Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Season 2 Recap

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Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’s first season was perfect, as television. Now in the context of season 2, it seems, perhaps, not fully realized as Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, but merely prelude...

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Transcript now available: genericwonderful.com/2017/03/02/crazy-ex-girlfriend-season-2-recap/

[@cmreap]

Thanks. While I certainly appreciate the effort and time involved with making this video, I also believe that humans invented writing for a reason. For myself, I'm a reader rather than a watcher. I like your analysis. It will be interesting to see how dark things get in Season 3. I think Rebecca may be over her Electra complex - I think Silas' pathetic performance in the last two episodes was really eye-opening and traumatic - but Rebecca still has more issues than the entire print run of People Magazine.

[@janetbeatrice9505]

I appreciate that, since I also am more of a reader than a watcher. But I find the gray on black text difficult to read. It's much easier to read dark text on a light background and if you ever re-design your site, I hope you'll consider making that change. I just watched your analysis of episode 206 and it was interesting so I would like to watch more of these. I like your thoughtful, sensitive approach to this wonderful show.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thanks! Website's been fixed

[@janetbeatrice9505]

Oh wow, you changed it! Thanks!

[@EllieBobbit]

"I claimed to be feminist but my empathy for women's experience always had boundaries' - your level self awareness is what I look for in my friends.

[@gabrielanunez5429]

"i'm a straight man and my happiness was practically taught in school" is one of the most self-aware things i've ever heard and it made me really look at my own life (although i am neither straight nor a man). thank you for that.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

I appreciate you saying that

[@niceonefransi]

"Imagining life as a musical because life sucks." Same.

[@mallory9486]

It's funny, I'm a straight woman like Rebecca and I have no idea what the happy ending outside of the basic "happily ever after" narrative we've been sold for so long. I've always considered myself a feminist yet I constantly find myself hoping Rebecca ends up with Greg. It's absurd, actually. The show is basic telling me this thought process is unhealthy and ingrained in female minds despite being fairly harmful- yet I still buy into it. I think one thing that makes Rebecca so relatable to women is that she consciously defines herself as a feminist, and a liberal, yet she is still obsessed with this patriarchal concept of ending up with the man of her dreams. It's difficult and frustrating for modern heterosexual women to try to find the balance. How can we be "feminists" and still desire romantic relationships with men? Anyway, great review. I love hearing different perspectives on complex shows like this. Very interesting and insightful!

[@Ariantia]

Mallory Feminism is meant to be about equality. I can't see why it should be an impediment to love or romance. Romance is what you make it, it's different for everyone depending on their preferences, it doesn't have to be a stereotype ;)

[@83croissant]

please do write an essay about "We Tapped That Ass"

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

haha. If only I was still in school I could use that as my thesis

[@elocin22791]

You're one of the few KZbinrs talking about this show, so thank you! Also, love the edits where the scenes from CEG coincide with your video essay. Thank you!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

haha thank you!

[@rainy905]

Bagels After Midnight you should review season one

[@PaulaHowley]

Rani Li yes, please Bagels.

[@efass_]

I'm so glad to find someone who cares so much about this show, despite its small fanbase! Your videos put into words a lot of the thoughts I've been having over the course of these two seasons, and it's really great to hear such a deep analysis of such an incredible show. Can't wait to see more.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Wow! Thank you!

[@11cakie]

Eloise Fassler I agree! I accidentally stumbled upon this show and IM OBSESSED. I flipping love it, the songs in it, as well as this podcast. I can hardly wait for season 3. I've never felt this way about this show before.

[@stillupsetaboutrobbstark3455]

Damn- wish I could find someone even half as woke to the feminist lens as you are. This is legit analysis, props man.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you!

[@haibarachristie6028]

I think that this analysis does Josh a disservice in that we forget just how much he has been gaslighted and manipulated throughout his relationship with Rebecca (it's insane, frankly). He's not merely the Cali Bro whose villainy is in spite of a culmination of apathy, tortured masculinity...and lack of intelligence. It is /because/ of all those things. Spirituality/Priest-hood seems to be a way for Josh to gain control again over himself and his world in a way consistent with his simpleton nature. And like you said, the Father friend of his is his anchor.

[@anupriyajose7723]

I guess that the shift in tone you described in the beginning of the video was represented by the initial theme sequence. The theme song of season 1 was quirky and playful in a bright way, represented with everyone and everything except Rebecca being drawn out as cartoon characters. This shows the fantasy world that the viewers were initially introduced to. Whereas in the second season theme sequence, Rebecca is put in darkness, with random strangers commenting on her mental state. All the friendly quirkiness found in the first season had disappeared and we were subject to Rebecca's "crazy eyes" (like in "We'll never have problems again") and we were more aware and put off by her gradually increasing insanity.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Very astute. I never really thought about what the animation in the first season might've meant, but that's right on. I'm so in love with Rebecca's crazy eyes

[@thanatos101b]

Rachel Bloom has naturally big, expressive eyes. When they highlight them with strong eyeliner and eyeshadow so your eye is drawn to them (as opposed to the other parts of her face/head) it makes them look completely crazy.

[@YellowGiraffeGal]

One of my favorite reprises ever in the show is the instrumental callback in the first two seasons to "friends, friends, friends, I definietly have friends.". You can hear the melody in the background whenever Darryl or Rebecca or Paula realize they can count on their people :3 It always warms my heart a little.

[@vincentlee8787]

This is such incredibly articulate, well thought out and well-edited analysis. As a straight male who has a lot of female friends and tries to be a feminist ally, I agree that this show confronts us (us being straight males trying to be not awful) with a lot of our collective blind spots. "We're never as liberal as we think we are," and you're totally right. Even the fictional world has long catered to our needs. I still feel that some of the pacing and direction of Season 2 didn't land quite right for me, aside from the less "fun" aspect. A few of the songs didn't seem as emotionally punchy or subtextual and existed mostly as silly illustrations of plot points ("Man Nap"). But you've illustrated effectively that a lot of our favoritism towards the first season is based on our own expectations as audience members. Then we get to the finale. Holy shit. I considered the Thanksgiving episode to be my favorite, but the finale is just art. And the last scene with the flashback to her being institutionalized is such a heartbreaking gut punch. At this point, the trajectory of the show could go anywhere and it is a scary and exciting thing. I believe this show has always been at its best when Rebecca is at her worst, and we are in for some dark times. Lastly, I'm really glad you're so supportive of female creators. I'm an artist by profession, and as much as I want to create good female characters and be sympathetic, I will always be on the outside looking in. It makes me incredibly grateful that shows like this exist.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

It's true that Man Nap was no Heavy Boobs. And yeah that season finale was a rollercoaster right into a kick to the teeth. Not enjoyable exactly, but one of the best episodes of television ever broadcast As an aspiring writer of fiction who's also interested in women characters, I spent a lot of my high school and college days hashing out the best method to go about it, using existing media as a reference point. Now that we're starting to see women-created/women-driven TV shows, all my theorycrafting goes right out of the window. It makes such a profound difference to experience women's stories than speculate about them

[@BenWeinerRVA]

the counterpoint to the 'songs might get more dramatic' theory is that man nap is an objectively 12/10 perfect song.

