The Best Enemies To Lovers Arc: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Analysis

I'm a big fan of Nathaniel Plimpton III and how suspiciously good-looking he is. This is my character analysis of him, and why he should have ended up with Rebecca 💌 We love a good character arc.
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My Rebecca Bunch Crazy Ex-Girlfriend analysis (there's limited content about this show on KZbin so I really wanted to make it!)
• Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: t...
my deep dive into the show:
• Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: B...
In this video I wear and recommend:
○ Sephora foundation brush (vegan) EU bit.ly/3JbC9IF USA bit.ly/3qnapbd
L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Mascara UK bit.ly/3qpQfx9 USA bit.ly/3sEhIxQ
○ Revolution Imogenation eyeshadow palette UK bit.ly/3JqQuky EU bit.ly/3Jg0GMI
○ Essence contouring duo palette UK bit.ly/3JdntIR EU bit.ly/3qpK0cO USA bit.ly/3Jgbs5h
○ Maybelline dream radiant foundation UK bit.ly/3H7KUS3 EU bit.ly/3qr4MJj USA bit.ly/3swBX0s
○ Sephora lip liner 'the red' EU bit.ly/3mtcmBG USA bit.ly/32msTRe
My lipstick in today's video:
○ Clinique Sugared Grapefruit lipstick
(currently can't see in stock anywhere)
//MY RECORDING EQUIPMENT
○ Canon EOS 250D
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key words (ignore)
greg and rebecca, cxg analysis, rachel bloom, the CW, borderline personality disorder, paula proctor, josh chan, valencia, heather davis, nathaniel plimpton III, hector, darryl whitefeather, greg serrano

[@dinaginzburg7351]

Nathaniel is so clearly Rebecca’s best match, I felt gaslit by the bachelor plot line. Nathaniel never stopped wanting to be with her! Unlike Josh and Greg, he NEVER left her. Rebecca was the one who broke it off because she didn’t believe she deserved love. So her choosing him in the end wouldn’t be a continuation of her compulsive need to chase unavailable love- it would be her finally breaking the cycle and choosing someone who loves her unconditionally, understands her, wants the same things out of life, and mirrors her personal development. It made me so sad they gave him the least meaningful date of the 3 and hinted at Greg (who doesn’t know how to enjoy life and have fun) being the one.

[@SerenaSkybourne]

I so agree- there wouldn't be anything pathetic about choosing someone who is right for her- if anything that's a power move

[@gravity-arbor]

I really liked them as a couple too. The karate-kid just annoyed me.

[@LiterallyLike]

I really think if they had gotten Santino Fontana back then Greg would have been the one. It makes sense to me based on vibes lol, although narratively it is a little too rom com happy ending. Nathaniel is the perfect fit for Rebecca narratively speaking, and yeah by the end he was her match based on vibes as well.

[@trinaq]

Yes, I'm definitely Team Nathaniel. He simply understands Rebecca better than Josh or Greg. While I'm happy that she choose herself in the finale, I like to think that once she was ready to pursue love, they rekindled their relationship.

[@mockingjay458]

I find it so extremely interesting how this show takes classic rom-com clichés, shows how they can be toxic when taken as they are, and suggests how they can be portrayed more healthily. I love how Nathaniel is the playboy millionaire Christian Grey type romantic lead, he shows how this domineering attitude isn't fun in a relationship, and how this archetype can work when they deal with the root of the problems and commit to change. I do think that Greg and Rebecca could have worked but they were never in the same wavelength when it came to their recoveries so the timing of their relationship was always a bit off, and Josh did grow a lot but still was more in love with the idea of settling down than with Rebecca. Nathaniel's growth and setbacks were always in perfect synch with Rebecca's, and they were in love with each other, not the idea of each other. I think the finale kinda hints that Rebecca and Greg are going to get together, but I always imagined Rebecca and Nathaniel together.

[@Tonyakennedy]

Please please please do more of these CXG videos ! It’s so nice to hear someone talk about the show who loves it so much ! I’d love to hear you talk about Greg and josh, even the other characters ! Also Nathaniel was the best match for her !

