Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Season 3 Recap

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See you guys next year for a -- fingers crossed -- Season 4 recap!

[@memosilverman5654]

My only complaint in this season was that Valencia didnt sung a repraise of “Going Bi”

[@oof-rr5nf]

Oh my goddd! That would've been so cool.

[@CatoOomen]

I think not mentioning it made it stronger

[@evelyncolon5497]

@@CatoOomen I agree, doing it for Darryl was really important because he was actually having serious insecurities about his sexuality onscreen, and having Valencia repeat that same arc when honestly it seems like she’s more of a private person would seem repetitive and not in character, it was much better for representation and plot this way.

[@miavelletri]

I HAVE A THEORY ABOUT THE BOBA SET CHANGE!!!in season 1, Rebecca says she hates boba because they're like tiny "tumors" but then once she realizes Josh loves it, she goes there to see him. Now that "Josh is irrelevant" Rebecca is free to eat wherever she wants/what she likes because she's not there to "run into" or impress Josh.Anybody else have this thought?

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

I buy that!

[@MusicMeg2012]

Plus the Rebecca-Paula-donuts connective device is established early in season 1! Is the last time we see the Boba set the interaction between Josh, Greg, Father Brah, and Heather? Does it also die with Greg?

[@dansmth8269]

velencia being attracted to girls feels so important and representative of her arc. she started by being a woman who defined herself by misogy, men, and heterosexual relationships and her attraction to women and her actually acting on it is just showing how much her character developed and changed and got to know herself without the context of being in a heterosexual relationship and defining herself through josh

[@oof-rr5nf]

💖💖💖

[@CleverestWitch2188]

Thinking like this is fascinating. I was kinda mad watching it that they essentially made her bisexual.. and I disliked it for the opposite reason. It felt random and forced. They never elaborated on where she even found her? Unless I'm mistaken here. She just kinda appeared.

[@janinewolverine]

That "head in the clouds" song is the best Josh's voice has ever sounded.

[@shannonkahermanes6080]

One thing I loved in the season 3 finale was the mention of Greg without actually hinting at his return. So many shows never mention characters after they leave... but Greg's absence is something every fan of the show is talking about and every character on the show is affected by. West Covina is a different place without Greg... and it was just one small line that referred to a past episode... but it was just so great at establishing the world.

[@auberginejean]

Wait, they mentioned Greg? When? I missed it.

[@demosugar]

Yeah, she put sleeping with Greg's dad on the "sin lists" she gave to nathaniel, paula, and josh

[@beatrizgomes4094]

It was right before Rebecca slept with Greg's dad, when she thought Greg was calling her, but it was a butt dial, and then she heard from his dad that Greg was doing well and was in love with another girl. It was one of the things that pushed her over the edge and made her sleep with Greg's dad

[@Capuccino04]

Greg is the best and this bitch ruined him. I hate Rebecca

[@slayer4691]

@@Capuccino04 Rebecca actually helped him move on and chase after his dream, plus come to terms with his alcoholism. Greg is happier now away and while he is the one who changed that for himself, his relationship with Rebecca was a great catalyst to him developing towards sth better and he definitely was not ruined.

[@SimsMusicals]

I think an important difference between Trent and Rebecca is that Rebecca actually cares whether people feel uncomfortably about her advances or not (whether she handles this well is another thing), whereas Trent does not really give a shit about whether Rebecca wants to be with him or not, despite respecting her boundaries in other areas. For Rebecca's fantasy to work, the other person needs to actually love her as well, for Trent this is not the case.

[@laurenbarnes6050]

boba is a drink that looks to be healthy but isn't, the set changes to a donut shop because Rebecca isn't trying to find a healthier alternative, she's owning up to her unhealthy preferences like how she owns up to being a crazy exgirlfriend

[@rkgk1517]

Honestly, that really works.

