The Good Place is back on NBC for its third season. In the season premiere Michael, played by Ted Danson with the help of Janet (D’Arcy Carden), intervenes in the near-death accidents of Eleanor (Kristen Bell), Chidi (William Jackson Harper), Tehani (Jameela Jamil) and Jason (Manny Jacinto) on Earth, in hopes that a second chance at life allows them to become better versions of themselves.
The six person ensemble cast has such wonderful chemistry and fit together so well, it is hard to imagine a better team of actors for these roles. The show continues to surprise and amaze in its one hour premiere. Its packed full of feel good moments and thought-provoking self-reflection. This episode is a testament to the writers who have continued to come up with unique story lines. Every twist is unexpected. Once you are aware in season one that the Good Place is actually The Bad Place, it’s hard to imagine how they can possibly keep the show running for more than another season. But season’s two finale proved that the writers are extremely inventive.  It’s amazing how this show is able to talk about the seriousness of ethics and morality while remaining light-hearted and funny.
The character development is some of the best on television. Although the heavenly social experiment taking place on Earth shows us that many of Elenore, Chidi, Tehani and Jason’s behaviors are expected. The biggest character developments come from Janet and Michael, as they learn what it is to be more human.
The foursome after facing death attempt to live new lives as reformed good people. We see them falling back into their typical self-centered ways and struggling with what it really means to be a good person. This touches back on a repeat theme that only together are they better. Their connections to one another is what brings out the best in them. Even though this is repeat theme on the show, they absolutely find ways to keep it feeling fresh.
This season’s premiere introduced a new character into the mix. Kirby Howell-Baptiste plays the adorably quirky Simone Garnett, a new love interest for Chidi. Although many viewers may be rooting for a Chidi and Eleanor pairing, Eleanor’s match maker tactics are heart warming and a sign that even though she looks slightly jealous at the introduction, she is trying to be a better person. Will this be a big mess later on in the season? We will find out soon enough! The demons over at The Bad Place seem pretty intent on making trouble for them! As for Tehani and Jason, in a fun twist, you see Tehani living among Buddhist Monks after her close encounter with death. Which is what Jason pretended to be in Seasons 1 and 2. Janet seems especially concerned with how Jason is doing on Earth. Will Janet and Jason be reunited at some point?
Episode Two of The Good Place will air October 04, 2018 at 8:30 PM on NBC. The second Episode titled “The Brainy Bunch” will see Michael’s grand scheme hit an unexpected snag and will force him to take drastic measures.
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