I’m a big fan of CBS’s Ghosts, but one trait about Thorfinn (Thor) has started to feel a bit out of place in an otherwise well-balanced cast of spirits. Ghosts, which debuted in 2021, was inspired by the British series of the same name and follows Sam and Jay Arondekar as they move into a mansion filled with ghosts from different eras. Sam can see and communicate with these spirits, giving us a humorous look at interactions between past and present.
While Ghosts is known for its unique characters, Thor stands out because, unlike the other spirits, he still speaks in a broken, heavily accented English that hasn’t evolved over time. This trait was distinctive at the show’s start, but three seasons in, it feels a little stale. Characters like Hetty and Isaac retain some of their original dialects but have adapted their language slightly over time. Even Sasappis, who pre-dates Thor by centuries, speaks in fluent modern English. If season 4 is about growth and change, it could be the perfect time for Thor to evolve his speech.
Thor’s Speech Patterns: A Quirk That’s Starting to Feel Outdated
One of Thor’s most notable traits is that he’s the only ghost who still uses an antiquated dialect. When he calls modern cars “land ships,” it’s a funny, character-driven joke, but after several seasons, his stilted speech feels more like a running gag than a fully developed aspect of his character. While the Viking attitude and historical quirks are core parts of who Thor is, there’s room to let him explore a more updated way of speaking. This change could add depth to Thor and help balance his interactions with the rest of the cast.
Why Hasn’t Thor Adapted Like the Others?
One possible reason for Thor’s outdated speech is that it ties him to his Viking roots, reinforcing his position as the series’ oldest ghost. Thor’s character may even draw from a caveman-inspired spirit in Ghosts UK, with his “primitive” speech reflecting a similarly ancient and unchanging personality. However, the show could still honor Thor’s heritage without keeping him linguistically isolated. Thor is a character who has tried to change in other ways, especially when he begins a relationship with Flower, so there’s potential for him to explore new ways of expressing himself as part of his growth.
Will Thor’s Speech Ever Evolve?
In season 2, Thor shows a desire to adapt when he tries to curb his temper for Flower’s sake, though his Viking stubbornness often wins out. Season 3 highlighted Thor’s challenge with change, but his efforts for Flower suggest that there might be a way for him to gradually modify his language, if only to connect with her better. Even if he never fully modernizes his English, showing Thor practicing or learning new phrases could be a cute and humorous way to evolve his character, demonstrating growth without sacrificing his Viking essence.
Season 4: A Chance for Thor to Grow
Thor’s broken English has been a distinctive trait, but as Ghosts heads into its fourth season, Thor’s character would benefit from a bit more growth. Subtle shifts in his language—whether for Flower, Sam, or the other spirits—could give him a chance to feel more connected to the world around him. Otherwise, Ghosts risks Thor becoming too predictable, and a Viking like him should be anything but. Season 4 is an ideal opportunity for Thor to surprise us, proving that even a thousand-year-old spirit can adapt.
