Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is already in the middle of its pilot season. However, most people I know are not really familiar with it. Some of you who live in a cave might not have even heard of the show. You might have judged the show too early and decided to skip watching this one-of-a-kind musical-comedy. Sure, there’s Glee (finished), Smash (cancelled) and even Empire (still on air) that have successfully incorporated musical numbers in their shows. But can we make room for one more musical? I say yeah!
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is about a girl named Rebecca (Rachel Bloom) who moved to West Covina, California because of her ex-childhood boyfriend Josh Chan(Vincent Rodriguez III).
Here are my top 5 reasons why I’m totally crazy for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
WARNING: SPOILERS AFTER THE JUMP
#1. Rachel Bloom is as crazy as it gets…
…but in a good way. You may not have heard of Rachel Bloom but I’m telling you: this girl will be big. She already has a Golden Globe Best Actress Award and soon enough she’ll land movie roles and rise to stardom. She has so much talent and is not afraid to look ridiculous or crazy all the time. She sings, she dances and, in every scene, she plays the overthinking socially dysfunctional Rebecca with fire in her eyes. I feel her passion through my TV screen and it draws me in every episode! Just watch her Youtube video below and see for yourself. I’ll watch the Tony Awards with you Rachel!
#2. I’m just a Crazy Ex-Girlfriend in love with Joshua Vincent Chan!
In the pilot, I assumed the character of Josh Chan would only last for the first few episodes. Stereotypically, that’s how long a “fantasy ex-boyfriend” lasts in most comedies especially when the chemistry between Greg (Santino Fontana) and Rachel was so strong. It made me cry thinking I won’t see Josh for too long. But thank God I was wrong. Episode by episode, as we get to know Josh Chan more, he became not just a dream guy but a human with feelings, insecurities and dreams. Josh Chan may not be as bright but he makes up for it with charm and hot Channing-Tatum-y dance moves.
Not to brag or anything. Did I mention that he likes my tweets? HAHA!
Like a bunch of times… 😎
#3. That Filipino Thanksgiving Episode…
It’s no secret that Josh Chan is Filipino (half-Filipino half-Chinese, maybe). The Thanksgiving episode was a riot. Though I’m not familiar with Thanksgiving and how it’s practiced in the US, I really enjoyed this episode. Not many TV shows can do that to me. I usually just sit silently and, at most, smile, but the episode made me laugh out loud. I won’t elaborate much but the scene where Rebecca was speaking with a British accent made me fall in love with this show even more. (Plus, knowing that Valencia (Gabrielle Ruiz)’s most recent read is a journaling book by Lea Michele.)
The episode focused on Filipinos in West Covina but as a Filipino living in Manila, I could not relate any less. The portrayal was honest but not exaggerated. Here’s an excerpt of one of my favorite scenes.
Greg: [Valencia]’s probably in a bad mood because it’s Thanksgiving. She goes to Josh’s house and it’s tough for her.
Rebecca: What? To bask in the warm embrace of a loving Filipino family? Why is that tough?
Chris: You don’t know? The Chans don’t like Valencia. Because Asians don’t like dumb people.
#4. White Josh and Darryl 4evah!
White Josh (David Hull) and Darryl (Pete Gardner) are the most unlikely pair to say the least. (And Manny Pacquiao possibly doesn’t even approve. #shame) BUT that doesn’t matter. For some reason, it just works. Darryl is recently separated/divorced from his wife and White Josh is just a white version of Josh who loves the gym. Apparently, this bromance could turn into something more, which totally caught me off guard. The supporting characters such as these two have so much potential like the lead cast and it’s sure worth exploring! Bring back the Boba Hut Twins please!
UPDATE: OMG! I just watched Episode 11! THE BOBA HUT TWINS ARE BACK! THANK YOU!
#5. Rebecca and Paula’s Friendship
We all have that one friend that supports us in our crazy endeavours (read: move to childhood sweetheart’s hometown and stalk him and his friends). You know that one friend that you talk to the phone all night, detailing your day with your crush. Yeah, that’s Paula. Paula (played by Donna Lynne Champlin) is Rebecca’s conscience, confidante and BFF. She patiently listens to Rebecca’s never-ending chatter and barf of words. Seemingly, she enjoys this. When Becks goes overboard, Paula slaps her with the truth but she’s got Rebecca’s back 100%. Paula is just amazing and has a great voice too!
#6. Every character is relatable.
From cynical Greg to Rebecca’s controlling mother (Tovah Feldshuh), you will see yourself effortlessly relating to the show’s extremely loveable characters. At some point, we have been a Josh Chan, trying to hold on to what’s comfortable or, like me, a Rebecca, desperately stalking someone hoping to make them fall for us. I’m telling you, these characters will grow on you like the characters in Friends, The Office and How I Met Your Mother.
Tip: Listen to the dialogue. The dialogue (as well as the song lyrics) is where the show’s heart is. You’ll learn to relate and fall in love with the characters even more.
P.S.: Broadway legend Lea Salonga will join the cast in the season finale! Who’s excited? I AM!!!
I guess the news is out!!! I'll be appearing on the season finale of @CW_CrazyXGF! And singing, too! How fun is that?!
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) January 10, 2016
Bonus: The Songs
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend inserts a song or two in the most random places. These songs have hilarious lyrics but they are sung so wonderfully by the excellent cast (most of them are theater actors anyway). Below is one of my favorites, “Settle for Me” by Greg (Santino Fontana).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtb-ZPOkMyI
How about you? Are you crazy for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend? Do you ship White Josh and Darryl? Are you excited that Lea Salonga will join the season-ender? What character do you think she will play?
