S04.E13: Whenever You're Ready

[ElectricBoogaloo]

SERIES FINALE!

Quote

Various conversations occur, between various groups of people.

Original air date: 1/30/20

Edited January 24, 2020 by ElectricBoogaloo

[Harvey]

I'm gonna miss these ultra vague episode descriptions that basically give nothing away.

[Catfi9ht]

1 hour ago, Harvey said:

I'm gonna miss these ultra vague episode descriptions that basically give nothing away.

Reminds me of Neutral Janet's descriptions on The Good Place: The Podcast intro.

[Iguana]

So in the final episode, someone will talk to someone else.  How innovative! 😉

[Siti Liza]

My take on the finale, 2 outcomes.

1) the soul squad all 4 will get their memories erase every now and then to keep it interesting for them to work on the good place like Michael suggested in episode "Patty".

Or

2) either 1 or all of them will walk through the final door because they achieved what they need to achieve during their time in the good place. Perhaps being reborn like a cycle or something.

Whatever the fan theory is. I cannot wait for the finale. Cheers to The Good Place and because of it, i picked up a few books based on philosophy and i find purpose in reading.

[Ailianna]

THe title of this episode is "Whenever You're Ready."  My answer is--I'm definitely not ready.   I can't believe it is the end.

[Affogato]

1 hour ago, Ailianna said:

THe title of this episode is "Whenever You're Ready."  My answer is--I'm definitely not ready.   I can't believe it is the end.

I came here to say the same. Not ready, yet. 

[bros402]

I am also not ready, but I am excited for whatever big project Mike Schur and his stable of people work on next. I also can't wait to see Jameela Jamil, William Jackson Harper, and Manny Jacinto in more stuff - they are all great actors!

[Minneapple]

This show is ending and that's how I know that THIS is the Bad Place!

[WAnglais1]

My favorite sitcom since PARKS & RECREATION, which was my favorite sitcom since THE OFFICE. If Mike Schur and Greg Daniels worked on another sitcom together my head would explode.

Team Cockroach FTW!

[emma675]

I'm also not ready. I found this show a few weeks ago and have binge watched like a maniac so I am now fully caught up. I went through every emotion y'all had years to go through in less than 3 weeks. This show put me through the emotional wringer and I think I may wait to watch this one for a few days. I'm not ready to cry again and I'm not ready to have this whole thing be finished. 

[Wanda]

I don’t know if I can watch this 😞

[scarynikki12]

Posting must wait until the finale has aired. The thread will be unlocked at that time.

[DB in CMH]

That was it?!? I didn't know how long it was going to run because I've never watched it live, so when it stopped at 9:40 I felt a little bit cheated! I didn't know the Seth Myer stuff was coming afterward.

That Eleanor and Chidi goodbye... Uf. Total sobbing mess here.

 

[Dots And Stripes]

Did not like them all going through the door (except Tahani, thank goodness for small miracles). 

I still reject last week's premise that the door was necessary. I still see it as eternal suicide. Eleanor feeling abandoned by Chidi wrecked me.

Michael getting to be human and Tahani's endings were the only character endings that made me happy. Also, Nick Offerman is always welcome.

Edited January 31, 2020 by Dots And Stripes

[meatball77]

I'm not crying you're crying.

That goodbye between Eleanor and Chidi 😥

[BobH]

That was pretty amazing.  Can’t recall the last time I liked a series finale that much.  So much to explore on rewatching.

unfortunately, the Canadian cable showing messed up the after show somehow.  Hope it’s available online soon. And can’t wait for the last podcast...

[chaifan]

Dear Mr. Lindelof:  THAT is how you write a series finale.  Just sayin'. 

[secnarf]

Just now, BobH said:

That was pretty amazing.  Can’t recall the last time I liked a series finale that much.  So much to explore on rewatching.

unfortunately, the Canadian cable showing messed up the after show somehow.  Hope it’s available online soon. And can’t wait for the last podcast...

I'm watching it on Global right now.

