The Trolley Problem
- Episode aired Oct 19, 2017
- TV-14
- 22m
Chidi and Eleanor tackle a famous ethical dilemma, leading to a conflict with Michael; Tahani confides in Janet.Chidi and Eleanor tackle a famous ethical dilemma, leading to a conflict with Michael; Tahani confides in Janet.Chidi and Eleanor tackle a famous ethical dilemma, leading to a conflict with Michael; Tahani confides in Janet.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe trolley passes a cinema displaying the titles STRANGERS UNDER A TRAIN and BEND IT LIKE BENTHAM, parodying Strangers on a Train (1951) and Bend It Like Beckham (2002), while alluding to philosopher Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), founder of utilitarianism (a doctrine that was mentioned earlier).
- GoofsWhen Michael is forced by Chidi to write "People = Good" on the chalkboard, it is clear the previous times it was written were not done by him, because the handwriting is dramatically different.
- Quotes
Chidi Anagonye: I just want to have a little chat about your progress. In the last homework assignment, I asked you to examine the ethics of "Les Misérables", in which a man steals a loaf of bread to feed his starving family. Would you please read your first paragraph?
Michael: "Everyone in this story sucks and belongs in the Bad Place. The thief is bad, the officer chasing him is bad, all the whiny prostitutes are bad, plus they're all French, so they're going to the Bad Place automatically."
Chidi Anagonye: Do you see how you're already off-topic?
Michael: Chidi, I've been around a long time - like, all of it. But I know for a fact that if you steal a loaf of bread, it's a negative 17 points - 20 if it's a baguette because that makes you more French.
- ConnectionsReferences Strangers on a Train (1951)
Meanwhile, Tahani is trying to understand why she is not willing to tell anyone else that she is sleeping with Jason. She persuades Janet to be her therapist so that she can talk to somebody about it. This leads to some bizarre reactions from Janet which must be seen to be believed. This also nicely sets up the cliffhanger for the next episode.
As usual, fast paced and lots of fun. Watch for a bit near the end where Ted Danson proves that it's not always what you say so much as how you say it. All in all, a great effort.
Details
- Runtime22 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 16:9 HD