[@BenWeinerRVA]

but for real this video is very good thanks for making it

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

My plez.

[@TheMrsMeezy]

initially I didn't give Crazy Ex-Girlfriend a shot and I'm super happy I binged the first season and a couple of days later the second season was available for me to binge as well. I have so much respect for Rachel Bloom and her interesting and blunt ways of handling mental illness and relationships. Rebecca Bunch isn't a likable character all the time and her fuck ups affect the real lives around her. I was really excited that you came to the same conclusion that the real villain of the story isn't Valencia, or even Rebecca but Josh. He was careless on how he treated other people and this is extremely evident in the way that he handles Greg's alcoholism. And how he blurts out that he is now with Rebecca. Whilst Rebecca is seeking happiness in all the wrong places and is disassociated from reality a lot of the time, I think she ultimately means well and the arc of her relationship with Paula and Valencia is proof of that. Josh is happily ignorant and is a "taker" for lack of a better word. He doesn't reciprocate in any of his relationships and the fact that he even has friends is astounding. Josh as a villian was really cemented for me when in the therapy scene, he was preluded by ominous whistling, akin to the Twisted Nerve whistling better known from Kill Bill TLDR: GREAT COMMENTARY, SUBSCRIBED.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Basically until the season finale I still found Josh sympathetic. I think that's part of the magic of the show -- you see how emotional violence can come from people who don't even realize it, which then helps US think... oh shit. Maybe that's me :0 We're all trying to be Heather, but inside we're just Josh

[@TheMrsMeezy]

Bagels After Midnight damn. I wanna be a Heather so bad

[@briannalee1998]

Amanda Tee totally agree with you about Josh, he doesn't care about anyone, but himself.

[@weldsj8847]

Glad this is back. Note to producers: when your show is struggling, don't get in the way of the fans you do have in maintaining interest in that show by having this kind of dialogue.

[@1324esther]

Wow! I had thought about some of your insights separately already but hearing it all at once just made me realize how much better the show even is than I already thought.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Wow thank you!

[@HarvestMoonAngel]

This was an amazing recap. I have never related to a fictional character more then I have to Rebecca Bunch and I am so glad to be able to experience a narrative that feels like it was made for me. I love listening to you discuss and deconstruct the show. Hope you continue to make videos for season 3!

[@goldilocksclyq2994]

yeah... i can't believe I finished listening to this.... but I really love the analysis....

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thanks! Yep, love that Becks

[@theoptimish1747]

The inner romantic in me hopes for Rebecca to really listen to Dr. Akopian and work through her problems, after the vengeance plot that looks like will be the start of season 3, but to also have her with Nathaniel or Greg and Rebecca learning how to work on herself whilst also being in a real, stable relationship.

[@qmechanic]

Not sure this is the appropriate place, but since a lot of people like discussing the show and Rachel Bloom here, I thought I'd write another comment. I went to see the 25th anniversary concert version of "Crazy of You" at Lincoln Center. Rachel Bloom had a minor role, with one big solo number. It was a great show overall. There were a lot of young women fans waiting at the stage door. Rachel apparently forgot to drop by, but I did talk to one of the women fans while I was waiting. She said that she was taking the NYC subway earlier in the week and saw Rachel in the subway car. Rachel noticed the fan staring at her and immediately introduced herself and shook the fan's hand. Wow, can't say I've heard of a nicer, more thoughtful "celebrity". Add that to more of the things that are great about Rachel Bloom.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

that's so cool

[@bk138gt6]

"As a species, we're designed to be miserable." CORRECT

[@inbarassaf2881]

You know- there is a great thread on Twitter favourited by Rachel about the fire motif in the show (starting in early season one, with a major clue in Rebecca's and Greg love for a certain factory fire) I'd love to hear your take on it- if you ever choose to delve into that.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Oh wow -- I'd have to think more about that!

[@inbarassaf2881]

Right? That was my mind blowing find of the day. And it really just continues to suprise me how well planned this show is- so many shows on TV right now feel like they're written on the fly, and make like zero sense by the time they reach beyond the first season (becuase they're probably pitched with only the first season in min)- but not this one. I truly belive they have thought everything and woven it meticulously from day one.

[@briannalee1998]

Great analysis of the show as always! And yes, Josh is definitely the villain of the show! Love it! I remember watching the first episode and when he broke up with her in such a douche bag way calling her, "dramatic and weird" I was like, what? No way this is the guy she goes crazy for! He is not worth it! Then when she saw him in New York and he said "if I had known how hot and successful you'd be, I never would've broken up with you." I was like, Yeah asshole, you made a big mistake! Which is what Rebecca should've done, instead of moving across the country for him. Then when it showed that he's a grown 20 something with no job, I was like, "what a loser! Rebecca, what the heck sweetie? He is not worth all this trouble, you need a mature and successful man." I never understood what Becks, Valencia, and all the girls saw in him, he's immature and has no ambition. Am I the only one who finds that unattractive? Then the way he left her at the alter was childish and selfish because you could tell that he didn't think about it twice or even question how it would make Rebecca feel. It was cowardly. He just told the his priest friend to tell her over the phone like it was no big deal, it shows that he never cared about her at all. He's definitely the villain and I like how the writers were so subtle with it. I love Orphan Black, too! I want the second and third possible future options to be how the show ends. Her realizing her friends were her journey, solving her inner demons, mental problems, growing up, and moving to Europe or becoming the owner of her own firm, sane and happy. Recovery. Sounds like the perfect ending to me, I'd love to see the show be more of a drama.

[@KD-ou2np]

I think his appeal is he's like that dumb hot aloof guy a lot of girls have crushes on at a young age, the guy you have no chance with and who seems basically unapproachable. Atleast, to a awkward girl like rebecca. I'm smart enough to know better now, but I definitely see the appeal in the mystery of it. And Josh basically never matured out of being that guy.

