Ghost Whisperer

Well Ghosties, guess what I returned home to on Friday evening? NO. CABLE. For me, no cable = no land phone, Internets or TV [gotta love those "bundle deals"]! They couldn't send anyone out until today, and the cable guy just left the house. They told us that they're still cleaning up the mess from the ice storm... can you believe that? Anyway, after having been without power for three days several weeks ago, I was really able to keep things in perspective over the weekend. Losing cable is easy. I mean, I was going crazy without the Internets, but... no power for half a week is just... an experience I don't want to have again.

So I'm officially connected again, but my weekend shows have officially gone A.W.O.L.! My first order of business was to log on and tell you all what happened.

It looks like I need you all to fill me in this episode recap. In the meantime, I'm going to see if I can find a way to get a hold of the episode, come back, and chat with you all later.

For now, it's all yours... take it away!

Yay, we get new Ghost Whisperer episodes for a bit! [And Moonlight too, yum-yum]!

Happy New Year, Ghosties... how did you like this one?

I really, really liked this episode. Had Jim been present in a significant way, it would have been near-perfect for me... definitely, a favorite of the season.

First of all, how do you like our new Ned?! Is he adorable, or what?! I know that many of you Ghosties didn't really care for the younger Ned of last season... are you happy with this new incarnation?

I have to say, I was loving the scene when Ned, Mel and Delia were all together in the shop, talking openly about the haunting, and putting their heads together on how to help. Isn't that totally what we'd all wanted to see for so many months? I enjoyed it so much, and I hope that [new] Ned becomes a regular fixture on the show.

So now, there's a bit of a mystery brewing with the photographer/blogger guy. It got pretty tense there for a bit between Mel and Payne, but I'm glad they made nice in the end. Do you think the blogger guy will have ties to the whole "big bad looming thing" surrounding Grandview, or do you think they're [the writers] starting us on a whole new path? I have no idea.

The haunting this episode was so original, as was the resolution. I have to say, I cried when the ghost talked about how his parents always accepted them both [he and his sister] for who they were. The ending scene with the three kids [Ned and the girls] at the coffee shop was beautiful.

Slam sites. Do they exist? I'd meant to find out myself [hello, Google], but haven't had the time... maybe I'll check into it.

The Ice Storm

It was a surreal week leading up to Friday night. I'd lived in Wisconsin half my life, and never thought in a million years, I'd face the worst winter of my entire life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After so many winters watching snowdrifts hit sixteen-plus feet at times, I'd never spent more than a few hours without power [and heat and hot water] during those Wisconsin winters. Last week, I was without power for three days. Some Tulsans are still without power, a week later, so I will level with you: I feel silly exerting effort writing a blog entry about a TV show while other people are still dealing with this hideous weather fallout. However, this is my blog, so I don't feel silly admitting my gratitude for making it through the week with a pretty positive attitude, for having my power [and heat] back, and for having my TV back!

Last week, I found out that I survive just fine without TV [it's music I cannot live without – thank Jobs for the almighty iThingie], but at the same time, TV is a huge plus in my life [not to mention my job!], and I'm very grateful that my shows are now waiting for me during a much warmer, sunnier week. I gotta tell ya, nothing helps a person escape better than ghost-vampire Friday on CBS. Ahh... It was almost as good as a hot bath ending the week with Ghost Whisperer and Moonlight. My Internet connection was very intermittent throughout the weekend, so I decided to wait and post this entry on my lunch hour today.

Yes Melinda, There is a Santa Claus...

When I read the synopsis for this holiday Ghost Whisperer episode, I was fully prepared for cheese. I thought, "Oh great, one of those holiday 'filler' episodes... I can hardly wait." But you know what? I actually found this to be a genuinely charming holiday episode! I thought it was creative and heartfelt without being overly sentimental. It had a good sense of humor, an original premise, and an adorable little boy as the most sympathetic character. The real story behind the ghost's letter was so sweet, and instantly made the "Scrooge-y" central character likable. I even like it that the "Santa" character never crossed over, and loved it that only children [well... and ghost whisperers] could see him. All in all, it delivered just the warmth I needed to end a very cold week.