[@GabriellaAlodia]

Yes please! It's such a comfort show for me ❤

[@glitter_skeleton35]

Okay, I want to preface this with the fact that I love Nathaniel a lot. I squeaked when he sang her song, I’ve drawn fanart of “strip away my conscious”, I think he’s adorable BUT One of the most important moments and the moment that made me go “oh That’s where they were going with this dude” was “nothing is ever anyone’s fault”. If Greg was, as Rebecca herself says in the finale, ahead of her in his character progression, then Nathaniel mirrors her, but two steps behind. Think of the way that number is filmed, spinning around then. Its an eery reminder of the validation Paula provides is the first episode! (And it’s reprise with Josh that solidified her place in West Covina) “You’re not crazy, you’re in love! with Josh, with West Covina, with me. Yes, unconditional love is beautiful is concept, but with the amount of issues both her and Nathaniel have, it’s not healthy to be so supportive. That’s what got her in this mess in the first place with Paula. If she instilled his help with a situation similar to the… movie about josh they probably would’ve gone through with it. But she rejects that, she rejects his legal defense and later the trip he suggests because, well, it’s not good for her. I don’t think that’s, as you’ve said, “contrived” or anything. Yes, season 4 has issues, but I don’t think their breakup is one of them. It was a good decision for Rebecca. As we also see through that song, he’s no where near ready for a relationship with just how skewed and childish his views on life and love are. He can’t see the issues in Rebecca, to him she is certifiably cute and adorably obsessed. Maybe not when it comes to scheming to fix his relationship with his dad, but with a lot of her stuff he seems fine. He’s not as peeved at the whiteboard as Greg is, for example, and even does a silly scheme reminiscent of the ones Rebecca does in the early seasons with Tucker. And that doesn’t really get fixed by the finale. Yes, he’s more down to earth and nicer, but he still has miles to go with seeing the world as not good or bad, but the shades of gray that they are. He’s not “good”, Rebecca’s not “good” and that’s okay. Greg (as a different mirror to Rebecca with both of their addictions) realized that all the way back in season 2. “I love you, yes” but I also have to leave. He knows that’s they’re bad for each other and to realize who he is he has to leave and maybe even teaches Rebecca that a bit, to “have fun is the gray”. And I do think Nathaniel could learn that, as Greg did, as Rebecca did. Or maybe not. But that’s why the “years later” part of them getting together is so important. Same with the yes, very cute and soulmate-worthy, but also very toxic distortions of reality both of them do. Rebecca’s songs are amazing and what makes her so special but they’re a continuation of her delusions on the world. Basically, anytime anyone sings With her or To her we kinda have to view that song with a grain of salt. Greg didn’t want her to settle for him, Valencia just suggested she does an easier yoga pose, etc. (Though I don’t think that applies to the before mentioned “nothing is ever anyone’s fault” because of the grounded filming and the way the general sentiment seems to match with what Nathaniel later expresses). These songs are her way of processing the world but at the end of the day they’re not helpful. It’s a distorted view of people and conversations that can even draw rifts between her and the people she cares about. Let’s use new Greg as a comparison as he’s he’s prevalent in both of their made up stories. Rebecca paints Greg as a grump who hates fun and sunshine even though he did come to the park with her and seemed to be having a fine time if not for the expectations Rebecca put on the trip, Nathaniel imagines him as a sweater over the shoulders wearing classic bad boyfriend who thinks of women as property, even when Nathaniel knows that’s not even remotely what he’s like. Both of these fantasies harm their relationship with a person without him even doing anything to cause that. That’s… not good or helpful or even healthy. In conclusion, I do think a relationship between Rebecca and Nathaniel could be possible later down the line, but for that to happen it would have to lose a lot of the things that made it so hot and romantic in the first place. Like his helpless blind infatuation with her or their shared fantasy existences or maybe even the sizzling tension that comes with boss-employee and cheating relationships. Greg and Rebecca made it work without the insults and faked indifference, who says Nathaniel and her can’t. But just be aware that that is a whole different tune (And please don’t be able to tell in team Greg, he really is an interesting narrative foil useful to the point I’m making please)

[@gravity-arbor]

They made such a good couple. I really liked this show.

