10 Times Eleanor was the Best Character on The Good Place
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Nick Spake
The best Eleanor moments on The Good Place just might save humanity.
For four seasons, she was one of the most forking funny ladies on television. Welcome to MsMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Best Eleanor Moments on The Good Place.
For this list, we’re taking a look at the most hilarious, touching, and character-defining moments from Eleanor Shellstrop. In case you haven’t been keeping up with “The Good Place,” keep in mind that there will be spoilers… and this is a show you definitely don’t want spoiled!
#10: Whenever She References Arizona
Eleanor’s selfish behavior ultimately lands her in the Bad Place. Based on the way she describes her home city of Phoenix, Arizona, though, maybe she was already living in hell. Arizona is relentlessly roasted on the show, whether through throwaway lines or visual gags that emphasize Eleanor’s trashy lifestyle. According to Eleanor, Arizona’s nightclub bouncers never check IDs, and the public libraries are virtually ghost towns. She even took a timely shot at Arizona’s Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was pardoned by President Trump after being convicted of criminal contempt. Of course, it’s not all bad in AZ. Where else can you get a hotdog sandwiched between two churros with a Slim Jim tying it all into one nutritious package?
#9: The T-Shirt Story
Eleanor’s at her funniest when she provides insight into her awful behavior on Earth. If we were to make a list of the worst things Eleanor has done, the infamous T-shirt story would be a top contender. It all starts when Eleanor rips her roommate Madison’s expensive dress, but that’s only the beginning. Eleanor blames it on the drycleaners, who Madison sues and forces into bankruptcy. That’s not the worst of it though. Madison gains a reputation online as the “dress bitch,” which Eleanor and her other roommate Brittany put on T-shirts. As the cherry on top of this despicable sundae, Eleanor uses the profits from the T-shirts sales to buy herself a dress . . . meaning that her wrongdoings have come full circle.
#8: Eleanor Goes Shopping
Eleanor has a shopping style all her own. As she stocks up on chips, shrimp, and booze, she crashes her trolley into another customer . . . but is less than remorseful. Eleanor’s poor behavior continues at the 10 items or less lane, where she definitely exceeds the limit, and overshares uncomfortable details of her weekend plans. If you think that’s rude, watch how she treats this environmentalist. If only Eleanor listened to her horoscope, maybe she would’ve noticed those runaway grocery carts that end her life. Karma was bound to catch up with Eleanor and run her over eventually. But at least she died as she lived: calling other people jag-offs.
#7: Pobody’s Nerfect
In a show all about philosophy, perhaps the biggest takeaway from “The Good Place” is that everyone has their flaws, but they also have the potential to get better. As Season One winds down, Eleanor tries turning over a new leaf by helping Tahani throw another welcome party. Of course, she’s more concerned about saving her skin than saving her soul. When the guests list off the various calamities that Eleanor has caused, all she can do is shrug and offer two perfectly timed words: [“pobody’s nerfect.”] While the line itself is funny in an adorkable kind of way, the bizarre, overwhelming response that it receives from the guests is what really makes this one of Eleanor’s most meme-worthy moments.
#6: Eleanor & Tahani’s Friendship
Eleanor and Tahani deserve to be ranked alongside Leslie and Ann from “Parks and Rec” or Rachel and Monica from “Friends,” in defining the term “friendship goals.” One is tall, elegant, and charitable. The other… is none of those things. While these polar opposites start off as adversaries, the two become genuine friends. Arguably the most pivotal moment in their friendship comes when Eleanor consoles a crying Tahani. Although Tahani isn’t clicking with Jianyu/Jason, she makes a real connection with Eleanor, bringing her in for an amazing hug. It’s refreshing to see a show that not only focuses on the bond between two women, but how friends can be soulmates.
#5: Eleanor Meets Chidi
If you sat down to watch “The Good Place” without any knowledge of its premise, the pilot probably caught you off-guard. The first twist comes when the recently deceased Eleanor meets her “soulmate” Chidi. After Chidi affirms his unconditional loyalty to her, Eleanor drops the bombshell: she’s not a lawyer who helped people and she definitely doesn’t belong in the Good Place. Everything we’ve learned about Eleanor up until this point has been a lie, aside from her name and Arizona roots. Yet, Eleanor’s behavior during these first ten minutes speaks volumes about what kind of person she is. It also establishes her as a great comedic foil for Chidi, an honest man who’s inadvertently committed to a stomach-churning fib.
#4: Going Away Present to Chidi
While they didn’t necessarily start off as true soulmates, a romance blossoms between Eleanor and Chidi that spans nearly 300 years and over 800 reboots. Since “The Good Place” is only four seasons long, it naturally couldn’t depict every chapter in their complicated relationship. When Chidi is about to have his memories wiped yet again, however, Michael treats him and Eleanor to a highlight reel of their love story. The montage strikes just the right balance of sweet and humorous, closing out with a dance in the rain. It’s bittersweet knowing that Chidi won’t remember any of this. Given how many times they’ve found their way back to each other, though, this footage gives the audience confidence that the couple’s story isn’t over yet.