[Nordly Beaumont]

14 minutes ago, DB in CMH said:

I didn't know how long it was going to run because I've never watched it live, so when it stopped at 9:40 I felt a little bit cheated

Me too - it was so abrupt. They really needed to let the "take it sleazy" line sit for a minute and make a smoother flow into Seth Meyers. Kinda sad that they did it this way.

I started crying when Janet said "Oh dip" and never really stopped. Now that I know what to prepare for I'll re-watch and probably enjoy it a lot more (because I'll cry a lot less).

Edited January 31, 2020 by Nordly Beaumont

[luna1122]

Sobbing. This was kind of too sad and existential for me tonite. 

[Chaos Theory]

Oh wow the show pulled off a brilliant and heart felt finale. Man a comedy is not supposed to make me cry this much.    I loved how they all went through the door in the end because it made sense for the story.   The door was the last great mystery.   They all accomplish everything that was left to accomplish.    I loved Tahani finally getting what she needed from her parents because her story has always been about not feeling loved by the people who should have loved her.  But I thought it made sense that she ultimately was the one who decided to stay because she had learned the most from Eleanor in how to be her own person.

I loved the wave speech.  The wave returns to the ocean.  What the ocean does with the water after that is anyone’s guess.   
 

I also liked that Michael finally got his chance to be human.   Keep it sleazy.

 

 

Edited January 31, 2020 by Chaos Theory

[vavavoomindaroom]

I literally have not cried this hard since Six Feet Under and I started crying with Jason. Could be that it hits me a certain way with my current life circumstances but GODDAMN!!

[vibeology]

That was bittersweet. I'm sad it's gone but it felt just right. The writing was perfect, the acting tore at my heart and the callbacks were fun. It's hard to talk about TV when it's that good. It's only January 2020 and I think this will be remembered as one of the best finales of the decade.

[Minneapple]

"You're my Gardner Minshew." I love Jason. He actually became a monk!

"Keep it sleazy." Michael became a real boy!

"Very soon." Lol at Sean trying to not sound evil.

Michael trying to piggyback on Eleanor through the door was hilarious.

Eleanor and Chidi are one of my fave TV ships, ever.

[chaifan]

Holy Fork.  Where to start?

This was perfect.  They didn't forget anything.  I loved Tahani's list.  I loved her revelation that there was more to do after the list was done and becoming an architect.  I'm so glad they wrapped in Mindy.  Mary Steenbergen as Michael's guitar teacher was perfect.  Greece.  Paris.  Jason's hanging around waiting for "his" Janet to come back to the door.  The Chidi of the Month calendar.   Chidi and The Old Spice Guy commercial mid-way through.  (I was beginning to lose faith that would occur.)  Michael and his paper clips.  And Eleanor was the giant red bow wrapping it all up. 

As sad as I am for this show to end, they did it so so well, I can't hate them for ending it. 

I have to wonder what was left on the editing room floor, and hope they release that some day. 

ETA:  For everyone who was in tears, I have to say I didn't cry at all during the finale.  I smiled throughout, to the point that my face hurts.

Edited January 31, 2020 by chaifan

[Ohiopirate02]

I'm gonna miss this show.  The little asides peppered through the dialogue had me laughing through the tears.  Jason, Tahani,  and Eleanor getting quality time with their parents was beautiful.   Tahani's list.  The list of new arrivals--Roberto Clemente, Thomas Aquinas, and the "Wheres the Beef" Lady.  Gardner Minshew. Tahani becoming an architect was a wonderful ending for her.  Mindy and Eleanor's talk, and Mindy going through the system.  The return of Mike and his frogs.  And then Michael gets to be human.  This tied up all the loose ends for me.

[JenLily]

That just wrecked me. I was crying from the get-go. And Chidi's speech about the waves? Beautiful. Just beautiful. I'm going to miss this show and these characters so much.

[Linny]

I think there's something in my eye.

That was exceptional, top to bottom. All the humor, talent, warmth, heart, and optimism that has defined the whole series rolled into one final celebration of its life. Everything just felt so right, like it couldn't have ended any other way. It was complete closure for everyone (including Mindy, who I'm so pleased is going to finally get a crack at moving beyond the Medium Place).

