Platform: Netflix
Episodes: 13
Runtime: 22 min
Cast: Kristen Bell (Eleanor Shellstrop), William Jackson Harper (Chidi Anagonye), Jameela Jamil (Tahani Al-Jamil), D’Arcy Carden (Janet), Manny Jacinto (Jason Mendoza), Ted Danson (Michael)
Rating: 4.3/5
Okay so I kind of read about The Good Place before so I knew about the big twist for Season 1. But the show is rather high concept (and the premise changes every season) so I wasn’t entirely certain what I’d be in for – just that there were some breakout characters. Also the crazy half-naked guy on the Netflix poster totally did not behave like a crazy half-naked guy in the show (uh, spoiler I guess?) so that also added to the mystique and charm. In any case, I started on The Good Place at a staycation with a good friend and now I’m continuing the series proper.
The Good Place is a comedy that revolves around four deceased humans who find themselves in paradise. They are watched over by a supernatural being and an omniscient assistant. However, they soon find there’s more than meets the eye in this Good Place that they’ve been assigned to.
I’m not a music person so this is strange coming form me, but the opening theme is so hilariously corny and saccharine that after the first few episode, I felt that it really captured spirit of the show. It’s short, and I guess you could YouTube it to see what I mean. But it’s probably one of the best opening themes I’ve heard in a while, because it really sets me in the mood for some The Good Place shenanigans.
I also like how the show is laden with hidden jokes and snide references everywhere. And it starts with the first episode, where all the positive and negative actions (plus their values) are laid out in a sort of Easter Egg fashion, just daring you to pause the show to read them all. I’m sure I’m not the only person to have done that. It’s this attention to detail that truly enhances the hilarity of The Good Place.
While Eleanor is a strong character and fun to watch, since she’s pro-active and bitchy at the same time, it’s Jason/Jianyu that kind of steals the show. Okay he’s so passive and stupid that he can’t really steal the show himself, but it’s his adorably dumb reactions that make him fun to watch. I remember writing a dumb character for my show last time, and what made her so endearing was her perpetual good mood and optimism. Jason has that in spades, and it’s what makes give a potentially dark comedy such balance.
Since, um, this is a show about morality and the afterlife, there’s bound to be some dark humour. There’d be many missed opportunities if there wasn’t right? But because of the treatment of the show (and subject matter), these jokes manage to fit in the show without being too depressing. And this expands the range of humour in the show itself.
Tahani and Chidi are a little bit lackluster in the show though, since one is the straight guy and the other is meant to be narcissistically obnoxious. I can see the purpose they fulfill, but they aren’t all that likeable (and hence, I don’t really want to watch their scenes). I mean they’re okay when they interact with others, but when the spotlight is on either one, I tune out.
I have to say I absolutely adore The Good Place and wish I’d stumbled upon it earlier. Now that I have, I think it’s brilliant (despite Tahini and Chidi) and I’m going to finish the rest of the series. Best accidental discovery of 2020 (yeah I took over a month to pick this up)!
The Good Place Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix.
This is an original article on marcusgohmarcusgoh.com
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I’m an independent scriptwriter who’s written for popular shows like Lion Mums, Crimewatch, Police & Thief, and Incredible Tales. I’m also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find me on social media as Optimarcus and on my site.
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