[@Enclownter]

Thank you for such an in-depth look at a show that really deserves it. You've managed to articulate exactly how clever this show is, particularly at balancing that happy-sad-devastating thing it's got going on. I wish more people could recognise it! Thank you again!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Hey, thank you!

[@rockinhamburger6934]

Thank you so much for creating such an insightful take on the season and the show in general. You are right on with so much of your analysis, particularly around the show's allusions to Virginia Woolf and The Awakening, and its possible answers to the question of who women are when not defined by the men in their lives. Finally, thank you for being open to the stories and perspectives of women in media - it's really heartening for me to see your willingness and excitement to go there. Looking forward to your future CEG analysis!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you so much for saying so!

[@CrimsonVipera]

Gender neutral for ballsy is gutsy, I think. Love the whole series of your analisis on this.

[@chloecarter-daves1528]

This channel is a total gem. I love CEG and I love the in depth analysis that not only verbalizes what I've thought about both the show and about society as a whole, but also introduces new perspectives that I hadn't even conceptualized. I can't wait to watch future output.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you so much!

[@MoosheNickerson]

That reprise killed me emotionally and put that huge pit in my stomach for that cliff to come back and then it diiiiidddddd.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Really powerful stuff

[@caitlinmcelroy-salamun6973]

Wow, what an impressive breakdown of the show. Super insightful, and you explored several themes I had picked up on in the back of my mind but hadn't examined thoroughly. Thanks for the great video!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thanks!

[@MrJasePark]

This was wonderful. I adore people talking about this show, because it's one of the most interesting and detailed shows on TV. Keep it up, Bagels After Midnight!

[@SirDupree]

I have abandonment issues due to my mother abandoning me as a child. A lot of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is hard for me to watch due to the fact that so many of her, "I just want to be loved, so please don't leave me." hits very close to home. I enjoyed your video. I am sad that I do not have someone in my life where I can discuss this show with because, IMO, it is one of the best on television.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Agreed, though the Internet has provided me certain outlets, like for example the CXG subreddit: www.reddit.com/r/crazyexgirlfriend/

[@rEdchEEsE]

just discovered your videos and can't stop all the binge watching. I really love how in depth they are and how everything is questioned...it feels like I'm having a discussion with a friend LOL except all my friends get really annoyed with glasses over eyes when I go beneath the surface of crazy ex gf. Can't wait for season 3 of the show AND for your vids

[@CardboardMarzipan]

First, I just want to say that it is so refreshing to find people talking about the show - not just fans connecting in comment sections of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend videos, but for someone fascinated by the show enough to make these kind of in-depth videos that explore everything about the show. I mean, it's a great show, and unfortunately, I don't think it's nearly as popular as it should be, it's brilliant...it's so nice to know other people feel the same way! I honestly didn't feel too stressed out during the second season. The first season was great, like a delicious bowl of soup, but the second season was more like a bowl of delicious, homemade chili. It was filling and satisfying, and even though I'm sometimes hesitant to try different spicy foods, some spices are just hot enough to give a dish depth without feeling like your mouth is on fire. I guess you could say that spicy food is a metaphor for all the emotions you feel for the characters - anger, sadness, hurt...it wasn't too much for me. Perhaps this is because I'm a little jaded about living life with mental illness - after all the moments you go through that just completely take the wind out of your sails, it's nice to watch a show where mental illness isn't glossed over, but at the same time, there are musical numbers accompanying life's setbacks. There's just something about that that I find weirdly empowering. I was really bummed when Greg left the show, but I was very impressed with how the writers handled his alcoholism. He became aware that he had a problem, and of his triggers. There are people in my life who have struggled with alcoholism, and it often frustrates me how often people misunderstand alcoholism...I think maybe, like many things in life, it's too unpleasant for people to really want to think about. It also gives a face to people with this problem, the way Crazy Ex-Girlfriend gives a face, and a closer look, at this idea of a woman being a crazy ex-girlfriend. What I thought was particularly funny was Hector's approach to Greg's alcoholism - like, it was so much a part of Greg's life, it doesn't occur to Hector that acknowledging that you have a drinking problem means breaking old habits to turn your life around. It was, in a way, almost a parody of how much people don't understand alcoholism (for example, abusing alcohol is not necessarily the same thing as alcoholism - you're not an alcoholic if you can go back to drinking alcohol without abusing it and having it turn your life upside down; an alcoholic is someone who cannot drink or it will get out of control. Greg is an example of a recovering alcoholic, and a sober alcoholic is an alcoholic who is aware of their addiction, and have maintained long-term sobriety.) When you mentioned the part about Rebecca contemplating jumping off the cliff, the first thing that popped into my head was a mythological creature from Slavic folklore called the rusalki. Rusalki are tree-dwelling women who come into being from the souls of miscarried children and women that committed suicide by drowning themselves before they were to be married (usually in an arranged marriage.) I first read about rusalki in a book about mermaids, and I think it's unfortunate there aren't more contemporary stories about them, they're fascinating. Anyways, I've gone on for too long - keep making these videos, they're thought-provoking and well-made!

[@daniellemontreal3491]

So, like no Option 4 (or Option 3a): Realizing Trent is a true match ? No? Just me? Mkay.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Dear Rebecca Noooora Buuuunch...

[@CanaAlyce]

Season 3 has been fantastic so far. Loved the last reprise that scene in the church was so great story wise for Rebecca also joshes reaction I think needed to happen because that is what happens when women express their anger to men. I think option 2 would be for the finale season last couple of episodes.

[@BronoTrigger]

wow, your commentary on the show is so on point and well thought out. i just happened to stumble on your channel while watching other youtube clips in anticipation of season 3, and i'm so glad i did. i never really read too much into fictional stories (or any artistic works for that matter) past the story that the author is telling me, so you gave me a lot to think about going into season 3. obviously, when i watch it, i'm smart enough (i think) to realize that the show overall is a meta-commentary on a bunch of fictional tropes, but never really thought too deeply about the mental health issues it presents (apart from what's shown on the surface), so thanks for giving me some extra things to think about when i rewatch s1 & s2.

[@rbush88]

Wow! What an incredibly well thought-out, well articulated, thought provoking essay. And aside from the great content, you have a really great voice for video essays/podcasts!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thanks!

