financial ruin.

I did think this festive edition was a misfire. Not that funny and just bears out my point that I find Ghosts to be frustratingly uneven at times.

I love this show. A dazzlingly original yet very simple premise executed to perfection by some of the finest comic performers of this generation. There's little I enjoy more than sitcoms from my native UK. There's almost nothing I enjoy more than my favourite British sitcoms having a world class Christmas special (Peep Show, The Office).

So, when I learned that the Ghosts Gang we're doing a 2nd Christmas special and having so enjoyed their first, I had high hopes. I came away bitterly disappointed to the point of anger.

What a criminal waste of Jennifer Saunders. The entire dowager plot should've been compelling but it fell flat and felt profoundly underprepared. That was the feel for the entire episode, really - it felt as if everyone was phoning it in, and one must wonder if that's because their attentions are more drawn to the remake (and money) in America.

I've seldom encountered such a dramatic drop in quality from one episode to the next in a TV show, certainly never from one that's managed to retain to same creative core - I just hope it's a blip. I'll keep watching, but S4E1 better be good. I really hope it is.