Ghosts Season 5, Episode 4, “Bring Your Daughter to Work Day” Spoilers Ahead
It continues to be so admirable how a series like Ghosts perfectly balances character arcs through the most wildly outlandish plot lines and somehow makes it come across organically. “Bring Your Daughter to Work Day” brings Trevor’s daughter, Abby, back to Woodstone Mansion with a new job, but despite her wish for boundaries, things go just as outlandishly as they did in “Pinkus Returns.” Still, this time, there’s a solution, and elsewhere, Election Day is not only happening in the US again, but with the ghosts, too.
On any other show, antics like this wouldn’t be as moving, but the writers on Ghosts know exactly how to make every arc stick the landing. It continues to remind its audience of how relatable the characters are, even in their phantom state, all while delivering second chances like no other.
Abby Learns the Truth About Trevor’s Presence in Ghosts Season 5, Episode 4
Only in my wildest dreams did I think that another person would learn about Sam’s ability in Ghosts. I thought that the next person would maybe be Mark, but for it to be Abby is everything I could’ve wanted and more. Whether it’s Pete having a second chance with his daughter or Trevor, Ghosts continues to help me process my own grief, and for this, I’ll always be so thankful.
All of this starts because Trevor continues to be the kind of dad who wants the best for his daughter. Asher Grodman is so good at touching on various emotions for the character, but there’s something indescribable about the way he touches on Trevor being a dad. The sincere vulnerability and honest drive to make sure he does right by Abby is so wholesome that it proves just how much human beings—or, in this case, ghosts—are capable of. As the episode’s theme centers around stepping up, it fits into the narrative brilliantly and brings something deeply healing.
All of this starts because Trevor continues to be the kind of dad who wants the best for his daughter. Asher Grodman is so good at touching on various emotions for the character, but there’s something indescribable about the way he touches on Trevor’s dad side. The sincere vulnerability and honest drive to make sure he does right by Abby is so wholesome that it proves just how much human beings—or, in this case, ghosts—are capable of. As the episode’s theme centers around stepping up, it fits into the narrative brilliantly and brings something deeply healing as he gives everything he can to prove to Abby that he’s beside her.
Now, as far as Abby is concerned, it’s such a great turning point that Ghosts Season 5, Episode 4, “Bring Your Daughter to Work Day,” doesn’t tip-toe around the truth. Another show could’ve pulled off some measly excuse, but she’s too smart for that, and more importantly, she’s too important a character to get the short end of the stick. The truth was the only way to get her to understand that Sam isn’t deliberately trying to cross her boundaries, and it’s also just a really lovely detail that she gets the opportunity to get to know her dad, even while he’s gone. It’s not an opportunity many kids will hold, and it feels like an incredibly thoughtful narrative decision.
The execution of this scene also works because Abby had to not only be extremely hesitant, but Trevor needed to try a little harder. He had to give in a way he’s never done before, and for that to happen with his daughter is what makes the entire scene so soft. And with the incredible performances, the weight of this scene hits extra hard, whether a viewer knows grief or not. Grodman ensures that the last scene feels incredibly raw and impossible to describe.
Sober Flower Is Unstoppable
I’ll happily cast my vote for sober Flower because my God, talk about a woman. The brilliance of Ghosts giving us a woman outshining a man through a debate is exactly what makes this show so unique and inimitable. And for it to be a woman who’s often underestimated? Delicious in every way.
And Sheila Carrasco gets to shine. It’s often when a ghost is possessed or going through something huge that the actors get to deliver a different type of performance for the character, and the fact that it happens during an ordinary episode here is what’s making it that much more satisfying. Carrasco’s mannerisms during the debate scene and every small decision she makes to highlight Flower’s intelligence is no small feat—the way she holds her glasses, her posture, every gaze. It all floored me. And to have every word out of her mouth literally stun Isaac? Unreal. Perfect.
More than anything, it’s how the show maintains fresh, nuanced narrative arcs with such silly plot points. Every single time, seeing it brings something so original and compelling that it’s legitimately making me emotional. This episode does an especially great job of using characters who are more known for being comedic relief to prove that there’s something impeccable everywhere. Granted, that’s all of them, but Ghosts Season 5, Episode 4, “Bring Your Daughter to Work Day,” understands exactly how to ensure that important voices can and will be heard.
Stray Thoughts
- Someday, I will write about how much it meant to me to hear Trevor say the words “I’m here” to Abby, but that’d require being able to write without sobbing my eyes out, and that isn’t today.
- I will never get over sober Flower.
- Hetty proudly looking at Trevor as he looked at Abby? Can I cry!?!?! I love it here.
- I’m having a hard time believing that the Halloween episode was just last week!?
- Pete and Alberta not having alone time is so funny! Let them have alone time, Ghosts.
- The Stanley cup took me out.
- Also, I really just love Abby so much!? And I’m so glad we’ll get more of her next week.
Now streaming on Paramount Plus: What are your thoughts on Ghosts Season 5, Episode 4, “Bring Your Daughter to Work Day?” Let us know in the comments below.
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