The Shocking Evolution of Ghosts’ Most Vengeful Spirit – And What It Means for Isaac!

Isaac Higgentoot (Brandon Scott Jones) was a petty and insecure character in the early seasons of Ghosts, always focused on himself and his own legacy, but his actions in season 4, episode 16 illustrate how he has grown into someone capable of putting others first. After centuries in the closet, Isaac finally comes out in season 1 to the ghosts in CBS’s Ghosts, admitting he has developed romantic feelings for Nigel Chessum (John Hartman). In Ghosts season 2, these feelings develop into a full-fledged relationship.

Things with Nigel are easy and companionable, but Isaac realizes he might want something more passionate when Sam (Rose McIver) hires a chiseled, dinosaur-loving stripper named Chris (Deniz Akdeniz) to dance at his bachelor party. Isaac ends up leaving Nigel at the altar in the Ghosts season 3 finale. Sam later hires Chris to strip for a bachelorette party in Ghosts season 4, episode 15, and his grand “It’s Raining Men” entrance involves him parachuting into the party. The parachute malfunctions, and in a shocking turn of events, Chris dies on the property and comes back as a ghost.

Chris Chooses Nigel Over Isaac In Ghosts Season 4, Episode 16

Nigel & Chris Bond Over Dinosaurs In Front Of Isaac

Isaac is so overwhelmed by his luck that he can’t speak to Chris, spluttering out “Ice” instead of “Isaac” when Chris asks him his name. Isaac wants to profess that they are soulmates, but Trevor (Asher Goodman) convinces him not to come on too strong. Isaac has been able to observe Chris as a living, but from Chris’ perspective, they’ve barely met. However, Isaac playing it cool backfires when Nigel immediately compliments Chris’ dinosaur tattoo. Isaac then loses his composure when Nigel steals his favorite dinosaur; Isaac lists all the reasons he believes they are soulmates, which understandably freaks out Chris.

Later, Nigel finds Isaac to break the news that he and Chris connected emotionally and physically, sharing a kiss. Understanding how difficult things have been for Nigel since the wedding was called off, Isaac takes the news with grace. Later, Isaac is sitting by himself outside when Chris flies by — Chris’ ghost power is flight, and he isn’t confined by the property boundary in the air.

Painfully, Chris doesn’t even remember Nigel’s name.

Chris excitedly tells Isaac he’s heading to Australia to watch a football match, and Isaac’s first thought is of Nigel, who will feel rejected again. Painfully, Chris doesn’t even remember Nigel’s name, calling him “a good bloke” but asking Isaac to pass along his regards. When Nigel asks Isaac if he’s seen Chris, Isaac softens the truth with a white lie, saying Chris was sucked off, and suggesting that connecting with Nigel is what helped him move on.

Isaac Choosing To Be Understanding Amid The Heartbreak Highlights His Character Development

Isaac From Earlier Ghosts Seasons Would Have Reacted Very Differently

Isaac used to be prideful and insecure, often acting selfishly to protect his fragile ego. One of my favorite running gags is Isaac’s jealousy and hatred of Alexander Hamilton, the origins of which were finally revealed in Ghosts season 4, episode 14. Isaac always wanted to be the most important figure, even sabotaging Sam’s interviews with Alberta (Danielle Pinnock) about her past, fearing her legacy would overshadow his. Isaac’s vengefulness occasionally hurt his relationships with the other ghosts, but over time, he has become more self-aware and compassionate.

Isaac’s delicate handling of the Nigel-Chris romance shows how far he has come. Instead of sabotaging Nigel’s chance at happiness, Isaac maturely accepted his dream man was now connecting with his ex. When Isaac realized Chris was leaving, his first thought was how this would impact Nigel, not himself, which also demonstrates his growth. Isaac might have overstepped in his kindness when he lied to Nigel about Chris getting sucked off, although I believe he was trying to soften the blow of Nigel being left by another man in the span of a few months.

What Isaac’s Growth Means For His Ghosts Future

Isaac Could Be On A Path To Getting Sucked Off – Or Caught In A Lie

Although Sam has helped many of the ghosts find a sense of closure, from Alberta discovering the truth of her death to Pete (Richie Moriarity) getting to see his children as adults, Sam has yet to help any of the ghosts get sucked off. However, by overcoming his jealousy and bitterness that stemmed from insecurity, Isaac might be on a path toward getting sucked off. Isaac’s inner peace and emotional stability, demonstrated through the Chris debacle, mean he’s closer to moving on. However, there are a few loose ends around Chris’ departure.

Nigel suggests Sam could have another séance on Halloween to summon Chris, which Isaac knows wouldn’t work as Chris is not truly sucked off as he told Nigel. It’s also possible that Chris will have to periodically return to Woodstone Manor to prevent his ghost body from disappearing, like Pete when he leaves the property. I don’t think Chris will play a major role in Ghosts moving forward, but I do think we will see him at least one more time in Ghosts season 5 or 6 to expose Isaac’s lie.

New episodes of Ghosts air Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. ET and stream next-day on Paramount+. Season 4, episode 17 will air April 3, 2025.

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