Ghosts 2×16 ‘Isaac’s Book,’ is further proof that this show just cannot miss. This show knows exactly what it is, and every week returns with an absolute banger. This episode captures the unique peril that is the existence of a writer. It also manages to be a reflection on how important validation is to the human experience. Throw in some classic Hamilton slander, and you have a winning ensemble episode that doesn’t quit.
Sam the Writer
It’s been a minute since a character so accurately represents the chaos that is being a writer. Sam (Rose McIver) embodies the struggles that every modern author will recognize. That imposter syndrome is no joke. Sam is just so relatable, seeking validation from literally everyone around her. Having a “friend” lord their success over you while humble-bragging is a uniquely unbearable experience. It’s almost uncomfortable how well this episode captures this dynamic.
Props to Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) for not only supporting his wife but giving her the validation she needs. He is exactly who Sam needs while she goes on a journey to discover that while validation has to come from within, external validation feels damn good. He is so sweet, being Sam’s cheerleader when she’s feeling down on herself. Of course, he always gets on board with the whackiest ghostly schemes, and he’s more lovable for it.
Isaac Higgintoot Was Not in the Room Where it Happened
There is so much to love about Isaac Higgintoot (Brandon Scott Jones). His channeling of Mike Wazowski’s boundless optimism is delightfully charming. It never occurs to him for a moment that anyone wouldn’t want to hear the story of a Revolutionary War hero who literally shit himself to death. This level of audacity is frankly aspirational. We should all be so confident in our own places in history.
Isaac is one of many mediocre white men who crave legacy and to be remembered by subsequent generations. Thankfully, Sasappis (Román Zaragoza) is there to remind Isaac, and everyone, that America was in fact not built by pretty white men in suits singing fun little raps. Sasappis may not be the very best historical narrator (which the Woodstone family will never let him forget). He is more than right in this instance, however. His real story should perhaps be the focus of Sam’s next project.
Hetty and Trevor Back From the Dead
Everything about this deliciously chaotic mess of a relationship is comedy gold. Ghosts 2×16 ‘Isaac’s Book,’ understands the assignment and shows Hetty (Rebecca Wisocky) and Trevor (Asher Grodman) at their most fun. Everything about this relationship is so bizarre. Yet, they are basically the same version of one another from different eras. A Loki situation if there ever was one.
Hetty continues to try to bring out Trevor’s worst qualities and paint him as a certain type of boy. It’s a testament to how much Trevor has truly grown and that his mind is no longer in the gutter. Watching Trevor focus on the love of his life, who is just as toxic as him, is a gloriously unhinged yet oddly sweet experience. These two are the definition of “They deserve each other.” Now that the secret may be coming out, there’s no telling what trouble these two will cause together.
Flower and Thor, Good Vibes Only
Flower (Sheila Carrasco) and Thor (Devan Chandler Long) continue to thrive as Florfinn grows. This continues to be one of the most wholesome relationships on network TV today. The two of them are able to continue to navigate their wildly different personalities. It’s important for Thor to reflect on the fact that he needs to be less reactive and for Flower to acknowledge that no one can change another person.
Despite his insistence to the contrary, Pete (Richie Moriarty) continues to be a perfect Third. His advice is actually very smart in this context. It probably wouldn’t hurt Thor to learn how to hear things he doesn’t agree with without immediately wanting to commit a violent crime. Alberta (Danielle Pinnock) and Sasappis are the perfect Woodstone residents to push Thor’s buttons.
In less than an hour, Ghosts manages to be a poignant reflection on legacy, insult Alexander Hamilton, and remind us that we are all capable of growth and change. Every week, this show returns to give fans a delightful journey packed up in a hilarious package. We’re ready to soak in every minute of the rest of the season.
Other Spooky Thoughts:
- Flula Borg is perfect at the absolute worst possible kind of Dane. We’re with Thor in this case. The Sorens of the world are insufferable. This show continues to bring its A-game when it comes to celebrity cameos.
- Nancy and Nigel discovering Hetty and Trevor. Screaming.
- Relatedly, these two should absolutely be bumped up to series regulars. They’re both funny in small doses. They’d probably fit in so well to the chaos that is Woodstone.
Ghosts airs Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS.
