Rebecca Bunch

Rebecca Nora Bunch New Yorker who moved to West Covina on a whim

Character songs: — Character Gallery: — More info 🔽
Occupation: Attorney Family: Naomi Bunch (mother), Silas (father), Stepmother, Tucker Bunch (stepbrother), Aunt Nancy Actor: Rachel Bloom First Appearance: ""Josh Just Happens to Live Here!""

Bio

I'm hopelessly, desperately in love with...West Covina!

— Rebecca Bunch, "West Covina (song)

Rebecca Bunch Season One promotional photo

Portrayed by Rachel Bloom

Rebecca Nora Bunch is a Harvard educated lawyer who abruptly traded a job at a prestigious New York law firm for a smaller practice in West Covina, California. She is the daughter of Naomi and Silas Bunch, a Jewish mother and an Irish Catholic father who had a stormy relationship. When Rebecca was only twelve years old her father walked out on the family. Her mother pushed Rebecca to study hard in order to secure herself a better future. She got a brief respite from her studies when she was sixteen and attended a summer camp. It's there she became romantically involved with a boy named Josh Chan who would dump her unceremoniously once camp was over. A decade later she became a distinguished attorney but despite her professional success she was miserable. A chance reunion with Josh Chan caused her to impulsively quit her job and relocate to his hometown of West Covina. Her first appearance was in the Season One episode "Josh Just Happens to Live Here!". She is portrayed by actress Rachel Bloom.

Personality

“	No, no, no, no...I'm crazy! I'm crazy and irrational and I'm everything my mother said I was!	”
–Rebecca, "Josh Just Happens to Live Here"

Rebecca suffers from depression, despite her success and accomplishments as a lawyer she is unhappy with her life. She originally tried to cope with this through prescription drugs and alcohol and was in denial about her issues. A traumatic event when her father abandoned her and her mother became the source of a lot of her emotional problems. The incident made her mother raise Rebecca in a withholding and overly critical manner. The point of her mother's harsh child rearing was to toughen her up; it worked somewhat but also exacerbated Rebecca's various insecurities. The list of these anxieties include her worrying about her physical appearance, a recurring belief that she ruins everything, and her being a "loser" for not having achieved goals her mother set for her. Rebecca's is fairly naive particularly when it comes to interpersonal relationships. She has an idealized vision of love fostered by years as a child obsessing over Hollywoods version of romance. Due to years focused more on her studies than making friends she is often socially awkward. She is far more composed in her professional life although her recklessness and impulsiveness sometimes carries over. Usually she does not think through the consequences of her actions. In some instances she represses things completely and goes into complete denial about what she is doing. When things go poorly for her she has a tendency to panic and get overly dramatic. Although she recognizes her bad patterns and has tried several times to overcome them she usually backslides. Often she will fall back into a depressed state and repeat the cycle of self loathing.

Rebecca happy,angry and sad

Character history

Season One

“	Here's what happened. I was in New York, I ran into Josh, he made me feel warm inside like glitter was exploding inside me. Then I moved here. I did not move here because of Josh because that would be crazy and I am not crazy.	”
–Rebecca, "Josh Just Happens to Live Here!"

Season overview

Rebecca gave up a high paying job in New York to move to West Covina, Caifornia to pursue her old boyfriend Josh Chan. As she settled into her new home and work place she found an ally and confidant in her co-worker Paula Proctor. She became acquainted with Josh's friends and his girlfriend Valencia Perez. This also included Josh's best friend Greg Serrano who was open about his romantic interest in her. For months with Paula's help she tried various schemes to get closer to Josh and managed a few intimate moments with him. During this time Josh admitted he was attracted to her but wanted to remain just friends. As she continued to clandestinely pursue him Rebecca was still in denial as to what she was doing. It was only after Josh forgave a lie she told him that Rebecca finally admitted to herself and Paula that she loves him. However, another untruth revealed wasn't as easy to overlook and Josh kept his distance unsure of Rebecca's intentions. Despite his trepidation she convinced him to work with her on a lawsuit and after getting swept up in the moment Josh kissed her. Afterwards he told her it was a mistake and was going to tell Valencia what happened. She eavesdropped on the conversation and heard Josh state he was not in love with her. Devastated, she decided to return to New York but a plane ride and a dream epiphany convinced her to go back to West Covina. She decided to let go of her obsession with Josh and started a relationship with Greg. Although Greg insisted he wanted things between them to be casual Rebecca started to fall for him. She told Greg how she felt but was hurt when he didn't reciprocate. She was unexpectedly approached by Josh who told her he and Valencia were finished. When he confessed his attraction to her Josh and Rebecca slept together. In the afterglow Rebecca finally admitted to Josh she moved to West Covina just for him.

