BobH

Chapter 32 - The Ballad of Donkey Doug Season 3, Episode 6 October 25, 2018 The Soul Squad phase of the series begins. As usual, I expected it to be the status quo for much longer than it ended up being. You'd think I'd have picked up on the pattern by this point, right? I always like Janet reacting to situations where she doesn't have her powers, this time by manually doing her own "bings". The storyline with Chidi using a simulator to figure out how to break up with Simone had some funny stuff playing off standard sitcom/rom-com concepts in novel ways. The highlight was definitely Kirby Howell-Baptiste playing Eleanor impersonating Janet impersonating a simulation of Simone, especially after it pays off in a similar gag a few episodes down the line. This show does love people impersonating other people. The Donkey Doug story of the title is quite a change of pace for the show, as we get our extended look at Jacksonville and the environment that created someone like Jason. Not entirely sure it worked, but there was a lot of funny along the way. I think my favourite bit was when they slipped into a Shark Tank pitch for their energy drink body spray. Podcast this time is Marc Evan Jackson (he plays Shawn) talking with Manny Jacinto, Mitch Narito (he plays Donkey Doug), and writer Matt Murray.

Chapter 31 - Jeremy Bearimy Season 3, Episode 5 October 18, 2018 This episode is definitely the high point of the season to date, although it would get eclipsed soon enough. Loved Michael attempting one final big lie to cover what the humans saw before Janet convinces him to confess everything. The whole "Jeremy Bearimy" timeline explanation and Chidi's reaction to the dot on the "i" is a series highlight. His whole breakdown sequence, from the encounter with the drug dealer to the shopping trip to the classroom and rescue by Eleanor is great. "You put the peeps in the chili pot and you add the M&Ms". My stomach hurts just thinking of that... Hm, Michael and Janet writing a manifesto. Wonder if that will wind up being important later? "Why not try? It's better than not trying, right?" Podcast for this episode is Marc talking with D’Arcy Carden, writer Megan Amram, and editor Eric Kissack. Sorry holidays got in the way more than I expected. Hope to still finish up by the next new episode, but comments will be abbreviated and I won't have time to re-listen to the podcasts. Guess that'll have to wait for the post-finale rewatch...

Chapter 30 - The Snowplow Season 3, Episode 4 October 11, 2018 Interesting episode, where they have to pack a lot in to get to the next phase of the story, so using a few montage bits to move it along. "Everything here is in a... I don't know how to describe it. Like, a different zone of time. No, that sounds stupid. A different clock land." And we finally meet Larry Hemsworth, the "non-famous Hemsworth brother" Tahani mentioned back in Season Two. He was a lot of fun, with his unearned lack of confidence. "Stupid Larry! Stop talking about rocks!". Jason had the best line for him, though, with "did Miley Cyrus write the song Wrecking Ball about Chris's brother Liam?". Loved Eleanor's breakdown over the study being over, and then Simone's talking her down. And that ending with them walking in on Michael and Janet and the door to the afterlife, that's a cliffhanger. Podcast for this episode is Marc talking with production designer Ian Phillips and director Beth McCarthy-Miller.

Chapter 29 - The Brainy Bunch Season 3, Episode 3 October 4, 2018 Man, over-eager friendly Trever is even worse than evil Trevor. I could have happily gone the rest of my life without knowing the expression "dank memes". Jason trying to get super-powers from a irradiated spider. Michael and Trevor both not getting how to do the "Dick Tracy called..." thing is great. An American writers room idea of what an American-themed restaurant in Australia would be like. That "Manifest Destiny package" is a steal at $30. Janet dealing with not having her powers cracks me up. "I will go physically pick those up, I guess, and then walk them back here with my feet." Sad to say I also wonder if we'll get a new SPACEBALLS with all these new STAR WARS movies... Great confrontation with the Judge on the bridge. Did not see Trevor being casually tossed off like that coming. "I mean, because of you, Byron Allen owns the Weather Channel now." "Is that bad?" "I don't know, but it's weird, man." Podcast this time is Marc Evan Jackson in conversation with Kirby Howell-Baptiste (she plays Simone) and writer Dan Schofield. Talk of casting, watching incomplete versions of the episodes before the effects are done and more.

It was an on-going story point in the last few episodes of THE GOOD WIFE, coming to a head in the series finale where it's used to cast doubt on Kurt's testimony. That leads to Diane slapping Alicia near the end (really there to echo Alicia slapping Peter in the series premiere). The affair comes up again in the second season of THE GOOD FIGHT.