Bless Jason for unexpectedly popping back up right after Chidi crossed over. I needed that moment of levity after Chidi and Eleanor's heartbreaking and beautiful goodbye. Eleanor putting aside her need for Chidi to stay with her and giving him her blessing to leave is proof positive that her love for him is mightier than her selfish impulses could ever be. Soulmates, indeed.

Michael Realman! That is the most satisfying continuation of his story I could have imagined and I'm so happy for him. Playing guitar with Mary Steenburgen, having a dog named Jason, and takin' it sleazy truly sounds like a dream existence.

Thank you, show, for all the comfort and laughs and an experience like none other. It's been a real treat knowing you.

[Wanda]

Oh I wanted Michael to show up in Boston but we don’t have dry heat. But major awwwww to Mary steenburgen

[Quilt Fairy]

I didn't like it.  I found it very depressing. 

I'd rather go back 2 episodes and let that be the finale.  That left me upbeat.  This did not. 

[jmonique]

I'm still processing. I didn't hate it. Much of it felt right. I wasn't moved to tears, however. 

After all the reboots and all the forced separations, I guess right now I'm wishing I could have seen more of them experiencing happiness, rather than watching nearly all of them end their existences.

Maybe I need to sit with it longer? I dunno.

[Wanda]

I found myself jealous. I want to be able to go through a passageway, guided by Janet,and turn into points of light. Seriously. I do.

[Chaos Theory]

Other parts I liked:

Chidi giving ethics lectures to the randos who wrote the books on ethics.

Chidi reading garbage books.

Tahani’s to do list.

Tahani flirting with Eleanor.

Michael naming his dog Jason.

 

[AuxArx]

I was waiting for our local celebrity Mary Steenburgen to show up, and there she was.

Was the guy at the end, with the mail and the little light following him, anybody?  

[weightyghost]

At first I was thrown off by just how quick they decided to go through the door (Jason was gone within the first 15 min of the episode) but it felt right. 

I'm completely on board with the whole idea of too much of a good thing and having the choice to move on... I don't find it depressing, it's peaceful to me. I can understand why it's seen the other way but I guess it falls back onto the different schools of thought - whether you believe you're part of a bigger picture and life is just a moment, or you think you have a greater purpose. Neither is wrong and the show had a difficult position to have to chose one. I'm happy with what they chose. 

I was completely cool until the wave speech and just sort of sobbed and then stopped and then started again when Eleanor went through and I have a headache now. It's nice though 

[Goldmoon]

I agree quilt fairy. I've never been that invested in this show but aside from Lisa Kudrow last week's ep was great sendoff. Tonight's ep was an unnecessary epilogue.

[thuganomics85]

Glad that I got to watch it live for once!

Still a bit mixed over the idea that basically being wiped out of any existence is the final end for everyone, but within that storyline, I think everything fell into place like it should have.  Jason would be the one that would get bored first, but his trip would be delayed (by several Jeremy Beremys!) because he lost something important and thought the "magical squirrels" would get it, heh.  Then, Tahani would be next after she finally is in a good place with her family, but I did love the twist that she ends up actually wanting to be an architect instead, because that is something I do think she would excel at and enjoy doing for the rest of her existence.  Brilliant idea!

And then, of course, Chidi and Eleanor.  Chidi would be the one who would want to go first and Eleanor understandably want to do everything to avoid it, and he'd comply of course, since he truly loves her.  But Eleanor is no longer that selfish person from the pilot, so she'll eventually realize that she is preventing him from finding peace, and let him go at the end.  Yep, Eleanor has truly become a great person.  All of this was both sad, but also uplifting and sweet at the same time.  Kristen Bell and William Jackson Harper just nailed that dynamic.

Glad that almost every supporting character got a moment here like Jason's family (Pillboi!), Tahani's family, Shawn, Vicky, Derek, Simone, the Judge, the Doorman, Eleanor's friends, Chidi's brother, and even freaking Mindy St. Claire!  I think the only one major void might have been Trevor/Adam Scott, but even then, he wasn't as important as the rest of them.  I'm glad all of them seem to have found their purpose and are truly happy (even Shawn and Vicky: demons deserve happiness too!  As long as torturing isn't involved...)