#3: Only Eleanor Can Save Humanity
Over the show’s run, Michael has evolved from Eleanor’s secret enemy, to her reluctant ally, to her friend and even father figure. Although the demon initially sought to torture people, he sees the light thanks to Eleanor. Given her habits in life, Eleanor acknowledges that she’s an unlikely soul to save humanity. Michael argues, however, that this is exactly why Eleanor is the most qualified person for the job. Through her perseverance and instincts, Eleanor has continually proven to Michael that there’s more to her than meets the eye. The fact that Eleanor has also failed more times than a “hot, blonde Wile E. Coyote” only drives home Michael’s point that she never gives up, no matter how astronomical the odds.
#2: Eleanor Reunites with Her Mom
Although Eleanor’s gone through a noticeable evolution, she can’t fathom the idea that her mother has changed for the better. After all, she did fake her death after a drunken bid at a charity auction. Yet, the woman who made Eleanor eat fries out of a McDonald’s ball pit has seemingly turned her life around with an understanding boyfriend and his daughter. This only enrages Eleanor more, realizing that she could’ve had a good mom all these years. Eleanor demonstrates how much she’s grown, however, upon learning of her mom’s “exit strategy.” While the old Eleanor would’ve fed into her mother’s insecurities, she instead gives Donna the reassurance needed to stay on the straight and narrow. Now if only she could get her to wash a bra.
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Eleanor Fills Her Bra with Shrimp
“Everything Is Fine”
Eleanor Takes Philosophy the Wrong Way
“Jason Mendoza”
I Just Ethics’d Ya in the Face
“The Eternal Shriek”
Eat My Farts
“Somewhere Else”
Eleanor Explains Chidi’s Grimaces
“The Burrito”
#1: This is the BAD PLACE
It takes one to know one and Eleanor finally sees through Michael’s deceit in what’s possibly the show’s most iconic moment. Eleanor becomes a regular Sherlock Holmes as it dawns on her that no version of heaven would make people so miserable. Therefore, this must be the Bad Place. Exposing Michael for the demon in sheep’s clothing that he is, Eleanor proudly pieces together all the inconsistencies. Despite beating Michael at his own game, it only takes a snap to restart the experiment. Nevertheless, Eleanor always manages to outsmart the master architect. Eleanor may have a lot to learn about ethics, but it’s her street smarts that continually save herself, her friends, and her universe.
For this list, we’re taking a look at the most hilarious, touching, and character-defining moments from Eleanor Shellstrop. In case you haven’t been keeping up with “The Good Place,” keep in mind that there will be spoilers… and this is a show you definitely don’t want spoiled!
#10: Whenever She References Arizona
Various
Eleanor’s selfish behavior ultimately lands her in the Bad Place. Based on the way she describes her home city of Phoenix, Arizona, though, maybe she was already living in hell. Arizona is relentlessly roasted on the show, whether through throwaway lines or visual gags that emphasize Eleanor’s trashy lifestyle. According to Eleanor, Arizona’s nightclub bouncers never check IDs, and the public libraries are virtually ghost towns. She even took a timely shot at Arizona’s Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was pardoned by President Trump after being convicted of criminal contempt. Of course, it’s not all bad in AZ. Where else can you get a hotdog sandwiched between two churros with a Slim Jim tying it all into one nutritious package?
#9: The T-Shirt Story
“Most Improved Player”
Eleanor’s at her funniest when she provides insight into her awful behavior on Earth. If we were to make a list of the worst things Eleanor has done, the infamous T-shirt story would be a top contender. It all starts when Eleanor rips her roommate Madison’s expensive dress, but that’s only the beginning. Eleanor blames it on the drycleaners, who Madison sues and forces into bankruptcy. That’s not the worst of it though. Madison gains a reputation online as the “dress bitch,” which Eleanor and her other roommate Brittany put on T-shirts. As the cherry on top of this despicable sundae, Eleanor uses the profits from the T-shirts sales to buy herself a dress . . . meaning that her wrongdoings have come full circle.
#8: Eleanor Goes Shopping
“Most Improved Player”
Eleanor has a shopping style all her own. As she stocks up on chips, shrimp, and booze, she crashes her trolley into another customer . . . but is less than remorseful. Eleanor’s poor behavior continues at the 10 items or less lane, where she definitely exceeds the limit, and overshares uncomfortable details of her weekend plans. If you think that’s rude, watch how she treats this environmentalist. If only Eleanor listened to her horoscope, maybe she would’ve noticed those runaway grocery carts that end her life. Karma was bound to catch up with Eleanor and run her over eventually. But at least she died as she lived: calling other people jag-offs.
