The CW's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend - Episode 4.05 "I'm So Happy For You"
Heather and Valencia both have changes in their lives which leaves Rebecca reeling. Paula has to adjust to some good news/bad news from her eldest son.
In 2018, it has become very difficult to keep up with every television show out there. It's even more difficult to provide adequate coverage on this site about the episodes that air every week. Not every show can get full coverage because of my busy and hectic viewing schedule. As such, some reviews will now be condensed to give only some summary thoughts. But it also affords a space for me to jot down my thoughts on the various episodes. And so, here are my thoughts on this week's episode of The CW's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
"I'm So Happy For You" was written by Ilana Pena and directed by Erin Ehrlich
This hour really highlights the importance of having people in your life who will love and forgive you no matter what but will also throw water in your face when you're doing something foolish or stupid. It shows how people have a tendency to project their own feelings towards other people around them without really having the consideration for what they are going through. That is so well-articulated throughout the Oklahoma style dance number with the entire ensemble trying to convince Darryl and White Josh that they are in love. It's not even about the two of them and the very real reason why they broke up and can't really be together in a romantic way even more. Yes, they are cute and so loving together as friends. However, this moment is about how everyone else is looking to them as the ideal couple that proves that their lives are working towards the same goal. If they aren't together, then nothing makes sense anymore. But they are also forcing these feelings onto this couple. It's enough to get them to realize that they are holding back from other relationships because they are dependent on each other. That too is a valuable lesson. It shows that Darryl has matured enough to still be friends with White Josh while also telling him that he can't write off a great first date because it's not as comfortable and easy as their friendship. Meanwhile, Rebecca is going through yet another spiral because of the changing circumstances of her life in West Covina. Both Heather and Valencia tell her that they are moving away. Valencia has accepted a party planning job in New York while Heather and Hector have bought a condo. These are moments of real growth for both of them. They are moving on to the next stages of their lives. It's in confronting that reality that Rebecca fears that she isn't moving at the same pace as her peers. She believes she's behind schedule for what her life should be like. Dr. Akopian confirms those feelings because of all of the hardships that Rebecca has dealt with in her life. And yet, Rebecca is still making some significant progress because she has been willing to put in the work to correct her behavior and emotions. Befriending Maya and AJ isn't the solution to her problems. It's just her deflecting from her feelings. It's sad that this girl group won't be together anymore. They all aspire to keep in touch. But the future is scary for all of them. That's why they need each other's support to get through it right now. And finally, Paula is going through her own struggle at home. Her eldest son, Brendan, suddenly has a completely different personality. He actually has goals for his life and is leaving to do charity work aboard. It's sudden and jarring. But it's also such an emotional time for Paula because it is so unexpected. She is finally seeing how great her son is. She is a part of his life again and fears that that connection will disappear just as quickly as it arrived. And so, she meddles. Her family gets her back. They still love her despite her antics. Plus, that final performance is so rewarding because it shows the strange emotions she has had as a mother and how she is now ready to fully embrace what Brendan has planned for his life. It's sad because it marks a major change. But she has to be willing to let it happen because he actually turned out perfectly fine with lots of opportunities in the world.
