Ghost Host, Ghost House – Series Review & Ending Explained

Episode 1

Episode 1 Review

I'm not into the ghost-hunting aspect of the story. Most of the supernatural shenanigans or scare tactics in Ghost Host, Ghost House don't appeal to me. However, I partially enjoy these scenes because the main character looks adorable as he chases down ghosts. This dainty Thai-American boy is dressed in a cute little ghostbuster uniform, summoning spirits with a bell and an abacus. His antics are silly yet strangely endearing. As he did all these pointless activities so earnestly, I was kinda charmed lol. 😚

I love the merit point system with the ghosts. What an innovative idea to assign a currency for their remaining time in the world. The characters can spend these points on supernatural powers to fulfill their wishes, but they'll vanish after using up all their merit. It makes them weigh their choices since every action takes away their livelihood.

When GHGH first explained this idea, I was so intrigued. It sounds like something out of Black Mirror! Sadly, the series doesn't explore the concept to its full extent. The story touches upon it superficially, but not with the complexity I wanted. There could have been some gripping emotional dilemmas as the characters decided how to use their points. They can also face existential crises as their tallies are whittled down. Yet, the merit system ends up being negligible in the grand scheme of the plot. It feels like a missed opportunity for sophisticated storytelling.

Kevin's relatives

The story should've centred around the protagonist, his parents, and his siblings. There's less of an emotional impact when the dead characters are his aunt, uncle & cousins. Kevin has an awkward dynamic with the supporting cast because he's unfamiliar with his relatives. They can't be chummy with each other, so their interactions seem stiff. If they were his direct family, Kevin would have built-in bonds and backstories with them. That would increase the intimacy and tragedy of the plot.

Imagine the protagonist returning from his overseas studies, unaware his parents and siblings died in an accident. Unknowingly, he became an orphan overnight and the last surviving family member. Since they recently drove their car into a lake, nobody knows about their deaths yet. They hide the news to spare him from heartbreak. Eventually, he learns what happened and helps his family fulfill their last wishes. They depart from the world one by one. Meanwhile, Pluem can relate to Kevin's experiences since he lost his dad in an unrelated car accident. Pluem teaches Kevin to move on from grief.

Don't you think this premise sounds more epic? I would've been like, WHOA! 🤯 Of course, this change makes the lighthearted BL drama too devastating. Maybe viewers don't respond to so much darkness in a love story. Also, the heavy, dramatic material would've exceeded the lead's acting capabilities. So, I understand why Ghost Host, Ghost House doesn't take this route. Nonetheless, the above hypothesis is what I wanted from this series. Instead, it deviates from my expectations.

Episode 2

Episode 2 Review

Oh my god, Kevin is killing me with cuteness. Stop being so adorable! 😣 He doesn't even have to do much. Just flash a bashful smile, make a quirky expression, or behave in a cutesy way. That's all it takes for his bewitching charm to win me over. Honestly, this actor (Tod) has caught my eye since he appeared in Love Area last year. I'm glad GHGH recognized the same spark and gave him a leading role. Keep casting him in more BL dramas, and I'll watch every single one!

I like the scene with Seenam at the school. It's a great way to demonstrate how the merit point system works. Seenam faces an emotional dilemma, contemplating whether to use all her points just to see her crush one last time. Unfortunately, the other scenes in this episode are less cohesive. Random stuff is happening, but the narrative feels disjointed and purposeless. The storyteller could've done a better job introducing the supporting characters, showcasing their personalities, and highlighting their dynamics.

Episode 3

Episode 3 Review

I like learning how the characters spend their merit points. Seefoon uses his powers to spy on Kevin's dreams, almost like Inception. I wish we could see an example. I want an actual scene where Seefoon infiltrates Kevin's mind and learns his cousin's subconscious thoughts. That would've been cool to see, right? However, GHGH only tells the viewers what Seefoon is doing instead of showing us the events. The story doesn't go that extra step and push itself further.

I'm glad Pluem calls out Kevin about his dangerous ghost-hunting activities. I thought the same thing too. Going to these abandoned buildings alone at night seems unnecessarily risky. Like, that's one way of getting yourself killed. Even if ghosts don't exist, you may still encounter other hazards. To Kevin's credit, he listens to Pluem's advice and stops his expeditions after this episode. Secretly, I'm glad because these scenes occupy too much time without adding value to the plot. 