[@jennastannard7085]

This season was the best yet in my opinion, I hope that they will get a season 4 because it's honestly my favorite show

[@NoneNone-oq9kv]

So no discussion of her diagnosis? Yes you're not a therapist but neither is CEG. The show makes it a big point. Yes Rebecca is an individual, people with BPD are all individuals but BPD isn't OCD, bipolar, it's it's own, complicated disorder and the people who deal with it have unique needs that are often neglected by mental healthcare and ignored. A lot will suffer and make impulsive decisions just like Rebecca, only to be seen as eccentric and lovable for it. She is both a unique character not defined by her illness, and someone that needs help with her disorder to own her own decisions.

[@anawieder5003]

NoneNone yes. That’s exactly the problem with this video.

[@TheCaliforniaboy1]

I love how your recaps explains everything but doesn't give anything away. It allows to understand the actions but you don't get the emotions until you physically watch the episodes. I'm not done with season 3 yet but I'm excited to continue with this on my mind.

[@daiMac_]

Yay! More bagels! Good to see you.

[@daiMac_]

There is also something to say about Paula showing usually being a buy out for Rebecca taking responsibility, mama Paula's got it, even after she says she won't anymore. However during the last scene Paula acts as a catalyst for Rebecca to take responsibility for her actions even with a possible out available. On a season around the 'crazy' part of crazy ex girlfriend it ends on a rejection of that label even when it would help. As always loving your work.

[@spodybanjack8800]

The joke about Trent's ramen being 'upsetting' was my favourite of the season

[@stormRed]

I thought a few episodes were maybe not up to par with the previous seasons, but the season finale really brought it back for me, what a perfect episode!

[@elocin22791]

Are you going to make more videos about Season 3? Or have you exhausted all your analysis in one video? I hope not! Looking to watch more of your work over the next few months

[@natalie7180]

I know I am 5 years late I am to this channel, but it is a godsend. I started watching CXG when I was in high school, loved it, but I never finished it, and now, 5 years later I am listening to My Diagnosis after just getting my ADHD diagnosis. Even years later, this show was such a fresh air that I never really thought about. As an asian person, I appreciate the representation of having Josh be a love interest, but this is nothing you haven't said before. I just wanted to say, I have watched your videos twice over, and love all of them. CXG has built a community of people and this channel is a time capsule that is so amazing to find and look over. Hope you're still doing well, man.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you so much!!

[@MusicMeg2012]

I've missed you! Watched Miss Congeniality recently and was so surprised to see a 10 years younger Steve Monroe playing one of the villains. I was like 'Scott, stop being gross!' I remember thinking about season 3 before it started. And knowing that the revenge plot couldn't last for a whole season (this is after all the same show that switched out secondary love interests and got principles from hookup to breakup to wedding in 13 episodes), and "You Do/Don't Want to be Crazy" confirmed that it was just one piece of the puzzle. I also thought that Rebecca would probably have to learn a lesson from trying a bunch of shit on Josh. I thought the lesson would come right after all the revenge and that she'd move on to self-reflection/diagnosis from there. What I didn't consider was Rebecca's 2 seasons worth of bad behavior before the revenge. I didn't consider that her lesson would be more series-encompassing. My predictions were soft and cute compared to the richness of the arcs this season. This show just knows better. Also, when it comes to the parallels between Trent and Rebecca, you weren't wrong in your predictions of "this moment would be at the finale" with Rebecca standing in front of the pit at the carnival. It's just that Trent's version of that moment was the finale. I didn't quite get all the parallels between that 4th episode and the finale until you pointed it out, with Rebecca now being in Josh's 'horror victim' spot. This will keep me thinking - the differences between Josh and Rebecca's actions in these separate moments, as well as Rebecca and Trent's. Separately, while I typically respect this show's ability to really move plot forward with ease, that finale was just too damn fast. And not only that, it just didn't feel as impressive as season 2's did. I appreciated and cherished all the little references and callbacks in two, but they felt a little tired or teasing in this one - they had less payoff. Season two's finale just felt so 'of course' and this is more 'wait, what?'. The path to get Rebecca to that courtroom in that jumpsuit was just so rushed that it was hard to appreciate that scene's significance, and the same goes for the song between Rebecca/Nathaniel. I was more affected by that song as a stand-alone thesis when I watched it before the episode, than I was in the actual context of the episode - partly because I was still reeling and too confused by the plot-holes and the noticably-beyond-realism pieces even in a show that's beyond-real all the time. Season 4 predictions - Rebecca's redemption leads her to wanting a relationship with her daughter? Don't think Rebecca will be in prison for long, but I fully expect visitation from Dr. Akopian. Paula officially becomes a lawyer. When Rebecca gets out, and her and Paula are working on a case we get a "Back in Action" reprise. Tim gets a divorce. I somehow see Paula running Whitefeather by the end of the series. We need more Father Brah, I miss him. Dog Josh is the new villain. Also, JTV, Superstore, CEXG - having a baby with your boss is just super in right now.