Or was I just desperate for TV?

What did you all think?

J. Love's Bikini Photo

Finally, I wanted to devote a little bit of this entry to give a "shout-out" to J. Love and her gorgeous figure. I cannot believe people were writing catty blog entries about her weight after the bikini photos wound up all over the Internet. Have you seen the photos? How are those photos "unflattering?" Jeez people, if that's "huge," then society's concept of beauty is even more doomed than I'd ever thought.

Indulge me, Ghosties.

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Dear Jennifer Love Hewitt,

You are beautiful. Your neckline is a work of art that never fails to amaze many of us, both male and female here at the TV Guide Ghost Whisperer blog. Furthermore, your arms and tummy are firm and muscular, and you’ve got a comic book super heroine’s hips and thighs. You should be proud of your body! It’s natural, it’s lovely, and I’d give a lot to look like you in a bikini... a lot... and most likely, so would my husband.

Just remember: it's not easy being a Goddess!
-Jeannine

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Online Video Guide

Need Ghost Whisperer video to tide you over during the holidays? Get more Ghost Whisperer on our Online Video Guide.

Keep the Holiday Spirits Alive, Ghosties!

Hmmm... ah... hmmmm... Ghosties, I got nothin' on this one. Is it because I'm still too full from feasting to care? I really don't know.

For all that happened in this episode, it feels like I should have so much to say, but I don't. Something about this storyline just didn't grab me for some reason... maybe it's because I didn't empathize with "Mini Mel," and I'm not sure why. I don't think it was any fault of the actress, and it's not like the writing or plot was subpar.

Maybe this episode should have been a two-parter, so that I could feel a bit more invested in the Little Ghost Whisperer... I felt like she was sort of thrown at us out of left field, and then we were supposed to care as much about her as Mel did. Meeting a young Ghost Whisperer had to have been extremely pivotal for Mel, but for me, it fell flat. Am I just a cold-hearted viewer this weekend, or what's the deal?

Now, I did like the scene with Little Mel and her grandmother in the hospital. That gave us some great backstory on how Mel learned very early on how to hone her... craft, so to speak. I also thought that the reunion with the kid and his parents was pretty cool. I also felt a bit moved when Mini-Mel figured out how to make her parents believe. But overall, it seems like this should be a really huge deal of an episode, and I really wasn't as affected by it as some of the other episodes this season.

Finally, I'm getting tired of Gabriel showing up, talking in his cryptic riddles, and then disappearing into the mist. How long do you think they will continue to milk that storyline? I'm getting a little impatient... I'd like a few more true clues dropped our way. Clues that mean more than "Oooh, darkness. Badness. Look out, Mel. Oh no, wait. You don't understand Mel. You're my sister... or are you? Bippity-boppity-boo. The next time I see you, you'll find out more... or will you?"

Maybe I'm just cranky tonight... or am I? What did you think?

Oh, and I hope you all put the "ful" into wonderful this Thanksgiving weekend!

Wardrobe Melfunction

My first thought this episode was: holy pants, Batman!

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

Anyone who experienced their pre-teen to teen years in the '80s will understand why I'm referring to Ferris Bueller's Day Off in this post. Wow, Alan Ruck really hasn't aged a whole lot, has he? Well... and neither has Matthew Broderick, come to think of it.

It's a Sick.... Howse [Yes, I'm Singing That to the Tune Of... oh, Nevermind]!

One thing that I found very effective was the lighting in the house during scenes in which the father and daughter were in a trance. Did you notice how everything was cast in sort of a murky, "sick" green hue? The characters were also often filmed at strange angles when in the house, and of course, the ghosts themselves had an "off" color to them, as well. The ghosts weren't as subtle, but the house had a subliminal sort of "ick" to it, which was really effective.

Doubting Delia

I enjoyed the scenes between Delia and Melinda... the interaction felt believable to me...

Great Paynes

I loved some of Payne's references in this episode. "More Jack Nicholson, less Linda Blair." References to two of the greatest films of all time. "Heeeeere's Johnny!" [Hm....I would try to quote something from The Exorcist, but I'd probably get kicked out of blogging here for repeating any of Regan's more... uh... infamous quotes].

