Ghosts Season 4, Episode 11, “Thorapy 2: Abandonment Issues” Spoilers Ahead
Ghosts delivers another incredibly heartfelt winner with “Thorapy 2: Abandonment Issues,” as it dives deep into desertion and examines what matters in the face of it. So much of the reason the show continuously excels in its sitcom approach is that the writers are able to craft meaningful arcs in a short amount of time that feel organic throughout the season. And Season 4, in many ways, feels like a chapter for healing.
As the title promises, this one’s heavily Thorfinn-focused, but it also gives us great material with Bela and Jay. It hilariously opens up Sam’s own childhood abandonment issues with her mom, and we get small nods to the progress the characters are making in their endeavors.
Ghosts Season 4, Episode 11 Focuses on Anniversaries and Answers
Since last week’s “The Not-So-Silent Partner,” Thor seems to be on a steak to surprise me. He’s been on the back burner a bit, so it’s exciting that we’re not only focusing on his character arc, but we’re also getting moments of vulnerability that allow Devan Chandler Long to bring out a more mellow side to the Viking brute. So much of Thor’s heart is interestingly wide open, yet even with his ability to love, the cracks in between showcase all the pain from abandonment he’s still holding onto. Because of this, it makes perfect sense that every anniversary would bring those triggers to the surface as though it’s happening for the first time.
Ultimately, he does what every adult (dead or alive) should do when the trauma is too daunting. He goes back to therapy, naturally using Sam as the in to understand what went wrong. He realizes that the only way for Sam to learn the truth is to travel, but since she’s on a deadline for Isaac’s book, Pete offers to go instead and almost misses his return period.
Despite the hiccups, Pete delivers the message, and Thor learns that his shipmates didn’t abandon him but rather miscounted. Only now, that truth doesn’t even matter. He’s so terrified of the fact that he almost lost Pete that looking back at the past isn’t something he wants to do anymore. In addition, as one does, I’ve been rewatching Ghosts from the beginning again, and so much of this scene also reminds me of what we see during his Viking funeral and the devastation he feels when Flower confesses she loves him.
Thor might be stubborn and stuck in his ways, but like a lot of the residents at Woodstone Mansion, he’s also full of so much love that when the time comes, few things matter the way his friends do. Because of this, it’s easy to appreciate how Ghosts Season 4, Episode 11, “Thorapy 2: Abandonment Issues,” frames the episode around his revelation and how it feels even more organic after everything we got between him and Hetty last week. He’s trying. Two therapy sessions aren’t a lot, but in spirit years, it certainly counts for something when his growth is so tangible. More than anything, it’s time with those he cares about that matters, and we get concrete proof of that today.
Related Content (via Fangirlish): Ghosts’ ‘Thorapy 2: Abandonment Issues’ Gives Thor a Bit of Closure
Mahesh Expands With Bela
It’s exciting to have Bela back in an episode that isn’t a holiday special, and I’m hoping we get to see more of her going forward if she’s to help out at the restaurant. Jay could certainly use another living person who’s also aware of the ghosts to keep him company. But more than that, how Bela’s arc ties into Thor’s is what makes the episode work so well.
In the same way that no one wants to feel abandoned, no one wants to feel like a failure—or believe that those closest to them have very little faith in their abilities. Bela knows more about her work ethic than Jay does, but more importantly, she loves her family and would do anything for them, so the fact that Jay has Sas spy is rightfully insulting. It is ridiculously wholesome, however, that the ghosts are simultaneously looking out for her, so it adds a bit of that warmth that Woodstone is now brimming with. The aftermath of all this is a heart-to-heart between the siblings that feels long overdue. Mahesh was always supposed to be for their dad, so it makes perfect sense that Bela should have some sort of involvement in it to make things easier for Jay. Further, it gives Jay a bit of reprieve to know how many of the ghosts are not only looking after him, but his family, too.
Ghosts Season 4 is thus far a gratifying showcase for growth, and at some point, each character having another moment to shine contributes to making it as special as it is. We’re near the halfway mark, and the progress we’re making continues to feel like the most organic displays of friendships on TV. Now, if we could just make some progress in the romantic realm.
Stray Thoughts
- If Hetty and Trevor don’t stand together for five extra seconds soon, I’m gonna start screaming. I miss my little freaks more than anything, your honor. [Edit: Oh, they knew I was losing it, so they gave us sheer magic in the next episode.]
- Sas and Jay continuing to interact in Jay’s dreams is EVERYTHING. The “I love yous” ?!??! BROS. I’m emotional.
- I cannot believe how close we are to the restaurant opening.
- Also, I stand by the fact that Woodstone needs another pet after escarghost. Let’s get a cat, please.
- I actually can’t believe how emotional Thor’s made me this week!?!?
Now streaming on Paramount Plus: What are your thoughts on Ghosts Season 4, Episode 11, “Thorapy 2: Abandonment Issues?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Bertrand Calmeau/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.
