Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Ghosts Season 4, Episode 6, “The Primary Source”
The latest developments in Ghosts Season 4 have enhanced many character arcs, yet one prominent character’s regression in Episode 6 has sparked frustration among fans. Though the ghosts in this CBS sitcom aren’t breathing, their character transformations have never been static. In fact, during the first three seasons, the show succeeded in showcasing substantial growth. For example, Sass transitioned from a sardonic outsider to a collaborative partner with Sam, while Isaac faced his sexual orientation and embarked on a relationship with Nigel, albeit with a heartbreaking conclusion in Season 3.
Fortunately, this relationship was mended early in Season 4, and Isaac and Nigel are once again on good terms. Meanwhile, Sass’s storyline this season highlights his ongoing evolution, particularly during an episode where he dates a woman from Jay’s dreams. However, the brief hiatus prior to this season somewhat stunted character progression. By the time “The Primary Source”aired, it became painfully evident that a significant character’s regression was at the heart of the show’s current issues.
Sam’s Confusion Strands Ghosts Season 4 Episode 6
Accidental Revelations from Sam’s Mistakes
Within the realms of Ghosts Season 4, Sam’s newfound inability to distinguish between humans and ghosts veers into absurd territory, making her appear less intelligent than previously depicted. Traditionally, Sam balances her lovable klutziness with a shrewd sense of awareness. However, during “The Primary Source,” she mistakenly identifies two living individuals as ghosts, undermining the credibility of her character and the episode’s narrative.
The first instance occurs when Sam, alongside Pete and Jay, visits a historical site in search of Isaac’s old diary. While mistaking a Civil War reenactor for a ghost initially serves as a humorous gag, the moment falters when Sam fails to recognize the sneakers and energy drink that clearly indicate he is a living person. Later, her blunder escalates when she confuses her publisher’s evaluator for a plague ghost, a faux pas that jeopardizes her book deal and results in a chaotic rewrite of her historical nonfiction manuscript into a poorly conceived young adult novel.
Sam’s Cluelessness Contradicts Her Character Development
The Contrast of Sam’s Intelligence by Rose McIver
Historically, Sam has showcased intelligence and quick thinking throughout the series, making her newfound cluelessness perplexing. The scenario of mistaking two living individuals for ghosts raises questions about her capacity to navigate life without continuously misidentifying people. Interestingly, in the previous episode, “A Star Is Dead,”Sam successfully engages with numerous actors and stagehands at the Woodstone Mansion, dressed in costumes that could easily confuse anyone. This inconsistency suggests that if Sam were genuinely unable to differentiate between ghosts and humans, she would have faced similar challenges much earlier.
Subpar Plot Development for Isaac’s Book
Rushed Storytelling Compounds Issues
In “Halloween IV: The Witch,”Sam and Jay host a yard sale that further exemplifies the implausible nature of Sam’s character evolution, as her inability to recognize living people among ghosts arises only when convenient for the plot. Furthermore, Isaac’s storyline in “The Primary Source”is equally problematic, leaving viewers with numerous unanswered questions. For instance, viewers are left questioning the rationale behind Sam’s decision to write Isaac’s memoir as well as the objectives driving the episode’s events, given the resolution concluded without significant advancement on Isaac’s journey.
|
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 |
In a trend that continues from previous arcs, “The Primary Source”further centers on Isaac rather than introducing new characters like Flower, who has been notably absent this season. With Isaac’s memoir journey remaining largely unchanged by the episode’s conclusion, it renders this installment of Ghosts less impactful. For fans, this degradation in Sam’s character complexity and the rushed storytelling leaves much to be desired.
Join us for new episodes of Ghosts every Thursday at 8:30 PM on CBS.
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