Unlocking the Haunting Secrets: Delve into CBS' Ghosts and Uncover the Fascinating Backstories of Ghosts Across Different Eras

Summary

The ghosts featured on CBS' Ghosts originate from different time periods, resulting in a distinctive familial group. Their demises encompass a range of events, spanning from being struck by lightning to succumbing to diseases.

The eldest ghost, Thorfinn, hails from the Viking era and passed away around the 1020s. Another member of this unique family is Sasappis, a Lenape man who departed in the 1520s. Sasappis takes pleasure in engaging in discussions surrounding deaths.

Alberta, a jazz singer from the 1920s, met her demise through poisoning orchestrated by her bootlegger boyfriend. Pete, who passed away in 1985, exists as a cheerful ghost devoid of any extraordinary abilities.

The TV series "Ghosts" produced by CBS showcases a diverse ensemble of spectral characters, each originating from a specific era. This intriguing lineup leads fans to ponder the chronological order in which these ghosts perished. Each ghost possesses a distinctive background and a unique tale of death. Despite their vastly contrasting perspectives shaped by their historical journeys, they come together as a quasi-family, contributing to the show's captivating charm. After all, being eternally bound to the same individuals allows ample time for profound acquaintance. Utkarsh Ambudkar and Rose McIver take on the roles of Jay and Sam, a youthful couple who unexpectedly inherit a grand estate in upstate New York.

In an adaptation of a BBC show of the same name, the couple discovers the house also comes with several ghostly inhabitants, who Sam is able to see after a near-death experience. These spectral residents include Thorfinn, Sasappis, Isaac, Hetty, Alberta, Flower, Pete, and Trevor, portrayed by Devan Long, Román Zaragoza, Brandon Scott Jones, Rebecca Wisocky, Danielle Pinnock, Sheila Carrasco, Richie Moriarty, and Asher Grodman respectively. While the show features other ghosts such as those in the basement "cholera pit," the British soldiers from the shed outside, and even Hetty's malevolent husband Elias, the aforementioned eight ghosts take center stage and will continue to do so in Ghosts season 3.

Thorfinn

Unlike Marvel's Thor in the MCU, Thorfinn shares the same name but he is not a deity. However, he possesses some quasi-electric powers. Thorfinn is the show's oldest spirit and a Viking who journeyed to North America but was accidentally abandoned by his comrades. This historical Viking expedition took place approximately a millennium ago, indicating that Thorfinn perished around the 1020s. Struck by lightning on the very land that would someday become Sam and Jay's house, Thorfinn gained the spectral ability to flicker lights. With a deep passion for discussions on fishing and battling untamed creatures, Thorfinn is unquestionably a true Viking.

Sasappis

In Ghosts, the order of the ghosts' deaths is significant. Sasappis, who died in the 1520s, is about 500 years younger than Thorfinn. He belonged to the Lenape indigenous group from the Hudson Valley in New York, as well as parts of present-day Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Unlike the other specters, Sasappis has not revealed how he died. However, he enjoys reminding the other ghosts about their demises, many of which he witnessed.

Although the backstory of this particular ghost remains a mystery, it is revealed in episode 7 of Ghosts season 1 that Sass had a romantic relationship with Shiki, who is also a ghost. Sasappis tries to reconnect with her. Furthermore, he is an avid TV viewer and frequently asks Sam and Jay to prepare junk food so he can enjoy its aroma.

Isaac

Isaac Higgentoot, a Revolutionary War captain acquainted with prominent figures such as Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, tragically succumbed to dysentery before leaving a significant historical legacy of his own. His life was claimed by the disease during the period spanning from 1775 to 1783, amidst the American Revolutionary War. Yet, in a peculiar twist, Isaac possesses the ghostly ability to subject individuals to the foul stench of sewage whenever they pass through him.

Nevertheless, despite these circumstances, Isaac proudly maintains his composure. This is evident in his interactions with the deceased Redcoats, including British officer Nigel, whom Isaac undeniably admires, despite accidentally shooting him.