Now that Kevin's relatives are dead, how do they spend their time in the house all day? Are they just chilling? After three episodes, their characterizations seem empty, especially for the aunt and uncle. I wish we could see Kevin interact with his family more. In this episode, he watches a movie with his cousins and chats with Uncle Art. However, these short exchanges barely make an impression. For a story revolving around a "ghost house", Kevin doesn't spend much time here. He's too busy visiting haunted buildings, talking to his online fans, and flirting with Pluem.

Episode 4

Episode 4 Review

This episode is surprisingly enjoyable, a huge step up from the previous quality. Ghost Host, Ghost House tosses aside the supernatural crap and goes all-in on the BL content. The story commits almost an entire hour solely to developing the couple's physical & emotional connection. Until now, Kevin and Pluem's flirting didn't really captivate me. However, their multiple steamy encounters in Episode 4 absolutely made me take notice. The leads ignite their romance and step full force on the accelerator. Ready, set, goooo!

Ooh, I like the vibe of the first kiss! The leads sit on the sofa, facing each other. They're only inches apart. Pluem's arm wraps around Kevin's body as he caresses his back. Meanwhile, Kevin sits with one leg over Pluem's lap. Those little white shorts ride up just enough to give the viewers a titillating shot of his thigh. The seductive foreplay builds up to the couple's first kiss, which intensifies in passion and desire. Soon, they're making out and consummating their love into the night. This romantic encounter stimulates me, like going on an intimate journey as the characters navigate their attraction.

My favourite part is when Kevin stops in the middle of the foreplay and asks, "Wait… Is it too soon?" At that point, the leads were casual acquaintances who hadn't done much other than light flirting. It does appear like they're on the fast track to sex. Afterwards, the characters pause their activities since Pluem respects his partner's boundaries. Moments later, Kevin overcomes his hesitation and springs onto Pluem. He thought about it for less than a minute and concluded, "Nah, I wanna get laid!" We love a decisive king who makes up his mind quickly. 😝

Most BL dramas call it a day after delivering one sexual encounter in an episode. They filled their quota and produced enough viral content to circulate this week's social media rounds. However, Ghost Host, Ghost House doesn't wait until launching back-to-back sex scenes! The leads wake up the next morning and shout, WHO'S READY FOR ROUND TWO!? Oh my god, Kevin and Pluem are unstoppable!

And to be clear, these aren't half-hearted efforts. The series doesn't just copy and paste the sex scenes. The first encounter is exciting because the sexual tension builds slowly and unleashes intensely. In contrast, the second moment is delightful, spontaneous, and whimsical. There's a different vibe each time, giving the viewers a new experience. They're thoughtfully crafted skinship exchanges, accentuated by stylish & tasteful cinematography. Best of all, the performers display comfortable chemistry and approach physicality without reservations. 

The first half of the episode is dedicated to celebrating physical affection. The second half focuses on building Kevin & Pluem's emotional connection. They open up to each other, confiding secrets, dreams, and fears. I like how Kevin joins Pluem during work, giving us a glimpse into his everyday life. Kevin adapts to Pluem's lifestyle, like learning sign language. The kissing and the sex may be the flashy spectacles, but these bonding scenes are the backbone of BL romances. After this episode, the leads feel compatible and I can envision them as boyfriends.

I love the ambiance of Kevin and Pluem's third kiss in this episode. Visually, it may be one of my favourite scenes in the entire series. The surroundings are pretty run-down, yet the cinematographer captures the enchanting beauty of the moment. This intimate atmosphere helps solidify the romance between the leads.

Episode 5

Episode 5 Review

We need to talk about Kevin's legs. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this series is Kevin running around in his short shorts each episode. The hem of his itty bitty shorts never goes beyond his thighs. The stimulating visual of his smooth, shimmery legs is impossible to overlook, at least for me. Whenever he sits down, his bare thighs are immediately in my POV. Oh, goodness gracious. Lord, forgive me for my impure gaze. 🙈

Initially, I liked the twist Uncle Art killed Pluem's dad, leading to juicy drama between the leads. I understand Pluem's angry reaction and why he distances himself from Kevin. Yet, I feel bad for Kevin's treatment because he's an innocent bystander unrelated to the car accident. Their feud on the rooftop is fascinating, and both characters bring up valid points. As they argue, I contemplate the moral complexities of the situation. This storyline has an emotional depth that I appreciate.

After a while, I question whether this twist is necessary. It adds an uncomfortable dynamic whenever Pluem and Uncle Art share a scene in the later episodes. I can't help but think: this guy killed your father! Why are you hanging out at his house and having dinner with him? Maybe some bygones shouldn't be bygones so quickly! Nonetheless, I respond positively to Pluem's character arc in this episode. Ghost Host, Ghost House handles his bereavement sensitively with meaningful themes and poignant messages.