[@lyncatiotis]

I'm actually writing a paper on this subject for graduate school, but it's a topic which I think places like here should take and run with too..... So I'm writing a paper about how society has learned that crazy stands for this conventional concept. It's a word we throw around so easily to explain and categorize someone or soemthing out of the norm.... like that "crazy" uncle who comes to the holiday parties drunk all the time. This show in particular deals with this issue amazingly, and is something you have to watch through all episodes to see... This whole show is showing how we have a "typical" crazy ex girlfriend, when the reality of the situation is there is misdiagnosed mental illness at play here. There is a past of abuse from a mother at play here. There is a lot of mental illness which has been only superficial or done incorrectly / unethically. This show is doing an amazing job at showing that people like the "crazy uncle" who comes to family get togethers are not "crazy"... they are people like anyone else who have complicated pasts. They possibly have undiagnosed or misdiagnosed illnesses because our society still does not accept mental illness as something on par or as important then physical wellness. It is a good concept which needs to be shown and expressed to more people.

[@Sonya-lj3js]

I love listening to your videos! They really make me question Crazy Ex Girlfriend and it’s take on relationships. Its truly better then any podcast I’ve listened to and I can’t wait for more content! 😄

[@areyougonnareplynook7316]

Anyone noticed the butter can’t save you now poster

[@BFF2li]

Areyougonnareply No ok - Yes I did and I laughed so hard I cried. What a show.

[@user-vn8fj2py3x]

Everything in this show is so good. And one of the best parts is you talking about it. You're really great! I'm glad that you upload this video so quickly. Hoping to see more from you soon!

[@gshrchs]

Thank you for doing this video even though you don't hold this channel as a regular any longer. I think everyone who love this show will welcome you with open arms whenever you'll post a new video. Your content is spectacular and provides plenty of insight and I highly appreciate everything you bring to the table. See you next year! :) (or sooner if you'll ever feel like it)

[@chelseahennedy]

Another fantastic video! Thank you taking so much time to put together such a thoughtful, eloquent video. Please do more if you can!

[@boba_rhett_4749]

YESSSS IVE BEEN WAITING! THIS MADE MY NIGHT, seriously I binged the newest episodes and I’m stuck at work over night and I finally have something entertaining to watch 🙏🏻

[@internetcrow9805]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your analysis. It is equally as enjoyable to me as the show itself. Please keep it up!

[@susanstinson]

