'The Good Place' secrets even superfans might have missed
What's the story
The Good Place is a beloved television series that has managed to win hearts with its perfect combination of humor and philosophy. While most of us have enjoyed the show, there are a few hidden secrets and clever details that even the most hardcore fans may have missed. Here, we take a look at some of these interesting aspects.
Name significance
The meaning behind character names
As it turns out, each character's name in The Good Place has a deeper meaning/reference. For example, Eleanor Shellstrop's last name foreshadows her self-centered journey to being more open-hearted. Likewise, Chidi Anagonye's name says something about his indecisiveness, as "Chidi" means "God exists" in Igbo, implying his moral struggles. These subtle choices make the characters even more layered.
Hidden details
Easter eggs in set design
The set design in The Good Place is rife with Easter eggs for the eagle-eyed viewers. In Michael's office, you can see books on ethics and philosophy are strategically placed to mirror the ongoing themes in the show. The neighborhood architecture also has subtle nods to famous philosophers and their ideas. These hidden elements make the visual storytelling experience richer.
Philosophical layers
Philosophy references throughout episodes
Philosophy is so deeply rooted in every episode of The Good Place, whether it's through conversations or plot points inspired by real philosophical concepts. Be it utilitarianism or existentialism, these references push the audience to think critically about morality and ethics while laughing out loud. This intellectual engagement is what makes the show different from ordinary sitcoms.
Musical insights
The role of music choices
Music choices in The Good Place tend to be more than just background noise. Songs are handpicked to add scenes or to subtly underscore character emotions. Like certain tracks may hint at plot twists or mirror a character's internal conflict, giving another layer to those who pay attention.
Numerical clues
The clever use of numbers
Numbers are an integral part of The Good Place. For instance, Eleanor's house number is 12358W, which references the Fibonacci sequence nod to order within chaos. Michael's office number is 12345, a simple sequence that stands in contrast to the complex nature of the character. These numerical details add to the show's intricate design.