Warning: Spoilers ahead for Beetlejuice 2!Beetlejuice 2reveals that Lydia Deetz went on to become a host of a paranormal talk show titledGhost House, but a subtle detail may explain the effects of her show on the afterlife. The movie begins with a look into Lydia’s show, which is filmed in front of a live audience and is produced by Lydia’s boyfriend, Rory, anew character introduced inBeetlejuice 2. Not only does she interview those who have come in contact with the dead, but Lydia also performs investigations at the sites of the hauntings using her “strange and unusual” gifts.
ByBeetlejuice 2’s ending, it’s clear that Rory has been the one steering Lydia’s career by exploiting her supernatural gifts for fame and money-making opportunities. The fact that someone like Lydia would go on to be a talk show how is a surprise in itself, but Rory’s influence on her career explains why she pursued the career path.Beetlejuice 2explains what happened to Lydia’s ex-husbandand shows how the grief put a strain on Lydia’s relationship with their daughter, Astrid. Lydia likely never set out to be famous, but it probably became a good distraction, even if it negatively impacted her bond with Astrid and her connection to the afterlife.
A Newspaper In Beetlejuice 2 Might Explain How Lydia’s Career Impacts Ghosts
Does Lydia’s Show “Taunt” Spirits?
The afterlife may have been a significant aspect in the originalBeetlejuice, but Burton greatly expands the realm in the sequel. In addition to showing morelocations within the afterlife duringBeetlejuice 2, the movie provides insight into how the realm operates. When Betelgeuse is “working” in his boiler room/office, he can be seen reading a newspaper around the 38-minute mark of the movie as Bob walks up dressed as the Betelgeuse decoy.The newspaper Betelgeuse is reading contains several notable headlines, including “Wraith Taunted by TV Crew,“which is likely a nod toGhost Housebothering spirits due to the show’s format.
25 Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Easter Eggs & References Explained
Beetlejuice 2 embraces nostalgia by staying true to the original movie, but the various Easter eggs and references also lean into modern day.
As seen in theGhost Housetease at the beginning ofBeetlejuice 2, Lydia’s investigation can result in upsetting the dead. She may claim to the audience that she tries to communicate to get answers for those being affected by haunting, butthe format of Lydia’s supernatural show also seems to be a way to rile up spirits as a thrilling form of entertainment.Therefore, the wraith, and likely many other ghosts, have become the focus of “taunting” from Lydia and the filming crew of her TV show sinceGhost Housebegan.
Why Lydia’s Ghost House Show Never Fully Made Sense In Beetlejuice 2
Ghost House Clearly Wasn’t Lydia’s True Career Goal
When Lydia was introduced as a character in 1988’sBeetlejuice, she was a reserved but empathetic teen interested in photography. After meetingAdam and Barbara Maitland, Lydia became enthralled by the existence of ghosts, but she was very reluctant to exploit them. Therefore, it’s shocking to find out that she does just that as a career decades afterBeetlejuice’s ending. Rather than use her gifts to communicate with the dead in positive ways,Lydia uses her abilities and elements of the afterlife as a form of entertainmentwithout considering how it might affect the spirits not wanting to be seen.
At one point inBeetlejuice 2, Astrid calls Lydia a “sellout,” and it’s not until the character ditches Rory that she realizesGhost Houseisn’t her true calling.
As Lydia knows full well from getting to know the Maitlands, dead people might not fully understand their “recently deceased” status, especially when their lives suddenly become restricted and their homes get occupied by strangers. At one point inBeetlejuice 2, Astrid calls Lydia a “sellout,” and it’s not until the character ditches Rory that she realizesGhost Houseisn’t her true calling. Then again, seeing as Astrid seemingly shares the same powers, Lydia now has more time to embrace being “strange and unusual” alongside her daughter.
