Warning! Spoilers ahead for Ghosts season 5, episode 6, “Planes, Shanes and Automobiles.”Ghosts season 5, episode 6 features a moment that finally admits a growing observation about the show. CBS’ 2025-2026 schedule for the hit comedy series includes a special Thanksgiving episode for the first time in its run. Instead of a straightforward outing, however, that would feature Sam, Jay, and the rest unexpectedly dealing with a surprise issue, Ghosts subjects its characters to new experiences.
After Jay’s parents unexpectedly bailed out on spending Thanksgiving with them, he and Sam decided to have a small feat in Woodstone Mansion — the first time that they’re doing so since moving Upstate from New York. Before the fun, however, Sam has to fly to Chicago for her book signing, leaving her husband to take care of the spirits, which is a tall order, considering that he can’t see them. While he promises his wife to take care of their ghost friends, it doesn’t take long for him to finally admit his true plan.
Jay Admits How The Woodstone Ghosts Bully Sam

Photo: CBS via MovieStillsDB
While Sam and Pete travel to her book signing, it quickly becomes apparent that Jay is not holding his end of the promise to take care of the spirits in Ghosts season 5, episode 6. As he sits down in his home kitchen, the ghosts gather around him, complaining about not doing any of his relegated tasks. Trevor attempts to remind him by sending him a text, but upon reading it, Jay confesses that he is not doing any of the chores doled out by the spirits.
According to him, Sam has spoiled their paranormal friends, kowtowing to their every whim. In return, they tend to push her over. While this resulted some grumbles, it’s difficult to argue with Jay in this regard. Ever since Sam moved to Woodstone Mansion and coming to terms with seeing the ghosts, the spirits have fully taken advantage of her abilities as a living being.
This resulted in many issues for Sam, both big and small. At some points, Sam and Jay would even find themselves in difficult positions to appease their housemates. There were even occasions where the couple ended up having a conflict over how to handle the spirits. Without Sam, Jay is able to be more strict with his boundaries.
Sam Needs To Have Better Boundaries In Ghosts

At her core, Sam is a good person. To be fair to her, it’s also difficult to turn down the spirits when they are able to directly communicate with her, as opposed to Jay, who can simply tune them out, because he can’t see them. That said, it’s also unhealthy for both her and the spirits to not have boundaries. In the end, Sam needs to put her and Jay’s needs first ahead of the spirits, because they have their lives ahead of them. She can still help the Woodstone Mansion inhabitants without sacrificing herself.
On the flip side, it’s important for the spirits to not be spoiled, so they can learn how to handle themselves in more social settings. Granted that people can’t see them, but if they do their antics while Sam is dealing with other people, it comes to a point where she gets distracted and looks unhinged. A healthy medium for them moving forward is the best situation in Ghosts.
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