Grave And Last Dance – As the episode opens, Madeline “Maddie” Nears (Peyton List) informs Simon Elroy (Kristian Flores) of her date with Wally Clark (Milo Manheim). He says she waited until her death to go to a dance with a jock.

Chloe (Alison Thornton) says Claire going to the homecoming dance with Xavier Baxter (Spencer Macpherson) is “gross.” Claire Zahler (Rainbow Wedell) suggests being judgmental is worse. Kristen (Vanessa Prasad) asks if they’re sure Xavier didn’t murder Maddie. Claire sends Xavier a text accepting his invitation to be his homecoming date. He tells Nicole Herrera (Kiara Pichardo) and Simon. Maddie calls it “Operation Claire.” After reminding him of Claire blackmailing Mr. Anderson (Patrick Gilmore), Simon tells him to get a confession out of her and record it.

Rhonda (Sarah Yarkin) helps Maddie pick out a dress for the homecoming dance. Maddie asks if spirits have sex. Rhonda says they have needs too before asking if she is a virgin. Wally asks Maddie if she is positive about being his date for the homecoming dance. She assures him that he won’t have to go solo.

Claire asks Xavier why he sent the text now. He claims to have written it earlier but couldn’t send it until he processed everything. She admits to wanting to drive because her backseat is bigger than his.

Charley’s letter to Emilio Figueroa (Andres Soto) is 16 pages. Maddie suggests he write it like it’s 1994 when he was still alive. Charley (Nick Pugliese) admits to wanting Emilio to know him now. She tells him to forgive himself and start living his death.

Xavier tells Simon that Claire may be playing them. Simon assures him that his text was convincing. Maddie says he wasn’t afraid when they were making out in his car. Simon tells him that he owes Maddie.

While Xavier tries on suits, Nicole asks if he thinks Claire may hurt him. He says it’s possible but they can’t turn back now.

Sandra Nears (Maria Dizzia) asks Simon to submit Maddie’s college admission essay. He claims they submitted it earlier. She assures him that Maddie will come home. He promises to tell her if Maddie gets in touch with him. She wishes he could have been Maddie’s homecoming date. While they embrace, she thanks him for being Maddie’s best friend.

Wally gives Maddie a paper corsage with his football number “57.” He says it was customary in the 80s. She says it’s sweet.

Claire gives Sheriff Baxter (Ian Tracey) a $3K check for the upcoming sheriff’s race from her parents. She asks if the police believe Anderson is connected to Maddie’s death. Xavier listens from a short distance away. Sheriff Baxter says the investigation is ongoing. He tells Xavier that his grandfather was buried in his only suit, similar to the one Xavier is wearing.

Simon displays Maddie’s photo at the homecoming dance. He describes it as “psychological torture.” Figueroa suggests it was a nice gesture.

Claire warns Xavier that the cheerleaders may not be so nice to him. She questions why he and Nicole have been hanging out. He says Nicole was Maddie’s best friend. She kisses him before driving to Split River High.

Simon plans to deliver Charley’s letter to Figueroa. Maddie assures him that Charley is truly grateful for what he is doing. Simon asks if she will cross over after they solve her murder. She says possibly before catching up with Wally. They’re dancing when Xavier and Claire enter the gym. Xavier has what appears to be lipstick on his neck. Claire asks Xavier if he displayed Maddie’s photo. He suggests it was a teacher’s idea before saying Maddie’s backpack was found at one of her father’s abandoned properties.

Sandra is watching TV when a loud noise prompts her to go outside. She calls for Maddie.

Claire asks Xavier who told him about Maddie’s backpack. He says a perk of living with the Sheriff. She claims to have heard from her stepfather. He asks if she ever returned to the abandoned house. She assures him that he would never go there alone. When he goes for drinks, he prompts Nicole and Simon to the punchbowl. Simon demands he asks her about Maddie’s phone. Xavier says he will figure it out when Sandra calls to tell them about the noise. She goes to Sandra’s house while he gives Charley’s letter to Figueroa.

Maddie stares intently at Xavier and Claire. Wally suggests it was a mistake for them to go to the dance together because she isn’t reading to be dead. She reminds him that she died two weeks ago while he is “old dead.” She looks around to see Xavier and Claire have left. Figueroa reads Charley’s letter.

Xavier is making out with Claire when he starts recording. She questions what he is doing.  A man leads Sheriff Baxter to something hidden in the bushes near where Maddie’s backpack was found. Xavier accuses Claire of replacing Maddie’s phone before showing her the video in which she blackmailed Mr. Anderson. She demands to know who has seen it. He assures her it’s enough that deleting it wouldn’t help her. She admits to making a deal with Anderson to not tell her parents that he took their money if she got an “A” in English. He asks why she took Maddie’s phone. She claims they thought Maddie took the video. Anderson broke the phone when they couldn’t crack the passcode. She suggested he pay to keep Maddie from talking. She denies any connection to whatever happened to her.

Charley breaks down in tears while watching Figueroa weep while reading his letter. Principal Hartman (Alex Zahara) places the homecoming crown on Claire. Xavier tells Simon what Claire told him before admitting to believing she is innocent of whatever happened to Maddie.

Sheriff Baxter informs Sandra and Nicole that a potential murder weapon was found in the same abandoned property as Maddie’s backpack. Roger South (Peter New) is taken in for questioning. Sheriff Baxter says Anderson claims Maddie had a substantial amount of money that the suspect wanted. Sandra breaks down sobbing.

Maddie watches Xavier and Claire dance. Charley thanks her for allowing the love of his life to get closure. She asks how it makes him feel. He suggests she start living her death and focus on Wally. She apologizes to Wally for ruining his big night. He assures her an apology isn’t necessary when she kisses him. Simon is popping balloons when they approach. They overhear Hartman talking to someone about the murder weapon. South has the tool cabinet keys. Crystal (Zarina Sterling) can be seen searching frantically for something in his workroom.

Sandra drinks alcohol. Nicole digs in the woods as the episode comes to an end.

 

School Spirits Review

Claire discovers Xavier’s plan to record her confession. Claire takes Maddie’s phone believing she recorded her blackmailing Mr. Anderson for an “A.” When she can’t crack the passcode, she gives the phone to Anderson to destroy. Xavier believes she is innocent of Maddie’s murder. Claire wins homecoming queen.

Sheriff Baxter receives a report of a potential murder weapon at the abandoned property where Maddie’s backpack was previously located. Sandra starts drinking again. Nicole who is with Sandra when Sheriff Baxter tells her about the potential murder weapon utilizes a shovel to dig in the woods. Mr. South is taken in for questioning. Simon and Maddie overhear Principal Hartman telling someone, possibly Crystal, about the weapon. Crystal searches Mr. South’s workroom.

Simon gives Mr. Figueroa Charley’s letter. Charley believes he can now put the past behind him. He suggests Maddie do the same thing with Xavier. She and Wally go to the homecoming dance. Unfortunately for Wally, she spends her time watching Xavier and Claire. She tries to make it up to him by giving him a massive kiss on the lips.

The episode deserves a 6.5. Get more School Spirits recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link. We offer weekly, monthly, and yearly advertising.