Improving Jay’s Character in Ghosts Season 4 Following Disappointing Spirits Twist

SPOILERS ahead for Ghosts season 4, episodes 8 and 9, “A Very Arondekar Christmas.” The festive episode of Ghosts showcases the potential for enhanced character usage of Utkarsh Ambudkar’s role, even though Jay’s significant twist this season resulted in an underwhelming outcome. Leading up to season 4, it was revealed that Jay would finally be able to see the ghosts at Woodstone Mansion, altering the previous dynamic where only his wife, Sam, could interact with these spirits. This development sparked curiosity about how the series would integrate Jay’s newfound ability and the permanency of his vision, culminating in an action-packed Christmas special.

As the holiday festivities approached, Sam and Jay’s preparation for the arrival of his parents, Mahesh and Champa Arondekar, took an unexpected turn. During an attempt to fix the water heater, they inadvertently electrocuted themselves, resulting in a comedic double possession where Sam was inhabited by Nancy and Jay by Pete. The chaos escalated when Jay, in his effort to rid himself of Pete, ended up as a ghost himself. While this allowed him brief interaction with the spirits, it ultimately proved to be a temporary perk. Nonetheless, the Christmas episode underlines how significantly Jay’s character can be developed.

Utilizing Jay’s Character: Sam’s Conversation with Champa

A Profound Revelation from Nancy

While under the influence of the entities, Sam and Jay navigate the complexities of hosting Jay’s parents. Nancy, controlling Sam, seizes the opportunity to engage in unconventional activities, such as eating guacamole directly with her hands. This peculiar behavior catches the attention of Jay’s mother, Champa, who then encourages her son to assist his father with the Wi-Fi. Champa suggests that she take the time to bond with Sam, prompting a comical and awkward interaction. As Nancy’s antics carry on, they inadvertently deepen the connection between Champa and her daughter-in-law.

During the exchange, a poignant moment occurs when Champa prepares Chai tea. After Nancy quickly drinks it and complains of a burnt throat, she resignedly muses that “this body’s just a rental.”Champa finds this remark enlightening as it resonates with the essence of Hindu beliefs surrounding reincarnation. This connection serves as a reminder of the cultural richness associated with Jay’s character that could be further better explored in future episodes.

Leveraging the Idea of Reincarnation in Future Episodes

Potential for Jay’s Expanded Role

Asher Grodman's Trevor and Rose McIver's Sam in Ghosts season 2

In the premiere of season 3, Jay introduced the concept of reincarnation to the other ghosts while discussing Flower’s fate. The episode kicks off with Sam and the spirits urgently searching their residence for the missing Flower after she unexpectedly vanished. To comfort the Viking spirit Thor, Jay elaborated on the notion that, according to Hinduism, when a person dies, their essence finds a new vessel. Initially skeptical, Thor ultimately embraces the idea, humorously positing that Flower may have transformed into a barn owl.

This exchange highlights Jay’s unique worldview, providing a compelling narrative thread throughout season 3. Moving forward, it would be beneficial for Ghosts to lean more into Jay’s insights instead of employing his heritage solely for comedic punchlines, such as the owl theory. His Hindu traditions encompass profound understandings of life cycles that seamlessly align with the show’s exploration of death and the afterlife. Even if Jay’s connection to the ghosts remains temporary post-Christmas, the series has ample opportunities to incorporate his cultural insights into engaging dialogues, enriching the storytelling experience.

Source & Images