Michael and Eleanor’s friendship rapidly became the heart of The Good Place, cementing their role as the best duo in the series. The show took off after its first season, when The Good Place delivered one of the greatest plot twists in television history. The series outperformed its competitors because of its innovative narrative and effective application of its themes, including morality and redemption. The Good Place follows the lead character, Eleanor, and her quest to become a morally upstanding individual. Alongside the reformed demon, Michael, Eleanor’s redemption arc in The Good Place is second to none.
Mike Schur demonstrates a remarkable ability to balance entertainment with intellectual depth, which is a testament to his mastery considering its intricate plot. Michael and Eleanor’s bond blossomed throughout The Good Place‘s four-season run, as did their individual growth. From season 1 to the show’s ensuing seasons, the pair share a mutual understanding due to their past mistakes, which allows them to empathize with each other in ways others could not. Michael and Eleanor are essential to The Good Place‘s core message, and it is their friendship that fuels the show’s most entertaining and heartfelt moments.
10
Eleanor And Michael Hang Out
Season 1, Episode 6, “What We Owe to Each Other.”
Season 1, episode 6 of The Good Place, “What We Owe to Each Other,” is the defining moment of Michael and Eleanor’s friendship. When she begins to worry that he will uncover her secret, Eleanor distracts Michael by showing the architect customary human pasttimes. The audiences are unaware of Michael’s ulterior motives at this point, believing he’s simply enjoying himself with Eleanor. While their shenanigans remain entertaining from this perspective, knowing Michael’s true intentions adds an extra layer of enjoyment to any future rewatch. Michael is clearly not maintaining an act, but he is genuinely curious about human behavior.
From arcade hacks to bowling, “What We Owe to Each Other” is the first time that Eleanor and Michael form a real bond. Eleanor asks for them to continue their escapades the following day, but it does not last, of course. Michael, however, appears content with his plush minion prize from the claw machine, which Eleanor has to amusingly explain to him.
9
Eleanor And Michael Conspire To Get Rid Of Derek
Season 2, Episode 7, “Derek.”
When Janet creates another being with the intention of overcoming her feelings for The Good Place‘s Jason Mendoza, the situation begins to go awry. Michael turns to Eleanor and Chidi to help him eradicate Derek before his boss learns of his conspiracy against the Bad Place. However, Chidi’s strict rules to remain ethical frustrate the pair, who both have naturally abrasive personalities. This leads to some delightful, playful banter that, in some regards, evokes the spirit of a buddy-cop duo. Their dynamic is intensified by their erratic search for Derek, adding to the frenzy.
Michael and Eleanor joining forces to save themselves results in one of the funniest lines in The Good Place. Considering a series of unfavorable options, Michael suggests sabotaging Jason and Tahani’s relationship, to which Eleanor replies, “Girl, you are a messy bench who loves drama, and I am into it!” This highlights their comedic antics, as they empathize with the frustration of having Chidi’s moral code curb their fun.
8
Michael Reaches Out To Eleanor For Advice
Season 2, Episode 7, “Derek.”
Michael had been reluctantly taking ethics lessons up until this point, but season 2, episode 7, “Derek,” showcases the demon’s long-awaited breakthrough. Following the successful exclusion of Derek from the neighborhood, Michael arrives to ask Eleanor how she remains ethical. It is a touching moment between the pair, but also highlights Michael’s early character development as he allows himself to be vulnerable in front of the misfit. Eleanor admits “I’m just a newbie and I still kinda suck at it,” which is exactly why Michael sought her advice rather than Chidi’s.
The moment marks a significant turning point in their evolving friendship. The scene is beautifully written, with authentic ambient noise that creates a more immersive atmosphere. The immediate aftermath of the moment makes the scene more powerful, as Michael returns to find Shawn occupying his office.
7
Eleanor Takes “A Leap of Faith” With Michael
Season 2, Episode 8, “Leap to Faith.”
Following the aftermath of the previous episode, Michael is forced to turn against his newfound friends in order to convince Shawn he has successfully executed his version of the Bad Place. The episode is a series of mysteries with Eleanor, Chidi, Jason, and Tahani deciphering intricate clues to Michael’s elaborate escape plan. Eleanor is the only one among the group to believe the architect has good intentions, despite his impromptu malice towards the group where a Bad Place roast targets the worst aspect of each main character in The Good Place.
It is a personal resolution to Michael’s inner conflict, and a significant moment for the demon inherently inclined towards evil. Eleanor convincing the group to take a “leap of faith” in Michael’s loyalty is a pivotal moment in their friendship, and her confidence in Michael sets the stage for Eleanor’s unwavering support of the reformed demon in the subsequent three seasons.
6
Eleanor Makes Michael An Honorary Human
Season 2, Episode 9, “Best Self.”
Season 2, episode 9, “Best Self,” is noteworthy for a number of reasons, but the pinnacle of this episode is Eleanor bestowing Michael with an honorary human status. Michael grapples with basic human emotions and experiences immense guilt for fabricating an entry into the ‘Good Place,’ despite his best intentions. He proclaims it is “real rock bottom for a demon, I’ll tell ya,” and while Eleanor is momentarily enraged, she soon forgives him. The gift box titled ‘Michael’s Human Starter Kit’ is a touching moment that demonstrates Eleanor’s attentiveness towards him, after he expresses his fascination with ordinary human artifacts.
