The Life and Times of Esther Greene

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"The Life and Times of Esther Greene" is the eighth episode of Season 5 in the American sitcom Ghosts and its 80th episode overall. It aired on December 11, 2025.

Synopsis[]

Now a successful podcaster, Todd Pearlman returns to profile Sam and Isaac's book, but becomes obsessed with Jay. Meanwhile, Pete tries to get to the bottom of why Alberta changed her name, forcing her to admit a hidden truth.

Plot[]

Cast[]

Main cast[]

Guest cast[]

Punam Patel as Bela Arondekar
Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll as Todd Pearlman
Joy Osmanski as Sharon
Tristan D. Lalla as Mark

Historical notes/Plot Holes[]

This episode establishes that Alberta changed her name after she moved to New York and needed to reinvent herself for her jazz singing career, which Todd apparently did not know. However, in Alberta's Fan (2021), Tod talks about her father being a chef (which she confirms), but how could he have known that if he didn't know her real name? And it is well-established that Alberta's sister Theresa traveled with her and lived to have a family of her own; unless she also changed her name, this should have registered when Todd was doing his research into Alberta's family tree.

Quotes[]

Thorfinn: You once mention that Alberta not your real name. Was throwaway comment, but Thor can't help but think that maybe two facts related.
Alberta: So? What if they are?
Thorfinn: So, tell Thor secret.
Alberta: Why?
Thorfinn: Because Thor put together pieces like Columbo or Steve from Blue's Clues.

Trivia[]

This is the first time we see Alberta in a different costume in season 5.
This is the first appearance of Todd Pearlman in season 5.
Hetty believes that money can help everyone.
There is no paper trail about Alberta before 1923.
Pop culture references includes: Chewbaca.
Todd and Bela went to college together.
- Bela reveals that Todd asked her out and now aware he is rich wants to give him a chance.
- Hetty respects Bela for her attempts to impress Todd and secure a rich husband.
Isaac wants a musical based on his story.
This is the second time Pete was with a female ghost who was hinted to be connected to a murder.
Alberta is revealed to be named Esther Greene, and was a successful ventriloquist when she arrived in New York.
- Alberta also reveals that her hat used to belong to her puppet, which she took as a memento of her time as a ventriloquist.
Pete references his marriage to Carol, getting cheated on and being an oblivious front for the mob.
Todd is revealed have gotten rich after leaving the Woodstone Manor.
- He mentions that he bought his mother's house but still lives with her and occupies the basement of his newly owned house.