Ghosts Season 4 Episode 11 Review: Thorapy 2: Abandonment Issues

Ghosts Season 4 Episode 11, “Thorapy 2: Abandonment Issues,” is so darn cute for the sake of being cute. In the emotionally devastating department, however, it is pretty sneaky, too.

Thor did the work long before this sequel therapy session, and the episode brilliantly examines why he is oblivious to that fact.

Meanwhile, Ghosts tees up a valuable reminder that as long as this ensemble is in the room, none of us are truly alone in our battles.

A Serving of Sibling Drama

This shared restaurant storyline between Jay and Bela is arguably the best material the family has gotten to tackle yet.

Utkarsh Ambudkar and Punam Patel tap into a universal sibling experience and a heavier drama tone as they unpack the brother and sister’s unease with trusting each other.

Even better, Ghosts incorporates Jay and Sas’ dream escapades into the conflict. This is a double whammy for Jay, who sees his restaurant adventures enriched by family and friend developments.

If we’re being honest, the restaurant storyline’s appeal has dwindled, and it often takes a back seat to the ghosts of it all. Adding Bela to the family business in a recurring capacity revives the venture with a jolt of excitement.

Her chaotic nature, combined with the choice to have an outsider who knows about the spirits manage this restaurant, feels perfect for the siblings and this show’s longevity!

Therapy for Two

Thorfinn’s second go at therapy starts as strong as expected, with the feisty Viking baby throwing tantrum light-shows as he approaches the anniversary of his abandonment.

It’s hilarious to see Thor revert to his childish antics of pillaging and chopping off body limbs. But nothing beats the core moments spent with him sitting across the couch from a therapist as Sam translates his stories into a more digestible modern-day tale from her childhood.

This new therapist is much more of an active listener, leading to more entertaining engagement between the scene and viewers watching.

As much as Pete is determined to move mountains for Thorfinn, the Vikings’ abandonment issues are not the star of this episode, as they should be.

A Big Breakthrough

Part of the joy and whimsy of this episode is witnessing Pete brave the Norwegian coast to find Thorfinn the answers he deserves. However, that ultimately means Thor is not involved as much as he should be on his own outing.

The episode delivers news of his abandonment with little fanfare. Even though the actions of Thor’s friends are mundane in their forgetfulness, that does not mean the reveal has to be just as lacklustre in developing his character.

However, Pete’s journey is also pivotal to a big breakthrough for Thorfinn.

Throughout this outing, Thor complains to his son, his girlfriend, and his ghost friends about being abandoned by his clan mates. Ironically, he is surrounded by friends and family who care for him as he waxes poetically about his loneliness.

Pete heroically risks his life to give Thorfinn the closure he needs. Yet, this isn’t about finding answers; it is about showing the Viking that he has already moved on to bigger and better relationships with his found family.

He is ripping the bandaid off a wound that has long healed, and it takes almost losing Pete to for Thor to see that truth.

The Friends Who Stayed

In his second chance at life, Thorfinn has developed a host of relationships and friendships with other ghosts who will never abandon him. He even overcame his hatred for Danes to love his son and his insecurities with abandonment to fall in love with Flower.

Most importantly, he had a friend willing to risk a trip around the world he may never return from to help Thorfinn feel better.

That subtle but poignant turn of the spotlight onto Ghosts’ found family dynamics does not go unnoticed.

Add in a few fun exchanges between Pete and the fellow arrow-slain Viking he encounters, and it is difficult to fault the therapy session for turning this emotional journey into a ghost joy ride.

It’s an adorable episode that plays with the poignancy of the show’s found family dynamics and the pure joy of playing in a sandbox as weird and wacky as Woodstone.

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Ghosts airs on Thursdays at 8:30c/7:30c on CBS.

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