#7: Pobody’s Nerfect
“What's My Motivation”
In a show all about philosophy, perhaps the biggest takeaway from “The Good Place” is that everyone has their flaws, but they also have the potential to get better. As Season One winds down, Eleanor tries turning over a new leaf by helping Tahani throw another welcome party. Of course, she’s more concerned about saving her skin than saving her soul. When the guests list off the various calamities that Eleanor has caused, all she can do is shrug and offer two perfectly timed words: [“pobody’s nerfect.”] While the line itself is funny in an adorkable kind of way, the bizarre, overwhelming response that it receives from the guests is what really makes this one of Eleanor’s most meme-worthy moments.
#6: Eleanor & Tahani’s Friendship
Various
Eleanor and Tahani deserve to be ranked alongside Leslie and Ann from “Parks and Rec” or Rachel and Monica from “Friends,” in defining the term “friendship goals.” One is tall, elegant, and charitable. The other… is none of those things. While these polar opposites start off as adversaries, the two become genuine friends. Arguably the most pivotal moment in their friendship comes when Eleanor consoles a crying Tahani. Although Tahani isn’t clicking with Jianyu/Jason, she makes a real connection with Eleanor, bringing her in for an amazing hug. It’s refreshing to see a show that not only focuses on the bond between two women, but how friends can be soulmates.
#5: Eleanor Meets Chidi
“Everything Is Fine”
If you sat down to watch “The Good Place” without any knowledge of its premise, the pilot probably caught you off-guard. The first twist comes when the recently deceased Eleanor meets her “soulmate” Chidi. After Chidi affirms his unconditional loyalty to her, Eleanor drops the bombshell: she’s not a lawyer who helped people and she definitely doesn’t belong in the Good Place. Everything we’ve learned about Eleanor up until this point has been a lie, aside from her name and Arizona roots. Yet, Eleanor’s behavior during these first ten minutes speaks volumes about what kind of person she is. It also establishes her as a great comedic foil for Chidi, an honest man who’s inadvertently committed to a stomach-churning fib.
#4: Going Away Present to Chidi
“Pandemonium”
While they didn’t necessarily start off as true soulmates, a romance blossoms between Eleanor and Chidi that spans nearly 300 years and over 800 reboots. Since “The Good Place” is only four seasons long, it naturally couldn’t depict every chapter in their complicated relationship. When Chidi is about to have his memories wiped yet again, however, Michael treats him and Eleanor to a highlight reel of their love story. The montage strikes just the right balance of sweet and humorous, closing out with a dance in the rain. It’s bittersweet knowing that Chidi won’t remember any of this. Given how many times they’ve found their way back to each other, though, this footage gives the audience confidence that the couple’s story isn’t over yet.
#3: Only Eleanor Can Save Humanity
“A Girl from Arizona (Part 2)”
Over the show’s run, Michael has evolved from Eleanor’s secret enemy, to her reluctant ally, to her friend and even father figure. Although the demon initially sought to torture people, he sees the light thanks to Eleanor. Given her habits in life, Eleanor acknowledges that she’s an unlikely soul to save humanity. Michael argues, however, that this is exactly why Eleanor is the most qualified person for the job. Through her perseverance and instincts, Eleanor has continually proven to Michael that there’s more to her than meets the eye. The fact that Eleanor has also failed more times than a “hot, blonde Wile E. Coyote” only drives home Michael’s point that she never gives up, no matter how astronomical the odds.
#2: Eleanor Reunites with Her Mom
“A Fractured Inheritance”
Although Eleanor’s gone through a noticeable evolution, she can’t fathom the idea that her mother has changed for the better. After all, she did fake her death after a drunken bid at a charity auction. Yet, the woman who made Eleanor eat fries out of a McDonald’s ball pit has seemingly turned her life around with an understanding boyfriend and his daughter. This only enrages Eleanor more, realizing that she could’ve had a good mom all these years. Eleanor demonstrates how much she’s grown, however, upon learning of her mom’s “exit strategy.” While the old Eleanor would’ve fed into her mother’s insecurities, she instead gives Donna the reassurance needed to stay on the straight and narrow. Now if only she could get her to wash a bra.
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Eleanor Fills Her Bra with Shrimp
“Everything Is Fine”
Eleanor Takes Philosophy the Wrong Way
“Jason Mendoza”
I Just Ethics’d Ya in the Face
“The Eternal Shriek”
Eat My Farts
“Somewhere Else”
Eleanor Explains Chidi’s Grimaces
“The Burrito”
#1: This is the BAD PLACE
“Michael’s Gambit”
It takes one to know one and Eleanor finally sees through Michael’s deceit in what’s possibly the show’s most iconic moment. Eleanor becomes a regular Sherlock Holmes as it dawns on her that no version of heaven would make people so miserable. Therefore, this must be the Bad Place. Exposing Michael for the demon in sheep’s clothing that he is, Eleanor proudly pieces together all the inconsistencies. Despite beating Michael at his own game, it only takes a snap to restart the experiment. Nevertheless, Eleanor always manages to outsmart the master architect. Eleanor may have a lot to learn about ethics, but it’s her street smarts that continually save herself, her friends, and her universe.