Chapters 27/28 - Everything Is Bonzer! Season 3, Episodes 1/2 September 27, 2018 Double episode with a lot of ground to cover for the season premiere. Loved the doorman. "I haven't heard a joke in 8000 years. I still haven't." A whole lot of information is presented efficiently in Michael's rescues, the humans making temporary progress, backsliding and then Michael coming in again to give them a nudge towards coming together. Shawn must have really hated his time in a cocoon while playing a judge for it to become his go to punishment for his minions. Loved the scene of Eleanor setting up Simone and Chidi in the MRI room. It was good to see the gang apart and interacting with others, but better to have them together again by the end of this. But here comes Trevor... Podcast changes this time, with the first episode done in real-time for release on the day the episode is aired. This time Marc talks with Jameela Jamil and writer Jen Statsky. It's also available in video form (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpH2oUCXeC4). Talk about when the decision to return to Earth was made and general nonsense.

Chapter 26 - Somewhere Else Season 2, Episode 13 February 1, 2018 It was good to have a few minutes at the top of the episodes with the characters we've come to know interacting and advancing their relationships before the inevitable snap brought them back to square one. God, Eleanor's Earth friends really are the worst. "I came to apologize. There. I did it. I apologized." "No, you didn't." "Yes, I did, assface." "Taylor Splift, the Taylor Swift reggae cover band." Michael as a bartender just feels right, somehow... A nice low-key ending which would have worked as a series closer if they didn't get the pick-up for two more. Podcast is Marc Evan Jackson hosting the return of creator Michael Schur for his now traditional season finale interview. As usual wide ranging topics like getting Ted Danson back behind the bar and Kristen Bell carrying the episode. Plus an epic dubbed swearing streak.

To break up the hiatus, bonus podcast episode with Marc sitting down with some of the writers (Jen Statsky, Joe Mande, Dan Schofield and Lizzy Pace).

Chapter 25 - The Burrito Season 2, Episode 12 January 25, 2018 The humans come out of the other end of the portal from the previous episode into the Judge's chambers, with some initial confusion over the role of the titular burrito. I liked the reveal of the actual Judge sneaking up behind them. Have to admit, I'm not always sure that the Judge character always works for me, between the pop culture references and Maya Rudolph's sometimes bizarre acting choices. Really varies depending on my mood when I'm watching. Catching up with Michael being interrogated by Shawn and Bad Janet. Michael's "In the words of one of my actual friends... Ya basic. It's a human insult. It's devastating. You're devastated right now." is a great callback. Some of the names on the rooms that Tahani passed by are a nice reflection of her name-dropping. The reveal that Janet had been imitating Bad Janet was surprising at the time, but kind of obvious in retrospect, which is always a sign of good writing. And Michael and Janet arrive as the cavalry at the last minute. On the podcast front, Kristen Bell returns for a solo interview with host Marc Evan Jackson, with a lot about working with Maya Rudolph and William Jackson Harper and other topics.

Chapter 24 - Rhonda, Diana, Jake, and Trent Season 2, Episode 11 January 18, 2018 This is probably my favourite episode of the season, although it's a real close call, especially with this whole stretch of five episodes after the hiatus. Bodes well for the series ending final stretch after a similar hiatus. "I'm telling you, Molotov cocktails work. Any time I had a problem, and I threw a Molotov cocktail, Boom! Right away, I had a different problem." Tahani's fake American accent and name-dropping in Hell is a delight. Close behind is Janet trying to imitate Bad Janet. I've always thought that Chidi's demon doppelganger Trent would figure into things eventually, but we're getting down to the wire on that particular Chekov's gun being fired. We got several definitive Shawn lines in this one, including "I took the form of a 45-year-old white man for a reason. I can only fail up." Man, that scene where Michael sacrifices himself and pushes Eleanor through the portal, just sublime, and coming after a chase scene instigated by a character throwing a Molotov cocktail, amazing what this show can do. I know the Emmys are a bit of a joke, but nominating Ted Danson for this year was one they got right. Podcast this time is the naughty bitch himself talking with director of photography David Miller and set decorator Kim Wannop on all manners of topics in the behind the scenes production of the show.

