Ghosts Review: Jay’s Sister (Season 1 Episode 12)

Ghosts Season 1 Episode 12, “Jay’s Sister,” keeps it tight with a chaotic Trevor-centric catfishing ploy.

If there were ever an episode to force on your friends and family in an attempt to have them watch Ghosts, it is this one. The concept of a dead frat boy conning his way onto a dating app and accidentally catfish Jay’s sister is something to behold.

It is an insane stroke of comedy genius strong enough to thrive simply in theory. However, this sitcom still executes the ridiculous ploy for romance to perfection within its framework.

This is by far the most unhinged episode of Ghosts to date, which arguably makes it one of the best.

The writing is concrete and thorough, expertly tying together multiple subplots with one common goal to chew this dialogue apart. In addition, Jay’s sister helps unite the group dynamics and larger catfishing plot in the name of comedic generosity.

The jokes themselves are even more morbid and wicked than usual, zinging off these dead people with vicious precision.

The epic one-liners are back in full force with hits like “I have had it up to my arrow with all your applesauce” and “I should have anticipated a ghost catfishing my sister.” Try to find a more delightfully unhinged show to quote because you won’t.

Elaborate even more on what makes this episode so entertaining? It would be my pleasure.

Not only is Thor leading the charge in chewing up the scenery, but he genuinely believes killing Jay’s sister is a viable option to keep his bedroom. He mentions this several times, and like all good Thorfinn deliveries, I laugh every single time.

Sam also yells, “Thor, light!” he responds, “Sam, chair!” which is iconic in its own right.

Then there’s the main attraction, Trevor’s diabolical dating ploy. This act of mass manipulation is edited beautifully, with Trevor narrating his plan as the episode flashes back to all those times he asked an “innocent” question about the app store.

The reveal that Trevor is an evil mastermind is complimented beautifully by the catastrophic catfishing predicament he leaves Sam and Jay to clean up.

A ghost preying on dating profiles is rich with potential, but I love that it is the catalyst for exposing the paranormal. It is the most satisfying aspect of the genre and Sam’s ghostly confession to Bela dismounts this bonkers set up effortlessly.

Despite all the decadent comedy this latest installment has to offer, Ghosts does not let it coast on humor.

Instead, the sitcom offers up a concept that doubles as a funny tension reliever and a conduit for notable character development.

This crossroads includes a new sisterly dynamic for Sam and newfound confidence for Pete. Throw in genuine regret from Trevor and a shippable moment between Alberta and Pete, and the episode fixated on catfishing has one beautiful beating heart.

It is commendable to have a sitcom explore the ugliest parts of humanity with no particular agenda to do better or be better. 

Ghosts acknowledges humans can change but is more concerned with showcasing how our worst selves can lead to rewarding acts of kindness. When executed flawlessly, this premise is capable of anything cruel or campy.

“Jay’s Sister” is that precise balance, exploring the selfishness of ghosts still learning to put others first. Pete’s acceptance of his “nice guy” role frames Trevor’s apology as an example of what he hopes the group will work toward.

Pete points out they are trying to do better; they’re just bad at it. Ghosts has clung admirably to that notion, knowing this series lives and dies with the sustainability of its silly afterlife.

The ghosts can’t become saints, but they also can’t stay frozen in this state forever. So it’s commendable to see this show find ground between its cruel comedy and growing consciousness.

It almost makes you wonder if this wonderfully unhinged comedy could live forever…

If I have to ding Ghosts for anything, it’s dialing back Trevor in his finest hour.

Understandably, too much business bro would negatively impact the deeper threads, and there’s too much going on to dissect this Wall Street wannabe beyond his over-confidence in “crushing those apps.”

But, Trevor is sidelined by Pete’s arc. For an episode drowning in the consequences of his actions, a backstory could have ensured the group did not consume this underdeveloped ghost.

That said, “Jay’s Sister” is a work of art, and I’d trade nothing for its chaotic catfishing shenanigans — not even an explanation as to why Trevor has no pants.

Jay finally has someone besides Sam to riff off. Together, he and his sister go to town on Trevor’s good looks, from being threatened by his cheekbones to admiring his tight physic. It’s a great joke, one Trevor better not let die with his love life.

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Ghosts airs Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS.

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