[@yaroflash]

I'm so happy to have discovered your channel, your videos are so well thought-out and on point you bring up many points I haven't even noticed while watching the show. I have put this video in the "watch later" section a few days ago to watch after I'm done with season 2 and I wasn't disappointed. I'm really looking forward to season 3 and further videos from you :)

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you!

[@SmallBritney]

This was amazing! Insightful and brilliantly examined. Keep up the good work!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thanks!

[@EternalYorkieMom]

Hey, I just want to say that as a seasoned musical lover, the time people break into song is always when they are under the most stress and most conflict. Sometimes by the end of the song the problem will be solved (The song I am thinking of is "Any Moment/ Moments in the Woods from Into the Woods). I am just clarifying since you have said in previous videos that you aren't someone who watches musicals a bunch. :)

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Interesting!

[@leamanc]

Amazing analysis. Thanks so much for putting this together--it's extremely well-edited too.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you!

[@AndrewAmbroseLee]

glad to see this vid back. Brilliantly structured, written, and edited. A+ job.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you!

[@youmakemeblah]

I just found your channel and these are all incredible. Thank you for these!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thanks!

[@BeccaSuskauer]

thank you for making this, its brilliant! Looking forward to seeing more of these for Season 3!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you!

[@Dreamachineries]

I love that you mention Tatiana Maslany, she and Rachel Bloom are my favourites too. So incredibly talented.

[@catherined.6840]

I love your videos, I hope you make some for season 3!

[@jkmbassoon]

Thank you so much for making these videos! I've been obsessed with this show since the beginning. I did disagree with you about season 2 though. I thought season 2 was heart wrenching and beautiful. Where season 1 set up a lot of what we expected from the character, we got to see such incredible moments in season 2 that are so relatable from a well educated woman's point of view. "Tell Me I'm OK, Patrick" while hilarious in execution, was a vivid sentiment for me. And even "Lets have Intercourse" was probably the best version of a woman's point of view of the male gaze I've ever seen.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

I'm definitely in love with season 2, but it really wrung that response out of me. The first season was just so likable. But who cares about being LIKABLE??

[@Private-yr4pe]

16:15 I thought the same. Why suddenly I think that Josh is the villain? Great video, keep up the good work!

[@bk138gt6]

I really enjoyed this. I think you're letting Rebecca off the hook a bit too easily. She comes out of nowhere, takes totally unethical steps to sabotage josh's relationship under the guise of love that can't possibly be genuine. It's why she's the villain in her own story. Josh didn't ask her to come back into his life and she lies about it constantly. During season 1 i started to wonder what happened to her in those 10 years, and it was pretty horrifying. I think she loved the idea of Josh, but not the person. They aren't compatible at all. I think Josh realized that, albeit way too late and was too much of an emotionally stunted coward to own up to it and ran away. I empathize with Rebecca deeply, but some of her actions are objectively reprehensible. And yet relatable. God i love this show. Keep up the great work!

[@caraziegel7652]

watched most of this a few weeks ago and the last bit just now . . . reminded me, your bit about why everyone leaves her, because she tried to fit herself in to these ppls lives . . . I finally decided, at one point, that I needed to be celibate because i kept ending up in relationships that were not making me happy, and I realized I was pretty much jumping from man to man. When I made a commitment to being celibate, then instead of trying to decide if this man was better than being lonely, it was whether this man was worth breaking this other commitment for. And it only took about a year before I found my husband! I also relate to rebecca a LOT - esp, i guess, as another new york jew 3rd generation american . ... (my mom and grandma are from NY, i grew up outside of philly)

[@soccergirl97201]

This was amazing. Thank you so much for this beautiful piece!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you!

[@adultishbooks]

I love this show and I love that you do this in depth analysis of it. Keep making videos please!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thanks!

[@mikeduplessis8069]

Someone just pointed out to me BACK in episode 103, the housewarming party episode, Rebecca's flyer had a drawing of her house burning down. (hashtag) THIS HOUSE IS ON FIRE!!!!!!!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Mike Duplessis Grocery Clerk with Half an Eyelid finally got his wish

[@TheMoggFREE]

oooohh, are they following Arrested Development with their own foreshadowing??

[@lem_moon]

That last episode strikes that balance between making me super uncomfortable, excited and sad. What a nice mix!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

We're not worthy of director Aline B. McKee

[@ZoeRaeCalamar]

so glad this is back! i love this video its such quality content

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you!

[@hkpuipui99]

Amazing summary. Really puts the season in perspective for me!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

That's great to hear! It was a rough ride, this season...

[@raquelfernandez5533]

thanks for telling me it's a re-upload. I was about to watch a 42 minute video again to find out if there's anything new added

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

No alternate ending. He's still a ghost teh whole time

[@raquelfernandez5533]

Bagels After Midnight yeah i really didn't see that plot twist coming, especially with them being twin brother and sister also...

[@qmechanic]

Thanks for writing this thoughtful commentary. I felt frustrated with the middle act of Season 2, but your explanation about the tonal shift from Season 1 to Season 2 helped clear things up for me. Your video editing is great (I watched first version before it got taken down). I'm Asian-American and had become resigned to the fact that there would never be a great show written for me, but Crazy Ex-Girlfriend comes pretty close with the neurotic, high-achieving Jewish Rebecca and the unabashed embrace of musical theater. I find that Judaism is a pretty close stand in for East Asian culture, and I'm a huge musical theater fan. After watching your other video about the possibility of the show being cancelled, yesterday, I wrote a long passionate Facebook post to persuade my friends to watch the show. I was surprised that 12 people liked my post and 2 people were already watching the show. I even managed to persuade my 78 year old Asian-American family friend to watch it.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

YOU HAVE DONE A GOOD THING, SIR OR MADAM. I've gotten like zero people I know to watch this show. It's tough. Thank you for the viewership and kind words.

[@83croissant]

qmechanic doing the Lord's work

[@PaulaHowley]

Bagels After Midnight Christ, I literally have been flogging this show since day one but getting people to watch it? You'd think I was asking folks to change my dad's diaper. My brother and sister usually take my suggestions on comedy but neither have watched it. I have sent them numerous pre-CXG Rachel Bloom videos and still nothing. I've posted about it, raving, more times than I can remember but I have gotten one person in two years on this show. Two if you count my 10 year old daughter. And I'll tell you, we have a lot of conversations about life through this show and we sing the songs all the time. I don't care who judges me for it. Lol Plus, I'm in Canada and CXG is not on Netflix here. I'm at a complete loss. I just hope we get the four seasons Rachel says She needs to tell the story. Then I can probably die happy.