Chapter 23 - Best Self Season 2, Episode 10 January 11, 2018 Unusual episode in that, except for a brief appearance by Bad Janet, only the main six characters in the show appear. "Top of the balloon. Ultimate shotgun." It's common for my opinion of episodes of this show to only improve in retrospect, after seeing what they were laying the groundwork for, and that's more true of this episode than most. Now that we've seen some highlights from reboot 119, Michael's description of them is even more effective. Plus random lines like "You know the sound that a fork makes in the garbage disposal?" just come back in the most recent episode. "I mean, look at us. A self-obsessed socialite, a ridiculous giraffe, an absurd British aristocrat, a narcissistic attention seeker." "Are these all me?" "Yes. I was gonna do eight for you, and one for everyone else." Loved the human starter kit, the dance montage, and then the taking down of the neighbourhood. "The real Bad Place was the friends we made along the way." Podcast this time around is Marc talking with Manny Jacinto, writer Tyler Straessle and Tom Zawacki of the props department. Talk of the overwhelming experience of the Comicon panel for the show and a lot of the background details and jokes that the prop department works on.

Chapter 22 - Leap to Faith Season 2, Episode 9 January 4, 2018 Shawn and Michael pick up where the previous episode left off, and I'll admit the first time I saw it I thought that they really were going to have Michael flip back to evil. I guess I'm just gullible that way... Janet drunk on "mag-e-nets" is enjoyable, especially with the payoff later in the episode. This had what is probably my favourite Tahani name drop: "Sure, Ben Affleck told me he'd matured as an artist after he directed Argo, but then, right on schedule, it was, 'Guess what, Tahani, I'm gonna be Batman'." Also my favourite fake(?) britishism: "... has flipped on us like a ten-stone griddle chip. It's a large pancake. Come on, people, you can get these from context." The comedy roast was invented in the Bad Place? That checks out. Drunk Janet at the party. "Something something Vicky something something. Can I braid your hair?" "Normally I would love hearing a man tell a woman she's crazy". You can tell how much the writers like scripting for the demons. "Maximum Derek" Podcast episode is Marc interviewing Ted Danson and editor Eric Kissack. Ted's calling in from vacation and sounds really mellow and relaxed. A lot of detail on the post-production side of things.

The Good Place Chapter 21 - Derek Season 2, Episode 8 November 2, 2017 And continuing straight from the last episode with the introduction of Derek. A very different type of comedy for the show. Tahani and Jason were pretty fun out on the picnic Michael set up to get them out of the way. "The Jag-u-ars are very good" "Girl, you are a messy bench who loves drama and I am into it" (high five) And after everything is settled, in comes Shawn... Speaking of, podcast is Marc Evan Jackson in conversation with Jason Mantzoukas (he plays Derek) and Jeff Rosenberg (he plays second assistant director). Talk of improv and creating Derek's character (including translating lines into other languages and back to English). Lots of details on the ins and outs of Jeff's job in coordinating production.

The Good Place Chapter 20 - Janet and Michael Season 2, Episode 7 October 26, 2017 Janet's turn in the spotlight this time, starting with a flashback to Michael stealing her from the Janet Warehouse and showing what happens when a Bad Janet tries to imitate a Good Janet. Great job by D'Arcy Carden and Ted Danson carrying this episode, where everyone else just has a short scene. A very touching climax to the episode when Michael finally confronts his feelings. "The reason is friends" might very well be the pivotal moment in Michael's story arc, if not the whole series. And, of course, the introduction of Derek in the final scene to set up the next episode. The character can be a bit (intentionally) annoying, but I enjoy him. Podcast this time is Marc Evan Jackson (he plays Kevin on BROOKLYN NINE-NINE) talking with D'Arcy Carden and director Dean Holland, with some discussion about the technical details on some of the visuals of this episode, like the Janet Warehouse and Janet spewing pennies.

Chapter 19 - The Trolley Problem Season 2, Episode 6 October 19, 2017 One of the more explicitly philosophy and ethics focused episodes of the show. "My name is Kierkegaard and my writing is impeccable, check out my teleological suspension of the ethical." I liked Michael's analysis of Les Miserables. The physical manifestation of the trolley problem was pretty intense, and I loved the little gleam of pleasure you could see Michael was taking in it before it's revealed he was torturing Chidi. Eleanor's confrontation with Michael was fun, especially how she kept wavering on how much she shared his enjoyment. "I can't high five that, no matter how badly I want to". The subplot of Janet starting to glitch because of the Tahani/Jason relationship had some interesting moments. "What has one thumb and wants to keep going? This not a lady." And of course Eleanor's reaction to the endless shrimp machine. Podcast is Jackson talking with William Jackson Harper and Dr. Todd May, a philosophical adviser for the show, with a wide-ranging conversation about ethics, philosophy raps and blood cannons.

