Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Review: Trent?! (Season 3 Episode 12)

On Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Season 3 Episode 12, “Trent?!,” the past manifests in the present, reflecting the likely futures of the #girlsquad.

“Trent?!” pushes the show forward to the place it absolutely needs to go: facing Rebecca’s past. It is a masterful set up for the finale.

It is a reminder, too, that Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is doing things no other show is doing, including sticking with an unlikable character throughout her mental health journey and letting her make us laugh. It is a true masterpiece that should be getting all of the awards.

“Trent?!” compels me to write a bit of a love letter to my favorite part of the hour: Beth and Valencia, or #Balencia.

Beth pops onto the show on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Season 3 Episode 11, “Nathaniel and I are Just Friends,” and in less than two episodes, she manages to make us fall in love with her. #Balencia and #Heactor are stand-out couples and continue to make the most of every second of screentime they get — which in my opinion is never enough!

On “Trent?!,” Beth holds up a mirror to Valencia, showing her how being ashamed of her past and of being a “townie” from West Covina is sabotaging her future dreams.

When Valencia is unsure of herself or her relevancy in a situation, she can get mean. It is a defense mechanism to cope with rejection, but it doesn’t serve her well.

Valencia’s relationship with Beth is amazing because Beth doesn’t ever tell Valencia to change or dismiss her. She confronts her snooty behavior in a loving manner and reminds Valencia of who she is.

Beth sees and understands Valencia. So she is able to remind her that she is a person who is fun and exciting and wants to share that jam with her clients.

There is not a single second where Beth exhibits jealousy, manipulation, derision, or dishonesty. Emma Willmann manages to keep this adoring and slightly amused look of her face, even when she is calling Valencia out.

We all need a Beth in our lives to champion us, without making us feel bad about our occasional missteps.

Even though Valencia’s regression to her mean-girl mode on “Trent?!” discredits her progress over Seasons 2 and 3, it is worth it in order to develop the importance of her relationship with Beth.

The chemistry between Valencia and Beth is off the charts. This new ship, my favorite on the show, demonstrates that in a healthy relationship, sexual chemistry and mutual respect go hand in hand.

For Rebecca, we usually see sexual chemistry in direct opposition to respect.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is doing a fantastic job of showcasing different romantic relationships, of varying degrees of health, without judging them.

As viewers, we get to decide for ourselves what we think about the decisions in the romantic pairings. How refreshing! Where so many shows are trying to pull our heart strings in a particular direction, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend highlights choice and diversity.

Josh delivers wisdom and grace on “Trent?!,” reminding us that we should never dismiss someone just because they fully embrace and embody the youthful things in life.

You can never run from your past, because it’s your future. – Josh Chan, quoting his childhood bedroom poster.

Rebecca refuses to learn a lesson from her past. Trent offers Rebecca a greater treat than bacon-wrapped dates: a chance to admit and atone for her past behavior.

She could have either refused to be blackmailed and faced the consequences for her murderous cyber-espionage, or realized that Trent is a mirror of her past behaviors.

She does neither and instead immediately reverts back to past tactics, going as far as manipulating Paula in order to have a spy-buddy.

The juxtaposition of Paula’s and Rebecca’s reactions to the blackmail scheme deftly and starkly highlights how far Rebecca is from truly managing her BPD.

Paula has no enthusiasm for the “game” of blackmail because she has moved on and grown from the place she once was. When she admits that she is scared of all of the things she and Rebecca have done, Rebecca looks confused.

Again, when Paula expresses her remorse and guilt for the terrible things they have done, Rebecca looks askance and does not get it.

Rebecca is not currently able to face her past, but as Josh wisely notes, she can’t run from it because it IS her future.

I don’t believe that Trent has just let bygones be bygones. I expect that the finale is going to include a reckoning where Rebecca has to actually face and admit guilt for the terrible stalking, cyber-attacks, theft, and assault that she committed.

Paula’s journey has been incredible on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and I am impressed with how the show is able to characterize both her and Rebecca through their discussions on “Trent?!”

When Rebecca says “I love you, you’re my best friend” to Paula, after lying to her for her own selfish purposes, Paula just turns off the phone and returns to studying.

I suspect that Paula knows Rebecca is manipulating her again. But Paula has grown and is able to set boundaries with Rebecca. Her character growth is inspiring, and I am so elated to see her finding her confidence as a career-focused woman.

Rebecca begins to go off the rails (again) on the episode, away from the “Butt-loads of Cats” person that she wants to be. It is a difficult cycle to witness, but so important too, as it continues to reach so many of us in an authentic and entertaining way.

Crazy Thoughts:

• Janie’s Charleston dance is pure magic that is bound to go viral.
• White Josh seems depressed, and even Dog Josh doesn’t seem to be helping. I hope we get deeper into his mental health journey.
• The “Royal” is incredible, and it is cool to see that Valencia and Josh had so much fun together, even if they aren’t ultimately well-matched.
• I want a scene between the Akopians, talking about Mona and Rebecca, where they put two and two and two together.
• Scott Michael Foster is doing incredible work on this show that extends far beyond his sexy times with Rebecca.
• Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is the absolute best at casting guest stars and letting them take the primary focus for an episode.

What did you think of this episode of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

 

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend airs Fridays at 8/7c on the CW.

Follow us on Twitter @telltaleTV_

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!