Summary
An announcement about a significant change ahead ofGhostsseason 4 worries me that the series will break itself in the fall. The American version of the BritishGhostsseries on the BBC premiered on CBS in 2021. It followed many elements of the original sitcom, including its central premise. In the American series, Sam, played by Rose McIver, can see ghosts due to a near-death accident, while her husband can’t. That said, if the American series commits to the twist teased ahead ofGhostsseason 4, it will diverge from its original inspiration in an elemental way.
The American version ofGhostshas been wildly popular, receiving an elusive 100 percentRotten Tomatoesscore for seasons 2 and 3, and I would recommend the series to nearly anyone. The sitcom series relies on comedy stemming from Samantha’s unique ability to see thedead inhabiting her Woodstone Mansion home. That said, the series teased that it would significantly change the comedic dynamic in its next installment, and I’m just not sure it will work. As much as I want to like the idea, I have to be skeptical about rewriting the playbook now.
Ghosts Season 4’s Newest Non-Spirit Character Can Fix An Unsatisfying Sam Plot From 2 Years Ago
Ghosts season 4 can finally fix Sam’s plot from two years ago, now that it has introduced this uniquely positioned non-spirit character.
Jay Will Finally See The Ghosts In Season 4
At San Diego Comic-Con in 2024,Ghostsannounced a twistthat would change the entire series by revealing thatJay will see spirits inGhostsseason 4. While it elicited audience applause at Comic-Con, I’m not sure it’s good news for the series. While it would be gratifying for Jay to see and interact with the dead at Woodstone Mansion, the change comes at an expensive price. For Jay to be able to see paranormal life moving forward, the series would have to sacrifice many of the comedic elements that rely on Jay’s inability.
Still, as fun as it would be to see Jay interact with Pete or Trevor, it would cost the series its most consistent punchline.
There is a definitive self-awareness within the CBS series thatJay can’t see the dead inGhosts,and it works for the series. While it’s sometimes awkward for Jay to wait while Samantha talks to the ghosts, the series typically follows up the moments with a humorous element to bring the plot together, which generally garners a laugh at Jay’s expense. Jay is good-spirited about his role, but he does hope to see the dead. Still, as fun as it would be to see Jay interact with Pete or Trevor, it would cost the series its most consistent punchline.
Jay Seeing The Ghosts Can Jeopardize The Future Of The Comedy
Utkarsh Ambudkar Brings A Unique Comedic Aspect To Ghosts As Jay
I think the reality is that now that the series has established that Jay can’t seeGhosts,it risks jeopardizing the series' future by changing that core premise. The AmericanGhostsseries has received positive reviews and impressive numbers that have allowed it to continue, and part of that is due to its handling of Jay’s inability to seeGhosts.Jay delivers the perfect reactions to Sam’s ability to see the dead. Changing Utkarsh Ambudkar’s role risks a massive interruption to what he brings to the series.
How Jay Can See The Spirits In Ghosts Season 4
Jay’s Life Can Hang In The Balance Between Life And Death
Despite my concern, I’m intrigued to see how the series introduces this new element.Jay could suffer a concussion or be temporarily in a coma, resting at home, and the altered state could facilitate a new ability to interact with the ghosts. Likewise, Jay’s ability to see ghosts could be an extension of Sasappis' ability to enter his dreams — a twist I could get behind. Jay could also have a near-death experience where he can temporarily see the ghosts as his life hangs in the balance.
Jay temporarily being able to interact with the ghosts in some gray area between life and death is probably the series' best bet when executing the twist.Ghostslore has established that nearly everyone can see ghosts as they transitionbetween life and death. The series shows it happening whenever anyone dies or almost dies, like when Bela’s friend Eric was electrocuted in season 2 so that Trevor could possess him. Anyway, this change may be temporary. Sam has a unique ability, and two humans with the same rare ability in the same house feel unbelievable and more fake than fantastical.
Ghostsseason 4 will premiere Thursday, October 17, at 8:30 pm Eastern.
PerhapsGhostswants to refresh the series' premise, but it’s a significant risk since it has been highly successful. If Jay could suddenly conspire with the other ghosts in the series, it risks throwing the show out of balance. I can’t see the series functioning without it, so I’m cautious about this new change. Jay’s unique role in the series is a reliable, ongoing gag that provides comedic relief and tethersGhoststo reality.
Ghosts (US)
Cast
Ghosts is a comedy series about Samantha and Jay, who convert a country estate into a bed-and-breakfast. Unbeknownst to them, the house is inhabited by ghosts of former residents, visible only to Samantha. The show blends humor with supernatural elements as the couple navigates their unusual challenges.