[@befaithfully]

19:06 I totally agree. I loved Greg but with Nathaniel it was so clear that he was the best partner for Rebecca. I also think it has something to do with the recast. I Skylar Astin very much, but he didn't feel like "Greg" to me really. But: even if Santino Fontana would've returned it would've been Nathaniel. No doubt.

[@smsgrl]

omgg i'm so happy you think the same! rewatched the series because of your first video to be up to date and couldn't stop thinking that HE'S THE GUY FOR HER

[@SerenaSkybourne]

RIGHT

[@tianabuckley9683]

I think that Nathaniel is good representation for cis white men in the sense of how to handle criticism. He does start off as a terrible person and embodies this "problem person" that has received backlash throughout America. Nathaniel is someone who gets backlash as well and there are several instances where people call him out on his terrible behavior. I don't think other characters let him off easy, but I can see why it wouldn't come across as enough (but to the core, this is a comedy show and will be played as one). But it's good for cis white men to see themselves in a character who receives consistent push-back from other characters, then the character actually listens! It's a long-term development of him learning to heal his inner child, exactly how you said in the video. He goes from a character who isn't well liked to one of the most popular characters in the show because he had (in my opinion) one of the best character development arcs I've ever seen.

[@lasttimecommenting]

I'm also a Nathaniel fan and my first crush was Draco Malfoy. And I am always worried this means I'm attracted to toxic men. But I just LOVE enemies to lovers ALWAYS. Shout out to Jane Austen because I think pride and prejudice is one of the only healthy examples of this trope that I can love and not feel bad about.

[@devilinred3319]

Well, the enemies to lovers trope, in a hetero couple, actually means that the guy sees the girl as his iqual. So in the era of Pride and Prejudice that was a HUGE sing of respect, also the fact that enemies to loves have a sexy vibe that comes of "hate", also at that time spicy scenes werent aloud in books, less written by a woman, so this tension its the closest to spicy back then... and now its still working.

[@kelleynele]

i think her and greg had the best chemistry (similar to jess and nick from new girl), but nathaniel grew the most and that’s why i loved him for her. and of course, i loved josh for me 😏

[@hillakatz5855]

I always thought he was the best one for her! Also Heather is my favorite character (#imastudent), so the fact that she was betting on him at the end felt perfect to me

[@zenmaster8]

Ever since Nathaniel offered to help her run away during her breakdown in season 3, I have been team Nathaniel. And I love how he grows and changes but also makes mistakes in his relationship with her even after significant development. I also loved Nathaniel's Rom-Com dream as it shows that Nathaniel and Rebecca are very similar in that they process things happening in their life through media, with his being movies and hers being musicals. I definitely like to think they get back together at some point after the finale

[@Tilleyforever44]

It’s the cathartic “I can fix him” feeling, especially when it actually works. And the “they’re dismissive/mean to everyone but me” kind of how Jess was and why a lot of people like him. On top of the prince-like fantasy of taming a rich playboy

[@SerenaSkybourne]

it's fascinating to me because I didn't like Jess and the idea of Rory "fixing him"- but yet i rooted for Logan and Nathaniel who were both not in a place of being emotionally ready when they meet their love interests.

[@SerenaSkybourne]

hmm this is a very interesting analysis

[@glitter_skeleton35]

It’s the “I hate everyone but you” but actually viewed as the toxic trait it is with him working on that and having an actual support system when we reach the finale

[@SerenaSkybourne]

@@glitter_skeleton35 youre right

[@lydwiniaeathelyn5004]

Love Nathaniel and this video! I agree that he would be the best choice for her but also really see why it would be "down the line". As many people have said, Nathaniel still has some work to do. But also, one tid-bit I noticed, Nathaniel 100% does judge Rebecca. Sure, it's not for her unhealthy behaviors. But it's almost worse. He judges her when she makes decisions that are intrinsically motivated and healthy for her. Like her decision to go to jail. Or her decision to stay in West Covina instead of flying away on some holiday. He throws a temper tantrum and then literally tells her, "if feels like every time we're happy you go and ruin it!" Like that's awful. And manipulative. And it's part of the reason there's so much focus on Nathaniel eventually accepting her no. Like his sentiment during their date really shows that growth. I love Nathaniel but he's being portrayed here as a little too good compared to what's actually on screen for him.

