The Ghost And Molly McGee First Impression: An Absolute Delight

The Show Is Very Predictable And Fantastic For It

For better and not for the worst, The Ghost and Molly McGee is basically what you’d expect it to be. The first episode—which is all I’ve seen of it—is in the standard style of episodic comedy. But that’s not a complaint.

There’s something appealing about this sort of show being done well. It has the same energy as Amphibia or Steven Universe’s early installments: a conga line of mostly breezy hijinks. You barely have to understand anything about the world to enjoy an adventure with these characters, and the premise is drenched with common tropes for quick setups.

The Ghost and Molly McGee Has An Efficient Story

Now, I love when animation bothers to develop characters and create an interesting overarching plot. But I don’t want Molly McGee to do much of that. Sure, the first episode establishes a conflict that will come into play, but it need not spiral into something sprawling. It can just be Scratch having to balance scaring with hanging out with Molly. Heck, she might even help him scare people—that’d be fun. 

The only thing that needs to change and develop is Scratch and Molly’s friendship. It’s the heart of the show and the whole point. Despite how cliché the premise might make you think it will be, these two characters play off each other perfectly—and you can’t help but like them. They’re both lonely people but manifesting it through different coping skills. Molly pushes it all away with optimism but is hurting, and Scratch hides behind sarcasm and curmudgeonly tendencies. It’s a character dynamic done before but being done excellently again.

You Cannot Argue With This Proven Of A Formula

The other way this show excels is in its animation. The character designs are simplistic, and the normal backgrounds are not impressive, but the movement, the facial expressions—they’re stunning. Characters are remarkably expressive, dynamic in their mannerisms, and delightfully energetic. Molly is in near-constant motion. She snaps between poses, and it gets across her character with ease.

And then, just as an added treat, we have the light horror elements. This show is meant for kids and doesn’t even go Owl House levels of disturbing, but it’s got spooky aspects. Scratch, as a ghost, can do all manner of wild and colorful transformations. The faces he makes, taken by themselves, are actually jarring looking—but the light tone keeps it all fun.

The Ghost and Molly McGee Is Just A Great Time

That’s the main takeaway. It’s fun. Uncomplicated, but not shallow. The Ghost and Molly McGee is a well-made, well-paced series for kids that anyone can enjoy for its darker jokes and a general sense of playfulness. If you like the trailer, if you like the premise, then you’ll like the show. If you’re ever bored, have a bad day, or need to kill a half-hour, then let Molly and Scratch’s antics put a smile on your face.

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