SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for the Season 5 finale of CBS’ “Ghosts,” streaming on Paramount+ as of May 22.
Is this the end for Pete? The beloved character from “Ghosts” disappeared at the conclusion of the two-part Season 5 finale, leaving both fans and actor Richie Moriarty uncertain about his fate.
Moriarty, who has portrayed the spirit of 1980s Pinecone Troopers leader and travel agent Pete Martino since the show debuted in 2021, is anxiously awaiting decisions from showrunners Joe Port and Joe Wiseman regarding his character’s future, though he is preparing for the possibility of Pete’s departure.
“They returned to the writers’ room about a week ago, and they’re working on it,” Moriarty shared with Variety. “Everyone, including the whole cast and myself, is a bit on edge. We’ve gone five seasons without losing any of the main eight ghosts. At some point, as difficult as it may be, losing someone might be necessary to keep the show’s stakes feeling real. I’m eagerly waiting for the update! Personally, I hope it’s not Pete, but we’ll see.”
In the consecutive episodes, “Up the Creek” and “Across the Pond,” Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) discover that the malevolent Ever Creek Water company has acquired a controlling stake in Woodstone, intending to demolish it to establish a data mining facility. To prevent this, the couple must secure a historic landmark status for the house. Despite numerous deaths at Woodstone, none had lived significantly historic lives—until ghost Nancy (Betsy Sodaro), a cholera victim, reveals her past as a runaway princess who fled to America.
Nancy’s necklace, located on the grounds, corroborates her story, but it’s insufficient for town historian Joe (James Austin Johnson). Nancy then discloses the existence of a painting of her as a princess wearing the necklace in the U.K.
Pete, whose ghost ability allows him brief excursions from Woodstone, offers to accompany Sam and Jay to find the painting. Sam remains in the U.S. to work on her Hollywood project, so Kyle (Ben Feldman), who can also see ghosts, joins Jay and Pete on their London journey.
However, Pete’s extended absence causes parts of his body to vanish—a condition first noted during a vacation in Season 3. Previously, he was rushed back to Woodstone in time to recover, but this time, he’s reduced to just a head as Jay and Kyle race him home. They fail to make it in time, and Pete completely disappears. What happens next remains a mystery.
This isn’t the first time “Ghosts” has explored a main character’s disappearance. In the Season 2 finale, viewers thought Flower (Sheila Carrasco) was gone, only to find she had fallen into an old well in Season 3.
Will “Ghosts” tease fans with another fake disappearance? Moriarty doubts it.
“It starts to feel cheap if overdone,” he stated. “We’ll see what they decide. This show has been an incredible ride. We’ve completed five seasons and soon will film the 100th episode in Season 6. It’s rare to have six seasons of anything in this industry. I’m deeply grateful for my time on the show.”
“Ghosts” has delved into Pete’s story extensively, and producers might feel they’ve explored his character fully. In Season 5, Pete’s ex-wife, Carol (Caroline Aaron)—who wasn’t the best partner—sacrificed herself by making a deal with Elias (Matt Walsh) to save Pete’s and Jay’s souls by taking their place in hell.
Pete’s story unfolded over five seasons, revealing his death in 1985 at Woodstone when an arrow accidentally pierced his neck. In Season 2, Pete watched his daughter Laura’s wedding at Woodstone as a ghost and saw his grandson, Pete II. In Season 3, Carol died while eating donut holes at Woodbridge; they remained cordial but separate. After sacrificing herself for Pete and Jay, Carol went to heaven.
Meanwhile, Pete’s ability to leave the estate won him Alberta’s (Danielle Pinnock) affection. They shared a kiss at the end of Season 4 and began a relationship in Season 5.
“After discovering he could leave the property, Pete became a problem-solving ghost,” Moriarty explained. “He was sent on various missions to interact with different ghosts and gather information on arising issues. This gave me a more active role in Sam and Jay’s storylines and introduced me to new guest stars. We have an amazing cast, and it’s been a joy meeting new ghosts on these missions.”
“I adore our core cast,” he added. “We’re like family, but it’s fun to play with new people too. Many mansion guests don’t interact with us, so we’re like a peanut gallery. Now, I get to meet and interact with new ghosts directly, which is super enjoyable.”
Moriarty appreciated Pete’s elevated status at the mansion due to his ghost power. He also proposed a CBS crime procedural spinoff: “It’s the coolest ghost power, allowing me to do more and meet more people. It seems perfect for a spinoff where I’m paired with Samantha or Ben Feldman’s character, solving crimes. Send Pete to Dallas to uncover who really shot JFK. He’d consult with Dallas ghosts to solve mysteries.”
He even pitched this idea to Port and Wiseman. “It feels like the right time for a comedic twist on a crime-solving procedural,” he said.
Of course, Pete would still wear the arrow around his neck. “The top comment I get is, ‘I almost didn’t recognize you without your arrow,’” Moriarty noted. “My character is one of the few instantly recognizable by silhouette. It’s interesting to be so connected to that symbol. It’s both a blessing and a curse, as people often mention the arrow wherever I go.”