Chapter 18 - Existential Crisis Season 2, Episode 5 October 12, 2017 First episode of the new status quo, the humans aware they're in a fake Good Place and working with Michael and Janet to keep it secret. Like most status quos on this show, it doesn't last nearly as long as I expected it to. On the one hand I like the dense storytelling, on the other hand I think would have happily watched another dozen episodes set in this part of the story. Vicky and her lackeys bragging about their torture plans is great. Plus Vicky's "from now on make all your memos one page, max, with pictures". Michael's breakdown was well done, and all the little things in his "mid-life crisis" (like the tattoo which is Chinese for Japan) cracked me up. Eleanor's breakdown over the family of toothbrushes is almost the perfect distillation of the show's mix of heart and silliness. Podcast this time has M. (he plays S.) talking with writer Andrew Law and actor Marques Ray (demon Quinston Timeclock) about the episode, including the actual animals brought in for the party scene.

Chapter 17 - Team Cockroach Season 2, Episode 4 October 5, 2017 After several technically quite tricky episodes, we almost get a bottle episode, set mostly in Eleanor's house, except for the Tahani death flashback and the scene in the town square. Very few special effects shots, too, except for Michael's floating computer screen. It's very much a plot and character heavy episode. Loved Eleanor realizing just how disgusting the "lazy river of chowder" is. Never caught Jason's line about "a gun range in a Jacksonville bus station" when talking about his trust of bowties before. DUUUUVAL! "I just have twelve more Jaguars question..." This is really well done, seeing how everyone eventually gets convinced to go along with Michael's new plan. Vicky finally gets her spotlight in the final version of the neighbourhood. Podcast episode for this chapter is Shawn (he's played by Marc Evan Jackson) talking with writers' assistant Lizzy Pace, editor Matt Freund and composer David Schwartz. Lots of behind the scenes talk on the technical work that goes into various stages of show production.

Chapter 16 - Dance Dance Resolution Season 2, Episode 3 September 28, 2017 And the hits just keep coming, with yet another complex story that only works if you get the best from everyone involved. The first half of this episode flashes through the highlights of 799 neighbourhoods and over 300 years. You have to admire the amount of work they did for some gags were on screen for less than ten seconds (or, as we'll see, didn't make the screen at all). I liked the bit where you see Michael and Bambadjan celebrating as Eleanor calls Tahani a "mean giraffe", giving them fuel for the chaos sequence. The kind of behind the scenes at the torture they couldn't show in season one. And of course the actual mean giraffes... "A three-hour spoken word jazz opera". Loved Janet at the drums and Vicky's reaction to not getting to play her triangle. The scene with Janet pleading when Michael reboots her, followed by the later montage of reboots, is an all-time series highlight. Montage of Eleanor soulmates, including Tahani, Glenn and a dog, is great. Followed by the montage of Elanor realizations, then Eleanor declarations. Never knew montages could work so well. "Jason figured it out? Jason? This is a real low point. Yeah, this one hurts". That was a perfect place to end the highlights reel and move to the final neighbourhood. Seriously, how was all that just eight minutes? Vicky blackmailing Michael, and her australian accent, she's about as far from "real Eleanor" as you can get now. That clam chowder fountain has to be one of the most disgusting things ever on TV. Maribeth Monroe does a great job of selling that Mindy's had over 300 years of this, without ever getting her cocaine. Wonder what that's like in the edited version. Jason's stories of life in Jacksonville are always just so weird and sad. And how he still thinks he's in the Good Place even after Michael tells him the truth. Podcast episode is Marc Evan Jackson (he plays Shawn) talking with Jameela Jamil (she plays Tahani) and writer Megan Amram (she plays the violin player next season). Talk of shooting all the reboots, some of the unused ones (including one where Jason is a mime, in full makeup, and something about a chainsaw and a dog), Megan working her aversion to clam chowder into the script, and talk of all the puns in the show, especially on the restaurant names.

