Ghosts Season 4: Why Jay’s Story Highlights the Underutilization of a Key Supporting Character on CBS

With the recent airing of the highly anticipated two-part Christmas special for Ghosts season 4, it’s evident that CBS’s comedic series is not fully capitalizing on the potential of one pivotal guest star. At the core of Ghosts are the eccentric spirits who inhabit the mansion, along with its human owners, Sam and Jay. The plot typically revolves around the couple’s interactions with the spectral residents, while various ghosts contribute to the subplots. In early episodes of this season, characters like Sass, Alberta, and Isaac were prominently featured, particularly showcasing Isaac’s comical side.

While the series’ primary ghosts are undeniably crucial to its charm and success, the recurring human characters also play a significant role in its continued appeal. For instance, season 4, episode 7 placed its subplot on Isaac and his past relationship with Nigel, but it was the interactions with the rarely-seen Farnsbys that brought depth to “Sad Farnsby.” In episodes 8 and 9, titled “A Very Arondekar Christmas,” while the spotlight primarily shone on Pete, Sam, and Jay, the B-story engaged Jay’s family members—his parents, Mahesh and Champa, alongside his sister, Bela.

Jay’s Sister Bela Deserves a Greater Presence in Ghosts Season 4

Bela Understands the Ghost World Like Sam and Jay

Jay's sister Bela surrounded by ghosts in CBS Ghosts

In “A Very Arondekar Christmas,” Bela’s character shines, underscoring her capability of providing a deeper narrative within the show. Since her debut in season 1, episode 12, “Jay’s Sister,” Bela has been aware of Sam’s unique ability to perceive ghosts. Distinctly different from the grounded personalities of Sam and Jay, Bela embodies a more rebellious spirit, opening up avenues for spontaneous adventures and lively interactions with the mansion’s ghostly inhabitants. Strengthening Bela’s role could significantly enhance the dynamic of the show, especially in light of Sam’s current challenges.

While both Jay and Sam are humorous, they often embody a sensible demeanor, making them somewhat predictable. Sam tends to exhibit a bit of uptightness, whereas Jay is easily overwhelmed. Most comedic moments stem from the ghosts engaging in outlandish escapades, complemented by the couple’s attempts to manage the chaos. Introducing a vibrant, carefree character like Bela into the mix could invigorate the narrative with fresh comedic opportunities, allowing for bolder interactions with the supernatural cast.

Christmas Special of Ghosts Season 4 Accentuates Bela’s Potential

Bela’s Collaboration with Jay and Sam

Throughout the opening episodes of season 4, Sam has taken on multiple roles—assisting Isaac with his memoirs, attempting to steer Alberta’s ambitions, and even getting Jay to impersonate Trevor. While Jay often finds himself acquiescing to these unique situations, Bela’s lively and unpredictable nature sets her apart as a potential key figure. Her nonchalant approach to supporting Sam and Jay can help to elevate comedic scenarios and create larger-than-life moments.

Ghosts Actor	Character Name
Brandon Scott Jones	Isaac Higgintoot
Roman Zaragoza	Sass
Danielle Pinnock	Alberta
Rebecca Wisocky	Hetty
Richie Moriarty	Pete
Asher Grodman	Trevor
Devon Chandler Long	Thor

With her understanding of the ghostly characters and their individual quirks, Bela can play an essential role in facilitating interactions between the human characters and the supernatural hosts of the Woodstone B&B. Furthermore, her edgy demeanor might provide the much-needed contrast to the often composed nature of Sam and Jay, augmenting the series’ comedy. Her flirty banter with Trevor also suggests she brings energy that is currently missing from the human cast.

Strategies for Expanding Bela’s Role in Ghosts Season 4

Bela Could Become a Permanent Fixture in Sam and Jay’s Lives

Upon her introduction in “A Very Arondekar Christmas,” Bela quickly showcases her bold personality by accusing Jay and Sam of misbehavior amidst their holiday celebrations. This lively exchange highlights her role as a source of uproar in an otherwise structured environment. Integrating an unpredictable character like Bela could provide fresh dynamics as Sam and Jay navigate their increasingly multi-faceted lives.

As Sam and Jay mention their continuous struggle with balancing the demands of their Bed & Breakfast and restaurant operations, having Bela in closer proximity—necessarily living with them—might be a logical next step. Since she has already spent time with them, her moving in could serve as an organic way to not only enrich character interactions but also maintain a flow of human-centric stories within the series. This shift could ensure that Isaac’s character arc doesn’t overshadow others, allowing for a diversified narrative landscape in Ghosts.

Catch new episodes of Ghosts Thursdays at 8:30 pm on CBS.

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