When it comes to the CBS comedy Ghosts, fans have seen some truly unexpected pairings. But one relationship that’s sparked endless debate is between Pete Martino, the eternally optimistic Scoutmaster, and Alberta Haynes, the soulful 1920s jazz singer. On paper, their connection sounds like sitcom gold — a sweet dork meets a sassy diva. Yet somehow, the chemistry feels… off.
So what exactly went wrong? Let’s dive deep into why Pete and Alberta just don’t match up, both romantically and narratively, in Ghosts.
The Charm of Opposites — Until It Isn’t
Sure, the idea of “opposites attract” is a staple in TV romances. Pete’s wholesome charm and Alberta’s bold charisma should have created the perfect “yin and yang.” But instead, it feels more like oil and water.
Why? Because while their personalities differ, their emotional energies clash rather than complement. Pete’s gentle awkwardness meets Alberta’s fiery confidence — and instead of balance, it creates a dissonance that never quite clicks.
Pete: The Eternal Nice Guy
Pete, played by Richie Moriarty, is the heart of Ghosts. He’s loyal, kind, and adorably naive — basically the ghost equivalent of a golden retriever. His enthusiasm for friendship (and maybe a little romance) often borders on the desperate.
But when you pair that earnestness with Alberta’s bold and flirtatious energy, it starts to feel one-sided. Pete adores, admires, and even idealizes Alberta. But Alberta? She sees him more as a sweet friend than a serious suitor.
Alberta: Confidence Meets Complexity
Danielle Pinnock’s Alberta is one of the show’s most magnetic characters — a jazz legend with swagger, intelligence, and layers of emotional depth. She’s used to commanding attention, not babysitting someone’s infatuation.
Her confidence is intoxicating, but it’s also her armor. When Pete flirts or fumbles, Alberta doesn’t swoon — she smiles politely, then moves on. And that’s the problem: her independence clashes with Pete’s need for connection.
Forced Chemistry Never Works
You know when a TV show wants you to root for a couple, but the chemistry just isn’t there? That’s exactly what’s happening with Pete and Alberta. Their scenes together often feel scripted rather than organic.
The jokes land, sure, but the emotional spark? Missing. Fans notice it too. Social media threads are filled with comments like “They’re cute, but more like siblings than lovers.” And honestly, that’s the perfect summary.
The Friend Zone Vibe
From the start, Pete has been the guy everyone loves — but never that way. His endless optimism makes him lovable but not necessarily desirable. Alberta, on the other hand, exudes confidence and allure. Together, they radiate platonic energy.
You can almost hear the audience saying, “Aww, they’re such good friends,” instead of, “Wow, they have chemistry!” That’s the kiss of death for any TV romance.
Different Eras, Different Energy
Let’s not forget — these two literally come from different centuries. Pete died in the 1980s, Alberta in the 1920s. That’s a 60-year gap in values, culture, and worldview.
Pete’s humor and manners scream “Boy Scout leader,” while Alberta’s vibe is pure “Harlem Renaissance diva.” It’s not just about personality — it’s about era energy. They live in the same afterlife, but they’re worlds apart.
When Humor Outweighs Heart
One of Ghosts’ biggest strengths is its humor, but with Pete and Alberta, it sometimes gets in the way of heart. Their interactions often rely on punchlines rather than emotional build-up.
Instead of a slow-burn romance, what we get is playful banter — fun, yes, but fleeting. There’s never that “moment” where you truly believe they could fall for each other.
The Writers Know It Too
If you’ve been watching closely, even the writers seem to recognize that Pete and Alberta don’t quite work romantically. Their flirtations are subtle and short-lived. By later episodes, the show pivots back to showcasing them as supportive friends rather than potential lovers.
It’s as if the creative team tested the waters and realized — nope, not the right fit.
The Audience Reaction Says It All
Fans aren’t shy about their opinions. On Reddit and Twitter, discussions about Pete and Alberta are brutally honest. Comments like “They’re sweet but not sexy” and “I love their friendship, not their romance” dominate fan forums.
That kind of feedback matters. When the audience doesn’t buy into a pairing, it’s hard for it to gain traction in the storyline.
Better as a Duo, Not a Couple
Let’s be real — Pete and Alberta shine as a comedic duo. Their contrasting personalities make for hilarious exchanges, especially when Pete tries (and fails) to keep up with Alberta’s sass.
They bring out the best in each other’s humor, but not necessarily romance. It’s the kind of dynamic that works better as a friendship — witty, warm, and free from awkward romantic tension.
The Real Chemistry Lies Elsewhere
While Pete and Alberta’s connection fizzles, both characters have better chemistry with others. Pete’s wholesome nature pairs beautifully with Flower’s gentle free spirit, while Alberta’s confidence matches better with someone bold and clever — maybe even Hetty or Isaac in a playful rivalry sense.
Sometimes, chemistry isn’t about opposites but about mirrors — people who reflect the same energy.
Symbolic Mismatch
If you look deeper, Pete and Alberta represent two very different types of emotional expression. Pete is open-hearted, always eager to connect. Alberta is guarded, choosing when and how she lets people in.
Their inability to meet halfway symbolizes the show’s broader theme — even in death, emotional growth is hard work. They’re both learning, just not together.
The Show Doesn’t Need a Forced Love Plot
One of the reasons Ghosts works so well is because it doesn’t rely on traditional sitcom romance. It thrives on friendship, found family, and acceptance. Trying to force a love story between Pete and Alberta would only distract from that.
Their bond — genuine, respectful, and platonic — is actually refreshing. Not every male-female dynamic needs to be romantic.
Why Fans Still Love Them (Even If They’re Mismatched)
Here’s the twist — even though Pete and Alberta don’t match up romantically, fans still adore watching them together. Their friendship feels earned. Pete’s admiration never crosses into creepiness, and Alberta’s teasing always stays kind.
It’s proof that emotional chemistry doesn’t always mean romantic chemistry — and that’s perfectly fine.
Final Thoughts: Chemistry Isn’t Everything
At the end of the day, Pete and Alberta’s lack of romantic spark doesn’t make them failures — it makes them human (or rather, ghostly human). Ghosts thrives because it explores relationships of all kinds, not just love stories.
Sometimes, the best connections are the ones that stay platonic — loyal, funny, and grounded in mutual respect. Pete and Alberta don’t match up romantically, but together, they remind us that friendship is just as powerful as love.
FAQs
1. Do Pete and Alberta ever become a couple in ‘Ghosts’?
No, their relationship remains platonic. While there are hints of flirtation, it never evolves into a full-blown romance.
2. Why did fans think Pete and Alberta might work?
Their contrasting personalities created an intriguing dynamic that many viewers thought could lead to romance — but ultimately, it didn’t translate on screen.
3. Is there tension between Pete and Alberta in the show?
Yes, but it’s friendly and humorous tension rather than romantic or dramatic. Their banter adds charm, not passion.
4. Who does Pete have the best chemistry with in ‘Ghosts’?
Many fans believe Pete’s wholesome nature matches better with Flower, who shares his kindhearted and free-spirited energy.
5. What makes Pete and Alberta’s friendship special?
Their mutual respect and playful teasing make them one of the most balanced and fun friendships in the show — even without romance.