[@qmechanic]

Yeah, the show is a hard sell. It's so ground-breaking that there is bound to be something that people are unfamiliar with, and that "newness" can be off-putting. Personally, I had a lot of background in musical theater, but I found Rachel's style hard to pick up at first, because I was familiar with *musical drama* not *musical comedy* or sketch comedy. I convinced 3 people to watch the show: two are Asian-Americans and one is Jewish. I told them that the show is really good about spotlighting minority groups like Asians and Jews. So maybe a very targeted appeal is necessary? How do you watch the show in Canada? My friend in Canada wants to watch it, but it's hard to find there.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

I love Rachel Bloom's videos but found them impossible to binge watch. She either dies or goes crazy in every one -- part of why I like CXG is because it's a little more family friendly

[@PandaoftheBamboo]

I really love this in depth look at the show. Super interesting and insightful!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you!

[@claudiacarmona264]

omg i love what you said about the ending, what i am hoping is that she is going to spiral out of control and then eventually she is going to realize that she needs help. Season 3 final is when Greg comes back and crazy ex girlfriend is back. When the season ends is when she is going to fully be "heal"

[@josephkulhavy7486]

As much as any body of great and lasting artistic work, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend deserves and benefits from intense and careful scholarship, analysis, and debate. This show is fertile ground for an ambitious multidisciplinary humanities program, and I fervently hope that your important and thoughtful work will be the foundation for papers, formal academic conferences, and research in the fields of literature, gender studies, sociology, psychology, history, and art, among others. To any academics out there who may be reading this - Hey! Let's make this thing happen.

[@KiwiTroubie]

This is phenomenal. This entire CHANNEL is phenomenal.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you!

[@renatagp7570]

Thanks for making these videos! I love this show but none of my friends want to watch it, They just can't stand how cringy the comedy is, but I'm glad to find someone who loves it and talks about it (:

[@dzesien]

Commenting because I have just found your channel & it seems to be dead? 😢 I just wanted to say: Your analisis of CXG was fantastic & your self awareness & the way you explained thoughts really moved me. I hope you are well! ❤

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you! Yeah, I'd wanted to leave this channel as an archive of CXG videos, rather than try to adapt the brand to something else

[@capillaryhints]

Great video! A+++. I'd love to see a recap from you about Season 1 too.

[@TheMoggFREE]

Thanks man for the analysis. I don't really care about this show as much as I care for my all time favorite shows (which are Arrested Development and Veep) but it does open me to other viewpoints of other women, that for now, I can't relate to. I'm a 20 something female who is not ready for romantic relationships because I have to fix my career life first and have to continually deal with my sometimes dysfunctional relationship with my parents (hence I can relate to the main story lines of Arrested Development and Veep more than Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's). However, I was hooked in season 1 and especially the character Greg Serrano whose self-hate, dry wit, stagnation, and career/education woes I can relate. At first, I chose to watch the show because of its diversity of races but it all ends up only me watching it for Greg. I am really satisfied where the character ended up. And his song, "It was a Shit Show", was a great send-off to the character that I can mostly relate to of all the characters in different shows that I watch. And of course I was sad that Greg left and it seems like there was no point for me to watch the show. Your commentary is the cliff notes I need and now I think I should watch the last episode and I really can't wait for season 3! I hope they'll bring Greg back even if its just for the Christmas episode.

[@dr.b6299]

I think an important question is "What responsibility does Rebecca have within the life she has built for herself?" I think the answer to that is self-care and the development of self-awareness, two things she has never focused on before. I have always perceived of her as being in one of two states at any given time: socially involved but emotionally unhealthy, or socially withdrawn and borderline delusional. Vacillating between these two states wouldn't be entirely her fault; her mother was emotionally unavailable, her father left, Josh dumped her at camp, Robert left her before law school, Greg left, and now Josh abandoned her again. Its no wonder she doesn't know how to cultivate and maintain a healthy relationship with well-adjusted people. At a deeper level of functioning, the true question is "Why does Rebecca continually seek out relationships with people who will hurt her?" I know that's a loaded question, but I think the short answer is that it is a passive form of self-harm. She doesn't think she is worth anything more and puts herself in situations to reinforce this belief. This is what Dr. Akopian was hoping she would realize in the scene where Josh proposes. Or, that's my best guess. As a therapist myself I was right there with Dr. Akopian's hopes in that scene. I, too, want to see Rebecca have a happy ending, accepting that "happy" is relative. Every time I watch the show its hurts me to see a character so manically seeking out someone to fix the horrible brokenness she perceives in herself. Whatever Rebecca's relative happiness is, I think it starts with somehow realizing she is no more broken than anyone else.

[@ObaREX]

I think there was a plan for Greg's character. Not that he and Rebecca would get together but... something. That while they both hurt eachother, they both would've learned something. Shame his actor wanted to leave.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Makes me wonder about Nathaniel, if part of his role in Rebecca's story would've been played by Greg, being the element that expedited the marriage, etc. I never bought Rebecca X Greg as endgame either. Just too obvious

[@ObaREX]

Bagels After Midnight Well I thought for a sec he was the endgame because of how well he was portrayed in season one. But I was skeptical. I had the idea that it might not be because Josh himself was portrayed sympathetically. Making the love triangle seem more real. However, what was truly obvious to me was Rebecca finding herself. So I knew she couldn't get with either. But Greg carried a perspective from the series that really kept it grounded. Not to mention how many (including me) could relate to him. Not just his love life but his life. While at the same time not romanticizing his flaws like he's some misunderstood snowflake. But I guess it makes sense that he left. I do like the ending of the season and how the characters were handled but I just couldn't help missing Greg. Maybe I get the feeling that if he stayed, things would've been different. And I'm not sure I want them to be different, but I dunno. Maybe it's a bias.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

I've heard that Rachel Bloom also identifies with Greg more so than the other characters -- the fish out of water, the darkness

[@ObaREX]

Bagels After Midnight Yeah, in a way for a lot of his fans, writing him out kinda made them feel left out of the second season. I guess he functioned better in season one. He and Rebecca kinda paralleled eachother through out it. With him being the more consistent secondary narrative and going through an arc like her, only to regress right at the end of it. I don't know how he'd fit in the second season's plot of Rebecca just going full on crazy. Because being the sane man wouldn't cut it. But that's because this is one show where I don't feel like I could write it better. Which is a great thing. For all I know, they could've wanted to have Greg leave all along but they just had to make it happen sooner.