Hetty

Sam and Jay reside in Woodstone Manor, a historic house constructed in the late 1800s by a wealthy family known for their dubious activities. Hetty, belonging to this lineage and time period, gradually sheds her outdated beliefs and prejudices throughout Ghosts. Much like Sasappis, the circumstances surrounding Hetty's demise remain a mystery. However, given her involvement in corruption during her lifetime and the despicable nature of her husband Elias, she had no shortage of enemies who may have wished harm upon her.

Only one detail regarding her death is known; Hetty perished wearing dry clothing and high heels. While she has not displayed any distinct supernatural abilities, Hetty does succeed in possessing Jay during season 1, episode 10, a feat achievable by all ghosts.

Alberta

Alberta, the jazz singer from the 1920s, finally confirms in episode 9 of Ghosts that her suspicions were true - she was poisoned by her untrustworthy bootlegger boyfriend. However, even in her unfortunate Great Gatsby-style demise, Alberta embodies the spirit of the roaring 20s. From her stylish flapper attire with tassels to her vibrant vocabulary, and from her captivating singing voice to her fierce advocacy for women's rights, Alberta is undeniably one of the most captivating and enjoyable characters in Ghosts.

Interestingly, Alberta's unique ghostly ability is that she can choose to be heard humming by the living. And although she frequently reminds everyone of the shady individuals she dated, there may be a romantic storyline in store for her and Pete in the future.

Flower

As her name implies, Flower is a 1960s hippie who tragically lost her life on the Woodstone property after attending a nearby music festival. If she appears familiar to some viewers, it's because Sheila Carrasco, known for her brief appearances on shows like The Good Place and Jane the Virgin, portrays her character. Flower's ghostly ability is to induce a temporary state of euphoria in anyone who passes through her, keeping them elevated for approximately an hour. She herself is often forgetful and frequently distracted by chasing butterflies. However, Flower's character possesses intriguing complexity as she was involved with various cults and cult-like organizations during her lifetime, even helping one of these groups in a bank robbery.

Pete

Out of all the eponymous characters in Ghosts, Pete's demise is the most evident. Unfortunately, he was shot in the neck by one of the Scouts he was guiding, leading to his untimely death in 1985. Remarkably, Pete's neck still bears the arrow as a haunting reminder. Despite the tragic circumstances, and the shocking revelation in Ghosts episode 6 that his wife betrayed him during his life, Pete's spirit remains perpetually high-spirited in Ghosts. Although he doesn't possess any unique spectral powers, Pete's talent for finding middle ground and fostering team unity proves indispensable within the ghosts' makeshift family. Moreover, his amiable nature may even pave the way for a potential romance with Alberta in the future.

Trevor

Elias

Trevor, the youngest among the spirits, possesses the ability to manipulate solid objects, though it requires considerable effort. He was once a privileged and self-indulgent partygoer who met his untimely demise in the late 1990s. Trevor was wholly fixated on his popularity and pursuing attractive women. Tragically, his life came to an end during a stay at Woodstone Mansion when he recklessly combined pills with alcohol while reveling. This reckless behavior led to a fatal overdose and subsequent heart attack. In an act of callousness, his companions callously disposed of his body in the lake, never mentioning the incident again. Initially, only Sasappis held the knowledge of his true cause of death, until Jake stumbled upon Trevor's submerged remains in the lake, revealing the disturbing truth behind "Trevor's Body."

The majority of apparitions featured in Ghosts possess a kind, humorous nature, often lending a helpful hand. However, there exists a singular specter whose characteristics differ greatly. Elias Woodstone, Hetty's spouse (and cousin), only made a brief appearance on the show and decidedly lacked these positive traits. During his mortal existence, his marriage endured strife due to his manipulative nature and numerous affairs. His demise occurred when he became trapped inside his bespoke vault, a consequence of engaging in an illicit liaison with the vault's creator's wife. Confined within its walls, his ethereal essence remained tethered to the dwelling for a century until Sam and Jay uncovered the vault's whereabouts, ultimately freeing him.