Michael becoming an honorary human foreshadows The Good Place‘s season 4 finale, and becomes the stepping stone in Michael’s journey to become a real human being. Michael’s yearning for a life on earth is one of The Good Place‘s most compelling plotlines, and this moment creates a powerful moment within the broader story.
5
Michael Sacrifices Himself To Save Eleanor
Season 2, Episode 10, “Rhonda, Diana, Jake, and Trent.”
Season 2, Episode 10, “Rhonda, Diana, Jake, and Trent,” is one of the strongest moments in the series and one of the top moments in The Good Place that make fans cry. The portal to the Judge’s chamber can only be accessed through special pin badges acquired in the ‘Bad Place.’ Michael collects a set of them for his friends, but soon discovers he is one short. He gives his badge to Eleanor and pushes her through the portal, sacrificing himself in the process. The sacrifice is a profoundly moving moment that reveals the depths of Michael’s devotion to Eleanor.
It’s a rewarding moment that builds on Michael’s earlier ethical dilemma of the trolley problem, as he realizes “the actual solution is very simple, you sacrifice yourself.” The resonant soundtrack amplifies the emotion, serving as a thematic marker for their friendship, which can be heard later in the show, during similar milestones in their relationship.
4
Michael Gives Eleanor And Chidi Their Photo Montage
Season 3, Episode 12, “Pandemonium.”
Season 3, episode 12, “Pandemonium,” is the ultimate challenge to Eleanor and Chidi’s relationship. Chidi erases his memory to ensure the experiment remains unbiased after his former partner, Simone, arrives in the neighborhood. Aware of the gravity of the situation, Michael presents the couple with a parting gift. The photo montage of shared moments, including those forgotten during the many reboots, becomes the pinnacle of Eleanor and Chidi’s relationship. Michael has observed the evolution of their romance, meaning the gift carries the weight of their shared history — and symbolizes their enduring connection.
While Eleanor and Chidi’s relationship is the heart of this moment, the photo montage would not exist without Michael’s influence. It is a stark contrast to the demonic figure from the first season, and a significant moment that offers Eleanor the ultimate gift of friendship, indicating Michael will be her solace once Chidi makes his sacrifice.
3
Eleanor Gives Michael A Pep Talk
Season 3, Episode 12, “Pandemonium.”
Michael panics as the residents arrive in the new neighborhood, after being threatened by his former boss, Shawn. The ‘Bad Place’ leader plans to torture his friends by using a skin suit to impersonate Michael. Overwhelmed by the threat, Michael tells Eleanor he cannot lead the new neighborhood, fearing failure. Eleanor tries to reassure him, though her own panic is evident. Her pep talk is chaotic, but perfectly suited to her own persona. Kristen Bell and Ted Danson’s fantastic chemistry elevates their comedic performance, and ranks among their finest moments in The Good Place.
Her reassurance amounts to nothing, and Eleanor is forced to step in and take the reins from Michael. She offers to act as the neighborhood’s architect, despite feeling out of her depth. It shows her true concern for saving the afterlife and her commitment to their friendship.
2
Eleanor and Michael Fool Brent Into Believing He’s In The Bad Place
Season 4, Episode 7, “Help is Other People.”
After a series of heartwarming moments, Season 4 offers more entertaining moments reminiscent of the beginning of their friendship. Brent undermines the group’s endeavor to demonstrate individual moral improvement, leading them to resort to deception to correct his behavior. It’s one of the funniest moments in the later seasons, and the scene mirrors the moment that Eleanor discovers she was in the Bad Place.
It’s made stronger by the repetition of Michael’s iconic line, “I can’t believe you figured it out!” in a fun, lighthearted exchange between the pair, made funnier by their join effort to trick Brent. The power dynamic shift captures the essence of their unique bond, and the prank provides a meta-commentary on the show’s own premise. It is fun to watch Michael and Eleanor team up to recreate Michael’s earlier trick.
1
Michael Gives Eleanor A Pep Talk
Season 4, Episode 2, “A Girl from Arizona – Part 2.”
The Good Place‘s final season is the cumulation of the show’s intricate plot developments, meaning Eleanor had a great deal of responsibility. In the second part of “A Girl from Arizona”, the team begin to doubt her efforts as her plans become ineffective. However, the reformed demon is there for her, and Michael comforts her at the time that she needs it the most. He lovingly assures her that he is a witness to her resilience, having suffered countless defeats at her hands. His words carry far more weight because of their complex relationship and long history to get to this point.
More significantly, there are significant parallels between this scene and the earlier pep talk in season 3, episode 12, “Pandemonium.” The mirrored dialogue heightens the emotional intensity of the moment, as Eleanor pleads, “I’m not meant for this… I can’t do this.” Michael’s empathy is a significant marker of his growth as he finally has a grasp of human emotions, in spite of giving up hopes of ever becoming one. Michael soothing Eleanor is crucial for proving they are the best duo in the neighborhood, but also exemplifies a masterclass in writing — with a seamless development of The Good Place‘s principal characters.
- Release Date
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September 19, 2016 - Seasons
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4
- Streaming Service(s)
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Hulu