Which leads me to another great Payne quote. When comparing oppression to possession: "It's more bedside manner and less head-spinning."

Finally, "The Newlydeads Game." Too funny... but mostly because of the way Jay Mohr delivered that line. Brilliant [as always, Jay]!

Good, Mean Fun

I gotta say, I loved the wicked sense of humor in this episode, especially the ending... it was nice to see the kitty cat, too.

Your thoughts on "Bad Blood?"

An Unlikely Alliance

This episode made me cry. Like a baby. I think it's because I found the partnership between Melinda and Casey to be as touching in the end as the actual crossing over. The storyline of having somebody "with a gift" move in on Mel's turf was interesting enough, but then when Jim gave Melinda advice on embracing the "competition" rather than fighting him... well, that made the plot take the high ground, and I was genuinely moved by how their dynamic evolved from that point on through to the end. I think I cried more from how Mel and Casey delivered the "tag-team crossover" in the end than from the actual crossing over... excellent acting between J. Love and Orlando Jones.

Orlando!

Applause to Orlando Jones for doing an amazing job as Casey the wonder guru. It was very smart for the writers to keep that character from venturing into comedic territory à la Payne. Orlando did a fantastic job playing the part. Something that many people may not know is that good comedy is way harder to pull off (as an actor) than good drama. Usually, if an actor is excellent at comedy, he or she can kick butt on the screen in dramatic roles. Orlando proved this to be true, and I really enjoyed his performance.

Twists and Turns Abound

I also found this week's ghost story to be very interesting and effective. Once the sister started telling Melinda about the addiction problems, I knew immediately that the death happened accidentally during an intervention. However, until the moment she started telling Mel the story, I honestly had no idea the mystery would turn in that direction. The story went from a potentially predictable jealous-sister storyline into a tragic story about a sister's love and protection. When the ghost said the line about the frog and the princess, I started weeping like a little girl. Nice job, GW writers!

Jim's Two Sense

Once again, Jim played a very, very important role in the crossing over, and I love that. He's starting to assert himself to Melinda a little more each week, giving her excellent advice that actually means something profound, and helps her with her gift. He's always been supportive and helpful, but it's starting to feel different lately... he isn't just listening and empathizing, he's listening, empathizing and giving a voice to what he feels Mel should know, or what she needs as she's figuring things out. Turns out, when he voices how he feels, he helps Mel on the journey in a big, big way. I like this, and I hope the writers continue in that direction with Jim... I think this whole wanting to be a doctor thing suits him!

Our Fair Delia

Several of you have commented lately that Delia's been looking particularly beautiful, and I agree! I love it when they make her hair wavy... it gives her a soft look, and her wardrobe has been kicking butt, too! Dare I say, Mel could take a few pointers from her in the wardrobe department at times? I also enjoy that Delia's been a bit more vocal with Melinda, and even though she's a skeptic, she doesn't get all flinchy anymore when Mel needs to talk things out about the ghosts. One of you mentioned last week that the darkness seems to be bringing the key characters closer together, and I agree... it's like... almost losing Melinda made them all stop tiptoeing around her and giving her so much distance, she almost dies every week.

I.O.U.

OK, I owe you guys a post from two weeks ago, so here it goes.

Episode recap: "Weight of What Was"

What a Set!

My biggest comment on this episode is that I wanted to live... or at least... go camping in that underground set! Oh. My. Goth. Gorgeous, gorgeous set!

I thought it was a bit extreme for Melinda to go into the tunnels alone, and found myself shaking my head at how stupid she was for doing that, but... she's Mel, and she does that stuff from time to time. It was very cool to see Jim, Delia and Payne all team up to help her. I'd love to see that happen more often.

Mel, Meet... Fred

I love it that they cast Amy "Fred" Acker from Angel as Mel's... what was it? Great-great grandmother? Great-great-great grandmother? OK, as Tessa, because "Fred" has always reminded me of Jennifer Love Hewitt back in her Party of Five days... the two actresses even look a little bit alike, so that was excellent casting.