[@NoneNone-oq9kv]

Great recap, wow! There's an elephant in the room and it really hit me with your last clip, a lack of boundaries Rebecca is to many, very clearly suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder which so often make up the "crazy ex girlfriend" horror stories and stereotypes. Which is why I see a lot of people argue against this, they expect to see venom, even though she literally checks off every box in the DSM. This would be the other side of the CEG stereotype where she is relatable, affable, funny, generous, hurting others while being self centered not always out of venom. The show shows her inner pain it doesn't emphasize the darkness until you see her light the clothes on fire. I understand the resistance to discuss the disorder because people see sides of themselves in Rebecca that they identify with they don't want it packaged into a disorder. But BPD is a multifaceted disorder which many people can and should identify with the character regardless. I also know that people don't want to pathologize these common experiences but these things aren't mutually exclusive. There are people such as myself who are professionals and/or have a family member with BPD and the portrayal is unnerving... it's weird to see it not see it discussed more... literally tap dancing in front of you, haha.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Ahh I'll have to keep that in mind. In the future, I'd like to explore Rebecca's psychology, if it has a basis in reality or is just contrivance (which would be fine). But it seems like it's actually reflective of reality, and that's fascinating

[@thanatos101b]

Rebecca's psychology is actually fairly accurate. You can break it down into three categories: medical, psychological, and just Rebecca. The medical category would be her depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. While Rebecca is much more manic than would be believable, the presentation of those are shockingly accurate. I've had long conversations with people about how certain elements of the show track very, very closely to the experiences of those of us with mental health issues. The second category basically consists of all her traumas (her dad leaving her, her mother telling her she is terrible and using her for emotional support). Basically all the stuff she has pointedly refused to work through because she "has no underlying issues to address." And then there is just Rebecca. Which basically consists of her terrible judgement, lack of understanding social cues, inappropriate behavior. While depression explains things like flying across the country for a chance at happiness, and psychological traumas explain hurling herself into an ill-advised wedding... nothing explains her deciding to chase her boss around the office with a pen threatening to stab him. That's just Rebecca.

[@NoneNone-oq9kv]

I know a lot of people like to compare their experience with mood disorders but this is very different. BPD classically invovles childhood trauma and abandonment and report sleep disuturbances. Their first diagnosis is often mistakenly BP2 because of their emotional swings. Her impulsiveness, explosive outbursts, push/pull games, idealization and devaluation, her relationship with food and sex, her unstable sense of self, lack of boundaries, disassociation especially being very BPD specific, her lack of cognitive empathy, this is much more than anxiety and trauma. I have professional and personal experience in this area, it's chillingly accurate and different as it's from a more sympathetic angle.

[@beastygeorge]

Second season was amazing! I just wish they gave more camera time to White Josh and Darryl!

[@SalvyGirlCindy13]

Jesus, if Crazy Ex Girlfriend was based on Breaking Bad would that mean that it will end in Rebecca having a mental breakdown? I too hope for a happy ending but i'm afraid we're probably not going to get one. I have a lot of respect for this show. I love the deconstruction of female tropes, such as the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, in RomComs. The mental instability perfectly explains the obsession with marrying Josh or any romantic lead from any movie.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Yeah, it's such a brilliant idea for a show -- cut right to the heart of everything. I just hope that, in identifying problems, it also provides solutions. That's one edge Mad Men had over Breaking Bad (theme-wise. Overall, it's no contest), where you could see how Peggy and Pete and Roger can move on, even if the main character doesn't. For Walt, his actualization WAS being a terrible person. :/

[@SalvyGirlCindy13]

I haven't had a chance to see Madmen but i'll take your word for it. Hasn't the show already provided solutions? Therapy and friendship has definitely been a theme this season. Rebecca just doesn't seem to know she has a problem.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Right. Which makes me wonder about the future of the series. Will they provide something else, or stick with ideas they've already explored?

[@mikeduplessis6315]

You address the show's possible endgame but that's 2 seasons away. What I'm curious about is a possible season 3 arc. Let's recall how quickly they disposed of that season 1 surprise ending. 'Vengeance Rebecca' might not last the first 4 episodes. Then where would they go after that? Almost every big story bomb had been foreshadowed earlier. We've probably got all the clues in front of us for season 3, we just can't see it.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

And isn't that so excitingly frustrating?

[@lapindurand778]

Season 2 is like a horror movie where you constantly scream at the TV : "DONT GO IN THE BASEMENT". But it's even worse because you gain a lot of empathy through the season 1, as opposed to horror movies, when you know terrible things are going to happen to them.

[@seopark7467]

option 2 came true!

[@vlpinfinity9448]

It's true that a lot of stories will take something terrible and frame it in a way that doesn't make it seem bad.

[@BlackLasher]

Thanks for the analysis. I don't think I have to actually watch the show now.

[@sheemakader5650]

I'm really enjoying your video essays! They have a nerdwriter feel to them which I love :) And it amazes me that this show is so underrated. I wonder if you watch the Americans? Also a critically acclaimed and (until recently) not popular show

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

I'd seen the first two seasons, but kind of fell off. Been meaning to return -- I thought Philip was one of the more intriguing 'badass dudes' of contemporary TV, being sensitive and less violent than Elizabeth

[@sheemakader5650]

Bagels After Midnight I'd definitely recommend it; seasons 3 and 4 really take it up a notch. Aah I'm jealous you would get to watch them for the first time! Also may I ask where can I find the panel you show clips of in the video? The paley center for media one?

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Sheema Kader you can find that interview here on amazon. Very funny and insightful: www.amazon.com/Crazy-Ex-Girlfriend-Cast-Creators-PaleyFest/dp/B01MT17YHR/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1486365115&sr=8-6&keywords=crazy+ex+girlfriend

[@sheemakader5650]

Cool thanks!

[@julieeisen1340]

Can you pretty please fill the CEG void during this long hiatus and go back and do an in-depth review of every episode starting with #1? Your commentary on the gender, mental illness, social expectations, etc. as put in the perspective of this brilliant show is SO GOOD. Thank you for sharing your compassionate observations and intelligence!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Ooh, well I'll have to think about that. The initial idea was to lead with subjects and find the area of the show to fit it to, so I wouldn't want to come upon an episode I didn't have anything interesting to say about and have to scramble. But I'll think about it. If I can do anything to mitigate the wait between seasons...

