We all want Greg to stay but for him to do so would mean the end of the shows growth. He could come back down the line but not yet and not without him and Rebecca coming to terms with their own lives.
The episode begins where last week finished with Rebecca confronting Greg at the airport and asking him to stay. Greg’s goodbye song about the shitshow that was their relationship is a poignant, heartfelt and funny farewell to him. It gives Santiano Fontana the send-off he deserves and allows the show to evolve with his departure.
The first four episodes of the season have focused quite heavily on the central Rebecca/Greg/Josh triangle, pushing all others to the side. With this episode, it’s clear why this has been done as it not only rectifies previous dramatic tensions and sets the show on a course to healthier lives for its characters.
Now Rebecca is about to live with Heather and Greg is off to school. The final third of this episode is a catharsis to the hectic nature of these last two episodes with the characters actively calming down and figuring out their lives.
As good as the last couple has been, I feel like witnessing Rebecca spiral downwards terribly has been almost unbearable. What made season one so great was that the pathos of Rebecca’s delusion was only evident when she failed and realised something about herself. This season she’s been more ‘Crazy Ex’ than Rebecca Bunch and it’s put a strain on the show’s fun factor.
Now with her fire starting antics leading her to an eventual healthier place, via an audition to be the new face of Miss Douche, I feel like the show can finally put focus onto some new ideas outside of love triangles. With the return of Valencia, the prominent role of Heather and the Paula lawyer storyline, it seems like we’re going to get some more interesting storylines in the future.
The only thing I’m uncertain of is Josh, whose single (non-musical) scene this episode puts him in somewhat of a confused place. I hope that we get to spend some more time with him as he comes to terms with himself and can also provide closure on his relationship with Valencia.
Also, more Daryl and White Josh, please. As much as it been nice to see them live in harmony this season, it would be nice to see them actually have something to do.
Elsewhere, Paula realises she needs to do the right thing and follow her dreams, which includes having that abortion. It was a simple touch for the show to do something like this and have it happen casually but I applaud the show for its correct attitudes towards this sometimes controversial subject.
These first few episodes have been heavy on drama and whilst I don’t want it to lose any of its nuance or pathos, I’m looking forward to some fun, less downbeat stuff in the weeks to come.
Extra Notes:
- Rebecca and Heather as roomies is perhaps the most exciting thing the show could’ve done. Even more so if Valencia joins them.
- I loved Heather’s parents
Verdict