[[Rebecca Bunch Season One/Gallery/Gallery]]

Episodes

Rebecca Bunch was inspired to relocate to West Covina, California after an unexpected reunion with her ex-boyfriend Josh Chan (♫ West Covina (song) ♫). At her new home she met her boss Darryl, Josh's friend Greg and co-worker Paula. She was invited to a party by Greg where Josh was to attend. After she got ready for the event (♫ The Sexy Getting Ready Song ♫) she was devastated when she got there upon learning Josh had a girlfriend. She was also caught off guard when Paula privately confronted Rebecca about her Josh obsession and revealed she fully supported her quest for love. They were interrupted by a text Josh sent Rebecca in reply to one she had sent him earlier which invited her to dinner. Rebecca and Paula where ecstatic and wondered where this could lead (♫ West Covina (reprise) ♫) ("Josh Just Happens to Live Here!").

Time passed and Rebecca started to wonder when Josh would follow up on his invite. She and Paula tried to get into a night club he was going to but were turned away. Rebecca bumped into Josh and his girlfriend Valencia at the grocery store. Josh lied to Valencia and said they knew each other when they were children at summer camp. Rebecca soon became obsessed with being Valencia's friend. She went to Valencia's yoga class and from there they start to bond (♫ Good at Yoga ♫). Accompanied by Greg and Josh they went to the Spider's night club and at first had a good time (♫ Feeling Kinda Naughty ♫). Things went sour when a drunk Rebecca got caught up in a moment and kissed Valencia. Valencia was furious and got even angrier when Rebecca inadvertently revealed she and Josh had a previous romantic history. Valencia forbade Josh to spend any time alone with Rebecca ("Josh's Girlfriend is Really Cool!") .

Paula came up with a solution to that problem by suggesting that Rebecca throw a party and invite Josh. Rebecca was reluctant due to a childhood trauma involving her father abandoning her the same day she hosted a party. Paula managed to persuade her to face her fear (♫ Face Your Fears ♫). While handing out flyers for the event she met her neighbor Heather Davis, a psychology student intrigued by Rebecca's obvious neurosis. Despite her efforts the party only had a few people by the time Josh showed up. However, he was very understanding and even helped make the festivities more enjoyable (♫ A Boy Band Made Up of Four Joshes ♫). Thanks to his and Paula's assistance the party was a success and Rebecca had a great time with Josh ("I Hope Josh Comes to My Party!").

Rebecca became depressed after receiving a phone call from her mother in which her recent decisions were heavily criticized. At Heather's suggestion she went online to find a one night stand to snap her out out of her funk. She couldn't go through with it and put her focus on making healthier choices. When Greg learned about her new goal he asked her out on date (♫ Settle For Me ♫). Although she only agreed to go after she was encouraged by Josh she actually found herself having a good time. However, anxiety set in about starting something serious with someone other than Josh (♫ Settle For Me (reprise) ♫). She abandoned thier date to sleep with a random stranger which infuriated and appalled Greg. Rebecca managed to get regain some self respect back by helping Josh get his dream job ("I'm Going on a Date with Josh's Friend!")

