All hail The Good Place's Jason Mendoza: 2019 was the year of the sweet TV dope

The Hollywood Reporter

"A dimwitted petty criminal with a penchant for Blake Bortles and Molotov cocktails, Jason is, bizarrely, also the heart of The Good Place," says Robyn Bahr of Manny Jacinto's character. "NBC's philosophical fantasy comedy is a convoluted joke machine of a show, one that I love to watch for its clever contortions but that ultimately inspires little sentiment in me. (Like with Community, I've never bought the idea that any of the protagonists could actually end up as friends.) It's difficult to remember the plot's varying twists and turns, so Jason remains my emotional anchor from episode to episode — a credit to Jacinto's happy-go-lucky, childlike performance. The character's innocent smile and clueless non-sequiturs continuously remind me what he and his friends are fighting for: a chance at happiness in the afterlife. Jason may be the sweetest dope among a diverse array of sweet dopes who added lightness and levity to TV programs this year, including Superstore, The Other Two, Shrill, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and others. The stock character is a study in contradictions: a selfish but eager-to-please man-child; a dumb-dumb with a heart of gold; and an unsung hero whose inherent tenderness eventually touches the heart of a cold or neurotic love interest. (Think of Parks and Recreation's carefree Andy Dwyer as the apotheosis of the archetype.) As Peak TV further embraces dark antiheroes — and as society continues to reckon with the consequences of toxic masculinity post-#MeToo — these adorable/ridiculous supporting characters sprinkle a little hope back into our souls."

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