Rebecca gets more than she bargained for during a day out with Darryl. Josh lends a helping hand to Paula. Heather encourages Nathaniel to be a nice person.
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 See You" was written by Jack Dolgen and directed by Dan Gregor
This episode has such a sweet setup that focuses on character pairings that typically haven't been utilized a whole lot. It encompasses three entirely separate road trips that also bring into focus all of the character arcs for the season so far. Rebecca and Darryl are just going to enjoy some barbecue. It's a nice day away that Rebecca hopes she can embrace without having to deal with any of the difficult emotions of her life. She just wants a simple day surrounded by good friends. Darryl is the only person who responds. Of course, he needs a day out as well. This is his first time spent away from his new baby. But all of this proves just how difficult it is to actually escape from one's past especially with those who have been through it with you. Rebecca has been a great friend to Darryl in the past. But she is still easily annoyed with him as well. And then comes the moment where everything actually turns around and becomes absolutely pleasant. They are both able to enjoy the barbecue and the time spent together. Darryl actually feels confident enough to shave off his mustache. That's shocking and a significant loss for the character. He even gets to sing goodbye to it at the end of the hour too. But this is also building to an almost kiss between the two. They are both able to recognize that it's a bad idea before it happens as well. It also highlights how Rebecca can have the right instincts and attraction to someone who is genuinely nice. Meanwhile, Darryl can appreciate having friends in his life who care about what happens to him. Similarly, Nathaniel is in need of a wake up call once he finds himself on the road with Heather. She seemingly has her life together. She is married and owns a house now. She is a regional manager too. The only problem Nathaniel points out of hers is her crappy car. That's nothing. He looks down on her simply because she doesn't have the economic stability to actually have something better to show off for her life. That's the only improvement she has to make. With Nathaniel though, he has to realize that he is only going to push people further away as long as he continues to be mean. That's his dominant personality as well. He doesn't want to show any weakness. That's the way he has been raised as a man. But here, he genuinely wants to sendoff one of only two women who have genuinely loved him in his entire life. He wants to do that for Heidi his nanny. But he ultimately has to settle for a drain instead of the actual ocean to throw her ashes into. He does listen when Heather tells him to try to be nicer to people though. He still may not know how to show it in an appropriate way. But he's on the path to self-improvement. That's very much appreciated as well. And finally, Paula has some significant nerves when it comes to her finals for law school. She is so close to achieving her dreams. She would just rather procrastinate out of fear of the worst case scenario happening. She obsesses over the perfect desk because it's a welcome distraction. However, Josh is in a healthy enough place because of therapy to recognize that Paula is going through something right now and needs someone to snap her out of it. Sure, it's crazy to see Josh pick up that desk all by himself. It shows just how strong and caring he can be. Plus, it doesn't mean that he has his issues figured out either. He is still very annoying throughout this road trip. But all of this does forge a stronger idea of honesty amongst the characters. These pairings may not receive this kind of predominate focus ever again. Right now though, it highlights just how much they need to hear these exact words in order to move forward on their respective journeys. And that "Beach Boys" song that accentuates the many different stylings of that band is so spot on and hilarious.
