In its first three seasons, Ghosts has mostly stayed away from dark themes. The show is a sitcom, which is typically light-hearted and funny.
However, it is interesting that Ghosts revolves around death and the afterlife. The combination of comedy with such heavy topics can make it surprising when the show does not include more serious or frightening elements.
There have been some exceptions in previous seasons, such as when the truth about Hetty’s death shocked viewers. Additionally, Pete’s experience with scarier ghosts in the outside world added a bit of suspense. However, even these moments were treated with a gentle touch or straight-up humor.
Because of this, they did not become truly scary. Now, with Season 4, the show introduces a new ghost that brings a darker tone, signaling that the series may show more horror in the future.
A New Scary Ghost Named Patience
At the end of Season 3, there were hints about a ghost named Patience. The ghosts in Woodstone Mansion whispered about her and her troubling past. Patience, played by Mary Holland, had been abandoned underground, and she wanted revenge against some of the other spirits.
This setup leads to a very creepy turn of events. In a shocking moment during the Season 3 finale, Isaac, played by Brandon Scott Jones, is suddenly grabbed by ghostly hands. The hands pull him into the dirt, leaving viewers eager to learn more about Patience’s story.
In the Season 4 premiere, which aired on October 17, Patience is officially introduced. She is a Puritan ghost from the year 1692. In her life, she was cast out of her community because she was seen as “too severe.” This backstory adds depth to her character.
After being abandoned by the other ghosts underground, she has spent centuries alone. This isolation makes her an unsettling presence in the show.
Patience has a very creepy aura. She often speaks in a serious tone and has a strange habit of barking her name in the middle of conversations. This unusual quirk makes her even more chilling. Unlike the other spirits in the show, who are mostly light-hearted and funny, Patience brings a much darker energy.
She mentions bloodletting when talking about her death, which is quite disturbing. It shows that she has adapted to a life of being trapped in a dirt cave beneath Woodstone, and this contributes to her eerie persona.
The Humor and Danger of Patience
Despite her creepy nature, Patience remains humorous. However, her brand of humor is not as silly as the other ghosts’. She is serious and gives the impression that she could be a real threat to the other spirits. This new danger raises the stakes for the characters in a fresh way.
After Isaac’s frightening experience, Patience also tries to capture Sass, played by Román Zaragoza. This development makes Thor, played by Devan Chandler Long, very scared for his own safety.
The fear that Patience instills in the other ghosts creates a new dynamic in the series. It allows for comedic moments, as the ghosts are not used to being frightened. Their reactions to Patience’s menacing behavior lead to funny situations. For example, their attempts to deal with Patience while maintaining their usual banter provide a nice mix of humor and tension.
The show does a great job of balancing humor with the horror elements brought in by Patience. This approach allows for more laughs while still introducing a sense of danger.
Patience’s presence helps to push the story in new directions. The combination of her frightening nature and the characters’ responses adds an exciting layer to the show that has not been seen before.
Changing the Show’s Energy
The addition of Patience brings a new energy to Ghosts. After several seasons, the predictability that can come with long-running shows can sometimes lead to a lack of excitement. By introducing a character like Patience and a scarier tone, Ghosts keeps its audience engaged. It opens up a variety of new plotlines for the writers to show.
When horror elements enter the storyline, the stakes become much higher. Even for the ghosts, who cannot die again, there is an element of fear.
They would definitely not want to be trapped with Patience in her underground lair. This fear drives the narrative forward, making for more intense and funny moments. The idea of the ghosts feeling scared creates opportunities for more jokes and comedic situations.
Patience also brings a different emotional range for the cast to work with. The other spirits must deal with their fear while trying to maintain their light-hearted nature.
This mix of emotions gives the actors more to show in their performances. Mary Holland shines as Patience, successfully delivering her lines with a blend of deadpan humor and an eerie growl. This unique performance helps establish the balance of horror and comedy that makes Ghosts special.
Future Developments and the Halloween Episode
There is much to learn about Patience as the season progresses. Viewers will become more familiar with her backstory, including how she died and what her ghostly powers might be. The anticipation around her character development adds to the excitement of watching the show.
Additionally, the Halloween episode, which airs on October 31, will focus on Patience. In this episode, she calls on Sam, played by Rose McIver, to participate in a witch trial. This storyline promises to be both creepy and entertaining. It is hard to imagine a more chilling scenario than being involved in a witch trial, especially with a ghost like Patience involved.
By leaning into the darker side of humanity, Ghosts effectively finds a way to balance fright and humor. This approach allows the show to maintain its comedic roots while adding a new layer of depth.
The introduction of Patience not only enriches the storyline but also provides a unique direction for the sitcom. It breathes new life into the show, making it feel fresh and exciting for fans.
The Effect on the Series
The changes brought about by Patience could greatly impact the future of Ghosts. By incorporating horror elements, the show sets itself apart from traditional sitcoms. It attracts viewers who appreciate a bit of thrill mixed with their comedy. The mix of humor and horror can keep audiences engaged and eager for each new episode.
The series has the potential to show more twisted and dark storylines. This view can excite fans who enjoy being a little scared. The new, edge-of-your-seat moments provide a fresh take on the sitcom format. It shows that Ghosts can rise above being just a standard comedy.
Conclusion
Ghosts Season 4 takes a bold step by introducing Patience, a new ghost who brings a mix of humor and horror. While previous seasons mostly shied away from dark themes, the new storyline sets the stage for exciting developments. The contrast between Patience’s eerie nature and the other spirits’ lightheartedness adds a unique dynamic to the show.
With Patience, the series can show new plotlines and character developments. The blend of fear and comedy creates an enjoyable viewing experience that keeps fans coming back for more. As the show continues to air new episodes, viewers will be excited to see how the characters interact with Patience and what challenges lie ahead.
Ghosts is evolving, and the introduction of darker themes has the potential to enhance its storytelling. The show effectively balances fright and humor, allowing it to remain fresh and entertaining. Fans can look forward to more creepy yet funny moments as the season unfolds, and with Patience in the mix, there is no telling what will happen next.
New episodes of Ghosts air on Thursday nights on CBS. They are also available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S. As the show continues, viewers can expect to see more adventures, humor, and perhaps a little more fright from the ghosts of Woodstone Mansion.
