Jason Mendoza quickly became a breakout character on NBC's The Good Place when it aired in 2016. With his complete lack of awareness and flare for saying whatever comes to mind, viewers either love him or hate him, but overall he's got good intentions and a good heart. His positivity and boyish charm is redeeming.
Though he's primarily known for being the last one in on the joke, he has his moments of surprise by offering the best advice in the room. Fans don't know how he does it, but sometimes Jason does make sense. People always say it's the quiet ones you've got to look out for. Sometimes, it's the not so bright ones either.
Staying In Character
When the audience first meets Jason, they're told his name is Jiyanu, a Buddhist monk meant to be in The Good Place. In episode three, he reveals to Eleanor that he's actually Jason Mendoza from Jacksonville, FL, a guy who spent his life aspiring to be an EDM DJ.
Even though he had no idea what was going on, he knew enough to stay quiet about his true identity. Because his character becomes known for word vomit, it begs the question how? How did he manage to not accidentally give himself up? Jason may not be the most intelligent of The Good Place characters, but this proves he's more observant of actions and consequences than people give him credit for.
Knowing Things Aren't What They Seem
Early on in the series, Jason thinks that instead of being in The Good Place, they could be at an alien zoo or on a prank show. He reveals these possibilities after letting Eleanor know he too isn't supposed to be there.
While he's wrong, he's not totally off base theoretically. He can sense that even what Michael and Janet are telling him doesn't completely add up, which the audience later learns in the series finale and Eleanor figures out herself. Jason's strength is thinking outside the box. Believing that the impossible is possible.
Paying Attention In Class
In the season 1 finale, when the core four must decide who should go to The Bad Place, Eleanor boldly states it should be her and Jason since the two of them never should've been there in the first place. However, Jason shockingly pulls out a theory from Chidi's philosophy lessons and says they've all done bad things.
Granted, right before he does, he uses the word ethnically instead of ethically, but he's still able to define consequentialism and apply it accurately to their current debacle. It proves that even if no one thinks he's listening, Jason does pay attention from time and time.
The Infamous Molotov Cocktail
Viewers first learn throwing this flammable glass bottle on Acidcat's boat is Jason's way of getting back at him after he sues Jason for playing his own beats during one of his shows. For some reason, Jason seems to think this is the perfect solution to every hairy scenario he gets himself in.
But in season 2, when they're discovered at a Bad Place social event, the Molotov cocktail actually works. It buys them time and they're able to escape to meet the all-knowing judge. Even more impressive is how Jason's able to construct one so quickly. It's not a long term solution, but it proves Jason's fast on his feet and adaptable under pressure.
Unforeseen Wisdom
In the episode "Chidi Sees The Time-Knife," the main four try to reason with the judge about why the point system to get into The Good Place is flawed. Chidi stands to reason using philosophy quotes, but Jason interjects with another outlandish story about his life in Jacksonville.
His story about Big Noodle--a guy from his dance crew--ends up arriving at a valid point, shocking everyone. You can't judge humans too harshly because you don't know what they go through. It's enough to get the judge on their side. It's at the most crucial moments--under intense pressure--that Jason offers some wisdom.
Emotional Intelligence
A lot of viewers make the case that out of the main four, Jason is the most emotionally intelligent. He's the first to act on feelings and does so impulsively. One of these ways is telling Janet how he feels the moment he feels it.
While acting on impulse is not always wise, the case can be made that this certainly makes decision-making a lot easier. Compare it to Chidi who spent his life and spends his afterlife tormented by making tough decisions, whereas Jason goes with the flow. Sure, he may not think things through, but sometimes a snap decision makes all the difference in the world.
Suggesting Chidi
In the season premiere of season 4, Eleanor, Michael, Tahani, and Jason discuss how to convince the new arrivals this really is the afterlife so as to push them into making good decisions. They're unsure of who has the authority and the power to do so until Jason suggests Chidi.
It may have been an obvious suggestion to viewers, but Jason was the first to suggest it out of the group. Sometimes the most obvious answer is the hardest to see, perhaps because it may seem too easy, but this is where Jason excels.
Observant
In season 2, episode 2, Eleanor and Chidi escape to Mindy St. Clair's house in The Medium Place only to learn they've been there hundreds of times. While reading old plans they've come up with they discover one of Jason's suggestions is to "catch that magic panda and use her powers." As per usual, no one else knows what he's talking about. However, later in the season viewers get a brief shot of this mysterious panda causing destruction at the after roast party held by the demons. Somehow he seems to be the only one who's noticed the panda.
Though it doesn't help them in any way, it goes back to the idea that he's more observant than people take him to be. Jason says the funniest things but is almost like a kid in this sense--kids are usually more alert and watchful than people think.
Pointing Out His Flaws
In season 4, episode 2 the group questions Eleanor's ability to lead the experiment. Jason wonders why he couldn't be put in charge, pointing out that Eleanor is basically leading how he would--terribly.
At the very least, Jason has the wherewithal to realize that their current plan is not going smoothly. But it also takes a special kind of person to own up to their shortcomings, a sense of self-awareness, and Jason says verbatim that he's the one known for screwing up. That's his thing, not Eleanor's. Viewers will notice too that as the show goes on, more and more of the characters around him acknowledge he has a decent point. It tells the audience that although the process may be slow, Jason is learning.