Plot
In 2005 a teenage Rebecca Bunch is dumped by her boyfriend Josh Chan on their last day of summer camp. A decade later in 2015, Rebecca is a well paid New York City attorney working for a prestigious law firm. Despite her success she is miserable and considers the question posed by a TV commercial: "When was the last time you were happy?". When Rebecca arrives at work her she learns she is getting a promotion. She is conflicted by the news and leaves the building to regain her composure. Outside she tries prescription drugs and a prayer to calm her nerves to no avail. She notices another butter advertisement, this time presented on a large banner hanging on the side of a building, posing the same question from the commercial.
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This coincidentally directs her attention to a pedestrian passing by whom she is shocked to recognize as Josh. He is surprised to see her when she catches up to him and recalls the fun they had at summer camp. When she suggests they get a drink later to catch up Josh declines. The grind of big city living made him decide to return to his more laid back hometown of West Covina, California where he was happy. After saying thier goodbyes Rebecca found herself considering Josh's words and their serendipitous reunion. She returns to the law firm and turns down the promotion her boss Laura offers her. Rebecca quits her job, makes arrangements, flies to West Covina, moves into her new residence and visits the local mall (ā« West Covina (song) ā«).
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Rebecca disposes of her prescription medications and ignores a voice message from her mother. She then composes and sends a text message to Josh for them to meet up now that she's town. Rebecca waits all night for a response but gets no reply. In the morning she heads to her new job at Whitefeather & Associates where she's given a tour by her boss Darryl Whitefeather. Rebecca meets the head paralegal Paula Proctor who is suspicious of the new hire. In her new office Darryl asks Rebecca to represent him in his upcoming divorce proceedings. Rebecca tells him she'll consider it before leaving having gotten a status update on Josh from her phone.
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She heads to Josh's last location, a local bar named Home Base, where she meets a bartender named Greg Serrano. He happens to be Josh's friend and tells her that she just missed him. Greg then invites Rebecca as his date to a party where he believes Josh will be in attendance. She accepts and goes back to the law firm where Paula updates her on a case. Paula also warns her that she's going to figure out her true motivations for being in West Covina. Rebecca ignores Paula's threat and instead focuses on the grueling task of getting ready for the party (ā« The Sexy Getting Ready Song ā«). Back at the law firm, Paula goes into Rebecca's office and logs onto her computer. Meanwhile, Greg picks up Rebecca and takes her to the house where the party is held.
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When Greg questions Rebecca's interest in Josh she makes out with him to distract him while pumping him for information. She also uses this as an opportunity to scope the area for any sign of Josh. Their make out session/search is interrupted when Greg receives a text from his Josh. It reveals he wont be coming since he's attending a family function with his girlfriend. Rebecca is struck hard by the news that Josh is seeing someone and starts to cry even as she continues to make out with Greg. Confused and uncomfortable with her advances, Greg reluctantly rebuffs her and suggests that he just take her home. On their way out they run into Paula who just arrived at the party looking for Rebecca.
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Paula asks to speak to Rebecca alone and reveals she knows about her cyber stalking Josh. Rebecca at first denies her accusations but the insanity of her recent actions finally dawn on her. As she starts to have an emotional breakdown Paula stops being confrontational and instead begins to comfort Rebecca. She insists all that Rebecca did was not because she is crazy but due to her being in love. Paula tells her she now has an ally in her quest to win Josh's affections just as Rebeca receives a text. She hands her phone off to Paula who confirms its Josh Chan asking her out to catch up. The two are elated by the sudden turn of events and become more optimistic about what this could lead to (ā« West Covina (reprise) ā«).
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Tag
Rapper "Nipsey Hussle" (who performed a brief rap during "The Sexy Getting Ready Song") is shown talking on the phone. After having seen the tortuous process Rebecca had to go through to prepare for a party he was forever changed. He made a list of various female background dancers who performed in his music videos. He apologizes to each of them for having used them in such a sexist and exploitative manner.
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Recurring themes
Songs
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Continuity
- People: The principle cast of characters (with the exception of Heather Davis who debuts in third episode) is introduced:
- Rebecca Bunch: New York attorney who moved to California to pursue her ex-boyfriend.
- Josh Chan: Recently returned West Covina native and object of Rebecca's affection.
- Darryl Whitefeather: Rebecca's new boss at the law firm of Whitefeather & Associates
- Paula Proctor: Head of paralegal at Whitefeather and Rebecca's new best friend.
- Greg Serrano: Old friend of Josh who is attracted to Rebecca.
- Places: Several recurring locations of the series are introduced:
- Things:
Pop culture references
- In her duet with Rebecca, Paula mentions several notable couples:
- Bella Swan and Edward Cullen from the "Twilight franchise".
- Carrie Bradshaw and Mr.Big from the TV show "Sex and the City".
- Julia Roberts and Richard Gere the lead actors from the romantic comedy movies "Pretty Woman" and "Runaway Bride".
Meta references
Cast
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Quotes
ā | It's actually such a funny story. So, I was in New York but I was looking to relocate to Los Angeles because I'm just, I'm a beach gal, and I ran into Chan, and he told me how great West Covina is and I'm like filing it away, filing it away, then boom! That same day I get this rando call from a 1/8 Chippewa who is very prominent in my field, asking me to start a position here. Crazy right? | ā |
ā Rebecca Bunch |
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