Thanks so much for this commentary. The depth of engagement you bring to Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is such a pleasure. It adds to its resonance for me. The Season Two finale left me feeling pretty alienated. The sudden appearance of the backstory about Robert broke me out of my willing suspension of disbelief. I'm very drawn to the inventiveness, ambition, and talent engaged in this show, but I was struggling to hang with the revenge plot in the first few episodes of Season Three. Rebecca did things that were so dangerous and frightening that I wasn't sure that I wanted to keep watching. But then, the episodes that centered about her suicide attempt and its aftermath, including her diagnosis, had such gravitas - gravitas and playfulness, both - that I knew that I wanted to hang in. I love what you said about Rebecca being surrounded by her community at the end here. Sometimes I wanted to swat my hands at the machinations of the plot - Trent doesn't work for me in the deep ways he seems to work for others - but the emotional arc of the story, especially, yes, the relationship between Rebecca and Paula, was drawing me forward in such compelling ways. And the musical numbers almost always brought me the most delicious kind of joy. I've watched The Miracle of Birth and First Penis I Saw over and over again. I loved most of the songs: Maybe She's Not Such a Heinous Bitch After All, My Diagnosis, maybe I loved all of them. I was initially resistant to Nothing is Ever Anyone's Fault because I didn't experience it as a love song (and felt as if I needed to in order to get the full impact of Rebecca's decision), but I'm warming up to it as, as you said, an experience of Nathaniel's brokeness, and as a temptation for Rebecca. I never like it when things happen like a character gets pushed over a roof and his pain can't really matter because of the context. I know Rebecca is taking responsibility, but, still. Court, prison, and the legal system are not where I want to spend a lot of time with this show. That's a lot of reservations, but it's also a whole lot of love for Crazy Ex Girlfriend. It doesn't have to be perfect for it to be wonderful. It's unlike anything I've ever watched. PS I am so glad that you mentioned the change from the Boba set to the doughnut place! It was kind of nagging at me. PPS I really loved that "fat-shaming" appeared as a lyric in the final song. It feels as if worlds that I'm part of are finally being allowed into the cultural conversation. That feeling happens for me a lot in this show.

[@elifg.g2254]

This analysis of season 3 had me hooked from beginning to end. Bravo, Bagels. Love your stuff.

[@HarvestMoonAngel]

Loved your recap! Also loved this season it was so much more then I thought it was going to be.

[@janetd1968]

So glad you are back! Thanks for another fantastic video.

[@bk138gt6]

outstanding work! So glad there's so many people who are as obsessed with this show as i am

[@steffisawrusgoesrawr]

Glad to see you back, but good goddamn how did you get this out so quickly? The finale was last night!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Yeah, it took some doing. I originally saw the finale last month, so I've had time to think it through

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

That would be a great story, but no, I just happen to see TV shows in advance for work

[@CarolineReadsbooks]

Oh my gosh it was so good to get another Crazy Ex-Girlfriend video from you. I loved this! Thank you so much!

[@kellyreid3656]

So so glad to see this! Was sat there after the finale yesterday thinking, if only bagels after midnight would do a video on season three 😊

[@11cakie]

Love your podcast and can’t get enough. Thank you for loving the show and giving other fans such fascinating and stimulating content!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you!

[@murnshaw]

Heyhey! Welcome back and thank you for the recap; I couldn't watch past episode 2, but your recap has made me reconsider revisiting this show. :)

[@bk138gt6]

Chung Hsiao watch it!

[@josephkulhavy7486]

I am so excited to listen to your thoughtful analysis, spoilers and all, even though I haven't had a chance to see the second half of Season 3 yet. If the show truly does subvert the traditional "hero's journey" story spine (i.e., the whole "leaving home - gaining mastery - hubris - downfall" thing), that makes me so happy for the future of the dramatic arts on TV. Maybe we're standing on the threshold of a new storytelling paradigm, one that we've never seen before.

[@nataliacloves]

Your channel is such a gem along with Crazy Ex Girlfriend.

[@iknowitalljacob2396]

I've been very much looking forward to this video. Thank you very much!

[@respectmychocolate]

im so happy you came back!!!! for now lol

[@jennastannard7085]

What are your thoughts on the Broadway musical Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh Mackenna are making about Crazy Ex Girlfriend? I am a big fan of musicals but I'm somewhat wary of it because like you have said one of the best parts about the show is how the characters have been built and grown over the seasons, but while it is in their hands I'm sure it's going to be amazing in an entirely different way.

[@MsSera21]

I love these videos. Thank you for making them.

[@oof-rr5nf]

I am so grateful for you, mate. This video is way too amazing.

[@altry8245]

I always look forward to your videos! all the love 💕

[@ananananabop]

Hey I ended up watching this show because of your videos about it, so thank you for sharing!

