#yellowleather

[image description: a reply from yellowleather that reads “He says something like “you see Gabrielle. She’s in another man’s arms” and then Lucy starts cracking up” end description]

I always skip when fates collide in a rewatch and watch that as the series finale

Oooh, I love this! First of all, they’re both relieved to have made it there; Emma due to her somewhat sketchy teens and twenties and Regina due to the Evil Queen thing. Their initial reaction is that this is another curse, because they’ve both experienced enough of those for a lifetime, but Michael manages to convince them that this is actually the afterlife using the Truth Cube.They are surprised when Chidi offers to teach them more about what it means to be a good person- after all, weren’t they just told that they were good enough to make it to the Good Place? Emma quickly deduces that this was a mistake and clams up, refusing to participate. Regina goes on an anxious spiral about never being good enough serious enough to alarm even Chidi. Using her newfound emotional intelligence, Eleanor saves the situation by telling them that yes, they were good people and did legitimately make it to the Good Place, but that being good actually means always striving to do better and eliminate bad behaviors. Somewhat reluctantly, they agree to taking Chidi’s ethics classes. The Soul Squad volunteer to join them so they don’t feel singled out.

Emma finds Eleanor the easiest person to relate to, and they end up studying together. Eleanor always gives really good concrete examples that help Emma grasp the complex philosophical concepts without making her feel dumb. Regina takes a deeper interest in moral philosophy, as she has spent many years by this point trying to figure out what it means to be a good person, and how she could achieve it. Chidi is thrilled, and gives her additional readings, which they discuss over coffee in the cafe. Eleanor isn’t worried though, because her relationship with Chidi is more solid than ever. Since Eleanor is the only one in the group with functioning gaydar, it takes her all of five seconds to figure out that Emma’s got it bad for Regina, and she gives her advice on how to get the girl. She encourages her by saying that her feelings are reciprocated, and that some people are just bad at expressing how they feel, citing herself as an example. Emma is wary about this advice, and so Eleanor opens up to her about her own sexuality, and they quickly bond over their shared bisexuality (and she breaks it to Emma that yes, super hot Mayor MILF is also bi and hella into Emma). Emma also ends up becoming a sort of big sister to Jason, keeping him safe from himself because she recognizes what abandonment can do to a person. She’s got a soft spot for him because he’s 100% genuine: what you see is what you get. 

Meanwhile, Regina is working through her own insecurities about her inadequacy and potential for goodness. Finding himself out of his depth, a now more decisive Chidi turns to Tahani, who uses her newly acquired resilience and empathy for others to help Regina. Aside from the slightly pretentious name-dropping, Regina finds that they have a lot in common, and is grateful for this kindred spirit.

 After Eleanor has worked with Emma a bit and she starts making moves towards Regina, Tahani picks up on the fact that there’s more to these two ladies’ complicated relationship, and starts name-dropping Emma in casual conversation to gauge Regina’s reaction. Regina is guarded and biting at first, but eventually relents and admits that fine, she might be more fond of the former sheriff than she lets on. After this point, Eleanor and Tahani are a dynamic matchmaking duo, trying to bring Emma and Regina together. Chidi and Jason are both equally clueless at first, but Eleanor clues in Chidi, and Tahani explains the situation to Jason, and gently breaks it to him that no, he can’t join them on their “special hangouts”, no not even as a wingman. Over time, Emma and Regina work through their respective issues and become better people, as well as taking the leap to admit their feelings to each other.

How dare you make me want to rewatch this show

If they ask if you have any questions, you should absolutely have questions. I’m really bad for that, but it’s good to prep a bunch and check them off if they’re answered during the interview. Then ask what’s left.