The second season of The Good Place continues the excellent work of the first, and it’s quite amazing to see how it manages to top itself in this second season. For me, the strong characterisation and boldness to change the status quo when the situation calls for it is what makes this season the most memorable one, what with its logical but unexpected plot twists and engaging story.
Synopsis
The Good Place follows the adventures of four deceased humans who discover that they’ve not been sent to paradise in the afterlife. Instead, they’ve been condemned to torture for the rest of their lives. Season 2 sees the humans getting their memory wiped after this revelation… again, and again, and again, as their torture begins anew after they discover they are not in paradise each time. Eventually, they discover that there should be more to the afterlife than the current system holds.
Directors: Dean Holland, Drew Goddard, Morgan Sackett, Beth McCarthy-Miller, Trent O’Donnell
Writers: Michael Schur, Joe Mande, Megan Amram, Jen Statsky, Josh Siegal, Dylan Morgan, Dan Schofield, Matt Murray, Cord Jefferson
Cast:
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Kristen Bell (Eleanor Shellstrop)
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Ted Danson (Michael)
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William Jackson Harper (Chidi Anagonye)
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Jameela Jamil (Tahani Al-Jamil)
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Manny Jacinto (Jason Mendoza)
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D’Arcy Carden (Janet)
- Maya Rudolph (Judge Gen)
Character development
I liked how they built on each character and explored their backstory, in terms of their human lives, this season. We’ve heard the characters talk about many important figures in their lives, and we finally see them in this season. No matter their intelligence levels (or lack of it thereof), there’s always something for them to learn from or benefit when reviewing their lives. And powerful stories ultimately come down to the characters that advance the plot, right? So the emphasis on character this season really pays off when we see how they react in the unfolding chaos that has resulted from their actions.
Janet’s funny and moving arc
The Janet (D’Arcy Carden) plot arc was both hilarious and touching. I mean, the whole idea of a robot with feelings isn’t new, but I like this particular rendition of it. Perhaps it’s also because Janet isn’t just The Good Place’s version of Chuck’s Intersect, but she can also kick ass. Okay except for some very glaring vulnerabilities, Janet is effectively invincible. Also, as a robot, she clearly has issues expressing her emotions and acknowledging how certain events affect her, which is… pretty much how it works with human beings as well? These were all very relatable scenarios that made Janet a lot more than an omniscient super genie.
Michael’s character development
Michael (Ted Danson) also had a touching change in character, which paid off in a plot twist towards the end of the season. It’s funny how this slowly creeped up on me, but then I guess Eleanor’s (Kristen Bell) change of heart in Season 1 also followed a gradual but imperceptible transformation. I’ve always been kind of ambivalent about Michael, mainly because I knew about the plot twist from the start of Season 1, and also because I’m not a fan of boomers. So it was surprising to see that Michael, of all the characters, had the biggest impact on me for this season.
Status quo does not have to be protected
The other thing about Season 2 is how they are totally not afraid to change the status quo. And of course, there are budgetary reasons for that – if you change the status quo (and most likely, the sets), then that’s a huge cost you have to factor in for your production. There’s also all the casting and props you may need to redo. But story wise, The Good Place is the sort of show that calls for it – the characters can’t be stuck in the same premise forever, but keeping them there would mean an artificial lengthening of the plot. So yes! This is a rare show that dares to buck its own trend.
The Judge should just sod off
But, sadly, the Judge (Maya Rudolph) is ************* irritating. I am not sure how else they could have played it, but certainly not this way. There has to be better way to portray an immortal being in a humorous way right? It doesn’t help that I don’t like Maya Rudolph as a comedian either (I mean I’m sure she’s a nice person, but the characters she plays just make me want to rip my eyes out). I don’t find her funny at all, I think she’s a smear on The Good Place, and from what I know there’s two more seasons of her coming up. Groan.
Should you watch this?
Season 2 of The Good Place actually tops the first season, thanks to the fact that it’s a character-driven season. Also, Michael and Janet! For seemingly bland immortal beings, they get a lot of good storylines. Plus, there’s the fact that story comes first in this season, rather than budgets. If not for the Judge, this could possibly have been the perfect season for the perfect show.
Score: 8.8/10
The Good Place Season 2 is available on Netflix.
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