Chapter 14/15 - Everything Is Great! Season 2, Episode 1/2 September 20, 2017 And eight long months later... Season opens with a double sized episode actually structured as one, as opposed to the doubling up of two distinct episodes done in the first season launch and finale. It's a tough ask to follow up on one of the best episodes of television ever, but this does a pretty good job. It's a virtuoso level of storytelling, following each of the cast from the moment of their reboot into the fake Good Place, with the intersecting storylines each advancing the overall story slightly more. Seeing the new tortures that Michael designed for each of the four is fun, and helps to reframe everything he did in the first season. The new torture for Chidi, being forced to choose between two soulmates and then having the choice yanked from him just as he was about to decide, really works well. And Tahani's dealing with her new soulmate, short and non-materialistic, was funny. Cargo pants and crocs, same as Glenn. That should have given it away right there. The Vicky storyline is really entertaining, and like many things on this show ended up being a lot more important to later plot developments than you might think on first viewing. Loved her giving her character a limp. And the final confrontation leading to the reboot is a nice abbreviated callback to the previous episode. Michael reaching into Janet's throat is a good example of the way they sometimes take advantage of the impossible visuals the setting allows in casual ways. The podcast has Marc Evan Jackson with episode writers Jen Statsky and Joe Mande and director Trent O’Donnell. Lots of talk about how the episode structure worked and the decisions about how long they could keep the characters in the dark. But most important, the origin of "Ya Basic".

Chapter 13 - Michael's Gambit Season 1, Episode 13 January 19, 2017 And this is what it all builds up to. Not to be hyperbolic, but I think this might be a contender for my favourite episode of any TV show anywhere. Unless they really pull off something amazing for the series finale next month to bump it to number two. I wonder how many people who watch the series now get to come in cold enough to really feel the revelation? I still try to be circumspect in recommending the series outside of places where spoilers are warned and expected, but I'd have to think that something is going to seep in to most people before they watch it (even that fact that there is a revelation is almost too much to know). I'm probably going to watch the last season of GAME OF THRONES in the next month, and I haven't been able to avoid major spoilers about that (advantage there, I go in expecting to be disappointed, so anything I like is a bonus). TGP isn't quite in the cultural zeitgeist like GoT, but I've seen enough "THIS is The Bad Place" memes to know it's not unavoidable. Anyway, open with a flashback to Michael getting his promotion, with just enough to maintain the ruse for the viewer that he's from The Good Place while still planting some seeds of doubt with the drab 1961 office set. It's hard to pick out scenes to highlight in this one since it's such an intricately constructed watch, with so many iconic moments that recast everything we've seen before and inform everything we've seen since. The two minutes between when Eleanor has her revelation and she reveals it to the others (and the viewers) is just delicious. The Bambadjan interruption in the middle of it ("Michael! I just found an obscure precedent in the rules that might just save everyone." "Buzz off, Bambadjan! Don't need it.") is just so wonderfully done when you look at it in retrospect, especially Michael's reaction. I can still remember the first time I watched it being faked out and thinking that "obscure precedent" was going to be the big reveal of the episode. From there on it's just non-stop. Michael's laugh and confession, Vicky's reaction to losing her big scene, Tahani realizing why she's there, Chidi's (first) almond milk confession, "Ya Basic" and the first reset, the small differences in the reset neighbourhood and of course the note. How is this all in a 22-minute episode? Jeremy Bearimy? And of course one advantage people watching it now have is that they don't have to wait 244 days for the next chapter. Although I also wonder if that's an advantage. I probably watched this at least ten times in those 244 days, and it got better with every viewing. I'm not sure if I'd have the patience to wait even for the Fremulon logo to finish before going on to the next chapter if it was available. Podcast episode is, of course, Marc Evan Jackson (he plays Shawn) talking to creator, writer and director Michael Schur for a full hour and still only scratching the surface of this episode. If you only listen to one episode of the podcast, this is it (again, until the series finale podcast which may eclipse it).

Chapter 12 - Mindy St. Claire Season 1, Episode 12 January 19, 2017 We get to see the previously described death of Eleanor, right down to the Lonely Gal margarita mix and Celebrity Baby Plastic Surgery Disasters magazine (right next to a magazine with Tahani on the cover). Shawn playing the judge and Bad Janet are a formidable team. "I rule the fart inadmissible as evidence." And then we meet Mindy in the medium place. A little while ago my DVR picked up some repeats on a free preview of the Family Channel. I watched part of this one, and it was weird to see Mindy's lift story carefully edited to remove any mention of cocaine. I wonder if that's also the version of this show they get in The Medium Place... Man, that screen of Eleanor's biggest point drops is some fun reading for the freeze framers. Bad Janet in walkie talkie mode always cracks me up. Jason sure does find a lot of reasons to use Molotov cocktails. Janet's "ride or die protocol" is adorable. And everything is finally set up for the big season finale. Podcast this time is Marc talking with Mindy herself, Maribeth Monroe visual effects supervisor David Niednagel. Lots of talk about how they get those effects done on a TV timeline and budget.

