Netflixing: The Good Place, Season 2

in #tv6 years ago

It finally happened.

After a year of waiting, we finally get to catch up on The Good Place. And not a moment too soon, because the last season left us with questions.

Troubling, troubling questions.

And with a shocking twist ending that saw our the main characters' memories get erased, as they were all separated, the stakes could not be higher. The story has written itself into a corner, and the fun comes from watching how it gets itself out.

So, how did it do?

Last Time, on The Good Place...


This show is hard to talk about.

Not hard because it's ineffable, or because it defies description, or because it's taboo. The show is hard to talk about because you can't talk about it without rushing into spoiler territory.

So, though it is rare for me to do this, I am putting up the warning.


Spoilers Incoming!
If you haven't seen season 1 of The Good Place, make sure to finish it before reading on.

With that out of the way, let's get started.

At the tail end of last season, we were treated to a few important secrets of this show and it's world. For one thing, we learned of the existence of a "Medium Place", where a single soul was doomed to live out an eternity of lukewarm living.

Oh, and we also learned that Eleanor and the other characters were in the Bad Place all along.

And, in a desperate attempt to salvage his experiment in psychological torture, Michael is forcing them to relive their entire fake Good Place experience from the beginning.

But as season 2 opens, it becomes clear that Michael has underestimated his inmates once again. Even with their memories erased, the main cast always finds a way to come together, in defiance of the infernal architect.

As a new development unfolds, and Michael finds himself being blackmailed by a subordinate, he may have to rethink his entire existence. And as he begins to take part in Chidi's ethics lessons, he may just get a new handle on life.

The Humor


For all its serialized storyline, The Good Place is still very much a sitcom. And while it heads towards a definite end goal, it crams as much silliness and jokes as it can into the gaps along the way.

This naturalistic blend of comedy and drama is what gives the show its power, as it gets strung along by some of the most well developed characters on television.

And while the show tackles a lot of the absurdity that comes from mortal beings trying to grasp an eternal afterlife, it's richest humor comes from the way these people seem designed to antagonize each other (because they literally have been brought together for that purpose).

Every episode has laugh out loud moments, and because you have an emotional investment in everyone's individual story arcs, it makes the jokes land with that much more intensity.

The Characters


In season 1, we got to know Eleanor, Chidi, Tahani, and Jason. We got to witness their growth (Eleanor) or lack thereof (Jason).

And all of them still have growth moments in season 2, but the biggest development belongs to Michael.

And this makes sense, because the Michael who won all our hearts in season 1 turned out to be a lie. When he finally reveals himself as this giant jerk who's been tormenting the other characters, it's as if the original Michael died and was replaced with a new character.

But this is TV, where death is never permanent. So, as a way of resurrecting the beloved character we had in season 1, the new bad Michael needs to turn his life around. So he gets a bit more screen time here, and comes a little bit closer to becoming the main character (though he never entirely unseats Eleanor).

We also get to see a bit more of Janet, though she only has a small arc in this season. And I think her evil twin, Bad Janet, may actually be the funnier character.

My Judgment


Season 2 of The Good Place is a worthy successor to season 1. This show has something for everyone.

The writing is brilliant.

That brilliant writing is then handed off to some amazing actors.

And the direction, special effects, costumes, set pieces, and all the other elements of a show are top notch here. Netflix made a smart move to pick up the show in syndication, even if it means we get each season an entire year after it was released on network television.

I am excited for season 3, though I have no idea how they are going to pull it off. Season 2 ends in such a way that it could be the perfect finale for the series. But I have faith in the showrunners, who have delivered two knockout seasons thus far. I don't think it's too much to ask that they pull it off again.

For now, the first two season are on Netflix. And they're of such quality that I recommend you prioritize watching them above almost everything else on the platform. You'll thank me when you're done.

Previous entries in the Netflixing series:

Past Years

TV Shows

  • Arrested Development, the Pre-Netflix Era
  • Disenchantment
  • Demetri Martin: The Overthinker
  • Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Season 5
  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
  • The Joel McHale Show, with Joel McHale
  • John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid
  • The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Season 4
  • Trollhunters, Season 3
  • Aggretsuko
  • Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Season 4
  • Trollhunters
  • Round Planet
  • Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Season 3
  • A Series of Unfortunate Events, Season 2
  • Kakegurui
  • Planet Earth II
  • Fullmetal Alchemist
  • Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Season 2
  • Revolting Rhymes
  • Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Season 1
  • The Polka King
  • Little Witch Academia
  • Movies

  • Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro
  • Moonrise Kingdom
  • Mary and the Witch's Flower
  • The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
  • Coco
  • The Iron Giant
  • Jaws
  • Phantom Boy
  • The Boss Baby
  • Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
  • Strictly Ballroom
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    @talanhorne,
    Another great review and I think i will give a try to watch this series! Coz at the moment I am seeking for a good TV series to watch! Atleast not a bad one! Therefore, really appreciate your effort and thank you!

