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Did ‘Ghosts’ Season 4 Just Mishandle Sam’s Character Arc?
Since its debut, Ghosts has been a refreshing and delightful comedy, blending heartwarming storytelling with a quirky supernatural twist. At the center of it all is Rose McIver’s Sam, the only living human who can see and interact with the eccentric spirits haunting Woodstone Mansion.
However, Season 4 has made a significant move with Sam’s character—one that has left many fans scratching their heads. Whether it’s a shift in personality, a questionable storyline, or a lack of payoff for her past development, something about this season feels… off.
So, did Ghosts Season 4 make a major mistake with Sam? Let’s break it down.
Sam’s Growth: The Heart of ‘Ghosts’
From the beginning, Sam has been the emotional glue of Ghosts. She’s the bridge between the living and the dead, balancing the chaos of her spectral roommates with her real-world responsibilities. Her relationship with Jay, her career aspirations, and her deepening connection to the ghosts have made her one of the most endearing and layered protagonists on television.
One of the biggest strengths of Ghosts has been Sam’s character growth. She started as a struggling journalist who suddenly gained the ability to communicate with spirits after a near-death experience. Over time, she embraced this role, not only learning to live with the ghosts but also acting as their advocate, friend, and sometimes therapist.
That’s why the latest direction the show has taken with Sam feels like such a departure from what made her character so compelling.
What Went Wrong in Season 4?
Without diving into heavy spoilers, Ghosts Season 4 has introduced plotlines that diminish Sam’s role rather than enhance it. Instead of focusing on her connection with the ghosts or her evolving journey, the show has sidelined her in ways that feel out of character and frustrating.
Here are some of the biggest complaints fans have voiced:
1. A Weaker Connection with the Ghosts
One of the best parts of Ghosts has always been Sam’s deep relationships with each spirit. Whether it’s comforting Isaac about his past, helping Alberta solve her murder, or standing up for Hetty, Sam has been the heart and soul of their afterlives.
However, Season 4 seems to have weakened these bonds. Some fans feel that Sam’s dynamic with the ghosts has taken a backseat, with her interactions feeling less meaningful or even repetitive. Instead of new layers of emotional depth, many of her moments with the spirits feel like rehashed jokes rather than genuine connections.
2. A Lackluster Personal Arc
Sam has always had compelling struggles—balancing the demands of running a B&B, chasing her dreams, and managing her ghostly responsibilities. Yet in Season 4, it feels like the show isn’t giving her a strong enough personal arc.
Rather than continuing her growth as a person, her storylines seem to focus on smaller, less meaningful conflicts. This shift has left some fans feeling disconnected from her character, especially compared to previous seasons, where she had clear ambitions and emotional stakes.
3. The Jay Problem
Sam and Jay’s relationship has been a highlight of Ghosts—a refreshingly healthy, loving, and supportive partnership in television comedy. However, Season 4 has occasionally made Jay the more interesting and proactive character, while Sam sometimes feels like she’s taking a backseat in her own show.
That’s not to say Jay isn’t a great character—he absolutely is! But when a show’s main protagonist starts feeling less central than the supporting cast, something is off. Fans love Jay, but they watch for Sam, and Season 4 should reflect that.
4. The Missed Opportunities
With each new season, Ghosts has had the chance to expand Sam’s abilities, deepen her connections, or explore the greater supernatural world. Yet, Season 4 has largely avoided taking those risks.
- Why hasn’t Sam’s ability evolved beyond just hearing and seeing ghosts?
- Couldn’t there be new types of spirits or greater supernatural challenges to shake things up?
- What about exploring more of Sam’s family history and its connection to the house?
By sticking too closely to its established formula without expanding Sam’s journey, Ghosts risks making one of its best characters feel stagnant.
Can ‘Ghosts’ Fix This Before It’s Too Late?
Despite these missteps, there’s still plenty of time for Ghosts to course-correct and give Sam the strong storyline she deserves. Here’s how the show could bring her back to the forefront:
- Strengthen Her Connection with the Ghosts Again – Bring back emotional depth to her relationships, rather than making them feel like one-off interactions.
- Give Her a Bigger Personal Arc – Sam should have goals outside of just managing the B&B. Whether it’s a major career move, an emotional challenge, or a personal revelation, she needs stakes.
- Let Her Abilities Evolve – Instead of keeping her powers the same, explore new supernatural elements that force her to adapt and grow.
- Refocus on Sam’s Perspective – While the ensemble cast is amazing, Ghosts is Sam’s story first and foremost. The writers should ensure she remains at the heart of it all.
Final Thoughts: Sam Deserves Better
There’s no doubt that Rose McIver is an incredible actress, and she continues to bring warmth and humor to Sam. But the writing needs to support her character’s depth rather than limit it.
Ghosts is still one of the best comedies on TV, but if it wants to keep its magic alive, it must give Sam the attention and development she deserves. Because at the end of the day, Ghosts wouldn’t be Ghosts without Sam as its heart and soul.
What do you think? Has Ghosts Season 4 mishandled Sam’s character, or do you like the new direction? Let us know in the comments!
READ MORE: Why Asher Grodman’s “Ghosts” Role Is the Hilarious Breakthrough We Didn’t Know We Needed!
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