Over the summer, my mom suggested that I binge watch The Good Place. I had seen its promos and some clips before but was never really intrigued. With no other show to binge, I decided to give it a shot… and I’m so glad that I did.
Starring Kristen Bell and Ted Danson, The Good Place is about what happens to humans (both good and bad) when they die. It poses a lot of questions about morality and ethics with characters who blur the lines between good and bad. Each episode is packed with tons of laughable material but also leaves you wondering how you will be judged when your time on earth is up.
Eleanor, the somewhat protagonist played by Bell, is definitely the most compelling figure in the series. In the first episode, Eleanor can’t help but feel awkward in “the good place,” despite everyone around her being full of happiness and excitement. Then she (along with viewers) realizes something very important: she’s not the Eleanor that belongs there.
Her misplacement leads to chaos being unleashed in what is supposed to be the ideal paradise afterlife that everyone dreams about. And, although she was a horrible person on earth, Eleanor decides that if she wants to escape the torture of the bad place, her morality has to improve.
Through all the twists and turns of the show, one thing always remains constant: Eleanor attempting to fix things even though she’s a mess in herself. Because of this, I think the show’s message is to try and try again when things don’t pan out the way you hoped they would. Instead of accepting failure and giving it power as “the inevitable” in life, push for what you think is right.
The Good Place also has commentary on stereotypes in our modern society. Whether you’re the belle of the ball socialite or a wannabe b-boy like in the show, all humans are still hit with the same question when they die: where do I belong?
Overall, this NBC series forces its audience to think more about what’s beyond life. It makes you think about what you believe now, but also the different possibilities that could happen. It also pushes the back against traditional notions of good and bad and what determines the good and the bad.
If you’re looking for new binge-worthy show with a moral spin, the first season of The Good Place is on Netflix and the second season airs every Thursday on NBC. Let us know your thoughts on the show or if you have any other suggestions for us to review.
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