I’m Glad I Gave ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ Another Shot

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I had a negative reaction to Crazy Ex Girlfriend when I first encountered it a couple of months back. My girlfriend was watching, after hearing the buzz from many of our friends, and it was certainly eye-catching, with a premise to die for: a zany musical about mental illness and modern relationships! In the first scene I watched, protagonist Rebecca was playing ping pong, and there was a musical number about commitment. Huh. I bounced off—hard.

I wrote it all off as being “too hetero” and made some probably-less-than kind tweets about the show, thinking that was it. Alas, no! Some of my smartest, queerest friends urged me to give it another shot: the show is, in so many ways, a satire about gender dynamics and unhealthy relationships. And it’s queer inclusive! Someone linked me this incredible performance of “gettin bi,” and that was all it took: I would march myself back in and give the series a fair shake.

Now, I’m fully hooked. I’ve caught up with the entire series, the tragedies and oddities that have befallen Rebecca and her friends feel as heartfelt as any I’ve seen in a sitcom. The characters are lovable even when they fuck up, the writing is sharp as hell, and the music, oh god. The musical numbers are a highlight—I am still humming the tune to “first penis” from the latest episode.

This show is warm, earnest, and emotionally honest. I’m so, so glad I gave it that second look.

How about you, readers? Is there something you had written off at first glance, only to fall in love with it after a second chance? Let us know in the forums!

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