Ghosts Comedy Explores Hamilton’s Rivalry with Forgotten Revolutionary

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A recent episode of the CBS comedy “Ghosts” cleverly reimagines historical rivalries, focusing on Alexander Hamilton’s alleged feud with Isaac Higgintoot, a lesser-known figure from the American Revolution. The episode, which aired Thursday, delves into the comedic dynamics of the two characters within the show’s supernatural context.

In this episode, titled ”, Hamilton, portrayed by Nat Faxon, is accused of taking Higgintoot’s stylish ruffle. This theft leads to Higgintoot becoming the subject of ridicule during a dinner party hosted by John Jay, just before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The comedic twist invites viewers to consider a quirky re-interpretation of a well-known figure’s legacy.

Higgintoot’s long-standing grudge against Hamilton has been woven into the narrative of “Ghosts” throughout its four seasons, with producers hinting that a protracted existence as a ghost provides ample time for festering resentments. The backstory, however, only becomes clear with this episode, revealing the comedic motivations behind Higgintoot’s ghostly interactions.

In an interview with The Times, showrunners Joe Port and Joe Wiseman acknowledged the challenge of portraying Hamilton, whose modern image remains largely positive, particularly since the success of the musical “Hamilton.” “If we were going to do this story, we had to dirty him up a little bit,” Port said. Wiseman added, “Comedy comes from people making mistakes or having hubris, so rarely is perfection funny.”

The episode employs a flashback format, as Isaac tells his story to inspire fellow character Jay, who is entangled in a culinary feud. The show’s approach allows for humorous speculation on the nuances of historical events.

In casting Nat Faxon as Hamilton, the show’s creators aimed for an actor embodying both humor and relatability. The decision was validated by Faxon’s background, having participated in historical education through field trips in New England and his alma mater, Hamilton College. “For me, it was less about mimicking Hamilton and more about embodying the comedy in the moment,” Faxon reflected.

Despite the comedic nature of the episode, some depth is also presented. The character Isaac, voiced by Jones, shares that his character has strived for personal growth, pondering whether his retelling of events is entirely truthful. “I wonder if every detail he’s saying is still true,” Jones pondered.

The creators of “Ghosts” aim to challenge viewers to reconsider their own perceptions of historical events. Port explained that the thematic lesson is about not letting bitterness cloud appreciation for great things, paralleling Isaac’s initial disdain for the Declaration of Independence. “When you don’t get a job on one that you really like, it tends to fill you with bitterness,” he stated.

As the show continues to blend humor with thought-provoking themes, it encourages audiences to appreciate both the comedic and serious implications of historical narratives.