The episode avoids clichéd holiday tropes. Instead, it uses Christmas as a backdrop for loneliness and longing – then transforms it into quiet hope. No over-the-top decorations or forced “Christmas magic” saves the day.
Hetty reveals the reason: decades ago, on Christmas Eve, Thor’s young son (also a ghost, living in another part of the property) attempted to visit him but was scared off by the other ghosts’ roughhousing. Thor has missed seeing his son every Christmas since.
: Fans of character-driven stories, holiday episodes that aren’t saccharine, and anyone who wants to cry over a Viking ghost. ghosts s02e13 ffmpeg
Pete, Flower, and Isaac have almost nothing to do. Given it’s a holiday episode, a more ensemble-driven subplot might have balanced the heavy Thor material.
: You prefer pure comedy or dislike sentimentality in sitcoms. The episode avoids clichéd holiday tropes
Director Trent O’Donnell keeps the tone subdued. The final five minutes, with no dialogue, rely entirely on the cast’s facial expressions and the falling snow. It’s cinematic in a way the show rarely attempts. Weaknesses 1. Limited Role for Jay As usual, Jay can’t see or hear the ghosts, so he’s sidelined for most of the emotional payoff. His “helping Sam plan the open house” B-plot feels like filler.
Thor gets rare vulnerability. Hetty shows empathy (a big step for her usual haughty self). Even Sassapis and Alberta drop their sarcasm. It proves the show can pivot from sitcom laughs to genuine drama without feeling forced. Hetty reveals the reason: decades ago, on Christmas
Sam and Jay decide to reunite father and son by clearing the way and staging a quiet, distraction-free meeting. The plan works – Thor and his son share a touching, wordless moment across a snowy lawn.