Ch. 34: Jen Statsky, Writer | Debbie Pearl, Animal Trainer
Nov 9, 2018
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Writer Jen Statsky and animal trainer Debbie Pearl discuss capturing animals' performances on The Good Place, Kristen Bell's rogue iguana, Chidi in Jaws lake, philosophy behind the episode, and funny behind-the-scenes stories.
Animals on set are trained carefully to capture their performances for the show.
The episode explores the concept of determinism through Eleanor's perspective on philosophy.
Deep dives
Seeking out the perfect points model
Michael and Eleanor decide to take the soul squad to Canada to find the perfect points model. They believe that this will take their mission to the next level.
Revisiting Eleanor's memories with Chidi
Michael shows Eleanor her reboots, including when she fell in love with Chidi during Pet Day. Eleanor initially fights the new information, claiming it was all orchestrated by Michael. However, she eventually realizes that she is capable of love and vulnerability.
Behind the scenes of the show's production
The podcast features interviews with an animal trainer for the show who discusses the process of working with animals on set and the considerations involved. Additionally, the writer of the episode explains how the show tackles the concept of determinism through Eleanor's college freshman outlook on philosophy.
A cliffhanger in the bad place
The episode ends with a glimpse of Bad Place HQ, where Sean and Glenn are seen plotting an illegal back channel to Earth, involving a cocooned Vicky. This cliffhanger sets up future events and leaves the audience in suspense.
The Good Place writer Jen Statsky and animal trainer Debbie Pearl shoot the shirt with host Marc Evan Jackson. They talk about how they capture the animals’ performances on the show, Kristen Bell’s rogue iguana, Chidi getting pushed into the Jaws lake on the Universal backlot, the philosophy behind the episode and a shirt-ton more funny anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories.