Ghosts Season 4 Review: A Hauntingly Hilarious Return to Form

The CBS hit sitcom Ghosts is back with its highly anticipated fourth season, and it’s a breath of fresh air for fans who’ve been waiting to see how the show resolves its Season 3 cliffhanger. Packed with its signature humour, quirky characters, and even some new layers of suspense and horror, Season 4 brings a delightful mix that proves this series still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

A Seamless Return After the Season 3 Cliffhanger

Ghosts Season 4 wastes no time in picking up right where Season 3 left off. In the finale, Isaac (Brandon Scott Jones) was dramatically dragged into the earth by a mysterious and vengeful spirit named Patience (Mary Holland), leaving fans on edge. The fourth season opens with Sam (Rose McIver) and her husband Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) rallying the Woodstone B&B ghosts to save Isaac. This prompt continuation of the storyline sets the tone for a fast-paced, exciting season. No fluff just right into the action.

But what makes this season stand out is the introduction of Patience, the feral, neurotic Puritan ghost who brings a fresh edge of horror and discomfort to the show. Banished by her community in life for being overly strict, Patience spent over a century buried underground, isolated and growing increasingly bitter. Now, her return to the Woodstone estate introduces a thrilling new dynamic that mixes humour with unsettling moments, a combination that Ghosts has nailed since its inception.

Unveiling New Depths: The Ghosts of Woodstone Are More Relatable Than Ever

This season adds much more depth to the beloved characters of the show, particularly through the arc of Isaac Higgintoot, the Revolutionary War soldier struggling with his past and his complicated relationship with his fiancé Nigel (John Hartman). Isaac’s time spent underground with Patience allows for real character growth, not just for him but for the entire ensemble. Viewers get to see a more vulnerable, relatable side to these ghosts, making them feel like real characters with fears, regrets, and dreams even though they’re dead!

Patience’s presence, in particular, forces Isaac to confront his past mistakes, such as abandoning Patience in the dirt due to a sneezing mishap and leaving his fiancé Nigel at the altar. Her influence brings the ghosts together in new ways, creating opportunities for moments of comedy, introspection, and even fear.

Patience: The Best Guest Star Yet

Mary Holland’s portrayal of Patience is nothing short of brilliant. Her sharp, deadpan delivery and awkwardness add layers of complexity to the character, making her one of the most memorable guest stars the show has had. Patience, with her neurotic behaviour and feral expressions, perfectly complements Isaac’s self-aware yet insecure demeanour. Together, they create a captivating dynamic that pushes the show forward while staying true to its comedic roots.

Patience’s storyline allows for a darker tone this season. Her resentment, combined with her mysterious ghost power (which is teased in the second episode), adds an exciting layer of suspense to the series. The show flirts with horror elements more than ever before, but it still manages to maintain its light heartedness. This delicate balance between comedy and horror makes Ghosts a unique and refreshing show, one that doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper emotional themes.

Horror and Humour: The Perfect Blend

One of the most significant developments in Season 4 is the way it leans into horror elements without losing its comedic edge. Patience’s feral state and vengeful demeanour make her a legitimately scary ghost, a departure from the quirky, often silly spirits viewers have come to love. The suspense builds in scenes featuring close-up shots of Patience’s intense expressions, adding a visceral, almost claustrophobic feeling to her interactions with the other characters.

These darker moments are balanced perfectly with the show’s signature humour. The comedic timing of the ensemble cast remains spot-on, with standout performances from Holland and Jones. While the premiere may not be as laugh-out-loud funny as earlier seasons, the jokes are still sharp, and the added depth to the characters’ stories makes for a richer viewing experience.

Personal Growth, Even in Death

One of the underlying themes in Ghosts has always been personal growth, and Season 4 continues this trend in spades. The show focuses on how even in death, people (or spirits) can evolve and learn. Patience’s storyline is a poignant example of this. Once an outcast, even in death, she now has the chance to find her place among the Woodstone ghosts. Her resentment toward Isaac for accidentally leaving her buried for a century is a source of both tension and potential redemption as the season unfolds.

Similarly, Isaac must face the consequences of his actions, not just with Patience but also with Nigel, whom he left at the altar. The show smartly navigates these emotional beats, exploring themes like forgiveness, guilt, and redemption, all while keeping the tone light and humorous.

The Ensemble Cast Shines

The cast of Ghosts continues to deliver standout performances. From Richie Moriarty’s Pete, who is exploring new powers, to Rebecca Wisocky’s Hetty, who gets some interesting developments this season, the ensemble works together seamlessly to create a cohesive and entertaining story.

Special mention must be made of Brandon Scott Jones, who steals every scene he’s in as Isaac. His portrayal of the self-important yet deeply insecure Revolutionary War captain is one of the highlights of the series. Jones brings a natural flair to the role, and his dynamic with Holland’s Patience adds even more complexity to his character.

What’s Next for the Woodstone Ghosts?

Season 4 sets up some intriguing storylines for the future. Patience’s presence adds a new element of danger and mystery, especially as her ghost power is slowly revealed. There’s also a hint that the other ghosts may have their own undiscovered powers, which opens up exciting possibilities for future episodes.

One of the most compelling questions this season is how the ghosts will deal with the new layers of horror and suspense that Patience brings to their once light hearted afterlife. The show has always thrived on its ability to balance humour with emotional depth, and Season 4 is no exception. The addition of more horror elements only enhances the tension and makes the stakes feel higher for both the ghosts and the living.

A Promising Start to a New Chapter

Ghosts Season 4 is off to a strong start, proving that the show still has plenty of life left in it. With the introduction of Patience, the exploration of new themes like guilt and redemption, and a perfect blend of horror and humour, this season promises to be just as engaging and entertaining as the ones that came before.

Fans of the show will appreciate the deeper emotional arcs, while newcomers will find plenty to enjoy in the quirky characters and laugh-out-loud moments. As Ghosts continues to evolve, it’s clear that the series remains one of CBS’s most charming and unique sitcoms.