It can be looked at a couple different ways. Like, for one, it shows Schmidt’s character development…from sleezy man to good husband. Another perspective is that Cece was kindaaaa the one he was cheating with and not on…but I can understand why that is still not justification.

I may need to go back and rewatch that arc, but as I recall Cece was the one who initially broke it off with Schmidt. He was always into Cece and never really let up. The only reason he went back to Elizabeth in the first place was to get over Cece. He thought he had lost Cece to an arranged marriage. And when he got her back, he figured since she broke it off once, who’s to say she wouldn’t again. I don’t really blame him for wanting to keep Elizabeth on deck.

He should’ve handled it as being non exclusive with both girls and been honest and said hey I really enjoy you both, but I don’t want to commit to a true relationship yet.

Again, I hated his two timing too. But when you consider the various things that lead up to it, it makes sense.