[@hbluemole6941]

I can't believe you made me watch 42 minutes of this straight (cause I didn't asked for that) but you did. Good job

[@justaperson2957]

Waaaaaiiiit are you really not coming back til next year?! Nooooo keep analyzing Becks and the gang!! I’ve been binge watching your videos. I need more!!!!

[@scarlettbuchanan1]

Yay! You're back good to see you!!!

[@jenniferfilipowicz9153]

Love these videos. Keep them coming.

[@duda5253]

I WAS WAITING FOR THIS

[@thaissa215]

omg you're baaack!!

[@demosugar]

"...leaving me with that confounding feeling I get so rarely from media that, I don't know exactly how to feel - but that's okay, I can just leave it. Let it be, because its being is something wonderful." I loved this part, I really empathize. Personally, I haven't had enough to time to work through the s3 finale in my mind yet to reach that final stage of being at peace w/ it, & just excited for what's to come...hopefully I'll get there soon !

[@JAEVideogroup]

Man I've missed these videos!

[@MonicaCarden]

I love this channel so much

[@miss1epicness]

Super happy your back with more analysis! I would love to hear your breakdowns of more elements of Season 3! Just with your list of favorite songs at 42:00 -- I'd love a video breakdown of your favorite songs like you've done previously! I'd also super love an analysis of Naomi and (possibly for my own agenda) Jewishness on the show.

[@TheShadowBee]

Yessss. I'm really happy to see Maybe She's Not Such a Heinous Bitch After All on the list, and I'd love to hear some thoughts on it. I have so many feelings about it, I think it holds a place in my heart in the way Oh My God I Think I Like You does for other people.

[@83croissant]

OH MY GAHD YOU ARE BACK

[@AngyBangyyy]

You're back, Bagels!

[@raineyscribbles9389]

I love season 3 so much. I hope you'll do more season 3 analysis videos

[@goodgirlbadpussy6473]

omg i love you for making this video

[@anitad5214]

It was a very thourugh video as always. Can you make one on the songs of season 3?

[@notfawningaround]

Glad you're back! 😊

[@aljosathewise]

I was waiting for this. Thank you for making it.

[@mollypocrass4562]

Side note, I love Hector's parking monologue.

[@AdorableOracle]

Welcome back!!!!!

[@RossaGoGo]

Yay! We've missed you

[@mimi-dy8uc]

This show brought you in lightly and the just sucked you down a dark black hole but i love it

[@thomoclock]

Oh great, you're back!

[@Zaftique]

You are missed!!! More essays plz! :)

[@maraaquino5425]

You're back!!

[@somethingorother9]

You're back!!!!! :D

[@andressegui1236]

the ending depressed me

[@andysoriano7120]

Another great bagel !!!

[@anawieder5003]

Also, why aren’t you talking about her diagnosis and treatment. It’s the most important storyline. The song a Diagnosis made me cry so much.

[@rachelschannel16]

love. love. love. thank you for this.

[@andysmith5806]

My view of Trent is that he is what Rebecca could be if she didn’t have a somewhat grounded support network.

[@usernameunknown9940]

It's so strange to think back on season 1 and 2 once you're full in season 3, it feels so different. I've now just started season 4 and I have no idea what could possibly happen

[@Vohalika]

Now, if only the legal stuff at the end of season 3 made any sense...

[@josephp.1919]

Omg just take my like, comment and subscription already you try hard!

[@Jag592]

Please review or recap season 4...i love ur analysis

[@timjeffandy]

Great Video! If you don't mind me asking as a total KZbin novice, did you need to get permission from Netflix to include an image from crazy ex girlfriend in your thumbnail? Or does it fall under fair use?

[@lovepushingdaisies]

I luvvv ur videos

[@sophieamdr9266]

I don't know if you'll come back to this channel to give your opinion on season 4, I'd love to hear it. Sadly imo it was a weak last installment for the serie (the love quadrangle, Greg's return and episodes like the Halloween or the hafl-brother one...). Pretty sad the serie ended this way but at least Rebecca was happy

[@MadeleineCopeHannah]

you're the real mvp

[@nanajiloh]

FUCKING FINALLY! I agree mostly with everything, although I guess I'll never be ok with how the baby storyline was developed.