Last, but certainly not least, there is Michael's ending: becoming a human, getting to live a human life, and hopefully getting a shot at being an official member of The Good Place.  Perfect.

Bummed that we didn't get a cameo from either Blake Bortles or Stone Cold Steve Austin, but Nick Offerman was a hoot (especially since he was credited as Nick Offerman, so I guess that was the real Nick helping Tahani out!), and I'm glad they got Mary Steenburgen in there for a scene!

Kind of wished the after show was longer, but it was nice seeing how close the cast is.  In particular, William and Manny Jacinto really seem tight, and Jameela Jamil clearly looks up to Ted Danson a lot, which since this was her first acting role ever, makes sense and I'm glad she was able to work alongside someone who seems like he provided provided a lot of great support and guidance for the cast.

Fare thee well, The Good Place.  Overall, I do think this was the right time to end it since I felt like the overall season was more hit or miss compared to the others, but I can safely say that this was one of my favorite sitcoms of all time, and I will definitely want to rewatch this several times in the future.  Thanks you, Mike Schur and crew for creating another great one.  And, of course, the cast.  Ted Danson was amazing as always, this turned me into a huge Kristen Bell fan (I was kind of indifferent to her in the past), and I'm thrilled that it introduced me to the likes of D'Arcy Carden, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto, and especially William Jackson Harper, and I can't wait to see what they all do next.  Factor in some great guest turns from the likes of Marc Evan Jackson, Tiya Sircar, and more, and this is easily one of my favorite ensembles ever.  So forking good!

 

[Kanner]

I don’t know if I have ever cried so much at an ending of a show. At first I was a little mad because I wanted to laugh and be happy. But like Eleanor, I realized that was a self motive and I had to let the show be what it has always been - funny as heck with real emotion and philosophy. 
I have enjoyed this ride and it never got old. Though I could probably watched forever, I am happy that it left on top. 

[Panopticon]

Didn’t love the end (other than Michael’s end). The narrative structure in which characters struggle for peace of mind for years; their triumph is glossed over in minutes; and then they die is common, but it doesn’t work for me. 

Still think the show as a whole, particularly that perfect first season, was among the best of all time. Truly the Blake Bortles of 21st century tv, motherforkers. 

[BobH]

Most unexpected thing was that they took us through the final door, and it leads back to Earth, where apparently you become the spark of inspiration for others to "do something good", the voice in the back of their head.  So Eleanor became a good deed that helped Michael Realman.

[phalange]

I had a feeling they would all get to see their families again, and I'm so glad that they all got to get that closure. As soon as they showed Jason winning the game with Donkey Doug, I knew he'd be the first one to walk through the door. It was so sweet that he made the necklace for Janet, and I didn't expect him to pop back up because he was looking for it. 

Everything about Eleanor and Chidi had me sobbing, especially when she told him that she spent her whole life having people leave her. Ouch. Their last night together watching the sunset was beautiful, especially what Chidi said about the waves. The ugly crying started when Eleanor asked him to tell her goodbye right then so she didn't have to watch him leave. The only thing I would've preferred is seeing Eleanor and Chidi walk through the door together, because the thought of Eleanor spending multiple Bearimys without out him is too painful. The Chidi calendar was a fantastic touch, though.

I'm glad Mindy will get a chance to take the test because I was wondering what happened to her, and I was dying at the floating Derek head after Mindy rebooted him 150 million times. I'm also happy that Tahani found purpose in being an architect, and that she has a bow tie from Michael. Aww. Tahani really did have some great character growth.

Michael getting to be a real human is the perfect ending for him. He's always been fascinated by humans, and now he gets to fully understand what it's like. I love him getting guitar lessons from Mary Steenburgen and naming his dog Jason. Also: Michael Realman. Because of course.

I feel really bad for Janet though, having to watch Jason, then Chidi, then Micheal, then Eleanor all walk through the doors. That has to be hard for her, though Tahani will probably stick around, and Michael will be back eventually, but still. I do love that even though they're gone, everyone will be remembered because Janet literally cannot forget them.

