Albus Dumbledore once told Harry Potter: «Do not pity the dead, pity the living.» But sometimes the dead can be pitied too, especially if they are cohabiting with the living in the 21st century. We tell you about new series about ghosts, where the de...

«Shining Vale» (2022)

The plot revolves around a once-famous writer (Courteney Cox), specializing in erotic novels. She has also recently overcome drug addiction and ended a torrid affair with a plumber. One day, her loyal and forgiving husband (Greg Kinnear) finds out about the affair. The family, going through a rough patch, moves from the noisy metropolis to a small town and settles into an old mansion to heal their wounds. Naturally, the new house is full of otherworldly surprises.

In the very first episode, the external horror shell falls away, revealing a family drama and outright satire of modern society (and a bit of detective work). Using the example of a crazy family and their neighbors, «Shining Vale» mocks the widespread religiosity of Americans. Ultimately, it is the non-believers who find themselves at the epicenter of the battle between good and evil. Additionally, it satirizes the modern literary world, where bestsellers are either young adult literature or books like «Fifty Shades of Grey».

The series also touches on the main pain points of modern America: partner infidelity, solving problems in unconventional ways (e.g., through the devil's help), addictions (alcohol, drugs), and, of course, parent-child relationships. The struggle with possession by an evil spirit looks like an obvious metaphor for confronting inner demons. Only the characters choose not the most «godly» methods, which lead to even more problems.

In a sense, «Shining Vale» is a series about each of us, or rather about who we don't want to become. It is a caustic satire about how our fears lead to massive destruction, destroying not only ourselves but also those around us. It is suitable for fans of black (sometimes lowbrow) humor, strange eccentric characters, and chaotic events. At times, the wicked irony of «Shining Vale» can even be off-putting. If the creators wanted to make a prickly and biting project, they have clearly succeeded. However, whether this will allow them to make a second season is still an open question.

«Ghosts» (2021) and «Ghosts» (2019)

A young couple inherits a mansion inhabited by ghosts. Without much thought, the new owners decide to open a mini-hotel in the estate, which does not please the bodiless residents of the old house.

First of all, it should be said that the American «Ghosts» from 2021 is a remake of the British series of the same name from 2019. Moreover, the creators of the new project tried to preserve the atmosphere of the original as much as possible.

Overall, both series clearly position themselves as sitcoms. The intrigue initially revolves around the confrontation between the living and the dead, but gradually shifts to a discussion of how these two worlds can coexist. The BBC version has the charm of British humor, while the remake highlights American jokes in contrast. This became the main problem of perception, dividing viewers into two camps. Additionally, the American «Ghosts» has more pop culture references and self-irony.

Common to both projects is that the ghosts are ultimately shown as more alive and real than the young couple. The mansion is inhabited by ghosts from different generations (a Viking or caveman, a hippie, a noblewoman, and a member of parliament), reminiscent of grumpy elderly parents who, in their old age, have to learn the intricacies of using a TV (especially if you can't press buttons) and the internet. Along with this, the dead learn to reconcile with the past and let go of old grievances, and the living learn this skill along with them.

In the end, we get two light and funny series, where beneath the layer of humor lie beautiful, albeit obvious, ideas about humanity, love of life, kindness, and mutual understanding. The choice between the original and the remake depends only on whose worldview is closer to you: American or British. But if you liked sitcoms like «Brooklyn Nine-Nine» or «The Good Place», then you will appreciate the remake. After all, the showrunner of the American version is the director of these two series, Trent O'Donnell.

«The Canterville Ghost» (2021)

Another British comedy series about the difficult fate of ghosts. Only this time with a literary basis, or rather based very loosely on the famous prose of Oscar Wilde. The plot centers on a family who, in search of a fresh start in life, moves into a mansion with a ghost known for its unbearable character.

The series, although created in 2021, is steeped in the atmosphere of late 90s - early 2000s shows with its clumsy computer graphics, old-fashionedness, and banal plot twists, where love always wins in the end. However, even if this motif sounds clichéd and boring, it never loses its naive charm. In terms of overall mood, «The Canterville Ghost» resembles the family comedy «The Haunted Mansion» with Eddie Murphy from 2003 — the series is just as light, funny, and harmless.

P.S.

For those who read to the end, a small bonus. The 1992 comedy «Death Becomes Her» perfectly tells what flirting with otherworldly forces leads to. The incredible Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis, and Goldie Hawn together played out a tragicomedy that literally drove two of them to death. And thanks to the talent of Robert Zemeckis, even now this black comedy looks bright and interesting.

And in 2020, one of the directors of «Downton Abbey», Edward Hall, made an equally entertaining film «The Other Woman» about how a deceased wife (Leslie Mann) can significantly ruin the life of her husband (Dan Stevens) and his new lover (Isla Fisher). As a guide for souls from the other side, the inimitable Judi Dench.