It’s one thing to be a storyteller, but it’s another to have people who want to listen to you. There’s a common saying, especially among writers, that you write for yourself, but really, a large part of the joy in storytelling is sharing it with people who’ll then care just as much as you do. Art isn’t meant to be kept locked in a box, stored in an attic—it’s meant to be shared. Stories become bigger and better when they’re no longer simply residing in our heads. And even though he died before following his dreams, Sasappis is, and will forever be, a storyteller. And there’s something so indescribably beautiful that happens in Ghosts Season 1, Episode 14, “Ghostwriter,” when he gets the first moment to share his gift with Sam, Jay, and the other ghosts at Woodstone Mansion.
Román Zaragoza is always exceptional as Sasappis, but as I do my annual rewatch of Ghosts before the new season releases, I’m reminded of what a gift this episode and those final few minutes are because of Zaragoza’s stunning performance. There’s an innocence in the beat that comes from opening up for the first time before you’re crushed. The excitement, for instance, of writing your first book and publishing it before you get your first critical review. The moment when you first share it with the people who love you and are proud of you. Sas’s story might not have the same future promise in this moment, but he’s still sharing it with his little world in the kind of moment that’ll stay with him (and them) forever.
Sas isn’t questioning what Sam, Jay, and the ghosts will think or how they’ll receive it. But rather, he’s finally given the kind of opportunity he’s tirelessly dreamed of. He’s taking a chance on himself to do the one thing he’s always wanted. To top things off, every character’s reaction is so deeply wholesome that even when doubt or imposter syndrome creep up later, this is a moment Sasappis can perpetually carry with him. It’s a moment, I think every writer can also take with them, because no matter how many people hate your words, here is proof that there are a few who’ll always tear up when they see or read them. There are a few who’ll carry them around for safekeeping.
As the audience, we don’t actually hear the full story, but how every character in the room looks at Sasappis as he tells it is enough for us to understand that it’s not only profound, but deeply moving. Every cast member on Ghosts is so brilliant in embodying their character that even though this is the first season, it’s still so easy to feel everything they’re feeling. It’s easy to understand the immensity of how proud they are of Sas. We don’t have to hear the story to tear up right alongside Hetty, Alberta, and Sam. We don’t have to hear it to feel how significant the moment is for all of them. And maybe it’s hitting me extra hard as a storyteller, but there’s a warmth and softness in that moment that’s impossible to put into words. The needle drop of Cat Stevens’ “Don’t Be Shy” is also a perfect choice to underscore what a beautifully profound risk it is to step up and do things that might be a little scary at first.
The characters in the room aren’t just moved by Sas’ story, but they care so much about him that they’re moved by his passion—his drive, as well as the closeness and vulnerability that this moment brings. They’re moved by the fact that he’s telling them something sacred—a tale that’s solely for the people in this room and made even more precious by that intimacy. It’s wholesome. Unreserved.
The love these characters have for each other and their gifts is a big, beautiful deal. It proves that eternity is made better because of the people they share it with. They continuously change each other in ways that are both big and small, making these moments even more special to pocket away for lonely days. They help each other stand firm in their convictions and encourage them to experience these life-changing moments that they didn’t have the chance for before they died. The scene, like countless others in Ghosts, is everything to showcase that when it comes to storytelling, there’s always an audience. This show has done wonders for so many of us, and that alone is a lovely addition in our own lives to cherish. Somewhere, someone will love the thing you put out with their whole hearts, and if that’s not a beautiful little detail to hang on to, then I don’t know what is.
Ghosts is now streaming on Paramount+. What are your thoughts on Sasappis’ story in “Ghostwriter?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Paramount