DISCLAIMER: This recap of The Good Place episode “Patty” contains more spoilers than the number of times Jason has utilized a Molotov cocktail to remedy a situation. Hey, sometimes you just need to chuck one of those fiery benches and run for the hills. You’ve been warned. Proceed with caution. 

Welcome back, Soul Squad! The Good Place is so very close to the end, my messy benches. “Patty” marked the start of a new chapter for our protagonists. Yes, they finally made it to the real, actual Good Place.

However, they learned that not everything is fine. Michael was unceremoniously burdened with the task of running the whole shebang after the Good Place council fled. Everyone is miserable because everything is perfect…all the time. Thankfully, our crew swooped in and provided a solution: a door. One singular door and a choice. Should someone tire of paradise, they can always step through said door and find eternal peace and quiet. An end. It’s always good to have a choice. 

Alright, ready to delve into “Patty?” Let’s get to it, motherforkers. 

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Now, we open with our heroes descending upon paradise in a golden balloon. Yes, the real Good Place. Janet (D’Arcy Carden) immediately absorbs everything she needs to know regarding the Good Place. You know, since Michael stole her prior to her shipment to the aforementioned.

THE GOOD PLACE — “Patty” Episode 412 — Pictured: (l-r) Kristen Bell as Eleanor, Manny Jacinto as Jason, William Jackson Harper as Chidi, Ted Danson as Michael, D’Arcy Carden as Janet, Jameela Jamil as Tahani — (Photo by: Colleen Hayes/NBC)

Next, upon arrival, she informs the group that they’ll step through a portal which will lead to a party. A welcoming party, to be exact. Said party will encapsulate the attendee’s desires. So, Eleanor (Kristen Bell), Chidi (William Jackson Harper), Tahani (Jameela Jamil), Jason (Manny Jacinto) and Janet step over the portal threshold in tandem. Michael (Ted Danson), on the other hand, is led off by the Good Place council for a special ceremony. 

Then, we see a party that combines all four humans’ likes in one big shindig. Plenty of books abound for Chidi. Eleanor marvels over a portable toilet used by Stone Cold Steve Austin. Tahani finds elegantly dressed attendees with a bevy of fancy hors d’oeuvres. Jason is giddy to find a smattering of Jacksonville charm. 

Now, Chidi learns that Hypatia of Alexandria, an ancient philosopher, lives in the Good Place. He’s eager to meet her, so Eleanor accompanies him. In case Chidi fangirls too hard, you know. 

Meanwhile, Michael figures this special ceremony is to make him an honorary resident of the Good Place. However, the Good Place council urges him to sign a legally binding contract which promotes Michael to Head Honcho. Yes, Michael, a reformed Bad Place demon, is now in charge of the Good Place. The council flees before Michael can protest. Well, that escalated quickly. 

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Later, Chidi fawns over Hypatia (Lisa Kudrow), who prefers to be called Patty. Now, Patty reveals that something is afoot in paradise. Naturally, the pair delves in to what that may entail. 

THE GOOD PLACE — “Patty” Episode 412 — Pictured: (l-r) D’Arcy Carden as Janet, Kristen Bell as Eleanor, William Jackson Harper as Chidi — (Photo by: Colleen Hayes/NBC)

Meanwhile, Tahani and Janet are mingling with attendees at the party. Both notice that something is not right – everyone appears “zombie-like” in their behavior. Like a bunch of brain dead, mindless bodies roaming about without a care in the world. 

Then, we learn from Patty that the Good Place is too “perfect.” Everyone incessantly receives what they desire for all eternity. Thus, there’s no real excitement or challenges of any kind. Everyone’s brains are turning to mush as a result, so much to the point that Patty even forgets what she’s talking about mid sentence. 

Later, our crew regroups with Michael, who reveals his new post as Head Honcho. Oh, and he’s a bit high on paradise weed. Cool beans, bro. Anyway, Patty shares her story with the rest of the group. Apparently, the council tried everything to remedy the situation, but they were at a loss. Hence why Michael was burdened with a seemingly impossible job. 

However, the Soul Squad comes up with a solution. They address everyone at the party with said solution. There will be one door that acts as an exit. Should someone wish to leave the Good Place permanently and retreat to an eternity rife with peace and quiet, that door will be available to them. Anyone can leave at any time. The objective is to give people a choice, just as life is truly lived when death is known to be the end result.

THE GOOD PLACE — “Patty” Episode 412 — Pictured: (l-r) Ted Danson as Michael, D’Arcy Carden as Janet — (Photo by: Colleen Hayes/NBC)

Suddenly, the crowd erupts in applause. Now, the residents aren’t taking paradise for granted and are actually enjoying themselves. Even Patty is back to reading books. Giving them the choice to leave acted as a fire under their collective ash. 

Next, we see our heroes strolling through a neighborhood that’s reminiscent of Season 1’s fake neighborhood. Michael gave Jason a Stupid Nick’s Wing Dump restaurant to call home. Tahani still has her opulent mansion. Chidi and Eleanor also have a cozy home together. Michael watches his humans flock to their domiciles with a bittersweet gleam in his eye. 

THE GOOD PLACE — “Patty” Episode 412 — Pictured: Ted Danson as Michael — (Photo by: Colleen Hayes/NBC)

Later, we see Chidi and Eleanor snuggling on their couch, gazing upon a brilliant sunset before them. Eleanor jokes about walking through the door and leaving if Chidi doesn’t stop hogging the blanket. Seeing them together makes my heart all aflutter. 

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Now, that episode felt like a series finale. I’m not sure what could possibly be covered in the one-hour series finale set for next week. However, I’m confident that our Powers That Be will having something special planned for us. A proper bon voyage to these wonderful characters that have lived with us for 4 years. Messy benches, I’m not ready for The Good Place to take a bow, but I understand that all good things must, you know…end. 

How do you think the final episodes will pan out? Will another obstacle impede our heroes from an eternity of perpetual happiness? Join me next week as I recap the series finale, here on Geek Girl Authority. 

The Good Place will air a one-hour series finale Thursday at 8:30pm on your NBC affiliate. 

 

 

Melody McCune
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