Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Ghosts Season 4, Episode 18.
Recap of Ghosts Season 4, Episode 18
The latest installment of Ghosts, which aired on April 10, 2023, on CBS, picks up the narrative thread from the prior episode. In this episode entitled “Smooching and Smushing,”the main characters Jay, Sam, and the resident ghosts work together to repair the ghost trap. Their ultimate goal is to enable Sasappis to cross the ethereal boundary and visit his long-time crush, Shiki.
While Sas does employ the ghost trap, he soon finds himself regretting the choice. He grapples with conflicting feelings, realizing that his heart might not wholly belong to Shiki. Nevertheless, he takes on considerable risk, misinterpreting a chat between Pete and Joan that leads him to act impulsively.
Insights from Román Zaragoza on Sasappis’ Dilemma
In a discussion with ScreenRant regarding his character’s choices, actor Román Zaragoza provides a deeper look into Sasappis’ psyche during this tumultuous time. He describes Sas as being overwhelmed with emotions and thoughts, which drive him toward a spiral of decisions. According to Zaragoza:
ScreenRant: Sas knew he had feelings for Joan, so what was it that pushed him to still go into the trap? Was he trying to lash out at her and Pete? Was it a desire for another connection?
Román Zaragoza: I think there were a lot of things that were going on in his head, at the time. At least for me, I was trying to come to grips. If people drop really big news and everything kind of mixes up what you previously had figured out, it kind of does send you on a spiral, and you’re like, “You know what? I got to do this. I got to go. We got to do it. We got to do it.”And then, “This person is helping me. Alright, we’re going.”
And it probably is a little bit of lashing out, because if he could just take a second to realize what he has in front of him is better than any romantic idea that he’s creating in his head…but he’s also young, he’s also immature, and he has that young heart that hasn’t loved really and hasn’t felt love and doesn’t really know.
So I think he had to go on that journey to see, “Oh my goodness, what am I doing? There’s a person right here in front of me.”I think that is a common thing that people fall into all the time where they don’t see what’s right in front of them. They’re constantly chasing and constantly craving more, when in reality, what’s right in front of them is what they needed.
Sasappis and Joan: A Complex Relationship
The Characters’ First Encounter in Episode 17
The development of Sasappis and Joan’s relationship unfolds from Episode 17, titled “His Girl Shiki.”Here, the audience learns that even after over five centuries, Sas remains a virgin, which prompts Pete to take action and introduce him to Joan.
The initial attraction between Sas and Joan is palpable; however, Sas is still haunted by his feelings for Shiki. Joan serves as a supportive figure, encouraging Sas to utilize the ghost trap to connect with her. Following an emotionally charged encounter, Sas comes to terms with his feelings for Joan. Yet, after overhearing a heartwarming conversation between Joan and Pete, he decides to pursue Shiki instead, leading to his escape with Thor’s assistance.
Joan’s Return and a Turning Point
Although Joan eventually leaves the mansion, she makes a notable return to confront Sas. Overhearing his intentions to chase after her, she is spurred into action. The pair ultimately shares a kiss, culminating in a poignant moment that leaves fans eagerly anticipating their future. The episode concludes humorously with Flower urging them to deepen their physical connection, raising the question of whether Sas is ready to move forward.