[@julieeisen1340]

Yeah, I just threw that into into the void. I love the thematic videos you have been putting together around particular topics and how interdisciplinary your commentary is. Gosh, the Nathaniel one is terrific! There is so much to say about humanity by using this show as a jumping off point. Keep your creative and thoughtful juices flowing :) We still need more info, but the Naomi/Rebecca relationship with ripe for analysis. The impacts of Rebecca's absent father are more obvious and linear (at first sight you jump to him as the source of many of her problems). But the impacts of an emotionally abusive, manipulative mother who's motives are hazy is very complex.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Yes! Naomi/Rebecca is key, but I definitely need to do research about children of divorce and emotional violence before treading such delicate territory. Not quite ready

[@katherinecusack164]

Thank for saying everything. I wanted to.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you for watching!

[@crocostimpy]

Love the show, love your vid...

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

thanks!

[@Caio0_057]

SPOILERS FOR THE ENTIRE SERIES Am I the only one seeing this fascinating thing this show does after every season finale? It's kinda cool! The Series, like almost every tv show out there, ends all it's seasons (except it's last one) on cliffhangers: Season 1 Rebecca and Josh getting together, season 2 Rebecca wanting Revenge and Season 3 Rebecca going to prison. All of these cliffhangers set up stories that are gonna happen in the following season. But in contrast to other shows, CXGF takes these stories, gives them to us as expected, and then stops them after a few episodes and goes into a new, unexpected directon! Josh and Rebeccas relationship at the start of the 2nd season lasted I think 4 episodes, Rebeccas Revenge plot I think also 3 or 4, and Rebecca only stayed in prison for the first episode of season 4, before leaving. Isn't that cool!?

[@Laura-wj3pg]

Wow you are soo good at analysing and interpreting the show! You should do classes on movie analysis :D

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you!

[@mavinajfan]

I feel like especially after the halfway point in Season 1 I started to see Josh as the villain. Seriously, people checking my Twitter feed probably thought god, you really hate this Josh person (Since 140 characters are rarely enough for context) I was team Greg now just Team Rebecca (Though I still want her to be with Nathaniel in the end) I really wanted someone to smack her Dad, he upset me so much and whenever he was on the show I saw how malicious he was and people always hid it from Rebecca to shield her from it. So it was so nice when she told him off in the end. I like how a lot of the other characters, not Rebecca, kind of got their shit together or were on the way to getting there, like Paula and he unhappiness in life and her marriage, Valencia figuring out how to move on from Josh and what she wants to do now, Greg going to school, Heather moving out of her parent's house, Josh wanting to become a priest (although I still find that questionable, dude loves sex too much!), Darryl and Josh were pretty much the most together couple and white Josh is pretty much the most "together" character. But Darryl started to assert himself in his business. Maybe in revenge and now that Josh is out of reach Rebecca can find herself. She'll always be the crazy ex girlfriend but now in a different way. I really love this show, I even got my sister watching it.

[@zyxwut321]

Thanks for bringing this video back after it being taken down. Are the copyright issues navigable? I'd sure love to keep this video around. It's so well researched, analyzed and written. You should consider doing this professionally if you don't already.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Well, it appears that if you use a clip that runs for at least 40 seconds, it gets pinged -- also, if you use music. So I went back and layered more clips over the 40 second stretch that CBS cited in their takedown, but that still leaves 5 other instances. Whether or not they look at those, I guess I'll know in one or two days And thank you, that's very kind

[@amrita8563]

Thanks, thanks, thanks. We need more talking about CEG.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Preach

[@Fruitkiwi]

great analysis with lots of interesting points. I would disagree with the last bit though about rebecca not being at fault. She has more agency than that. She drags people down along with her in everything she does and is really self centered. That's not the patriarchy's fault lol and also thats something that is consistently brought up in the show by other characters and some songs. Someone on reddit suggested that the third season is probably going to start off with people around her realizing how messed up she is and it'll be about how far along these other women are willing to go with her. The whole series is about subverting tropes involving women in (heterosexual) romances and it'll be interesting to see how Rebecca Bloom deconstructs "femme fatale" trope and also examine weaponized femininity. Also, it'll be interesting to explore the power dynamics between her and her friends. She's jewish but she's young, v credentialed, rich, and white while paula is older and valencia and heather are women of color. It's been played off a bit during her exchange with mrs. hernandez (and lowkey her therapist) where we realize that she literally cant hear this older Hispanic woman talk because she is so self centered. And thats such a hot issue with the current wave of feminism that it has to be touched upon... and I really hope it does because my expectations are HIGH since rachel bloom is friends with so many creators of color from her youtube days. Another interesting route to go would be to further explore mental health tropes. Going back to the "lets see how far her friends are willing to be dragged down with her" line- we can see the show explore stigma. It'll also be interesting where they go with the dad thing because historically (like, around the 1950s) white women were literally diagnosed with schizophrenia and institutionalized for not being an adequately loving wife- for deviating the norms of white womanhood. (protest psychosis, snake pit). Really a lot of the last episode reminded me of the snake pit, which is such an iconic "crazy woman" movie (to the extent of influencing policy in state institutions) where the protagonist was crazy because her dad didn't love her and that's a problem because now she's afraid to love her husband. The psychology is so male centered. And I mean the whole show and concept of crazy ex girlfriend is questioning the male-gaze when it comes to a womans mental health. (But Bex is literally crazy, foiled against Valencia who Josh also dubbed as "crazy") We see Paula literally say that to Bex on the cliff. "It's not your fault" (nevermind that she accelerated the wedding date to avoid confronting her attraction to Cappie from Greek) none of this is Rebecca's fault, it's men. But there are literally seeds planted in the last episode that suggest its more than just her dad because we see her mom manipulating josh, manipulating paula, and manipulating her dad and in the climactic flashback, excusing rebeccas actions by saying "she's just a girl in love" which is really the seed of this mess. (Also Dr Akopian literally telling her shes using men as an excuse.) So it'll be interesting peeling beyond her problems with men. Oh, and Trent was interesting. ugh I keep typing these long af comments I just want to analyse this show into infinity its such a brilliantly done show.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

I was always uncomfortable with Mrs. H because she never said anything and had that kind of exotic otherness (she may be an older woman but she does parkour!), but you put it really well, making the connection to the discussion going on about intersectional feminism. That they managed to still imbue Mrs. H with a lot of character even though we couldn't hear her is a further credit to them clever CXG kids. The tension between Rebecca's agency in her life/misery and criticizing the patriarchy is something I need to continue to think about, clearly, but for now the show's maxim that things are more nuanced than that should be what propels us forward. It won't be too much of either thing, but a combination as consistent with reality.

