The Good Place: Behind the Scenes of the Multiple Janets Episode
Creating a television episode where a single actor portrays multiple versions of themselves—and several other main characters—is a daunting technical and creative challenge. For The Good Place, this ambition culminated in an episode featuring multiple Janets, a concept that pushed the production team and actress D'Arcy Carden to their limits.
The idea first emerged during the show's second season. Series creator Michael Schur and his writing team were looking for unexplored locations. While the characters had already visited the Bad Place and were slated for Earth, Janet's void remained untapped. This setting provided the perfect catalyst for a story where Carden could play not only Janet but also the four human protagonists.
Key Facts
- Lead Performance: D'Arcy Carden played the original Janet, four human-based Janets, a "Neutral Janet," and Eleanor pretending to be Jason.
- Philosophical Basis: The writers consulted advisors Todd May and Pamela Hieronymi to ensure the themes of identity and the self were accurate.
- Production Time: Filming took five and a half days in July 2018.
- Technical Complexity: Many scenes were filmed using poles as stand-ins for other characters, requiring precise alignment for visual effects.
- Guest Appearance: Stephen Merchant appeared as Neil, the head of Accounting.
Development and Philosophical Writing
The production team was initially hesitant, fearing the concept might be too difficult. However, the success of shows like Orphan Black gave them the confidence to proceed. To avoid the concept feeling like a mere "gimmick," the writers shifted the focus toward Eleanor's internal struggle with her sense of self while trapped inside a Janet.
To ground the episode in academic rigor, the staff collaborated with philosophical advisors Todd May and Pamela Hieronymi. Writers Josh Siegal and Dylan Morgan even sent script drafts to May to refine the explanation of philosophical theories regarding identity.
The Challenge of Performance
D'Arcy Carden began preparing for the role in March 2018, four months before filming. To master the impressions of her co-stars, the cast provided extensive references. This included recorded footage of their performances and a dedicated on-set rehearsal where the actors played their usual characters so Carden could study their movements and speech patterns.
Carden's preparation was immersive; she followed her co-stars during breaks to mimic their behavior. William Jackson Harper shared his specific method for memorizing Chidi's lines, and Manny Jacinto provided a video that inspired his portrayal of Jason. Despite this, Carden noted that emulating Harper's Chidi and Cristin Millsia's subtle actions remained particularly difficult.
Filming and Visual Effects
Filming took place on an entirely white set representing Janet's void. Director Morgan Sackett added furniture to the set to maintain visual interest for the audience. Michael Schur described the production as an "extreme bottle episode"—a term for an episode set in one location with a limited cast—but noted it was the opposite of a traditional bottle episode due to the immense level of detail and precision required.
The technical demands were grueling. Carden often acted against poles that represented other characters, a process she described as mentally taxing. One of the most difficult sequences was a climactic kiss, which required Carden to kiss a pair of wax lips mounted on a pole, complicated further by the height difference between Carden and actress Kristen Bell.
As the plot progressed, Eleanor's loss of identity was depicted through a series of rapid transformations into different individuals. Visual effects producer David Niednagel simulated the instability of the void, including furniture breaking apart. Additionally, while Carden recorded a version of Cher's "Believe," the production ultimately used the original recording for licensing ease.
Special Guest and Easter Eggs
The episode featured Stephen Merchant, co-creator of the British The Office. As a nod to the American version of The Office (where Michael Schur was a writer), Merchant's character, Neil, holds a mug that reads "Existence's Best Boss." Because Merchant held the mug backward during filming, the text had to be corrected using special effects in post-production.
Production Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Filming Duration | 5.5 Days (July 2018) |
| Primary Set | White void with furniture |
| Key Cast Member | D'Arcy Carden (Multiple roles) |
| Guest Star | Stephen Merchant |
| Philosophical Focus | Identity and the Self |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did D'Arcy Carden prepare for the multiple roles?
Carden spent four months preparing, using recordings of her co-stars, observing their movements on set, and reviewing specific acting inspirations provided by the cast, such as Manny Jacinto's reference videos.
What is a "bottle episode" in this context?
A bottle episode typically refers to a story filmed in a single location with a limited cast to save money. Michael Schur called this an "extreme bottle episode" because of the single setting, but noted it required more precision and effects than a standard episode.
Who provided the philosophical guidance for the episode?
The writing staff consulted with philosophical advisors Todd May and Pamela Hieronymi to ensure the concepts of identity and the self were handled accurately.
What was the most difficult scene to film?
The climactic kiss was particularly challenging because Carden had to kiss wax lips on a pole, requiring precise body positioning and shot alignment to account for the height difference between the actors.
Why was the original Cher recording used instead of D'Arcy Carden's?
Although Carden sang a version of "Believe" that was auto-tuned, the production team found it easier to obtain the legal permissions to use Cher's original recording.