All Hallow's Episode

The Salem-witch-hunt parallels in Tessa's story, and in Grandview's history, was really cool and very creepy. I found it to be a great episode around Halloween time, without it being an overt "this is our Halloween episode" story. So... I'd heard it mentioned in this week's episode or last that Grandview's on the East Coast... did you all hear that, too?

The Family Units

Gabriel and Dad. Y'know... when they talked to each other in the end, they insinuated that Gabriel truly is Mel's brother, but... I still feel like things aren't quite what they seem. Am I just in denial? It seems too predictable for Gabriel to be her brother. How did you like his facial hair? What do you think of ol' dad? Evil, or are the writers misleading us? Big mystery there, and I'm sure we'll see more of them sooner rather than later.

OK, your turn!!

Melinda: "I've been thinking about how dark spirits don't just lurk underground... that they're around me all the time.... I just want you to know that that doesn't scare me."

Jim: "How is that reassuring?"

Melinda: "Because... anger and darkness... that's just the stuff we're supposed to unravel and learn from. And I do that all the time. I'm not afraid because... I know that love is stronger. I've seen it."

Jim: "OK, no more decisions based on fear."

Melinda: "No more decisions based on fear."

I loved that closing scene so much. This week, it was Jim and Melinda that moved me the most. I love that they had a disagreement, I love that they worked through it with tenderness, honesty and humor, and I love that Jim's starting to mean more to the show than "perfect husband." I mean, he still is a perfect husband, but I like that he's starting to communicate his own needs and goals, and that it's bringing a realistic element of conflict to the show without being forced. Reminds me a little more of the dynamic between Jake Weber and Patricia Arquette in Medium. I would love it if the show continued to show more of their marriage than chatting about the week's "encounters" over dinner. I like this direction, GW writers... go with it!

But enough talk about great on-screen marriages, let's talk ghosts! Lately, I've found myself amazed that the writers seem to come up with such interesting ghost stories week after week. We really don't ever get "same ol' ghost, same ol' ghost story" from this show. Even when it's a mediocre episode, it's rarely (if ever) recycled material.

When Mel said, "I think I've just seen a 21st-century suicide note," it gave me chills. I always resonate with the whole "let's use the digital age as spirit transportation" method to the madness.... Y'know, Shocker, Ghost in the Machine, Poltergeist, The Ring... it just works.

Another great quote of the night came from (of course) Payne: "Oh, I see, you were trying to give me 100 reasons not to go out with you, but really, it was one big reason." Wow, way to cut her to the core, Payne.

Besides that, I can't think of anything else that stood out as blog-worthy this episode. Your turn!

PS. I know I owe you all an entry for last week. I had some personal, business and health issues take me by storm. But this weekend is catch-up weekend for me.... And I do have some thoughts on that episode, so I will be back!

This episode had me on the edge of my seat. Very cool twist with "who's stalking whom." Did you find that the way in which the ghost twitched her neck was waaay creepy? I thought so. Either the actress did a really good job with it, or they did something with the frame rate to make it creepier (à la Japanese horror and their ghosts). Or maybe it was that "crunch" sound effect. Shivers.

Did you notice that during the crossing over, when the ghost was in the presence of Campbell, she didn't twitch anymore? I loved that subtle yet effective detail.

Also, the way the stalker (not remembering his name, and too lazy to look it up. LOL) had hung those photos up in his office? Cah-REEPy!

No Payne this time, but oddly, that was OK by me... maybe because now I know he's a series regular, so there's no reason to worry when he's not in an episode.

Now, I never watched Season 1... has anyone ever "met" Jim's mom? She sounds like quite the character!

The cliff-hanger ending was great. I never saw it coming, and I can smell Halloween and sweeps approaching like a giant, ghosty storm cloud. Bring it on!

Wow. I... am at a loss for words regarding this episode, and I'm trying to figure out why. I will be very curious to read your thoughts on this one, Ghosties.

