SPOILER ALERT: This article contains plot details from Season 4, Episode 21 of Ghosts.
The introduction of the new character by the creators of CBS’s most popular supernatural comedy Ghosts has sparked a wildfire of talks about his ongoing stay among the fans.
Ben Feldman, who is widely known for his performances on Superstore and Mad Men, pulled off a stunning surprise with his cameo this week as Kyle, a zany live human—just like Sam—who not only sees but can also chat with the ghosts living in the Woodstone Mansion.
But his arrival was very different from what people usually expect. During the podcast Kyle said it was his favorite episode yet.
Meet Kyle: The Man Who Was “Fabio’d”
Kyle’s weird, funny story of origin quickly won the hearts of fans. He informed viewers how after a bird had literally flown into his face while he was on a rollercoaster, he acquired the ability to see ghosts. The cast calls it as ‘Fabio’d’ (very tenderly, we must add).
In the story indicated by the title “Kyle”, he for the first time meets Pete (Richie Moriarty) while having coffee, and both of them become friends very easily. Pete invites Kyle to Woodstone, where he makes a big entrance while surprising Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) with his powers to see the ghosts.
Sam, the poor girl finally finding someone who shared her ghost-filled life, and Kyle hit it off immediately. But Jay? Nope. He goes from 0 to 60 in 10 seconds by getting suspicious to the point of being jealous as Sam hires Kyle to help with her ghostly tasks without even bringing him into the fold.
A Ghost-Driven Backstory and an Awkward Kiss
Jay checks Kyle’s background and the first thing he comes across is a misdemeanor of breaking and entering that appeared in his record. However, Kyle defends himself by saying it wasn’t the crime it was made out to be. The ghost he had been helping had been unable to deliver a locket to its family of little importance without Kyle, in the act, getting jail time of six months.
Although Kyle wanted to do something good, his energy betrays him and acts the same way when he misinterprets Sam’s situation, not for the first time, but for the second time. In a very one-sided rom-com moment, Kyle leans in for a kiss. Sam is taken by surprise; however, the outcome is nothing good. This embarrassing moment provokes his exit from Woodstone at the end of the episode.
But who can blame Sam for not seeing it coming when one moment she was in the room with the funniest people ever and the next, she got into a fight with one of the co-stars?
Interview: Ben Feldman’s Journey with Ghosts
During a post-episode interview, Feldman disclosed that he hadn’t been a Ghosts fan before joining the show’s cast. But eventually, as he got on set in Montreal, he quickly fell in love with the show.
“I knew a lot of people who’d worked on the show and said it was amazing,” Feldman shared. “Now I know why. This cast is special.”
Fieldman was respectful of the actors he was playing with especially Richie Moriarty (Pete), as he considered him to be the funniest man he has ever worked with. Besides, he mentioned that he was well-acquainted with members of the team from his Superstore days including Utkarsh Ambudkar and show writers.
What Qualities Make Kyle Stand Out?
The actor said that he was touched by Kyle’s emotional depth. “He’s not just quirky,” he said. “There’s a deep sadness in having to live with this secret gift. He’s tired, isolated, and desperately wants connection.”
For this reason, Kyle is drawn to Sam. She is the other of its kind that he has ever encountered who perfectly understands the hardships of having invisible flatmates all the time.
Can He Find His Way Back to Woodstone?
Darren Feldman would not have any hesitation in coming back had he been called after the exit of Kyle, and according to him, he is not sure Kyle is really gone either.
“There’s a lack of shame to Kyle,” he expressed. “He was just turned down and in the next breath asked for money. In my opinion, that represents his courage to come again.”
And it turns out that the audience is in agreement. The online platforms were filled with suggestions for Kyle’s comeback, and some fans even offered ideas about spinoffs.
Ben Feldman in his short but very interesting role in Ghosts has brought a very energetic touch to the series in its fourth season. This would be in line with the overall style of the sitcom as it continued to grow, and the return of Kyle might happen —kiss and all.
It may be the end of Kyle for the moment, however, his not so earthly memory at Woodstone could be continued perpetually.
