One of the most emotionally complex and hilariously chaotic episodes of Season 4 of GHOSTS is Episode 21 titled “Kyle”. It has two main plots that show vulnerability in very different ways. This episode explores character growth, sharp comedy, and supernatural oddities in a way that is both relatable and unique to the Woodstone B&B. It does this by showing a rift in the marriage between Sam and Jay and a nervous Sasappis getting ready for a big event with Joan.
The main conflict is between Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), whose almost perfect marriage is put to the test when Kyle (Ben Feldman) shows up out of the blue. Kyle is a man who, after an odd bird rollercoaster accident, has the rare ability to see and talk to ghosts. Sam and Kyle hit it off right away, and they become close because they both have trouble seeing ghosts. This is a nice change for someone who has always had to take care of her gift by herself. Jay, on the other hand, is not happy. At first, he tries to hide how he feels by acting excited, but it’s getting clearer that he feels like the odd one out.
Ben Feldman is a great choice to play Kyle, a guy who is friendly but has an awkward energy that makes everyone, including the audience, wonder what he really wants. Sam is glad to finally have someone who gets her, but Jay feels left out and his insecurities start to bubble up, especially when Sam gives Kyle a job at the B&B and gives him tasks that have to do with ghosts. Even worse, Jay learns that Kyle spent time in prison, which leads to a very public fight. But instead of confirming Jay’s fears, Kyle tells a sad story about how he helped a ghost get back a family heirloom, which makes Sam and the other spirits feel sorry for him.
There is a lot of emotional tension when Kyle tries to kiss Sam and she quickly stops him with a funny facepalm. In this important moment, she shows how much she loves Jay and how much she appreciates Kyle’s understanding of her ghostly world. The scene is played with a good mix of sympathy and humor, which fits the show’s mood perfectly.
Interestingly, Feldman confessed he hadn’t watched GHOSTS before being cast, but he was very aware of its stellar reputation in the industry. The positive word-of-mouth from his peers, and the chance to work with close friend and director Trent O’Donnell, convinced him to brave the cold of Montreal to film the episode. What followed was a whirlwind of comedic chaos and unexpected character depth.
What also stood out was Kyle’s interaction with the show’s existing cast of ghosts. Feldman shared his admiration for the ensemble, particularly enjoying his scenes with Rebecca Wisocky (Hetty), whose dry wit made for unforgettable takes and plenty of laughs between scenes. His chemistry with Rose McIver (Sam) added another layer, especially in the episode’s awkward climax where Kyle misreads the moment and leans in for a kiss—only to be politely rejected.
When asked if Kyle might return, Feldman didn’t hesitate. “I’d love to go back,” he said, pointing to the joyful energy on set and the welcoming nature of the cast. And as Kyle, he believes the character has enough audacity—and need—to walk back into Woodstone Manor, tail between his legs or not.
Though his stay was brief, Kyle left a mark. He represents not only a new narrative wrinkle but a possible new friend—or foil—for Sam and the ghosts. His story is one of loneliness and the desire to belong, making him oddly relatable amidst the supernatural antics.
In the B-plot, Sasappis (Román Zaragoza) is getting ready to take their relationship to the next level with Joan. As always with Ghosts, the buildup is full of awkward tension, unwanted advice, and a fair amount of physical comedy. As soon as Trevor, Thor and Flower give Sas bad ideas, they almost ruin the whole plan. As a funny accident, Sas takes Thor’s advice a little too seriously and throws Joan through the wall. But Joan tells him that she likes him—not the version of himself—he’s trying to be, when she feels like it. The ending of this strange side story is sweet and satisfying.
The whole cast is still great, but Hetty’s snide comments and Flower’s direct commentary stand out. But what gives the episode its heart is the emotional core: Sam and Jay’s honest conversation and Sasappis’ path to closeness.
Episode 21 has a lot of the things that make Ghosts such a great comedy: romance, emotional honesty, and funny parts that will make you laugh out loud.
Keep coming back to tvacute.com for more Ghosts breakdowns, previews, and postmortem recaps. We have everything you need from Woodstone onward.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Ghosts Season 4, Episode 19: Recap and Review of Pinkus Returns
