Many of the spirits in Ghost are on journeys of self-discovery, but few have taken quite as many turns as Isaac Higgentoot (Brandon Scott Jones). As Woodstone Manor’s resident Revolutionary War captain ghost, Isaac struggled to come to terms with his identity as a gay man after centuries in the closet. With the support of the ghosts in CBS’s Ghosts, Isaac overcomes his feelings of shame for abandoning his wife during his lifetime and even forms a tentative yet meaningful relationship with Nigel Chessum (John Hartman), a refined British officer and fellow ghost.
Isaac and Nigel seem perfect for each other, compatible and stable, and they get engaged in Ghosts season 3. However, when Pete (Richie Moriarty) interrupts the wedding with a speech about the power of love, Isaac realizes he wants passion in addition to companionship and leaves Nigel at the altar in the Ghosts season 3 finale. Season 4, episode 15 brings back a character we haven’t seen since Isaac’s wedding, and when the man of his dreams dies on Woodstone’s property, Isaac may have a chance at a real relationship in Ghosts season 5.
Nigel tolerated Isaac’s love of dinosaurs, while Chris will embrace it. In fact, Chris corrects Isaac when Isaac asks him to “roar”; Chris explains scientists believe dilophosauruses likely clicked. While Isaac had to temper his excitement for Nigel, he will be able to celebrate his eccentricities with Chris, which will bring out a lighter, more carefree side to Isaac. Nigel helped Isaac take the first steps toward self-acceptance in Ghosts, but Chris will help him find the passion he’s been looking for. After centuries of restraint, Isaac deserves a romance filled with dancing, laughter, and dinosaur facts.
Chris is a much better romantic partner for Isaac than Nigel could ever be. Nigel and Isaac are too similar, while Chris is more fun and relaxed. Isaac needs someone nonjudgmental after decades of living with oppressive 1800s attitudes. Nigel is proper and refined, but Isaac would benefit from having someone who encourages him to loosen up and enjoy himself instead of reinforcing his innate formality, helping him along his redemption arc.