[@cristinabarrosoalves2705]

Iana Araújo Why not?

[@martinamartins9595]

I'm going to miss this show and all of the CAST..

[@jobellecastro1508]

season 4 recap?

[@lindsayainsworth4012]

I hate you! Because you are so goddamn good! #turtlenecks thanks for all your hard work!

[@rainwhite1642]

Which episode do Valencia and Josh have their dance and reconcile?

[@talytasbarcelos]

oh my god i forgot how complex these videos are. i'm dumb yey

[@zyxwut321]

Ok, I have to admit, I was NOT into this season like the first 2. Really, the first one was the best (and some of the best comedic television of the last generation), the second still strong but slightly less focused and frayed around the edges. Season 3 the wheels are starting to come off. I still like the show and it still has some extremely creative and inventive writing, acting, staging and characterizations. However, at this point, it seems to be lurching from drama to drama incoherently and there's a lot of indulgent asides and I find myself caring less and less about these people. The best shows often go downhill the fastest and "Crazy Ex Girlfriend" is no exception. Given its cult-like following I'm sure it will come back for another few seasons but I fear the whimsical but grounded show it started out as is weighed down too heavily for the magic to return. We'll see.

[@lygophilia4127]

Rachel Bloom sayid her story arc is only 4 seasons long, so I doubt it will go on longer than that, especially considering its low viewership.

[@Lily-sp9xc]

you should make a podcast about ceg a là gilmore guys

[@Voldtaegtsvennerne]

I fucking love you. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful essay with us :)

[@rickloveman1135]

Your commentary might be better than the show at this point!

[@nazmussadat7852]

I feel like you discussed everyone except Rebecca.

[@izzydog111]

Notice how the girl group T-shirts say “#Girlgroup4evah” - 4 hmmmmmmmmm

[@Daleylife]

9:10 If you can't think of an appropriate scene to show, maybe you can show the introduction or title card? Because what you showed instead totally brought me out of your analysis.

[@NoName-vm4nv]

You'd think Rebecca eating at Sugar Face was the most important plot development in season 3. Sucks.

[@anawieder5003]

Not to be a nudge, but that court scene was an arraignment, not a trial. Trials have juries and take weeks and often months.

[@ThePaladinHulk]

Gonna continue watching this, but that violent stabbing scene because you couldnt think of an appropriate clip was a bit much. It's a cool scene, sure. But I don't expect stabbing when I watch a video like this. Felt like a bad choice. I'm sorry.

[@demosugar]

Yeah it was definitely very distracting at the least

[@meanttobe3872]

I don't know if you're making so much sense or are you just saying random things.

[@flurbanmoran7797]

In the first episode of the first season the black guy at the end apologizes to all the girls he put in his videos. Why? It's not like he tricked them. He told them up front what was going to happen. Dance in the video and make money. Why should a man feel guilty for giving someone a job? Everyone knew what was going on in advance and agreed to do it. This is what's wrong with society. We are told what is supposed to offend us, and then we are supposed to feel guilty and apologetic for it. But I suppose he made more money than them, right? That's not fair. So now they are victims? We're all victims. We're supposed to be mad at the guy that gave us a job because we regret our decision and now want to take out that regret on someone in power? Yeah, sure, it's a t.v. show, and none of this is happening in reality. I won't watch it again. It's too bad, because I thought it would be good.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

I appreciate we're responding to the exact text of the sequence, and I think the humor comes from the heightened gender relations endemic to hip hop from the 90s and early 2000s, especially as viewed through a non-black gaze. The kernel of truth is that our society elevates the man in this equation, favoring his talent for rap over the woman's talent for dance. Her opportunities are then limited, and it's got nothing to do with talent, but rather a preference on the consumer's part. I'm glad you took the time to write, and look, we're gonna encounter disagreeable ideas and expressions in new types of media. I certainly did. Clearly, it made you think, and I hope you keep thinking about it, and I especially hope you give the show another shot someday, because you might find something more agreeable next time.