I thought that the mystery behind the haunting was unique. I liked seeing Jim being much more active at helping Mel with this haunting, but overall, I felt a little bit confused because it seemed like an obligatory "war episode." I dunno, maybe it's because I also watch Brothers & Sisters, and Sunday's episode brought one of the brothers home from Iraq injured, and it was pretty intense.

Anyway, one thing is for certain: Whether this episode was about war or roses, it wouldn't matter because at the end of the day, the GW powers-that-be seem to be getting further and further away from the greater mystery that they started last season and opened with this season. I mean, I know we're only three episodes into the season, but with each episode, they're moving further and further away from all of the greater Grandview mysteries they've begun, and I'm not enjoying that trend.

Is it shallow that I'd rather they follow through on what they've started than throw in a "war episode"? And this truly has nothing whatsoever to do with any feelings I have concerning the current war. This could have been about any war in our history and I'd feel just as frustrated.

Where's the kid in the records department? What about Gabriel? What about the light being blocked by an unseen force? How about Dad? They need to make a decision about sticking to a serialized show if they want to start all of these huge plot events.... It doesn't work anymore when an episode gets thrown in that doesn't even hint at what's going on.

Your thoughts?

Bloody Mary [Spin], bloody Mary [Spin], bloody Mary [Spin]. Did you ever play that game? I did several times at grade-school slumber parties, and here's the secret: the reason "Bloody Mary" pops out at you in the mirror is... you're so dizzy after spinning around three times, you wind up seeing your reflection "behind" you. But do not try this at home!

Actually, at the start of the episode, when the first "victim" landed herself in the hospital, I thought, "It's kind of what's supposed to happen when you play that Bloody Mary game in the mirror!" Was I right, or was I right?

After a pretty eventful season premiere, I don't have much to say about this episode, and not because it was bad. It just didn't really connect any dots about the big "Grandview secret" or all of the other unanswered questions. But that's OK, I'm sure we'll get a few episodes of the "semi-serialized" variety for a few weeks, and then the dots will start lining up during November sweeps. It just seems to work that way, eh?

But what bugged me about tonight's episode:

1) Still not enough Jim and Delia for me. They seem to be focusing mostly on Payne, and as much as I love that character, I hope they don't focus on him so much that it ruins a good Payne. It wouldn't be the fault of Jay Mohr's, but of the writers. We all love Jim, so why blow him off? Most of us love Delia, so why blow those characters off to show more scenes with Payne? It's just not necessary for the betterment of the show.

2) Did the whole "Bloody Mary on the Internet" thing make you feel like somebody in the boardroom said, "This is what the kids are doing these days, let's write that"? I found it a bit forced, and not very necessary as a way for us to get to know the circle of friends affected by Rachel's ghost.

What I liked about this episode:

1) Autumn Reeser! Hey ya, Autumn, Michael Ausiello isn't your only TV Guide blogger fan, OK?!

If you all don't know who I'm talking about, you missed out on the best O.C. season ever (well, it was about as good as Season 2). Unfortunately, it was the last season. [Single tear] Autumn, as the character Taylor, turned out to be one of my favorite characters on The O.C. and I was really sad the show got canceled, because (sorry, Mischa), once mopey Marissa left the series and they brought Taylor into the group of four, the show really found its groove again. I think they could have done at least one more season but... oh well. (Autumn played the character of Sloan tonight.)

Now then, back to Ghost Whisperer.

2) This one had a nice, creepy vibe, but again, not too creepy. I would be surprised about the increase in blood (and fingernails), but c'mon, this episode revolved around Bloody Mary, so I don't think they're suddenly trying to get all CSI on us or anything.

What was done right about the way this ghost was impacting the students was that it felt a little bit like The Ring, in which word got around about "the ghost," so everyone was daring each other to try that (urban)-legend thing that could potentially kill ya. That's actually pretty realistic... at least, realistic enough that I tried it with my friends back in the day....

3) Finally, what I liked about the episode is that it said to me, "Halloween is right around the corner!" And I love me some Halloween.

Your thoughts on tonight's episode? I'm not commenting on the cleavage, because it never really fits into what bugs me or what's fun about the episodes.... It sort of sits somewhere... in between.

