Why Crazy-Ex Girlfriend Is Your New Favorite Show
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why Crazy-Ex Girlfriend Is Your New Favorite Show

The situation is pretty nuanced.

16
Why Crazy-Ex Girlfriend Is Your New Favorite Show

"Crazy-Ex Girlfriend" is not what it sounds like. Yes, it’s about a woman who leaves her perfect-on-paper life of being a rich and powerful lawyer in New York City and follows a boy she dated at high school summer camp to a small California town. Yes, she drops everything to follow a man she hasn’t spoken to in over a decade, and yes, she is very often goes through over-the-top schemes to get them together.

But the show admits in the theme song that the title is sexist, includes raps about the patriarchy, and touches on mental health and sexuality in really insightful ways. It is funny, dark, diverse, and probably more realistic than we’d like to admit.

We can all agree that quitting your job and moving across the country to follow a summer camp sweetheart is bold, immature, and a little insane. But people have done a crazier things for happiness, and being in love with the idea of a person (often more than the person themselves) is universal.

What I like in particular about our protagonist, Rebecca, is that a) there is no question that she has mental health problems and b) she is more than that. One of the first scenes of "Crazy-Ex Girlfriend" is her popping anxiety pills, and there is a whole musical number about how she needs therapy for her issues.

But, as she constantly reminds us, she went to Harvard and Yale. While some of her personality traits and actions may have originated from her mental health problems, she is a full person without them.

Too often, characters with mental health problems are nothing more than that. I loved "Monk" as a kid, and "Mr. Robot" is by far one of my favorite shows, but the protagonists are consumed by their mental illnesses. And to be fair, those are struggles that a large part of the population go through. But there are people who have problems that aren’t necessarily obvious on the surface.

There are very few scenes when Elliot, the protagonist in "Mr. Robot," isn’t plagued by his schizophrenia or anxiety, but Rebecca’s problems, while always there, take a backseat sometimes. Having mental health issues isn’t always all-or-nothing, it’s possible for people to have good days and bad days. Rebecca doesn't have a heightened other skill (like computer hacking) to "make up for" her illness, she just has problems that she can overcome sometimes, and other times can't.

And just an aside- this show passes the Bechdel Test, and the Racial Bechdel Test. Where most shows avoid talking about bisexuality, "Crazy-Ex Girlfriend" showcases one character coming out as bi through a well written musical number. It features a (pretty) diverse cast of characters, and gives each character real personality traits and depth.

All of the characters have truly unlikable characteristics, and a set of redeeming qualities to make up for them. Even Rebecca’s idea that getting with her prince charming will fix all her problems, which is central to the plot, is not without critique.

The show makes it clear that a man will not fix her problems. We watch her endeavors as an exaggeration of our own hunt for happiness, and hopefully get some perspective on our own lives.

And to top it all off, the songs are hilarious and well-written. It’s clever, original, and four hours from the beach.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71108
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132823
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments