Director: Stuart McDonald — Writer: Rachel Bloom Aired: 10/12/18 — Season: 4 — Episode: 1 — Nielsen ratings: Description: Rebecca confronts the consequences of her guilty plea while an angry Nathaniel seeks solace in a retreat and Josh searches for answers.
Rebecca, I hate to break it to you, but you know whatever you do in here, nothing is going to change the fact that you are a rich, white, lawyer lady who pled guilty for dramatic effect.
— Heather
After entering her guilty plea, Rebecca Bunch is joined by Paula Proctor in the judges chambers along with the prosecutor. They are waiting for Rebecca's attorney Nathaniel to show, but Darryl tells them he left and offers to step in as counsel. Over Darryl and Paula's objections, Rebecca insists to the judge she be incarcerated refusing to change her plea. The judge sends Rebecca to the state penitentiary for six weeks hoping she will change her mind. While Rebecca is checked into prison, Nathaniel prepares for a "Deathwish Adventure." George is helping him prepare but feels Nathaniel should deal with his actual issue Rebecca instead of avoiding her by going on what’s essentially a camping trip.
Over at Home Base, Josh asks Hector why he’s been oblivious to so many things. He ignores his friend's suggestion about being too self-absorbed and instead believes his lack of awareness is a mental disorder. Days later at the prison, Rebecca's continuous self-castigation annoys her cell mate Nicky. Rebecca is pulled out of her despair when she finds out about a theater related prison activity. At that class, Rebecca convinces the volunteer theater teacher Jasmine to let the inmates perform a musical number (♫ I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy ♫). During visiting hours, Paula is concerned when Rebecca is more interested in her theater class then any updates on her case.
At a remote location, Nathaniel starts his survivalist excursion, while back in town Josh looks up psychological afflictions online. Meanwhile, Rebecca learns her fellow inmates hated the song she insisted they perform. Rebecca suggests they do an original song based on their own personal stories (♫ What’s Your Story ♫). Through this activity the other prisoners are appalled to learn that unlike them Rebecca is in jail by choice. That night at Home Base, Josh tells Heather and Hector various mental disorders he has. He storms off when they tell him his research is faulty since it’s based on internet clickbait quizzes. The next morning at Nathaniel's wilderness retreat, he’s forced scavenge for food.
A fully equipped George shows up, interrupting Nathaniel’s breakfast and sets up camp next to him. He gets Nathaniel to admit the trip is just another in a list of activities he’s done over the years to avoid emotional conflict. Back at the prison, Rebecca is visited by Paula, Valencia and Heather who have big news. Trent awakened from his coma and confessed to his crime, which means Rebecca will be free soon. Her friends are confused when Rebecca wants to stay in prison to continue doing penance for her personal wrongdoings. That night Rebecca, Nathaniel, and Josh simultaneously express their sadness at being misunderstood by everyone (♫ No One Else Is Singing My Song ♫).
The following day Rebecca is released from prison and is met outside by the Gurl Group. Over at the wilderness retreat, Nathaniel has given up on foraging and is enjoying the food George brought. However, Nathaniel still feels sad and believes himself to be broken. This musically inspires George (♫ Maybe I'm Just Broken ♫) who is interrupted by a text. They learn Rebecca is free which makes Nathaniel happy. Back in town, Josh is at a therapy session with Dr. Davit Akopian. Davit tells Josh he doesn’t have any disorders and just needs to examine the reasons behind the poor choices he continues to make. Meanwhile, Rebecca is at her place where her friends are throwing her a welcome home party.
Rebecca is still depressed about not being punished and for also having inherent white privilege. This angers Valencia, who tells Rebecca to stop whining and use her guilt to do something positive. The party is interrupted by the arrival of Nathaniel who asks to speak to Rebecca alone. At first they are happy to be reunited and express their love for one another. However, Nathaniel is frustrated by Rebecca once again putting off them being together to deal with her current cause. She realizes that they are in different places now and sends Nathaniel away. Rebecca then decides the first step in her plans for redemption is to offer legal advice to the inmates she met in prison.
"No One Else Is Singing My Song" Performed by: Rebecca, Nathaniel, Josh & Cast Writers: Adam Schlesinger, Steven M. Gold
Rebecca, Nathaniel and Josh lament how misunderstood they are.
"Maybe I'm Just Broken" Performed by: George Writers: Danny Jolles, Adam Schlesinger
George comes up with a Ska song based on Nathaniel's comment.
Callback: Rebecca forces the other inmates to perform the song "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy" the same song she sang at camp when she was a teenager.
Plot points: Rebecca recognizes her past mistakes along with her privileged entitlement and wants to do something positive to make up for both.
Relationship developments: Rebecca once again breaks up with Nathaniel feeling that they have different priorities now.
Rebecca says that she would never do "Cats". Later "I Need Some Balance" will parody "Cats".
Rebecca references the title of the episode when she's speaking to Paula when she visited her in prison saying "I'm sorry, I want to be here. It was the right decision.".
Rebecca, unsatisfied with Paula's ideas to build a case against Josh, turns to Nathaniel for help crafting a truly evil plan. Meanwhile, Josh finds becoming a priest is harder than he thought.
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Dan Gregor and Doug Mand
Just as Rebecca tries to be more realistic and practical, Trent throws a wrench into her plans. At the same time Josh and Valencia reckon with their shared history.
Directed by: Audrey Wauchope - Written by: Erin Ehrlich
Rebecca, Paula, Heather and Valencia participate in a séance after a spooky discovery. Darryl takes his parenting duties to an extreme, while Nathaniel is determined to prove to his father he's the best person to run the law firm.
As Rebecca contemplates her feelings about her career, Paula is forced to deal with a big client. Josh tries to get back in the dating game, while Heather and Hector deal with insurance.
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Elisabeth Kiernan Averick
As Rebecca contemplates her feelings about her career, Paula is forced to deal with a big client. Josh tries to get back in the dating game, while Heather and Hector deal with insurance.
Directed by: Erin Ehrlich - Written by: Ilana Pena
Heather and Valencia both have changes in their lives which leaves Rebecca reeling. Meanwhile, Paula has to adjust to some good news/bad news from her eldest son.
Rebecca gets more than she bargained for during a day out with Darryl. Josh lends a helping hand to Paula, while Heather encourages Nathaniel to be a nice person.
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Rene Gube
Greg returns to West Covina, which forces Rebecca to question things she thought she knew about people she has loved in her life. Meanwhile, Valencia and Josh make some shocking discoveries while at their high school reunion.
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Rene Gube
Rebecca supports Paula in her time of need despite, her own personal challenges. Emotions run high when Greg, Josh and Nathaniel have an unfortunate encounter.
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Alden Derck & Aline Brosh McKenna
Rebecca gets a call to help her old nemesis out of a complicated situation. Meanwhile, Nathaniel, Josh and Greg attempt to deal with their competing feelings for Rebecca.
Directed by: Marty Pasetta, Jr. - Written by: Rachel Bloom, Adam Schlesinger and Jack Dolgen
Rachel Bloom and the cast of the critically acclaimed series perform live versions of fan-favorite songs with incredible staging, multimedia visuals and a live band and orchestra.