    Cheers~

    I watched the first season and i think is a different type of comedy i mean in my opinion is not the common comedy that you can watch in almost each channel so the key point is there. Regards friend

    The interesting tv series and great writing experience. it is great work
    Thanks @talanhorne
    Have a great day

    @talanhorne - Sir writing an interesting review & valuable entertaining information is a really worthy idea... I'll watch this tv program & thank you Sir...

    +W+

    Excellent writing my dear and your writing skills are like a professional writer. Thank you very much for sharing with us

    ...because the Michael who won all our hearts in season 1 turned out to be a lie.

    That’s called real life sometimes. You know someone you trust and then he turns out to be complete lie when you really need him. As they say “in tough times your real friends stick with you” or something like that. Anyway, great review and I’m glad you like Season 2 of The Good Place is, especially writing which is your thing.

    Even with their memories erased, the main cast always finds a way to come together, in defiance of the infernal architect.

    It sounds like it has always been meant to be. And you are right, this is TV where anything is possible even death being just a permanent thing.

    @talanhorne, That's brilliant summery of the The Good Place, Season 2 movie under the Netflix series. Well characters of the name called Eleanor, Chidi, Tahani, and Jaso. I think this is a better watch to movie.

    Very good at writing for this article and for quality efforts.this is interesting tv series and wonderful work.
    @talanhorne
    100% like and resteem

    Yeah writing is a brilliant. You attracted from your writing styles us. This movie very deserve to see all. Nice review there.

    Amazing Netflixing TV Series . Great experience @talanhorne

    For your post propagation.
    Upvote/Resteem

    This is really this tv story. best writing &good post .@talanhorne

    Resteem

    Awesome blog sir i am so glad to read your blogs after many days.

    Awesome blog sir i
    Am so glad to read your blogs
    After many days.

                     - christian.danny


    I'm a bot. I detect haiku.

    Seemed Michael had best act of his character. Is he main character of the The Good Place? I never seen season 01 also. Probably seemed comedy looks. But I believe that is a great movie.

    This is very interesting article and such a good netflix tv program .
    thanks for sharing.

    That's great initiative @talanhorne. This Netflix film has some attractive looks to me. There are funny and story mix up indeed.

    Congratulations @talanhorne
    Now you are in the MinnowsPower Loyalty Member List...!!!

    Exceptional review & excellent writing of Tv Series The Good Place...!!!

    100% Upvoted by @MinnowsPower

    Comedy film that is very fun that cannot be separated from moral values.

    That is cool!👌

    Hello @talanhorne,

    Extraordinary good TV Series review & incredible judgment provided at the end of it. Excellent article & nicely presented.

    ~@mywhale

    First time hear about this TV Series. Excellent review & nice article

    I fell in love with this little show on Netflix (don't have regular tv) and just finished season one . I googled when is season two and it's just around the corner! Weeeee!

    The cast looks great too time to watch that one this weekend :D

    This is valuable and interesting review with hopefully Tv series . thanks for sharing.the great writing.
    @talanhorne


    That's a awesome funny

    This show became my favourite.
    It's hilarious but also has some moral aspects to it.
    Great watch I wouuld say

    That sure is quite a great review buddy :)

    Lied it by the way

    Great and amazing article @talanhorne sir. I appreciate your work. I really love to visit your post sir. You are a great blogger!☺💚

    Wish you all the very best

    After the unexpected young death of my brother last thanksgiving, I found this show. I dunno why it helped me so much, but it did. Eleanor's story helped me in ways I don't even understand. Finding something that can make you laugh when you just want to curl into a ball and hide is a great thing.

    The review of nefix and other movie related is generally informed by here, thanks.

    Wao very wonderful tv interview,All pictures are too good,this man is so good and funny,Very impressive nature of this great man,very wonderful writting experience,Very impressive interview,Everyone like this great interview,Everyone happy to see this interview,Very good working dear,@talanhorne,Have a wonderful day,Thanks for sharing,

    The Good Place is an American fantasy-comedy television series created by Michael Schur,thanks a lot for this awesome review sir.

    Another amazing review sir we love the way you posts these articles,upvoted and resteemed.

    Far and above, the most underrated new show last year. The best new OR old comedy last year. Can't forkin wait to have it back. Really hope it finds ways to stay amazing and doesn't feel like the season 1 ending cheapened their growth.

    I'm so forking ready I shirt myself! This show rocks!

    The Good Place is wonderful series sir yet another amazing review from you sir.

    Excellent blog post sir i love your reviews a lot,have a great day sir.

    hell thats great news its really awesome when we get up a cartoon/film after waiting curiously its like gift that has been given to us i can feel the feeling you got ... also previous seasons gives us so many questions due to which we are curiously waiting for other season to get the answers and thats best feeling ...

    After a year of waiting, we finally get to catch up on The Good Place. And not a moment too soon, because the last season left us with questions.

     6 years ago  Reveal Comment