However, Elias had a terrifying encounter. He became the solitary ghost within the confines of this haunted house who ended up banished to the depths of Hell. Hetty, his deceased spouse, presented him with an opportunity to atone for his past transgressions, yet he obstinately declined, refuting the existence of good and evil. Consequently, driven by her frustration, she spitefully commanded him to "go to Hell," and astonishingly, he found himself obeying her words. In a humorous twist, she skillfully manipulated the other spirits, leading them to believe that banishing souls to Hell was her unique and formidable power.

Crash

In the realm of the show, there are a few recurrent spirits. However, determining the chronological sequence of the ghosts' deaths in Ghosts and unveiling Crash's position within it remains elusive. Based on his appearance, Crash seems to hail from the 1950s; yet, there is a possibility that he could be younger and simply adorned with that attire. Crash sports a leather jacket, white t-shirt, and blue jeans, channeling a James Dean-esque persona, which aligns with the prospective time period of his demise. The exact circumstances surrounding Crash's death are unknown, although decapitation suggests the potential involvement of a vehicular mishap. His presence was only observed in the pilot episode and later reappeared in the season 2 episode named "Ghost Father of the Bride."

Stephanie

The Cholera Ghosts

Similar to Crash, Stephanie is another spectral figure introduced in Ghosts, making only sporadic appearances. Although she passed away in the 1980s, her physical appearance remains that of a teenager, contrasting with Trevor who met his demise a decade later. Known for her antagonistic behavior during the '80s, Stephanie tragically lost her life on the night of the Prom, falling victim to a slasher murderer. Her demise occurred while she and her boyfriend sought refuge at Woodstone Mansion for an intimate encounter. Unexpectedly, an escaped chainsaw-wielding assailant emerged, ruthlessly attacking and ultimately killing her. Within the realm of ghosts, she has acquired the moniker "Attic Girl" from her spectral counterparts. Interestingly, Stephanie embarks on a romantic relationship with one of the Chlorea ghosts.

In the original version of the British series Ghosts, there was a group of ghosts living in isolation within the mansion known as the Plague Ghosts. In the American adaptation of the comedic show, a similar group exists, collectively referred to as the Cholera Ghosts. These spirits met their demise due to cholera and currently reside in the basement of the mansion. The exact number of Cholera Ghosts remains unknown, although three of them, namely Stuart, Nancy, and Creepy Dirk, are explicitly mentioned in the series. Additionally, the credits introduce three more named ghosts as Nigel, Catherine, and Cody.

The British Ghosts

The individuals infected with cholera were placed in the pest house, supposedly for treatment, but tragic circumstances resulted in their neglect, leading to death by starvation, illness, or suffocation due to their residence in the basement. Although these apparitions are not physically confined to the basement, it remains their preferred abode, where they find solace. The demise of these spectral entities occurred between 1832 and 1870, aligning their passing with the time span between Isaac and Hetty.

In contrast to residing in the house, the British Ghosts have chosen to inhabit a shed on the premises, as per their arrangement following their demise in the Revolutionary War. Having an acquaintance with Isaac, who they encountered during that time, the spirits predominantly confine themselves to the shed. Periodically, they emerge to the main house to realign the property boundaries, although some speculate that British Ghost Nigel does so as a means to engage in flirtation with Isaac. Beyond Nigel, the other two recognized British Ghosts are Baxter and Jenkins.

Nigel serves as a lieutenant colonel, with Baxter and Jenkins serving as his two officers in the ghostly realm. Nigel met an unfortunate end due to a tragic accident. While he was engrossed in a book, Isaac, who was observing him through a rifle telescope, accidentally sneezed and unknowingly pulled the trigger, resulting in Nigel's demise. Isaac, now a ghost himself, expressed his sincere apology 133 years later, which Nigel graciously accepted. In the second season, Nigel and Isaac embark on a romantic relationship as spirits. On the other hand, Baxter and Jenkins took charge of leading the battle against the Americans in the aftermath of Nigel's death. Unfortunately, they met their own demise when their army was defeated in combat.