I'm not the official TV Guide blogger for Moonlight, but I just wanted to start off tonight's Ghost Whisperer post by saying how much I enjoyed watching both shows back-to-back. Ghost Whisperer + Moonlight = Freaky Friday on CBS, and I think they're a perfect supernatural fit.

Now then, on with the show!

Welcome to The Underneath?

At (last) season's end, I felt that Melinda's return from death would alter her connection to the afterlife, making it more malevolent than she's prepared to deal with. Now, at (this) season's beginning, my initial feelings concerning the crossroads on which Mel stands, is that Grandview is turning into a similar place to Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Hellmouth. Not quite as... Hellmouth-y, but the similarities between "the underneath" getting ready to burst at any time in Grandview, and Sunnydale's Hellmouth hurling all varieties of demons and vampires from underground can't be denied. The difference seems to be that Grandview may be a kinder, gentler wellspring of supernatural underground energy... or will it?

Although this episode started the season off in a much darker and more suspenseful place than we're accustomed to, we still experienced a sentimental crossing over in the end, and yes, I did cry. Along with the increase in thrills and chills this season, I think that Ghost Whisperer will manage to keep its feet in the light with heartwarming touches of redemption and closure between the living and the dead, which is good, because that's what makes the show different than a lot of other supernaturally-fueled TV series out there. Don't get me wrong, I definitely like dark. Dark is good... but I've also grown to love Ghost Whisperer's balance with dark and light, and I'm glad the show hasn't lost the light... at least, not yet.

On with the questions. Do you think that Gabriel will return? Yep, Gabriel's coming back. Do you think that the guy in the records department may be Mel's brother? (I still don't think Gabriel is her brother). What are your theories and questions on what's in store for the coming season?

Cast and Characters This Episode

An enthusiastic welcome to Jay Mohr as series regular Professor Payne! I speak for just about all of us when I say that it's great to finally see his name in the permanent cast credits. I could link to about (what?) 98.9% of the blog entries here in which we all comment about how much more we enjoy the show when graced with Mr. Mohr's presence. My favorite Payne quote of this episode: "Wow, you're even haunted in your x-rays... that's hardcore!" Anyone else want to add your favorite Payne moments of the evening?

I was surprised that David Hasselhoff didn't play Melinda's father tonight, because we heard his voice and saw his hair in the season finale. However, I really wasn't disappointed, because I adore Martin Donovan, and would enjoy seeing more of him during the season as Melinda continues to connect the dots to the mystery that has become her life. (Or is it her life that's become a mystery)? I think you know what I mean.

Another recognizable face is that cute redhead who seems to be getting a lot of TV work these days, Jayma Mays, aka Ugly Betty's Charlie, aka... uh... Charlie from Heroes (seriously!), and soon to be Elsita in Pushing Daisies.

Of course, I have to mention the brilliant Anne Archer as Mel's mother Beth, who... turns out, isn't a people person (dead or alive), the way her daughter is. After watching Beth fumble around with her gift, it's evident that Mel's gift transcends relating to ghosts... even though she was always a "freak," she's great with people, and along with her abilities to connect with the dead, connecting with the living is equally as important.

Finally, regarding characters and cast this season premiere, I felt that there wasn't enough of Jim and Delia, but when we did see them with Mel, their chemistry and interaction was as effortless and tangible as ever. Isn't it a relief to watch Mel relate to Delia without the big haunted secret?

Anyone want to comment on wardrobe and/or cleavage count? The only thing that made my eyes bug out a bit was that frilly nightgown... do real women wear those to bed? Otherwise, my boob-radar wasn't on red alert nearly as often as it has been in past episodes, nor was my "fashion-don't" meter. Jim's shoulders were looking goooood in that tank top, though.

Ghosties, it's good to be back.

Do you feel like watching more Ghost Whisperer before next Friday? Check out our Ghost Whisperer videos.

First off, I want to apologize that I couldn't post this entry immediately after the season finale. I actually had planned on it, but a crippling migraine completely ruined it for me Friday night. (Great way to start a weekend after a stressful week, eh?)

