Ghosts (S5, Ep. 19) "Gate-gate"

 

In this week’s Ghosts episode, 'Gate-gate,' Sam and Jay face small-town political blackmail. Though the plot leans into satire, Isaac’s 'basement withdrawal' offers the episode’s emotional core. Here is my recap and review.

The episode centers on Tad (Justin Kirk), the former mayor and Woodstone’s newest investor, who decides to leverage his partnership to open a 'breastaurant' called 'Mountains of the Valley' right in the mansion's kitchen. Desperate to reclaim their business autonomy and rid themselves of Tad’s raunchy influence, Sam and Jay realize the only way out is to get Tad back into the Mayor's office.

However, a looming City Council vote threatens to oust Tad for good. Sam dives into local dirt to keep Tad in power. The 'Gate-gate' investigation eventually uncovers a suburban swinger scandal involving Tad’s wife, Melanie. Sam uses this leverage not to destroy Tad, but to convince him to drop his restaurant plans and return to politics, successfully neutralizing the threat to Jay's restaurant.

While the living deal with blackmail, Isaac faces a unique supernatural crisis. Having officially moved out of the basement to enjoy his new higher-status quarters, Isaac discovers he has developed a bizarre habit: he can no longer sleep lying down. He can only fall asleep while standing up, a lingering trait of a 'true basement dweller.'

Isaac eventually realizes this isn't a physical ailment, but a psychological one. He deeply misses the community of the basement ghosts. The episode concludes with Isaac accepting that his bond with the 'lower' ghosts is more vital to his happiness than his desire for social standing. It’s a classic Ghosts moment that balances a silly visual gag with a genuine character epiphany.

'Gate-gate' is a solid, middle-of-the-road installment that benefits greatly from Justin Kirk’s smarmy charisma. While the blackmail plot is fun, the show is at its best when it lets the ghosts' internal neuroses drive the story. Justin Kirk’s Tad has perfect comedic timing, bringing a delightful humor to the 'Mountains of the Valley' concept, making it feel like a wonderfully exaggerated threat. The 'basement withdrawal' plot is a smart and engaging way to keep the ensemble connected, even if the 'status vs. friendship' lesson feels familiar for Isaac. And not to mention the Small-Town Satire of unveiling the suburban swinger scandal is a charming reminder that life in the Ghosts universe can be just as quirky and surprising as the spirit world.

Overall, I give this episode a 7/10.

What did you think of this week's episode? With Tad gone, do you think Sam and Jay will finally be at peace and get things back on track? Leave a comment. 

You can catch Ghosts Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.