[@bvguizar]

We all need a happy ending now, the world is too depressing...

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Absolut

[@patriciamcallister6168]

great editing job!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you!

[@patriciamcallister6168]

Bagels After Midnight no problem. it must have taken a while and I appreciate it. this show is so great

[@colleen6912]

I think its so fascinating that the Garfinkel ring-which is supposed to represent family-is being used as a symbol of Joshbecca as an engagement ring. Don't know what it means but

[@Leaderofpancakes]

This was great!

[@jem5168]

This is an interesting and thoughtful analysis of a great show. While I agree with many of the points you hit, there is one main stipulation that I have in your review. I feel as though referring to Josh as the 'villain' of the show doesn't really hold true. I feel as though the show has always pointed as Rebecca as the greatest enemy to herself. Heck, she even gets a full musical number about it! We "Villain of my own story" reprises several times throughout Season 2. Rebecca continuously sabotages herself, and it is hard for her to take responsibility for her actions (as the opening of season 2 says). She is self absorbed, which backfires and has hurt the people around her many times in the story. And of course Josh's actions were inexcusable, I think people forget he came out of an emotional abusive relationship with Valencia, and right into another unhealthy relationship. Rebecca, while not emotionally abusive, she was continuously gaslighting an manipulative of Josh in a co-dependent relationship. Their entire relationship was built on Rebecca's own idea of a fantasy. Josh has his own issues to deal with that I hope his arc goes more into, and shows how he needs to grow up. Although it was more than shitty to leave her at the alter, his failings at facing his problems this season makes him no more of a villain than Rebecca herself.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

This speaks to a broader issue I've found myself ping-ponging between for the last few years -- that push-pull in criticizing patriarchy, between laying women's issues entirely on institutional sexism (thereby relieving women of agency in their life choices, making them look dumb) and questioning women's roles in that sexism (blaming the victim). I agree that Rebecca has had a major hand in her misery (season one Paula also played a part) but she's driven by beliefs manufactured by a sexist society. Maybe it's not fair to blame Josh for that, because he's essentially interchangeable with Silas and Robert and probably actually Reuben Fishwell. So in more specific terms, Josh is the stand-in for the show's true villain -- Nathaniel was a feint. He's a dick, but he's actually helping snap Rebecca out of her lifelong indescribable instant. You're not alone in thinking I was too harsh on Josh, but an entire section I cut out of the video was about how, as an Asian-American man, I'm a little bit #teamjosh (knowing that's not how you play the game) and how the introduction of Nathaniel upped my anxiety. I've always liked Josh, but I think he'll need to answer for his decisions next season

[@rshiftyXO]

This is also coincidentally being re-uploaded right before season 2 comes on Netflix!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

ikr. If I was good at marketing myself, that would've been a deliberate move

[@paprgl]

Awesome job. Just subscribed.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thanks!

[@CinnamonCari]

Well, that 2nd "beyond the love triangle part" answers perfectly what I commented on your previous video and I certainly have case to make for my best friend not to abandon the show just yet. This finale, mostly the wedding being interrupted, was obviously brewing. I don't know what Rebecca's happiness looks like, because even if she doesn't have a husband or kids, she's the model of what happiness looks like for the modern woman: educated and accomplished personally and professionally (great friends, recently reconstructed relationship with her mom, great job, awards, polyglotte), well traveled, with diverse interests and hobbies (theater, pole dancing, vampire weekends), conventionally attractive, sexually seasoned (but holds "respectability") AND she has the social advantage of being part of the petit bourgeoisie (Ivy League, house owner, badwithmoneybutneverfullybroke). WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE HAPPY, BECKS?! If you aren't then what the fuck do I have left. Doing petty shit like the revenge she's planning on Josh will be so hard to watch :( You should consider getting into musical theater. Knowing the composers and plays they are referencing and the conventions of this other genre have made CXG enjoyable in another level. Sorry for the long comment

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

That's a very good point -- it seems like Rebecca should be pretty happy, but that could also be said of everyone with, for example, #firstworldproblems. Like with Paula, maybe there's just something else missing... I must say, I'm pretty excited for Rebengeance -- looking for some Chan Wook Park-level mayhem

[@problemeliminator]

Does anyone know where I can watch full video of the Paley Center For Media panel shown at the end of this video?

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

You can find it here: www.amazon.com/Crazy-Ex-Girlfriend-Cast-Creators-PaleyFest/dp/B01MQY6H9Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509066917&sr=8-1&keywords=crazy+ex-girlfriend+paley

[@selenadantas7371]

thank you dude for my life

[@AnabelCabral]

wao!! I have to admit I had doubts about this video when I saw 42 minutes, but it was so worth it. I'm sorry this is the only way we can contact because I feel we could have a lingo conversation, there so much I want to say.

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Thank you! People have pointed me to the CXG subreddit, where the conversation continues: www.reddit.com/r/crazyexgirlfriend/

[@AnabelCabral]

Bagels After Midnight OMG that's crazy, I didn't knew about the page. I'm definitely going to participate, but now I need some sleep... is almost 3 AM. thanks

[@joansaldana3002]

What do you think the next season's first six episodes will be like from the title?

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

Yeah, I saw that RB and ABM shared those on Twitter -- they really threw me, because the first one is "Rebecca and Josh [do something]" (seemingly together), and then Josh drops out of the title for the first time ever after like #4. Maybe it's a smokescreen -- I don't know what to believe. Confused and scared

[@justthecoolestdudeyo9446]

Rewatching the show, holy cow does season 1 lead up to the season two reveal of Robert. In the first episode (I think the video mentioned this), Rebecca explicitly does the "Ohmygod I'm crazy, I'm crazy" thing while Paula talks her out of it. In the fourth episode, after deciding to make "healthy choices" she tells Greg (when he says that includes her dating life) "Yeah, I'm thinking maybe someone older, like a college professor?" I literally had to stop the episode because they were foreshadowing it EVEN THEN!!

[@BagelsAfterMidnight]

It's so brilliant. I love it

[@justthecoolestdudeyo9446]

Bagels After Midnight It definitely gets me more excited to rewatch it again haha

[@JamesCPotter13]

And the fact that after Paula talks her out of it by saying shes's "just in love", Rebecca spirals even more. Why? Because that's the argument Rebecca's mom used in the aftermath of Harvard. Rebecca KNOWS this is/was wrong but she can't actually fully rectify that with being in a healthy relationship.

[@hotcheetodust8566]

I love this show so much I'm soo happy