Is this client being haunted? Or perhaps they are seeing ghosts…

This week’s investigation starts when client Evelyn Weber contacts McCall convinced that her dead husband has returned and is playing tricks on her. It is not a situation conducive to good mental wellbeing, which becomes an important factor in the episode. Yet the hint of a supernatural element does not last particularly long once the investigation takes shape. It follows much of the usual procedural formula viewers have come to expect now, although the particular twists and turns this episode takes are perhaps more dramatic than in some other weeks. In fact, each one seems to have a significant reveal, certainly as the investigation progresses, and it is fair to say we meet more of the Weber family the longer matters progress.

The key word mentioned frequently by McCall is ‘gaslighting’. She knows this is what is occurring with both Evelyn and her daughter Kaylee, but not precisely how. As the story progresses, small clues are left in several scenes, both of ghost sightings and accusations of Evelyn’s mental wellness and suitability as a parent. It clearly makes no sense that as a client here, she would additionally be the cause of her own problems, but it is unravelling the truth behind this which drive the story well.

Due to the nature of the episode, each reveal is rather spoiler-heavy in itself, but of course ghosts are not something a viewer would expect within the parameters of the show. At least, not in that manner. However it is structured well enough that even if the viewer has identified one of the twists, at least one ought to come as a surprise to them. It may not be the same one for everyone that they work out either!

Something which is less of a giveaway is the McCall household. Having been left the previous week on Delilah’s more resolute character asking for Robyn to train her in the ways of the Equalizer, needless to say the answer is not a resounding consent to this. Rather, McCall is more than aware of the reasons behind it and resistant, even as much as being surprised at this new Dee from her suddenly reaching for the coffee pot. But in neither of these instances is the answer a hard no either. She is reluctant for her daughter to grow up too fast, yet acknowledges that this has already, due to events beyond her control. This is a matter which continues to be in development.

Despite the initial scope for tension, it is given some rest relatively early on as we instead receive a glimpse into the development of Aunt Vi and Trish’s growing relationship. The evolution has been subtle for the viewer, as the first introduction to this supporting plot started as a part of Vi’s past, where there was no scope for this to be public knowledge. With this episode, the viewer sees Trish, which begins as a pleasant surprise for Vi, and even though this was still going to be a quiet visit Vi could keep discreet, Delilah is home and prevents that from being the case. Dee’s presence makes for a fine echo to changes in society whereby her own delight that her great aunt is enjoying some happiness proves to be a tonic for everyone involved; itself a significant contrast, and indeed break, from the weight of trauma from the previous episode. It provides a wonderful relief from the tension of the investigation as well, and fulfils this task effectively.

Verdict:  An interesting plotline moving the season’s plots along but relatively easy to watch as a standalone. 7/10

Russell A. Smith