I found the scene of Eleanor walking through the door and turning into golden light beautiful. As an atheist who doesn't believe in any afterlife, I've always found beauty in Carl Sagan's quote "we are made of starstuff" and that's what that scene reminded me of. 

It's been a blast talking about this weird, amazing show with everyone. Take it sleazy. 

[ichbin]

18 minutes ago, thuganomics85 said:

Still a bit mixed over the idea that basically being wiped out of any existence is the final end for everyone, but within that storyline, I think everything fell into place like it should have. 

Was that actually the case though? They did say they didn't know what would happen after they went through the door, and then ended with the little light showing up on earth and seemingly directing the guy with the mail.  

[Aileen]

Nope. I didn’t enjoy having to watch these characters keep choosing to end their existence and I didn’t need another scene of Eleanor and Chidi saying goodbye to each other. I hated last week and I hated this week and it’s so sad to me since I absolutely adored this series. This finale forked up the series for me.

 

I DID love Michael becoming human. It’s what he always wanted. Tahani becoming an architect to help people was lovely. The other three just ending things because “why not!” was awful, IMO.

[Dots And Stripes]

If anyone's interested: 'The Good Place' Creator Opens Up About Bringing Peace to Its Universe in Series Finale

[Tetraneutron]

It reminded me of the ending of Parks and Recreation. The real conceptual ending was last week and this was kind of an extended Happily Ever After. Bring back all the recurring characters, and it's 90 minutes of warm fuzziness. It was sweet but I'm glad the show ended when it did. 

I'm not sure how I felt about Michael becoming human since, he didn't really? He still has all the memories and knowledge from his previous "life" so he's very different from every human on earth. He also starts "life" in his 60s or thereabouts. It's a cool idea though. 

Also did anyone else think of the afterlife being kind of like "San Junipero" in Black Mirror? Death is a big party and you can stay as long as you want, and when you're ready to leave you get to leave. 

[The Companion]

1 hour ago, meatball77 said:

I'm not crying you're crying.
 

Yes I am. 😭😭😭

I loved it. I will probably form more articulate thought on it tomorrow, but it really was perfect to me. The idea that each of then accomplished exactly what they needed was great and I loved how their matured relationships worked. That speech by Chidi destroyed me, but so did Tahani's family. I loved that they got time with their families and not just each other.

I am gonna miss this show.

[SomeTameGazelle]

14 minutes ago, Aileen said:

I DID love Michael becoming human. It’s what he always wanted. Tahani becoming an architect to help people was lovely. The other three just ending things because “why not!” was awful, IMO.

When I first saw the title of this episode, "Whenever You're Ready" I found it very off-putting. I thought I did not want to watch an episode of the different characters deciding they were ready. However in terms of the actual execution of the episode I was actually very happy with the way things played out. It did not feel to me in any way that Jason, Chidi, and Eleanor decided "why not!" Jason wasn't simply bored with everything. Since we saw his big "sporting" triumph and Donkey Doug proud of him it felt more like closure (for want of  better word). Tahani, too, had healed her relationship with her family and accomplished everything she had set out to do in this phase of her existence. I did love the fact that she took a different path.

I was basically weeping (but in a good way) from the point where Jason knew he was ready to go. And although I thought I dreaded the idea of Chidi and Eleanor deciding to go through the final door, the way William Jackson Harper showed Chidi's feelings about how he was done even though he didn't want to hurt Eleanor made it worth it. And I liked that they dealt with the pain of people who love each other going at different times.

I was so glad that Kristen chose to toast Will in the wrap-up discussion. "Spontaneity and consistency."

[Guest]

[mikem]

I found parts of the finale very moving, but the message that you eventually just decide you're bored and decide to disintegrate didn't seem to fit in with all but the last few episodes.  I think the show undercut its own message by having Tahani decide to continue because she found a new purpose in life (so to speak).  I found it hard to believe that Chidi, in particular, wouldn't have similar feelings and be able to find a purpose.  Jason, sure, but Chidi? 

I don't like the whole idea that living in The Good Place is all about what gives you pleasure, rather than what gives you purpose.