For viewers engrossed in the quirky and often poignant world of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” the episode “Josh Is Irrelevant” marked a significant turning point. Up until this point, Rebecca Bunch, portrayed by the talented Rachel Bloom, had been navigating life under the assumed labels of anxiety, depression, and OCD. However, this episode, the sixth in its run, delivered a diagnosis that resonated deeply and reframed our understanding of Rebecca: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Executive producer Aline Brosh McKenna shed light on the evolution of Rebecca’s character and the decision to introduce BPD into her narrative. “We wrote her kind of by feel for a while,” McKenna explained, emphasizing the organic development of Rebecca’s behavior over the initial season and a half. It was a collaborative realization between McKenna and Bloom, driven by a desire to understand and help Rebecca more profoundly. Their exploration into Rebecca’s complexities led them to BPD, a diagnosis that, in retrospect, seemed to align perfectly with the character’s established patterns.
Rebecca’s journey to diagnosis was triggered by a suicide attempt, leading to hospitalization and a comprehensive evaluation. The results revealed a pattern far exceeding the diagnostic criteria for BPD. McKenna’s research into the disorder confirmed their narrative direction, noting that Rebecca exhibited all nine diagnostic criteria for BPD, with multiple examples of each symptom woven throughout the show’s preceding 36 episodes.
While acknowledging the nuanced and sometimes debated nature of BPD diagnoses, McKenna emphasized their commitment to portraying a realistic and accurate representation of the disorder within Rebecca’s character. The initial revelation of a new diagnosis brought a sense of relief and even excitement for Rebecca. This initial reaction was captured in a musical number celebrating the idea of finally finding her “tribe” and a path towards understanding and fixing what she perceived as “wrong.”
However, the reality of a BPD diagnosis soon shifted Rebecca’s perspective. The realization that she had Borderline Personality Disorder brought with it a fear of being fundamentally “broken” and potentially beyond repair. This emotional shift underscores the complex and often stigmatized nature of BPD, and the internal struggle faced by individuals coming to terms with this diagnosis.
McKenna highlights that this diagnosis is not a quick fix for Rebecca. Instead, it marks the beginning of a deeper, more informed struggle. “There are a whole host of behaviors that are deeply rooted in her, so she’ll continue to struggle — but she’ll struggle with more information,” McKenna stated. The core challenge for Rebecca moving forward will be integrating this newfound understanding of herself into her daily life and actively working towards healthier coping mechanisms. Therapy, particularly intensive therapy and group sessions, becomes a central element of Rebecca’s journey, and subsequently, a key narrative focus for the show.
McKenna underscores the bravery inherent in confronting and working through BPD. The diagnosis, while providing a name for her struggles, doesn’t magically erase them. In fact, it can intensify her internal conflict as Rebecca becomes more aware of the “why” behind her actions, leading to confusion and anger. The show realistically portrays the often non-linear path of mental health recovery, emphasizing that progress is rarely straightforward, often involving setbacks alongside advancements. Rebecca’s character, described as an “A-student” in her approach to life, tackles therapy with the same dedication, highlighting the effort and commitment required for managing BPD.
A significant breakthrough in this episode is Rebecca’s acknowledgment that her ex-boyfriend, Josh, is not the root of her problems. McKenna describes love as Rebecca’s “drug of choice,” a powerful and potentially destructive force in her life. This realization sets the stage for Rebecca to confront her unhealthy patterns in relationships and learn to seek love in a healthier, more sustainable way. The potential consequences of relationship missteps become even more pronounced in light of her BPD diagnosis, adding weight to her journey.
As Rebecca grapples with her identity in the context of her BPD diagnosis – “Is that who I am? How do I live within that? What choices do I make now?” – the narrative expands to explore the psychological journeys of other key characters. Nathaniel’s backstory is further developed with the revelation of his mother’s overdose, offering a glimpse into his own unresolved pain and complexities. However, McKenna suggests that understanding Rebecca’s struggles won’t necessarily be easy for Nathaniel, indicating potential challenges in their dynamic.
Josh too is forced to confront his own identity and life direction independent of Rebecca. McKenna points out that Josh’s initial connection with Rebecca stemmed from his own insecurities and search for validation. Rebecca’s affection provided him with a sense of significance during a period of personal uncertainty. Now, without Rebecca and facing unemployment and displacement, Josh enters his own “quarter-life crisis,” adding another layer of character development to the show.
“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” initially presented as a revenge-driven narrative, evolves into a more intricate exploration of mental health, identity, and relationships. This thematic shift is reflected in the show’s creative choices, including the decision to retain “Crazy” as the opening credits song and foreshadowed changes in episode titles to align with the show’s deeper, more nuanced themes and Rebecca’s evolving character. The BPD diagnosis episode serves as a pivotal moment, propelling “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” into a more profound and resonant exploration of mental health within the framework of its unique musical comedy format.
