Photo credit: www.tvfanatic.com
If you haven’t experienced the remarkable CBS series Ghosts, you might feel just as out of place as the spirits depicted in the show. This series is far from your typical comedy about a living person encountering ghosts; it presents an innovative take that resonates deeply with audiences.
At first glance, Ghosts may appear to follow a standard format, but it quickly reveals itself as a multifaceted narrative featuring an array of richly developed characters. These characters collectively form a nuanced depiction of existence, masterfully hidden beneath the guise of a light-hearted comedic series.
The emotional range of Ghosts is extensive, leaving viewers alternating between laughter and tears, a sentiment echoed by many fans of the show. I recently had the opportunity to engage with Asher Grodman, who portrays the character Trevor “No Pants” Lefkowitz—a former Wall Street figure whose demise was linked to a rather theatrical choice involving his trousers.
Here’s an insightful look into our discussion below!
Unique Storytelling in Ghosts
What makes Ghosts stand out in terms of its comedic style and narrative structure? What attracted you to the character of Trevor?
Reflecting on my initial reading of the pilot, I was struck by its distinctiveness. Having auditioned for pilots for over twenty years, I have encountered many scripts. Typically, a pilot concludes in a way that allows you to anticipate the direction of the series. However, in this case, I felt that the possibilities were limitless. Joe Wiseman, who penned the pilot and adapted it from the original UK version, created a foundation that stimulated my imagination. I felt a profound excitement at the humor and depth threaded throughout the narrative, offering fresh insights that are often hard to find in contemporary storytelling.
The uniqueness of the characters—often described as ‘born-yesterdays’—allows for diverse viewpoints, marrying comedy with poignant reflections on life. Trevor’s introduction in the pilot, where he recounts summer escapades from the perspective of the late ’90s, showcases both humor and the nostalgia associated with that era. The way the writing captures the spirit of that time resonated deeply with me, acting as a canvas for the show’s themes.
Pants Optional: The Challenges of Costuming
What are some of the unexpected challenges you’ve encountered while portraying a character who doesn’t wear pants?
I’ve definitely become acclimated to the fluctuating temperatures on set. An unexpected outcome of playing a pants-less part is the sense of liberation it provides. In recent projects I’ve worked on during the show’s hiatus, wearing pants has felt like a significant shift since I’ve grown accustomed to Trevor’s lack of trouser constraints. Recently, I even directed a film for Paramount, where I also played Trevor, and roaming the studio without pants became second nature. It’s amusing how much comfort can evolve over time in this role.
A Rising Star with Directing Ambitions
With two decades in the entertainment industry and a recent nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, what can fans look forward to from you next? Do you have aspirations to direct an episode of Ghosts?
I would genuinely love the opportunity to direct an episode of Ghosts. Working under the guidance of Trent O’Donnell, who has directed numerous episodes and crafted a brilliant pilot, I’ve absorbed so much valuable knowledge from him. Earlier in my career, I had the chance to direct a short film featuring Eli Wallach, and I also created a mockumentary about the NFL that received accolades at Tribeca and Cannes. The thrill of directing is something I hope to pursue further, with Ghosts being at the top of my list. I’ve developed a strong rapport with the cast, and I know what styles of directing they appreciate, making it feel like an exciting opportunity if it were to happen.
The Enduring Reference to The Cutting Edge
What’s the story behind the recurring joke about The Cutting Edge? Is it an inside joke among the cast and crew?
One of our showrunners, Joe Port, has a profound affection for that film. It’s a unique touchpoint within the show, and we like to uphold the banner for it. For me, discovering The Cutting Edge through this series has been entertaining, and such specific references enrich the characters by suggesting they possess an entire history. It’s those nuanced details that create a sense of realism and continuity for the audience.
Character Development and Surprising Plot Twists
Trevor is set for a significant reveal in an upcoming episode involving the return of an old acquaintance. Was this storyline always planned?
I can’t provide specifics about the long-term plans, but I did have a glimpse into some discussions when I participated in a writers’ room session last spring. The writers had clearly been toying with various ideas surrounding this plot point. While I didn’t know the exact details at the time, it was established that there was potential for Trevor’s backstory to resurface. Considering Trevor’s past interactions, it was always plausible for such a storyline to evolve.
Continuity Amidst Ghostly Constraints
What are your considerations for maintaining continuity while portraying a ghost character who exists in a static state?
Interestingly, during season two, we gained access to a gym nearby our filming location, and I noticed one day that my physical condition would impact how my character was portrayed. Depending on whether I’d worked out that morning, the script would humorously comment on the condition of Trevor’s legs. Additionally, unexpected injuries I encountered during filming often required makeup to maintain continuity, illustrating the unique challenges of portraying a ghost. Regardless of these hurdles, our talented wardrobe and makeup teams work diligently to keep things consistent.
Excitement for Two More Seasons
What was the reception like among the cast regarding the renewal of Ghosts for two additional seasons?
The entertainment landscape is unpredictable, especially in recent times, so hearing the news about our renewal was exhilarating. There is a comforting validation in knowing that audiences genuinely enjoy the show and are emotionally invested in the characters. The camaraderie among the cast is remarkable; the prospect of continuing to work together is something we all cherish immensely.
Overall, Asher Grodman’s enthusiasm for his role and the collaborative spirit of Ghosts is palpable. The series has successfully created a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling that resonates with viewers.
Don’t miss out on new episodes of Ghosts, airing Thursdays at 8:30 PM, with previous episodes available on-demand via Paramount+.
Source
www.tvfanatic.com