I sat down with showrunners Joseph Port and Joe Wiseman to discuss the Halloween episode this year. Before we get into that interview I have thoughts on the episode!
In this delightful episode of Ghosts, the mansion is once again decked out for Halloween, but this year brings a unique clash of traditions and expectations. Sam is eager to celebrate Halloween with all the flair she's accustomed to from past years, dreaming of elaborate decorations and spooky festivities. However, Jay, wary from previous Halloweens fraught with mishaps—think fires, bizarre hauntings, and ghostly shenanigans—opts for a low-key yard sale instead. This decision sets the stage for a hilariously chaotic episode filled with misunderstandings and character-driven humor.
The introduction of Patience, the puritan ghost, adds an intriguing layer to the Halloween festivities. Struggling to understand modern customs, Patience mistakenly assumes that Sam’s enthusiasm for Halloween means she must be a witch, prompting a comical yet absurd witch trial against her. As Sam dismisses the trial as ludicrous, the other ghosts, eager for their usual spooky activities, find her guilty, sentencing her to be turned to stone—a punishment that brings both laughter and tension. Isaac’s reluctance to confront Patience only amplifies the situation, showcasing the interplay of the ghostly dynamics within the mansion. This trial serves as a comedic critique of historical witch hunts, cleverly blending humor with a nod to darker themes.
The comedic highlight comes when Jay accidentally sells a statue that resembles Sam, dressed in one of Hetty's vintage gowns, during the yard sale. The ensuing chaos, fueled by Trevor’s ghostly antics as he texts Jay from the iPad, adds layers of hilarity. The scene where Jay frantically tries to retrieve the statue from its new owner is particularly entertaining, emphasizing the show's knack for slapstick comedy. The moment when Flower accidentally gets Jay high, leading to a slapstick scene where he breaks the statue, is especially memorable. For a brief moment, viewers are left to wonder if Sam is truly stuck as a statue forever, heightening the tension and humor.
As the episode progresses, viewers are treated to a delightful mix of character interactions. Jay's growing anxiety about Halloween contrasts sharply with Sam's spirited enthusiasm, creating a dynamic tension that is both relatable and funny. Meanwhile, the ghosts’ reactions to the unfolding events add another layer of comedy, as they engage in their own antics, lamenting the lack of a proper séance to summon new spirits like in years past. Their frustrations serve as a reminder of their own quirks and personalities, which continue to enrich the show’s narrative.
The culmination of the episode occurs when Patience decides to leave the mansion and return to “the dirt,” a moment that introduces an intriguing cliffhanger. Her mention of other ghosts waiting for her in the dirt raises tantalizing questions about the mansion’s history and the potential for new ghostly encounters in future episodes. This leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the repercussions of her departure and the introduction of new characters.
Overall, Ghosts continues to deliver its trademark blend of humor and heart in this episode. While it may not delve into highbrow themes, the charm of the series lies in its cozy and comforting feel. This Halloween special exemplifies the show’s ability to balance lighthearted comedy with poignant moments, making it a perfect treat for the season. As viewers look forward to the next episode, the question lingers: what other ghosts might be lurking just beneath the surface? This episode beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Halloween, combining laughter, friendship, and a hint of the supernatural, ensuring that Ghosts remains a beloved staple for its audience.
Now about that conversation with Joe squared:
If you are wondering how they came up with the theme this year- it was all about incorporating Patience.
Joe Port explains, "We have Patience who has been in the house since the end of the first episode of the season, and we wanted to involve her in some way, because when we looked at the calendar, we saw that Halloween was coming early, and it was going to be the third episode. So we were like, this is a good opportunity. She's kind of a scary, scary, a scarier ghost than we've had in previous seasons. We just thought kind of Salem witch trials, and like leaning into that kind of, that whole history was a unique opportunity and having the Puritan ghost in the house, that was sort of the jumping off point for this episode."
Joe Wiseman adds regarding the thought process for the Halloween specials, "And every year - it's a show about Ghosts. So every year we feel like we need for Halloween, we have to goose it up just a little bit."
When asked about Mary Holland and how she has such great chemistry with the cast, Joe Port, "She plays it perfectly. She's both sort of like creepy and skinny, but also very likable. And then gets vulnerable, which was very important for you know, that first episode. And they sort of go out, out of their way to sort of bring her back into the house. So it was great. It was it was wonderful to watch. I've been a fan of hers for a long time, and she nailed it.
Joe Wiseman, "They know each other from before, Brandon and Mary, and they just, they just play off each other so well, and they're both such strong comedic performers. So it was, I mean, it was a joy to watch. We really were very happy with how it went."
The idea of a ghost having more that one power was played around a bit with this episode. What did the Joes have to say about that?
Joe Wiseman, "I could see a world where someone has a walk through power and maybe another power, but we haven't. We have not established that yet."
And what about Hetty? Will we ever get to see Heidi's power? - Yes, someday.
Je-Ree Reviews Media can also confirm that Jay will be seeing the ghosts later this season! The Joes confirmed the episode "[is a] very good episode. We're really, really proud."
If you wondering where Sass was, never fear he was just off doing his own thing in another room in the mansion.
I cannot be the only one who wants to see the ghosts come back to life for an episode.
Joe Port says, "That's a cool idea. Yeah, like you said, the closest we've come to that is possession, where you can actually find a body. We've talked about certain things in that realm, like, we've talked about demons and such, but, yeah, that's what we've talked about a bit."
Ever wondered what your ghost power would be? Mine, I would just want to eat but Joe squared would just want Pete's power.
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