When Ghosts Get Slimed: How CBS's "Ghosts" Celebrates the Legacy of "Ghostbusters" in a Hilariously Affectionate Smush
CBS’s “Ghosts,” a quirky sitcom about a young couple renovating a historic mansion haunted by a motley crew of deceased residents, has consistently proven itself adept at blending heartwarming character dynamics with laugh-out-loud humor. But in a particularly memorable episode, the show did more than just entertain; it delivered a loving homage to the iconic 1984 film “Ghostbusters,” a touchstone for many fans, through a clever blend of plot, visual cues, and a delightful, albeit messy, ghost-smushing.
The episode, aptly titled “Smooching and Smushing MD02,” follows the ghosts as they grapple with the implications of a historical society potentially declaring their home a landmark, threatening to restrict Sam and Jay's renovations. Tensions are high, personalities clash, and amidst the chaos, we are introduced to the catalyst for the "Ghostbusters" inspired chaos: a mysterious spectral energy emanating from the basement.
From the moment this energy is introduced, the echoes of "Ghostbusters" begin to resonate. The flickering lights, the ominous rumble, and the palpable sense of otherworldly presence immediately evoke the opening scenes of Venkman, Stantz, and Spengler investigating the New York Public Library. The show doesn’t shy away from these parallels, instead leaning into them with a playful wink.
The brilliance of the episode lies not just in replicating the atmosphere, but in adapting it to the unique dynamics of “Ghosts.” Instead of professional paranormal investigators, we have Sam, a living woman with the ability to see and communicate with the ghosts, and Jay, her enthusiastic but entirely oblivious (and alive) husband. Their attempts to understand and contain the spectral disturbance are a far cry from the scientific precision of the Ghostbusters, but their sheer determination and unwavering support for each other offer a different kind of heroism, a more intimate and relatable version of the ghostbusting spirit.
Furthermore, the episode uses the "Ghostbusters" framework to amplify the already established character traits of the ghosts. Hetty, the Victorian era socialite, is terrified by the prospect of a negative review from the historical society, her prim decorum crumbling under the pressure, mirroring the escalating anxieties of the New Yorkers facing the marshmallow man. Thorfinn, the Viking explorer, embraces the chaos with a barbaric glee, his axe swinging with the same fervor as Stantz blasting streams of ectoplasm. Sasappis, the sarcastic Lenape Native American, offers his usual dry commentary, a spectral equivalent of Winston Zeddemore’s grounded pragmatism amidst the paranormal pandemonium.
The climax of the episode truly embodies the "Ghostbusters" spirit, albeit with a “Ghosts” twist. Instead of proton packs, the solution involves a particularly potent batch of Sam's homemade moonshine. The ghosts, desperate to contain the spectral energy before the historical society arrives, decide to try and overload it with…affection. The ensuing scene is a hilarious montage of ghosts attempting to physically embrace and "smoosh" the energy, resulting in a visual spectacle reminiscent of the iconic sliming scene from the original film. Instead of green slime, however, we get a shimmering, pulsating vortex of spectral energy, reflecting the show’s unique aesthetic.
The "smooshing" sequence is particularly significant because it highlights the show's core theme: the power of connection and acceptance. The ghosts, despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, come together in a moment of collective action. They are not trying to destroy the energy, but rather to understand and contain it, mirroring the show's larger message of learning to coexist and find common ground with those different from ourselves.
In conclusion, "Smooching and Smushing MD02" is more than just a funny episode of "Ghosts." It's a loving tribute to the "Ghostbusters" legacy, reimagined through the lens of a show that celebrates the power of human (and ghostly) connection. By cleverly borrowing from the film's iconography and atmosphere, the episode amplifies the show's own themes of acceptance, understanding, and the enduring power of found family. The resulting "smush" is not just a humorous spectacle, but a testament to the enduring appeal of a story about facing the unknown with courage, humor, and a willingness to get a little slimed along the way. It’s a delightful reminder that even in the most haunted of houses, the greatest power lies in the bonds we forge with each other.