It feels weird Seefoon and Seenam are willing to spend all their points to bring back Kevin's ex-boyfriend. Seenam won't use her points to reunite with her crush, yet she wastes everything on this random stranger. The story doesn't give us much insight, so her thought process is puzzling. It feels like GHGH wants to find a way to dump the points and get rid of her character next episode.

If it were up to me, I would've tweaked this storyline. Maybe the siblings discover their father killed Pluem's dad. They feel guilty and want to make it up to Pluem. They use their points to summon the dad's spirit, hoping to help their friend find closure. This rationale makes more sense than bringing back Jake on a random whim. Also, it gives their point usage more emotional weight. Seenam feels culpable for causing the car accident, so she uses her remaining merit for penance rather than charity.

Episode 6

Episode 6 Review

I dislike how Ghost Host, Ghost House writes its supporting cast. It wastes many episodes not developing Kevin's relatives meaningfully. We barely know the aunt or the uncle. The kids get screen time, but their scenes don't reveal much new information. Suddenly, the series tacks on a last-minute backstory only as each character departs the show. Why couldn't we learn about these details earlier? The writing reminds me of students who leave their homework blank until moments before they must hand in the assignment.

Seenam used up her points and knew she'd leave the world soon. I like her final chat with the dad, but what about her mom and brother? She could've planned her farewells better. Also, I wish the story explored her thoughts and feelings before departing the world. Show us her anguish about not reuniting with Prim for one last time. As Seenam approaches the final moments of her existence, there's an opportunity for emotional and philosophical storytelling. Yet, Ghost Host, Ghost House treads this subplot too lightly, not exploring it with enough depth.

I sympathize with Seefoon, who regrets not having friends while he's alive. I like how Kevin and Pluem keep him company, ensuring he isn't alone in his final moments. However, this storyline would be more effective if the series had emphasized Kevin and Seefoon's bond. Kevin didn't spend much time with his cousin previously. Their lack of camaraderie lessens the emotional impact of Seefoon's exit. Also, I wish we could've seen Seefoon's parents say goodbye to their son. Show us their reaction to losing their kids back to back.

Episode 7

Episode 7 Review

I love the farewell scene with Auntie Jeab and Uncle Art. That last shot of their younger selves looking at the sea is a beautifully poignant sendoff. However, my appreciation is limited because I hardly know their characters. The series doesn't focus on Kevin's uncle or aunt, barely paying attention to them. The story could've included a few extra scenes that define them as individuals. Due to their lack of development, I don't react strongly when they leave the show.

Typically, I don't care about celebrity lookalikes because I think we're all ~unique snowflakes~ lol. However, I can't unsee the resemblance between Pluem's actor (Boy) and the Thai actor Nanon of Bad Buddy fame. It's not a perfect match, but the similarities are strong from certain angles. There are a few moments during the series, especially this episode, where Boy displays an identical essence as his doppelganger. On Instagram, there's a picture of Boy and Nanon side by side, so you can judge for yourself. 

The breakup drama at the end of the episode is annoying. Despite giving consistent signals that he likes Pluem, Kevin doesn't commit to a relationship. He still mourns over his dead boyfriend. It's okay if Kevin only wants a casual fling, but he should've clarified in the beginning. Don't spend seven episodes flirting with Pluem if you need time to get over your ex. Also, Kevin's relationship with Jake isn't compelling. Their flashbacks hardly convey the same passion as his scenes with Pluem. This storyline fails because I'm not emotionally invested in Kevin's internal conflict.

Episode 8

Ending Review

The wicked part of me thinks it's hilarious that Kevin suddenly boards a plane and returns to America. He doesn't even have the decency to contact Pluem before leaving. Pluem only finds out he's gone by watching the live stream. This guy rejects his love confession, flies halfway around the world to avoid him, and then broadcasts their breakup on social media. Oh my god, his actions are so horrible lmao. How fitting that the "ghost" part of the series title refers to Kevin ghosting his love interest. 🤭

The finale is mediocre. The aggravating breakup sours my opinion of the romance, taking away much of the momentum. I keep counting down the minutes until the leads inevitably reconcile. While the lovemaking scene has gorgeous cinematography, the circumstances diminish the passion. The makeup sex doesn't reach the same highs as the previous encounters. Sadly, the story peaks in Episode 4, and the rest of the series never surpasses that quality again. Even so, I'm fond of this BL drama. Despite the flawed storytelling and flat ending, Ghost Host, Ghost House is strangely endearing.