The Good Place: Series Overview

This week's review is a mostly-spoiler-free recap of The Good Place -- the entire series. (All four seasons are currently on Netflix right now.)

Eleanor Shellstrop is dead, and is introduced into the Good Place. She's given a soul mate, a place to live for eternity, and anything she could possibly want. However, there's one small problem. Eleanor knows she's a terrible person, so she wonders how she could qualify for heaven. She learns early on that another woman named Eleanor Shellstrop -- same exact name -- died the exact same time as she did, only the other Eleanor got sent to the Bad Place.

So, Eleanor is a mess. She wants to stay in the Good Place, but she also knows the other Eleanor deserves her spot. She tries to hide the truth from Michael the caretaker, while at the same time trying to become a better person with lessons from her soulmate, who also happens to be a philosopher.

As the story continues, it surprises with believable continuations, a compelling over-arching plot through four entire seasons, and a very satisfying conclusion. Angels, demons, a magic robot, dead people everywhere, the Good Place, the Bad Place, and even a Middle Place make for a hilarious and intelligent heavenly comedy. It also comes with a heavy dose of philosophy (real philosophy -- but watered down) that makes you think while Eleanor totally breaks every philosophical concept.

The writing is tight, the music is hilarious, and the shots are all gorgeous. But what makes it all work are the six main characters.

Eleanor Shellstrop -- as I mentioned before is trying to stay in heaven. Sometimes she's known as Fake Eleanor.

Chidi Anagonye -- Eleanor's soulmate. He is a philosopher who studied how to be a good person his entire life. However, he is notorious for not knowing how to make decisions -- lest he make a bad one. He really wants to help Eleanor, but sometimes he thinks that she is just a terrible person beyond anyone's help.

Jason Mendoza -- a monk who has taken a vow of silence. Small spoiler near the beginning -- he's really in the same boat as Eleanor -- another case of mistaken identity -- he's not a monk, but really someone who loves video games, music, and crazy living. Possibly my favorite character of the whole series (most like me).

Tahani Al-Jamil -- a rich benefactor -- nearly perfect, and Jason's soulmate. You can imagine what happens when she learns who Jason really is. And she has her own baggage -- a family on Earth who never appreciated her.

Janet -- a magic robot thingy -- "I'm not a girl" -- she can conjure up whatever anyone desires. She can also answer any questions, such as what Mr. so-and-so is currently doing on Earth. There's also a Bad Janet -- same actress -- pretty funny stuff.

And last, but not least, Michael, the Caretaker. This is his first assignment, and his biggest desire is for it not to fall apart. He must often answer to his superior, but when things start going wrong, he starts worrying, and he tries to fix things before his superior comes to visit.

Lastly, I should mention that this shows currently earns an 8.1 on imdb.com. I believe it should be higher -- I think a lot of the more intelligent material and dialogue goes over a lot of heads, but there is plenty of Good Stuff for everyone. Michael Schur did an awesome job with this series. Some individual episodes are rated 9.5 or higher -- in particular the season finales.

I'm sad it came to an end, but the overall story is a good length, and well executed. So, give it a try, and enjoy it.