Ghosts Season 4, Episode 2, “Sam’s Dad” Spoilers Ahead
Written by Josh Malmuth and directed by Richie Keen, Ghosts‘ second episode of the season is a bloody doozy. Okay, that makes it sound way more dramatic than it is, but Patience is a lot. As imagined, adjusting to the 21st century isn’t working well for the Puritan ghost, who thinks everything is now coming from the underworld.
When Sam’s dad, Frank (Dean Norris), visits with his new girlfriend, Patience’s ghost power manifests in the form of literal blood coming out of the walls. She’s not down with unmarried couples sharing a room. On the other side of the manor, Isaac can’t find a way to evict Nigel from the house, so he gets help from Flower and Thor, who are struggling with their inability to break up with Nancy as their third.
Ghosts Season 4, Episode 2, “Sam’s Dad” Is All About Perspective
Perspective runs through the entire episode as a thoughtful theme that examines how the characters could move forward. While Sam and her dad were never close, she never even thought about what his side might’ve been like. It isn’t until the ghosts overhear that her mom was the one who stopped him from seeing Sam that she realizes it wasn’t entirely his fault that he was absent before.
Sure, he made the active choice to listen to his ex-wife, but at the very least, he’s trying now. And if it weren’t for Patience calling him and his girlfriend sinners (sin) through bloody writing, this visit would’ve probably gone much more smoothly. As hilarious as Patience is, this whole “all or nothing” could be incredibly hard for the ghosts to adjust to, especially when the B&B gets more visitors. While it’s relatively easy to understand both Sam’s and her father’s perspectives, it’s much more challenging to do that with Patience today when she isn’t even trying to adjust. I want the series to continue exploring her loneliness because it could result in excellent character development for all the ghosts, but if she’s going to stay at Woodstone, it can’t be her way or the highway blood way.
In addition, Ghosts Season 4, Episode 2, “Sam’s Dad,” also does a thorough job of exploring perspective through difficult breakups. It’s always hard to be the messenger, which proves to be true in Isaac’s case who’s trying a little too hard to be a good person, so he’s irritating people instead. Neither Nancy nor Nigel are in the wrong for their reactions, but Isaac isn’t in the right either, and there are still steps to take for him to grow into a better version of himself.
It will also be fascinating to see how these established dynamics will move forward because even while Thor and Flower are back together, we aren’t getting much about their relationship at the moment, either. We’re seeing glimpses of their newfound happiness, but nothing big enough yet. Though, really, the fact that Flower is willing to fully commit to Thor without a third party says a great deal, too.
“Sam’s Dad” is a mostly interesting episode that digs into the importance of communication again while simultaneously addressing why it matters to walk in someone else’s shoes. Again, it’s hard to predict how long Patience will stick around or whether she’ll even change, but I hope her arc serves a purpose that leaves a lasting impression. It might not have been a great way to force a confrontation between Sam and her dad, but it got the job done even though it’s not what she intended to do.
Stray Thoughts
- “The bread hath returned from the underworld singed with hellfire.” See, this is why we need Patience to stick around. It’s quotes like this.
- Hetty with the whole, “That’s adorable, he thinks there are things in this house we don’t know about” was hilarious.
- Someone please explain the “call me daddy” thing to Pete. I’m begging.
- Okay, but Trevor, boo, you’re also living with your ex. So, why are you telling Isaac he shouldn’t do it. Or are you two an exception cause you still want to bang? Which is it!?!? Also, the fact that they haven’t been glued in the same frame is making me antsy. Your honor, once more, with feeling, I miss Hetty and Trevor.
- “Oh, you died before the whole Benedict Arnold thing” was also gold.
- Calling Jay a prude took me a out.
- I need Sam’s orange sweater.
- Sas calling Patience exhausting is something we could really unpack. Will he regret it? Does she care?
Now streaming on Paramount Plus: What are your thoughts on Ghosts Season 4, Episode 2, “Sam’s Dad?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: Photo: Bertrand Calmeau/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.