"Ghosts" Season 4, Episode 7, titled "Sad Farnsby," strikes a delightful balance of lighthearted fun and character development, reminiscent of the carefree vibe that made the show so enjoyable in its early days. I found myself genuinely smiling through most of the episode, appreciating its subtle charm.
The update on Jay’s restaurant, while not groundbreaking, satisfies the curiosity that has built up around it. It’s a nice little breadcrumb that keeps us invested in his journey. But for me, the real heart of the episode lies with Isaac and Nigel. Their long-overdue emotional confessional is a welcome payoff, offering a tender moment that’s been brewing for a while. Their relationship has always felt like it had unresolved layers, so to see them finally dig into their past was incredibly satisfying, even if it didn’t shake the foundation of Woodstone. What I loved most was the way the show handled this conflict—it was big enough to matter, but small enough to stay grounded in the show’s lighthearted tone.
"Sad Farnsby" delivers—growth not just for Isaac and Nigel but for the Farnsbys and the Woodstones too. Jay’s restaurant development also feels important, even if it’s just a small step forward. It’s an episode that gives us just enough to keep us satisfied, but I can’t help but feel like the show is holding some cards back for later. While I don’t mind that pacing, I do wonder where those threads might go.
What really stood out for me, though, was the episode’s ability to create meaningful moments without overcomplicating things. The storyline doesn’t necessarily need another plot to fill the time, nor does it stretch the Isaac and Nigel conflict too far. The show could have easily added more drama or expanded the role of the other ghosts, but there’s something refreshing about this simpler, more toned-down approach. The conflict was wrapped up quickly, almost as if it was meant to serve as a light palate cleanser before the story ramps up again after the fall finale.
It felt like "Ghosts" was taking a breather, and honestly, I was okay with that. There’s something endearing about watching the show slow down for a moment. Fans of the show, myself included, have a love-hate relationship with the Farnsbys. They’ve been the show’s first true antagonists, and while I’ve enjoyed their chaotic energy, I’ve also sometimes struggled with their role in the story. But in "Sad Farnsby," the show does something interesting—they split up the couple and show us a new side to them, one defined by their internal struggles. I really appreciated how the episode didn’t lean on their previous antagonism but instead showed them as potential allies to Sam and Jay. That shift in dynamics was unexpected and made their presence feel fresh again.
One of the episode’s biggest surprises was the Henry and Margaret anniversary reveal. Turns out, their anniversary wasn’t for their wedding—oh no, it was for their first orgy! That line was a total curveball, and it really showcased the sharpness of "Ghosts" humor. The one-liners were on fire this episode. I loved how the humor didn’t just come from the situation, but from the ensemble’s sharp observations. Hetty, in particular, had some killer lines. Her opening comments, “You’re both civilized women. Just do cocaine,” and “This is why women should never read books” had me laughing out loud. Thorfinn’s ongoing joke about pushing elders off cliffs as they become burdens to society was dark but hilarious, even if I did miss Flower’s usual presence.
But Nigel? Oh, Nigel, he absolutely stole the show with the line, “My body count is quite high, and I’m not talking about the war.” I was genuinely taken aback. I had to pause and laugh because it was just so unexpected, even by "Ghosts" standards. And then, of course, we got the ridiculous subplot about two grown men fighting over a child's dinosaur bed—only on "Ghosts" could this feel emotionally significant.
I’m a huge fan of Isaac’s love of dinosaurs, so getting a whole storyline centered around a dinosaur bed felt like a personal gift to me. The bed, complete with sound effects, is the perfect backdrop for Isaac and Nigel to confront their unresolved feelings. It’s the perfect "Ghosts" move—taking something as absurd as a kid’s toy and turning it into a vehicle for meaningful emotional growth. By the end, the dinosaur bed was more than just a funny prop—it symbolized the barriers Isaac couldn’t overcome in their relationship, and the fact that Nigel had memorized dinosaur facts to show his commitment was a surprisingly sweet and poignant touch.
"Sad Farnsby" was a refreshing, low-stakes episode that still packed in some great character moments and one-liners. It’s clear that "Ghosts" knows how to balance lightheartedness with deeper emotional beats, and I’m curious to see where the story goes next. I appreciated this moment of calm before things inevitably get crazier—sometimes you need an episode like this to reset and enjoy the humor without the pressure of major plot developments.
What did you think?
Loved it
Hated it
So/So
Comments