Welcome to Woodstone Bed and Breakfast, the setting for Ghosts, CBS’s adaptation of the beloved UK series. Here, a cast of ghostly residents aims to haunt while living owners Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) work to ensure a pleasant stay. Since moving in, Sam and Jay have formed bonds with the ghosts on the main floor—Hetty (Rebecca Wisocky), Trevor (Asher Grodman), Alberta (Danielle Pinnock), Isaac (Brandon Scott Jones), Flower (Sheila Carrasco), Thorfinn (Devan Long), Pete (Richie Moriarty), and Sasappis (Román Zaragoza)—while keeping their distance from the cholera ghosts in the basement and the mischievous teenage ghost in the attic.
Now in its third season, the show has revealed much about each ghost through a mix of humor and heartfelt stories. We’ve learned how Trevor met his fate in his underwear, how Thorfinn was abandoned by his Viking crew, and have uncovered clues about Alberta’s mysterious murder. Each ghost has been developed with unique personalities—Alberta’s sassy charm and Pete’s genuine kindness enhance the Woodstone narrative. However, some characters seem to receive more spotlight than others, and one character we’d love to see explored further is Sasappis.
Time for ‘Ghosts’ to Dive Deeper into Sasappis
From the start, Sasappis has been the voice of reason among the ghosts. His blunt honesty is delivered with a gentle touch, often wrapped in humor with a sarcastic edge. Unlike Pete’s endearing innocence, Sasappis’s sweetness shines through moments like his tally mark for every time Shiki (Crystle Lightning) greets him. This charming gesture showcases his hopeful romantic side, which contrasts with his otherwise realistic outlook on life. Sasappis possesses perhaps the most complex personality and the biggest heart among the Woodstone ghosts, yet the show hasn’t fully capitalized on his potential.
One aspect that the series touched on early but hasn’t revisited much is Sasappis’s love for storytelling. This talent could serve as a powerful narrative tool to deepen the audience’s understanding of both his character and his Lenape heritage. It could be a unique way to explore themes, convey lessons, or simply delve into Sasappis’s perspective on life.
While maintaining an air of mystery can be engaging, it often feels like Ghosts is holding back on Sasappis’s narrative potential. Too frequently, he seems underutilized in episodes where he takes the lead, lacking the personalization that enriches the stories of other characters. The exceptions are episodes focusing on Shiki and his storytelling, which successfully capture who he is. Sasappis is a scene-stealer, and the series would benefit from giving him more substantive arcs that allow for personal growth, even in mundane moments, like watching TV.
In short, Ghosts could thrive by giving Sasappis the attention he deserves, allowing his character to shine just as brightly as the others.