If you love someone, let them go.

Nathaniel learns that the fun way, gaining more knowledge about romantic comedies along the way,

This was all about his progress, no matter where it may end up from here.

During Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Season 4 Episode 11, Nathaniel was the sole focus as he tried to deal with his feelings with Rebecca while she has started dating Greg. He ends up going through a romantic comedy daydream, living out his inner dork who has to figure out a way to win the girl.

Through that, he ends up "falling" for Maya who becomes a proxy for the real Rebecca for whom he has feelings.

That is what makes him realize that Rebecca is happy and that is what he wants for her, so he has to let her go.

"I'm Almost Over You," written by the very familiar Michael Hitchcock, was a unique take on telling Nathaniel's story while also dealing with the challenge of a daydream. Nothing really happened in the real realm, but it was a fun journey to pretend this did and to see Nathaniel reach some conclusion.

In some way, it still isn't clear exactly where Nathaniel will go from here or where Rebecca will fit into his life, but there was that step forward for him.

Nathaniel's Enchanted Dream

If the show is about Rebecca and her interpretation of her life, swaying from that has to be a challenge. But this episode accomplished that, keeping it in the same tone as Nathaniel was the one trying to live through a daydream.

It was a way for him to play out the scenario he was aiming for, to see it in all its glory before he tried it.

And it worked in the way that it made sure Rebecca and Nathaniel's future stayed intact.

Look at that guy. We were gym buddies and then I was busy being a nice person and then he jumped in there, and I mean in there literally.
Nathaniel

Permalink: Look at that guy. We were gym buddies and then I was busy being a nice person and then he...

Had Nathaniel went out and schemed, it would have shown Rebecca that he isn't as nice as he claims and he is still trying to mess with her life in the way that got him in trouble before.

This scenario taught him what was apparently in front of him all this time, and it means that he doesn't have to lose Rebecca completely. If they don't get back together, they can still be friends in these new versions of one another.

It also showed him in a new light to Rebecca, she wasn't expecting him to be understanding and truly a good person that wasn't trying to fool her into a situation she wasn't waiting for.

It is interesting because there are similarities that they share even as two people who have a history but aren't involved anymore, which Rebecca picked up on when she talked to Nathaniel.

She was shocked that he lived through this idea in his mind and that from it he became an even better person.

It is an improvement that she was looking for, and it is a story she is familiar with all on her own.

It almost brings up the question of where she sees Nathaniel fitting in now because it was almost like she thought she had to make a real choice.

Well I am glad you’re happy, I really am. And it makes me happy too, it does.
Nathaniel

Permalink: Well I am glad you’re happy, I really am. And it makes me happy too, it does.

She doesn't know what to do with this version of her ex that still has a place in her life, but without any drama or worry. It is a new version for everyone, a healthy one where they can all be in each other's lives and not mess it up all the way around.

But also those looks she gave him spoke volumes, confusing volumes.

Which is probably because this was still Nathaniel's story until the end of the episode, he isn't aware of what she thinks so neither is the audience. Even if he left the screen, that wasn't information we were allowed to have.

It is all about Nathaniel and where he goes from here.

Nathaniel's Future From Here

Maya and Nathaniel together is still something that doesn't feel real, and yet we saw it.

More importantly, getting to see Maya's bisexuality shine through in such a perfect way was exactly why Crazy Ex-Girlfriend continues to get it right.

Maya was interested in a woman, even shared a kiss with her because we are all that lucky to see her happy even for a second.

And FYI I have opinions and a brain, I know that makes me hard to love.
Maya

Permalink: And FYI I have opinions and a brain, I know that makes me hard to love.

But that doesn't mean she couldn't have shown interest in Nathaniel; it was about what made her happy without limiting her future romance.

Maya can be with whoever she chooses; the important thing is that she is happy, and she made us happy with her bi representation that felt so natural since the time that she revealed her sexuality alongside Darryl.

As for Nathaniel's future, the most we can say is that it is bright. But that in and of itself is such a step forward.

It is no longer Nathaniel claiming he is nice, this is him reaching a point where he naturally is.

From here he can figure out how to move on, maybe spend time with Greg and/or Rebecca in a way that doesn't make him feel off anymore.

There is even the option of him finding someone; there is still plenty of time.

Greg: I stopped by to say hi, I missed you.
Rebecca: But we just hung out like an hour ago.
Greg: Exactly.

Permalink: I stopped by to say hi, I missed you.

But comparing Nathaniel to where he was when he first arrived, or even at the beginning of this season when he just thought he would go away with Rebecca and that was that, it is a vast contrast.

Slowly but surely there was massive development, and maybe the secret really was him saying how nice he was until it happened.

Fake it until you make it?

And maybe this will also be a step for Nathaniel to discover more romantic comedies, that would be the best little preview in later episodes for Nathaniel (and for us).

What did you think of the episode? Did you enjoy the new way that the show presented their storytelling? Do you wish they would do this again?

Can you imagine Nathaniel and Maya happening along the way or are you not onboard that ship? Are Nathaniel and Rebecca truly over?

Will Greg and Nathaniel still be friends? What about Josh? And what will the show tackle next for these characters?