Crazy Ex-Girlfriend S2 E5: "Why Is Josh's Ex-Girlfriend Eating Carbs?"


Valencia's absence from the second season has been slightly odd, considering her prominent relationship with Josh, but this episode marks her return with a vengeance. In interviews before the second season appeared, Rachel and Allison said that she would be integral to the show, and now we're finally finding out how. Rebecca finally bonds with her over their shared breakups with Josh over the course of the episode, and all it took was a conversation about feminism, peeing on his equipment, and a disturbing drug trip. Fun?

I love the continuing focus on feminism. Despite not a lot of the episode passing the Bechdel-Wallace test, it's actually relevant to the plot, with the bonding attempts. Some of my favorite scenes appeared in the second half of the episode, where Rebecca educates Valencia on feminism and what it personally means to her. I also enjoyed Darryl's plot about his anxiety with White Josh. This is a show that isn't afraid to go deep into complex issues and flesh out its supporting characters. This is also apparent with Josh's emotional subplot. Similar to how Valencia is depressed over their breakup, he is having trouble admitting to himself that he is afraid of being alone.

The songs in the episode helped to show the changing relationships in the cast and provide several hilarious moments. My favorite song wasn't actually a song, technically speaking. It was more of a themed dance performance, taking place during Rebecca and Valencia's accidental drug trip, with very few spoken lines of dialogue. Titled "Triceratops Ballet," it shows the two women coming to terms with precisely how they feel about Josh. Valencia's epiphany takes place in the form of a beautiful, Swan Lake-esque ballet performance, while Rebecca shows up in a triceratops costume with a goofy version of the theme song playing.


Josh's song, "Thought Bubbles", is slightly more emotional, but still funny. It shows him working at the office, having come in early to avoid any potential meetings with Rebecca. Unfortunately, as illustrated by, well, thought bubbles, it's hard for him to be in a situation where he's completely alone. Bad thoughts, illustrated in cartoon form, start to pop up and wear on him, causing extreme anxiety. It's a fascinating insight into his character, showing that he's not as relaxed as he seems. The third song is a simple reprise of the original, but with the nervous fantasies replaced by a new character, potentially teasing a new romantic interest.



Zachary Krishef is an evil genius. Do not question his knowledge of Saturday Night Live trivia or Harry Potter books.