Several days later, Rebecca met up with Josh at Cup of boba only to be interrupted by Greg who accused them both of being bad people. Rebecca became obsessed with proving him wrong and got Darryl temporary custody of his daughter Madison (♫ I Love My Daughter ♫). When she went to Greg to boast about it he was unimpressed (♫ I'm a Good Person ♫). She decided to get full custody for Darryl by framing his ex-wife Stacy for a crime. Stacy caught her in the act and Rebecca blamed her deranged actions on her own parents bitter divorce. They agreed to settle the custody dispute amicably and went to Home Base to tell Darryl and Madison. Greg observed this and talked to Rebecca afterwards. She sincerely apologized for what happened and Greg replied that he was still unsure about her but conceded she did a good thing for Darryl ("Josh and I Are Good People!").

Thanks to Paula's meddling Rebecca was invited to Josh's Thanksgiving dinner with his family. Paula watched through a hidden camera as Rebecca ingratiated herself to Josh's family while Valencia was treated as a pariah (♫ I Give Good Parent ♫). Rebecca was about to use the toilet to deal with her diarrhea when she heard Josh and Valencia arguing about her in the next room. One thing led to another and the couple was having sex. Once they were done, Josh and Valencia announced to his family that they were moving in together. Rebecca was devastated but had a more immediate concern and rushed home to use the bathroom. Afterwards Greg showed up to have a drink with Rebecca which she had promised him earlier. Together they did Rebecca and her mom's Thankgiving tradition of watching the annual dog show ("My First Thanksgiving with Josh!")

Rebecca sank into a deep depression over Josh and Valencia moving in together which almost cost the law firm a potential wealthy client called Calvin Young. She continued to wallow in misery and even hallucinated that Dr.Phil was with her. Rebecca tried and failed to get some prescription medicine from a psychiatrist named Dr.Akopian. She took an adderal pill she found and later smoked marijuana with Heather. The two went back to Akopian's office to score more drugs only to be caught by the doctor when they tried to steal her prescription pad. Akopian threatened to press charges unless Rebecca agreed to therapy. After leaving, Rebecca learned Paula was about to have an affair with Calvin and stopped her just in time. She gave her friend an impassioned speech about making bad choices instead of dealing with the real problems. This moved Calvin who declared he wanted to be represented by a law firm with heart and hired the firm ("I'm So Happy that Josh Is So Happy!").

("My Mom, Greg's Mom and Josh's Sweet Dance Moves!")

("I'm Going to the Beach with Josh and His Friends!")

("I'm Back at Camp with Josh!")

("That Text Was Not Meant for Josh!")

Paula orchestrated an elaborate plan for Rebecca to get back into Josh's good graces which included making up a fake boyfriend, minor vandalism and a fake coupon for free drinks. When it backfired they decided to invent a lawsuit that Rebecca and Josh could work on together. Rebecca based the potential lawsuit on a cold shower epidemic going on in Josh's apartment. Much to Valencia's displeasure, Josh got on board after Rebecca got the other tenants to sign on. The landlord quickly tried to settle the lawsuit which made Rebecca suspicious. A talk with a conspiracy theorist named Bert made Rebecca realize the larger scope of the lawsuit. It involved a company called Greater City Water who was diverting the San Gabriel Valley's water supply to Los Angeles. Rebecca went to Josh's apartment to tell him the news only to find her 'boyfriend' Trent Maddock there with him as well as Valencia and Greg ("Josh and I Work on a Case!").

Trent covered for Rebecca and convinced everyone they were a couple. Rebecca and Josh resumed working on the case together gathering more plaintiffs for the class action lawsuit. Things got serious when Greater City Water hired Rebecca's rival from New York Audra Levine to represent them ("JAP Battle").The day of the trial, Rebecca went to the Los Angeles County courthouse backed by Josh and a group of plaintiffs from San Gabriel Valley. However, the testimony of her star witness Bert was destroyed by Audra during cross examination. Trent provided her with illegally obtained evidence which could win the case but Rebecca didn't use it. Despite an impassioned closing argument the judge ruled in GCW's favor. Proud of how Rebecca stood up for the San Gabriel valley, Josh was overcome with emotion and kissed her ("Josh and I Go to Los Angeles!").