Comments from Last Week:
OK, I hear ya on the nickname Scoobies, so we shall remain Ghosties. Er... wait, Jena H. has volunteered the nickname "Whispies." What shall we call ourselves when new episodes premiere: Ghosties or Whispies? Let me know in the comments, and I'll tally the votes.

Also, regarding the sexual tension between Mel and Gabriel, I didn't mean it in an overtly creepy way, I mean it in the subtext. *Sigh* OK, I'm an actor, so I often notice when an actor is creating tension below the surface, or when they're creating their own subtext. I felt that Ignacio Serricchio was playing his role with a slight bit of flirtation with J. Love, and I actually was right. I guess I pick up on things like that because I analyze characters from an actor's perspective quite often. Again, I didn't mean it in a creepy way; I just noticed what Ignacio was doing. It was done subtly, but I noticed it.

Onto 511:
Now then, my biggest question to you all: (besides the brilliant Daesey4 who pretty much "called it" last week) Did you all see it coming? Did you ever think for one moment that when "death of a loved one" showed up on Jim's back, that it would be referring to Melinda?! I sure didn't, and I enjoyed the surprise.

I felt that, in a way, this finale tied up some loose ends, but then opened up a whole new plane (pun... intended?) of possibilities, and I feel they will be much darker ones. I feel like next season will cross some boundaries it hasn't crossed before, and I enjoy that the show isn't really predictable anymore.

Here's what I'd like to know. I missed Season 1 of Ghost Whisperer, so I have very little background on Melinda's roots, in particular, her family. Did she ever talk about her father in previous episodes, or were we ever shown anything regarding her father?

Also, do you think that Gabriel is Mel's brother? I think it would be too easy that he'd wind up being her brother. I think he's a red herring, and that her brother's out there somewhere. It's possible that Gabriel knows her brother, or it's possible that her brother is one of Gabriel's dark ghosts.... Your theories?

Another thing: Do you feel like Mel's near-death experience may make her "not quite right" now that she's awakened?

What I do know for certain, now that the finale is over: Season 3 is going to be quite a ride.

SB Thompson: Mel's father's voice was The Hasselhoff's?!

First, let's share a collective sigh-o-relief, shall we? *Sigh* No death of a loved one... yet. I was so tense every time Jim left the house, and the moment I saw Delia's close encounter with "death by stereo," I started to get really upset. I thought, "She finally learns Mel's secret, then gets killed a couple weeks later?! Didn't they do that last year? Why are they doing it again?!" Luckily, they didn't. Everyone we love in Mel's circle is still standing, but... for how long? Although Payne didn't seem anywhere near death's door at any point in the episode, I was getting sad about him going on that sabbatical. I'm glad he decided to stay... May sweeps needs Payne.

It felt as though tonight's episode was like lining up dominoes — slow-going at times, but it's a steady build into an avalanche of apocalyptic-y goodness. I have to say, I was riveted... absolutely riveted, just as I was last week. I think my favorite scene this evening was of the underwater visions of the ferry sinking into the abyss: It was beautiful and so eerie. The audio captured that sickening, claustrophobic sound of deep, deep, dark waters... very scary, but also just awe-inspiring. When Melinda first opened the curtains, the blue glow and the white mist swept me right into one of my favorite horror movies, John Carpenter's The Fog (the only version that should have ever been made, thank you very much). The car-avalanche was quite impressive, too. I think the Ghost Whisperer folks may have spent a pretty good deal of the budget on this episode.

Although we didn't get to see The AntiGhostWhisperer often tonight, Gabriel's moments during this episode were effective... just enough to keep that continual question mark in the air, and everyone on edge. I really love the sexual tension between Mel and him... it adds more layers to his foreboding presence. I realized tonight that I like Gabriel and Ignacio Serricchio the way I liked Billy on Six Feet Under, played by Jeremy Sisto. Jeremy Sisto is so gorgeous and magnetic, and an unbelievably amazing actor who does dark and creepy so well; I just love to be rattled by him. I sort of feel that way about Gabriel.... Is that wrong? Am I a bad person? [giggle]

While I'm on the subject of gorgeous actors who do dark really well, what a pleasant surprise to see special guest star Julian Sands! Love him.

