In its first three seasons, Ghosts has largely steered clear of darker themes, which is surprising given its focus on death and the afterlife. While there have been some eerie moments—like Hetty’s shocking backstory and Pete’s encounter with scarier spirits in Season 3—these were often handled with humor or tenderness, lacking true terror. However, Season 4 is set to change that with the introduction of a new, frightening ghost at Woodstone.
Last season, whispers around the mansion spoke of a ghost named Patience (Mary Holland), who sought revenge after being abandoned underground. The Season 3 finale left viewers on edge when Isaac (Brandon Scott Jones) was mysteriously pulled into the dirt by ghostly hands. In the Season 4 premiere, which aired on October 17, Patience is introduced as a Puritan ghost from 1692, ostracized for being “too severe.” After being accidentally left behind by the other spirits, she’s spent centuries alone in a dirt cave, giving her a truly creepy vibe. With her stony demeanor and unsettling habit of barking her name mid-conversation, Patience is unlike the other lighthearted ghosts, bringing a darker energy to the series.
While she retains a sense of humor, Patience’s somber nature raises the stakes for the ghostly gang. Following Isaac’s kidnapping, she also targets Sass (Román Zaragoza), leaving Thor (Devan Chandler Long) terrified that he might be next. This shift introduces a palpable sense of danger, offering new comedic opportunities as the spirits confront a real threat for the first time.
A Fresh Energy with Horror Elements
The addition of a scarier character like Patience revitalizes Ghosts, breaking the predictability that often comes with long-running series. Introducing horror elements raises the stakes significantly—even for spirits who can’t die again. The tension of being trapped with someone like Patience in her underground lair gives the characters—and the audience—new emotional landscapes to explore.
Mary Holland excels in portraying Patience’s odd mix of deadpan delivery and eerie growls, striking a perfect balance between humor and horror. As viewers learn more about her backstory and ghostly powers in upcoming episodes, the show has a wealth of new plot possibilities.
Notably, the Halloween episode set to air on October 31 will feature Patience summoning Sam (Rose McIver) for a witch trial—definitely not a typical sitcom plot! By embracing darker themes, Ghosts manages to intertwine fright and laughter effectively, providing a fresh direction that can keep the series vibrant for seasons to come. For fans who enjoy a bit of spooky fun, these new, edge-of-your-seat moments elevate the show beyond traditional sitcom fare.