Not long into the therapy session, Rebecca fell asleep due to some sleeping pills she took. She had a vivid dream where Akopian was a spiritual guide trying to impart some wisdom ("Dream Ghost"). Rebecca learned that as a child her mother always loved her far more than her father, she had been ignoring her love of music because of a bad college fling and also that she had people in West Covina that truly cared about her. When Rebecca awoke she got on the next plane to West Covina and returned to her apartment. There she found Paula, Greg, Darryl and Josh who were happy to see her. However, Paula had shown Josh some photos Rebecca had of him which made him ask her if she was in love with him ("Josh Has No Idea Where I Am!").

Relationships

Naomi Bunch

Naomi Bunch is Rebecca's mother and the two have an often contentious relationship. Naomi raised her daughter by herself after her husband and Rebecca's father Silas Bunch walked out on them. She is very critical of Rebecca, in particular of her decision to move to West Covina to pursue Josh. Rebecca believed her harsh upbringing by her mom was because she hated her. Naomi told stated she raised her in a strict manner to strengthen her resolve. The two had a cathartic moment when Naomi confessed she loves her daughter too much and is always worried about her.

Notable appearances:

"Josh Just Happens to Live Here!", "I'm Going on a Date with Josh's Friend!", "My Mom, Greg's Mom and Josh's Sweet Dance Moves!", "Josh Has No Idea Where I Am!"

Silas Bunch

Silas Bunch is Rebecca's father who left her and her mother Naomi when she was just twelve. He moved across country to San Francisco where eventually remained and had another child named Tucker. As a child she wanted to spend more time with him and even snuck away once from her mother to visit him. Rebecca always thought her mother kept them apart but has recently started to question if that was actually the case. They currently don't have that close a relationship as he has been busy with his new family.

Notable appearances:

"I Hope Josh Comes to My Party!", "Josh Has No Idea Where I Am!"

Paula Proctor

Paula Proctor is Rebecca's co-worker and best friend who has fully invested herself in helping her win Josh Chan's heart. She sees thier "courtship" as an epic love story similar to books, TV and movie romances that she obsesses over. As others have pointed out she has boundary issues and often goes way too far in assisting Rebecca on her goals. In the short time they've known each other they've formed a strong bond and Paula even thinks of Rebecca as the daughter she never had.

Notable appearances:

"Josh Just Happens to Live Here!", "I Hope Josh Comes to My Party!", "I'm Going to the Beach with Josh and His Friends!", "I'm Back at Camp with Josh!", "Josh's Sister is Getting Married!", "Paula Needs to Get Over Josh!"

Josh Chan

Josh Chan is Rebecca's ex-boyfriend from summer camp who broke up with her ten years ago. After a chance reunion in New York City she believed it to be a sign and followed him to his home town of West Covina, California. She secretly romantically pursued him even after learning he was already in a relationship with his high school sweetheart Valencia Perez. He admitted he was attracted to her but reminded committed to Valencia. It was only after Rebecca stopped actively scheming to be with him that Josh acted on his feelings for her.

Notable appearances:

"Josh Just Happens to Live Here!", "I Hope Josh Comes to My Party!", "My First Thanksgiving With Josh!", "I'm Going to the Beach with Josh and His Friends!", "Josh and I Work on a Case!", "Josh and I Go to Los Angeles!", "Paula Needs to Get Over Josh!"

Greg Serrano

Greg Serrano was aware of Rebecca's fixation on his friend Josh Chan. He pursused her romantically anyway but was rebuffed after several disastrous attempts. He dated Heather Davis but it ended due to his unrequited feelings for Rebecca. Eventually Rebecca decided to give Greg a chance and they began a torrid affair in which she told him she developed feelings for him. Unfortunately, Greg's insecurities caused him to respond apathetically to her confession. It was only in private that Greg admitted to himself that he loved Rebecca.

Crazy-Ex-Girlfriend 1x01 Promotional photo 5

Notable appearances:

"Josh Just Happens to Live Here!", "I'm Going on a Date with Josh's Friend!", "Josh and I Are Good People!", "My First Thanksgiving With Josh!", "Josh's Sister is Getting Married!", "Paula Needs to Get Over Josh!"