But... I will never love another Ghost Whisperer man the way that I love Jim.

Finally, I like it that the show is busting out of Grandview a bit, traveling to Europe and Russia and showing just how far-reaching Mel's gift potentially may be. Get ready for 511....

Your thoughts on this episode, Scoobies?

OK, I'm thinking of changing my nickname for us all from Ghosties to Scoobies, because we totally called it! The moment I saw Payne "walk through" Kate, I yelled, "Ha! We knew it!" Although we were pretty good at guessing she was probably a ghost, I don't think any of us saw the following series of events coming. At first, I was thrilled at the prospect of Kate joining Gabriel as Mel and Payne's nemises from beyond, but Rachel Shelley's bio on IMDb doesn't list any episodes beyond "The Collector." IMDb isn't always up to date, though, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we may see her again during all of the havoc that is about to ensue in May.

Now then, about "The Collector." By the end of this episode, my jaw was literally on the floor. The show had more suspense than ever, and took some twists that I don't think any of us could have predicted, even with the weeks of foreshadowing we've been nibbling on since the season premiere. As Mel and Payne rattled off the various signs that had happened up until now, I still didn't really understand what was going on. But I'm sure all will be known (and then some) by the season finale... at least, I would hope so.

My question to you all is this: Do you like this new scarier and less sentimental direction?

I'm still so speechless and puzzled over what's going to be happening in the coming weeks of Ghost Whisperer, I just wanted to open this episode up for discussion straight away. Scoobies... your thoughts and predictions?

This was an episode that we've all been waiting to see: the day when Melinda finally shares her gift with Delia. The circumstances leading to that moment of truth were pretty surprising; I'd never anticipated that it would happen due to a haunting by Charlie. I found Charlie's backstory with Tim to be particularly interesting, and now I hope that Tim and Delia will have more of a prominent role on the show as stronger supporting characters. I wouldn't mind seeing some scenes with Mel, Jim, Delia and Tim on a fairly regular basis. Some dinner parties, some dates, some fun conversations. Tim and Delia are both very likable characters, and many of us have lamented that Delia in particular hasn't been given strong enough story lines. Well, now that we finally got the "big reveal scene" that we've wanted for so long, I hope the writers will continue to build on her character from this point forward.

It was so shocking to hear Delia call Melinda "sick" when first learning of her gift, but J. Love did a great job with that scene. I felt so bad for her that I wanted to hug her; the look on her face was sheer heartbreak. At first I thought to myself, "Delia, aren't you more open-minded that that?" But after some thought, I'm actually glad that she turned out to be a huge skeptic, because... c'mon, somebody close to Mel's gotta be! It's more realistic to have a few people — even close friends — around Melinda who can't "go where she goes," as Delia worded it. It will add a little more tension to the show, as well as room for growth in their relationship. Ultimately, Delia decided to accept Melinda as a person and cherish their friendship, and that matters way more than understanding or even accepting her gift.

The comedic story line with the ghost streaker was pretty cute. How'd you like that jar-of-pickles innuendo? Hah! I would have rather had more scenes with Payne to lighten up the mood, but we can't have everything now, can we?

Speaking of having everything, I've decided something: Many of us have either complained about or welcomed the distraction that is "Melinda's girls," and we've all written about it often here. Lately, some of us have commented on a lack of neckline-plunging distraction, and some of you have felt relieved about this, while others felt a little sad. Well, here's what I think: If the producers of the show decided that they wanted to once again... distract us with "the girls," well, I've decided it's OK. But here would be my terms of this agreement: If we wind up seeing lots of cleavage in a scene, then we must be paid in kind with at least one scene of Jim coming out of the shower in nothing but a towel. All I'm asking for is tat for tit, and I believe these terms are really quite reasonable. Can I get a witness?

So! How did you all feel about Mel's big reveal to Delia? Did you like how the story turned out, or did you want it to happen differently? Do you like it that Delia's a skeptic, or would you have preferred that she become another cohort in Gordon's ghostliness?