Not Dead Yet Season 2 Episodes 9 and 10 Review: Not the End Yet / Not a Ghost Yet

The second season’s hour-long closeout starts with the jarring announcement that Duncan is selling the magazine on Not Dead Yet Season 2 Episodes 9 and 10, “Not the End Yet” and “Not A Ghost Yet.” It’s not even the most shocking thing the man will do.

Most of the first 30 minutes are devoted to relative slapstick as everybody gets out of control trying to woo the paper’s potential new owner. Along the way, a newly dead journalist offers Nell her own cutting commentary.

When Nell bonds post-breakup with TJ but instead winds up in bed with said new owner, it feels like the biggest shock of night for all of two minutes. The next morning, she confronts Duncan to chew him out. And then Dennis tells her Duncan is actually being rushed to the ER.

We’ve already pulled off Nell speaking to someone she doesn’t realize is dead once, but this time, it’s a legitimately jaw-dropping moment. Only Duncan isn’t dead, at least not yet (lol). He comes and goes as his real self undergoes intensive surgery.

All the while, Lexi frets in a way only Lexi can until finally being persuaded to share her truth to Nell, not knowing her “ghost” father is right there. The entire staff rallies to support her, and eventually Duncan pulls through, re-emerging in reality.

These are some of the most effectively tender moments we’ve ever had, but there are two more big reveals to go. First, Lexi buys the newspaper herself. And then, gently goaded by Nell, Duncan remembers something of their encounter. But what?

This season finale is equal parts heartfelt emotion and shock value. It handles both sides with expertise and leaves us both caring for the characters more than we ever have while already being anxious for resolution in a potential season 3.

If there’s one complaint to make, it’s that it does take quite a lot time to get to the heart of this story. By the time we do, we’re granted only a few minutes for Lexi to finally saw what she needs to her father and for us to feel the love everyone has for each other.

Still, the few scenes we get are very effective. With Duncan’s previous attempts at character growth, I’m not sure everything will stick if the show does come back, but his reaction to his daughter is the most real we’ve seen him. It feels like true change at last.

I do also wish we get a bit more time both with the latest ghost played by Jennifer Lewis, and Quentin, the prospective buyer. Both are hilarious, and even if Nell only sleeps “next to his weeping form”, that’s a scene-stealing reveal in itself.

But from the moment we learn the Duncan Nell is speaking to isn’t physically there, everything hinges on that. It’s been clear we need to take drastic measures to get this man to better his ways. What’s more drastic than a near-death experience?

And what of that last twist, which cuts off just as Duncan has a flash of memory from when his body lies on a surgical table? Does this mean he knows the truth about Nell? Does that mean everybody else in her life will soon be let in on the secret?

Whether we’ll find out is all up to ABC now. Aren’t we owed an explanation for Lexi’s “SoCool News: What a difference an ‘Ooo” makes!” billboards? Oh, and the reveals, too. But seriously: please let us get the resolution we so desperately need.  

What did you think of this episode of Not Dead Yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Not Dead Yet airs Wednedays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.

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Caitlin Wyneken

Caitlin is an elder millennial with an only slightly unhealthy dedication to a random selection of TV shows, from PBS Masterpiece dramas to some of the less popular series on popular networks. Outside of screen time, she's dedicated to the public sector and worthy nonprofits, working to make a difference in the world outside of media.