Chapter 11 - What's My Motivation Season 1, Episode 11 January 12, 2017 I really do love "real Eleanor" and Chidi's egg scene. "I love you too, egg". Jason and Pillboi and finally finding out how Jason died. "We'll just get married and then no one can testify against us". Michael finds out about Jason. Well, pretends to find out about Jason. Now there are no more secrets, none at all... And the existence of a "Medium Place" is confirmed. And finally, enter Shawn. Speaking of Shawn, podcast this time is Marc (he plays Shawn) talking with episode writer Andrew Law and costume designer Kirston Mann. Talk of Michael's iconic feature bowtie, the inspirations for Janet and Bad Janet's looks, Eleanor's Good Place look vs. her Arizona look and creating the chaos sequence zig-zag outfits.

Chapter 10 - Chidi's Choice Season 1, Episode 10 January 5, 2017 That was a rough two month wait... Man, Tahani is harsh when confronting Jason. But not inaccurate. Eleanor when she thinks "real Eleanor" is coming on to her "well, hooking up with someone with the exact same name is kind of a fun narcissistic fantasy" Young Chidi filibustering recess is a classic bit. And his death scene is surprising. I like the quick switching of who may or may not be soulmates with whom. Sort of taking classic sitcom plot complications but accelerating them and treating them in a more sophisticated manner. "Deirdre and Margaret", ran for 16 years, they did nearly 30 episodes. It feels more like the show now that we finally have Tahani in the loop on all of the secrets. Yep, that's right, no more secrets to be revealed... Oh, man, so much to love in the Jason/Janet wedding. Jason's ripping off his tuxedo sleeves, Eleanor's reactions, the wedding vows, Janet not able to eat the wedding cake (both a callback and setting up an important future bit). Chidi's reaction at the end when he finally decided to make a choice and sees that events have completely changed around him while he was deciding. Podcast this time is MEJ interviewing William Jackson Harper and episode writer Demi Adejuyigbe. I liked the bit talking about what props they'd like to take from the show, with William having a pair of Chidi's loafers (which he makes clear he asked if he could take)

Chapter 9 - ...Someone Like Me as a Member Season 1, Episode 9 November 3, 2016 The show really moves into high gear with this episode. Loved Trevor and the Bad Place crew, and Vicky playing "Real Eleanor" is so perfect that I kind of find it hard to believe that the Vicky we come to know in later seasons could have pulled it off. There's something very odd about Kristen Bell playing high school Eleanor. That was a great little flashback sequence about her refusal to join groups. Payoff to all the weird little things in Eleanor's house being exactly what real Eleanor liked, and the hidden switch for the stairs. First Bad Janet, in a short but memorable bit. I especially like Tahani and Michael's exchange "What is even the purpose of a Janet who behaves in such a manner?" "Unclear." Man, that dinner is, intentionally, torture. Bad Place crew party is off the hook. Nixon Tapes karaoke. I remember thinking at the time that Michael getting into "Who Let The Dogs Out" was a bit out of character, but I guess it was just him letting the mask slip a bit. Michael making his stand against Trevor is a great scene, even knowing it's staged. And of course Tahani finally figures out Jason's secret, which was a painful way to go into a two-month hiatus. Fortunately no one in the future will have to experience that torture. Podcast this time is Marc in conversation with Tiya Sircar (Real Eleanor/Vicky) and writer Jen Statsky. Tiya talks about her original audition for the Tahani role, playing "Real Eleanor" without knowing the twist and filming the later Vicky reveal, and Vicky-as-Trump in later seasons. Lots of discussion about how the writing process on the show works.

Chapter 8 - Most Improved Player Season 1, Episode 8 October 27, 2016 Rebooting Janet and the cactus gag is hilarious, especially as the number and variety of cacti in Michael's office explodes. The list of things that get you sent to the Bad Place is interesting. "Did you ever reheat fish in an office microwave?" I love the cube detecting a lie when Michael says Tahani's been a big help. The questioning of Jason takes on a whole other level when you learn Michael's secret. Adam Scott is great as Trevor, just annoying in so many ways. Chidi being decisive is a great moment. And the revelation of the "real Eleanor" at the end is one of the best cliffhangers the show has had. Podcast for this chapter is Marc Evan Jackson talking with Ted Danson and writer Dan Schofield. It runs pretty far afield of the actual episode, and Ted is very clearly as nice a guy as everyone has been saying he is for the last seven episodes.