[@frankieloves7078]

In need of more crazy ex girlfriend 😂

[@SerenaSkybourne]

💖💖💖

[@sweet-co]

I'm so impressed how in the middle of defending your "champion for Rebecca's heart" you stop to say how you can see why people don't like him or prefer other options. That's some mature discourse up in here! 🎉🥳 He starts off awfully judgemental and aggressive, BUT he is allowed to show so much vulnerability, not just in his tragic back story, but also how he often reacts in a very insecure way. And like you say, he completely changes by the end - well played, show, well played. When you mentioned how traumatic the relationship with Rebecca would have been to Josh, it really gave me pause. He is hardly ever allowed to show his vulnerable side. Even when he runs away to priest school, it is portrayed as him being immature running away from his responsibilities, instead of him being really messed up and confused by a girlfriend/fiance that treats him like he is dumb and meaningless. I'll have to think about what that means for a while - thank you for the input! 🦉

[@fidanfassbender2065]

So happy about these series, I love your channel and this show

[@1Lanavis1]

I get why the show ended with Rebecca single and i actually like how that was done. But i would have liked an epilogue (even if it was relegated as a deleted scene on a future DVD set), hinting clearly that Rebecca and Nathaniel get together years later

[@SerenaSkybourne]

defending Logan to Nathaniel... who's next? 🤣🤣😭

[@jilliane1178]

These are the only opinions that are CORRECT

[@faithevers6899]

i’m glad nathaniel is the fan favorite. he just makes me melt i love him so much

[@elijahosullivan1011]

if anybody hasn't read Bite-Size Love by heartbash it is such a great Nathaniel x Rebecca fic and while i entirely respect the show for not having her end up with somebody i do find it satisfying that the world of fanfiction has some lovely explorations of their dynamic (while i also loved greg i feel like the cat change while great with skylar astin definitely left me with the vibe that while they could work it would be almost as two different people in an entirely different relationship) anyways i love that other people still think about this show, it definitely doesn't get the attention it deserves, and fully recognsing the parasocial relationship but I always agree so much with Serena's takes it feels like it would be such a blast to have a conversation, also would love to hear your thoughts on Red White and Royal Blue (book or movie)

[@fraudulentafederica]

What do you mean “final”? 😢 I love them very much

[@celia1888]

I love Nathaniel but I don't think her rejecting him was contrived. You said it yourself, he has similar issues but he started his journey to self care later than she did. Rebecca knew that (maybe not how much though) and it was the right decision both for her and for him. By the end of the show he's gotten better at self care but he is still a bit dependent on Rebecca. I think the three main reasons why the show did not have them officially end up together was 1. The reason given (Rebecca choses herself) 2. The reason I gave in the paragraph above. 3. The possibility of an open ending because it does not matter (linked to 1 but still separate) 4. The fact that they realized how much they gave to Nathaniel and they did not want to keep the "Main Girl ends with the rich white boy" trope.

[@jazza724]

Love this show

[@xavierhaddon6058]

I hated Nathaniel intensely when I watched the show, but your analysis has kind of changed my perspective on him.

[@longlostgf]

actually, all 3 CXG boyfriends parallel Rory’s boyfriends in Gilmore Girls, although Dean/Josh is a little weaker. and Nathaniel is clearly bf #2 to Greg, but he’s definitely way ahead of Josh. also, CXG is very self aware but occasionally in terms of values or politics it totally falls apart in bizarre ways (see: Kamala Hare-is), so joking about Nathaniel being a rich white guy is kinda par for the course.

[@theflashthefastreviewerali8319]

Will u be doing season 2 of the summer i turned pretty after it finishes

[@loveart429]

I'm totally sold on Team Nathaniel. Loving your videos

[@glitter_skeleton35]

His date is so unfair in the finale. It’s cute so see him fall on his face one last time but it felt so flat to me. Give them the zoo date! And THEN I’d still prefer Greg’s. I don’t like handouts, writers

[@howtoaca7504]

💝💝

[@melvasaiel]

Although I loved Greg, I agree that Nathaniel would have been the best match.

[@vitolovesyou]

I... I didn't know anyone actually rooted for Nathanial... I do not like this take... or this world...