Replacing Michael, New architect Eleanor Shellstrop struggles at managing the neighbourhood that introduces four new subjects all under her supervision for an experiment. The group finds it difficult to manage the new residents when they begin to show their true colours. Janet reveals some upsetting news for Jason.
Season 4 starts very smoothly as it wastes no time establishing the emotional consequences from Chidi's memory wipe; while Chidi obsesses over his books and reading lights, Eleanor's expressions in close-ups reveal her emotional pain and loss. This season so far definitely has to be credited on how it keeps in focus to the storyline, though for a premiering episode it felt quite tedious.
The new residents (besides Simone, though we'll get to her later) weren't impressive in the slightest. Linda was obviously intended to be, though her unexpected scenes (i.e near the end of episode 1 when she started attacking other residents, including Eleanor) were more strange than comical which I'd assume the creators were going for (though later it is revealed that 'Linda' was actually an undercover actor sent from the Bad Place, which somewhat explains the random acts). Brent however atleast managed at being funny; his characterisation plays into explicit ironic behaviour as he claims he isn't 'racist' but couldn't even get "Chad" (Chidi)'s name correct. (Not to say that alone makes somebody racist, but claiming not to be something is a popular way of defence...).
That bring said though, his character is still incredibly one dimensional and plain. Maybe these residents have more to offer in future episodes, but who knows?
Simone truly captured my interest in this episode - despite her completely obnoxious behaviour, she seems so embody the thoughts of an atheist.
Here me out; she calls everyone 'figments' of her imagination, emphasizing how she doesn't believe the afterlife is real, but rather a fabrication of an alternate reality made by her subconscious mind. Essentially, she totally dismisses the reality of the afterlife, so continues to walk around in random costumes (as seen in the second episode), and label everything as 'not real'. Perhaps this theory was elaborate, but it struck me as an interesting thought while watching.
Though Simone's behaviour is actually quite amplified - as Chidi said in the second episode, she has a rather solipsistic view of the Good Place ('the view or theory that the self is all that can be known to exist') - though really, it wouldn't cost her anything to be a decent human being to others. Simone has been acting out of character so far. Even though we're technically we're seeing different versions of her (after death: present season, alive: season 3), her personality has...changed? this doesn't feel like the same character who was cheerful and upbeat, which is quite disappointing, to be honest.
The rest of the group (aka; Tahani and Jason) are starting to bore me. Sadly it seems as though their purpose so far this season has dwindled into not being that proactive as main characters. There's not even an issue with the amount of screentime they receive (it's a fair amount), but rather how they use it; how their time is used in an interesting way. Fair enough Janet and Jason had their break up, though their relationship was hardly fascinating initially for me personally to be engaged or even emotionally moved. Atleast there's subplots involving him though; less can be said for Tahani. Perhaps she'll be involved with a stimulating plot later in the season, but as of now it's difficult to comment on her as she doesn't seem to be involved much in terms of the main, or even subplot. Michael and Janet though still never fail to entertain me with their dry humour, nonetheless.
(Also, has anyone else noticed that Jason has worn the same monk outfit since season 1?! I'm not sure if this is meant to be a running gag or if it's to present the idea that (compared to everyone else) he hasn't grown, or changed as a person. He's still the same old Jason from Jacksonville).
I personally couldn't understand how and why in the premiere, everyone supported Eleanor as the architect, yet after only small errors in Eleanors plan to guide the new residents everyone was suddenly against her as leader - no one (besides Michael, much) was helping Eleanor at all; supervising four humans simultaneously does not sound like an easy job, especially for someone who had to take on the role unexpectedly. It just didn't seem reasonable to suddenly call her out on how she's doing a supposedly 'bad' job.
So far, The Good Place; Season 4 isn't delivering the quality it usually does; time passes by so quickly when watching the show normally, yet nothing much (or rather, nothing that can bring thoughtful discussion) is happening. Though truthfully, beginnings never seem to be the shows strongpoint, yet more shocking and thought-provoking stories are usually revealed later in the season, so I guess that is something to look forward to in the following weeks.
Did you enjoy the new episodes? What do/don't you like so far? What would you like to see happen later? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! I'm interested in hearing what you think.
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Edna
