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S01.E14: Josh Is Going To Hawaii!

ElectricBoogaloo

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SeanC

SeanC

Addressing Rebecca's finances could be funny, but it's kind of risky to bring that up in some ways, because money issues just kind of get in the way of most TV plotting (particularly on a show like this, which isn't especially grounded).

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SeanC

SeanC

Rebecca's villain song was terrific.  Another great musical number.  I liked the character work this week -- and speaking as somebody who has occasionally had a hard time keeping track of budgeting, the stuff around accounts was relatable, even if I've never, y'know, actually just spent myself into debt like she does.  As I said last week during the previews, I don't know how much the debt stuff is going to carry forward, but it was a good 'reality check' this week.

 

I've said in the past that Paula often straddles the line between helpful support system and toxic enabler; this week she was entirely the latter, actively trying to talk Rebecca out of her attack of conscience.

 

Two of the show's female characters got a bit more depth this week, to different effects.  I think the scene with Heather really worked, and Vella Lovell impressed me by adding a bit more emotional upset to a character most known for detachment.  Gabrielle Ruiz played the more human Valencia really well, but I have a hard time squaring that version of the character with the character from previous episodes (and, indeed, in her last scene of this episode).

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Rinaldo

Rinaldo

It's a pleasure to see that the writers knew perfectly well how badly Rebecca was behaving (Josh too, in the last episode), and had a plan to expose it. (This episode, like the four still to come, was written last fall, as the series was starting to air.) The villain song was delightful, and the tag was one of their best.

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Irlandesa

Irlandesa

Oh show, why must you give me so much angst over WhitefeatherJosh?  Or is it JoshWhitefeather? 

 

I absolutely loved both songs today but especially "Villain In My Own Story."  It was the perfect blend of being a huge character moment and a catchy tune.  But yes, today Paula was definitely more of a toxic enabler.  The only part I liked her was when she her shock over Rebecca's budgeting.  (No judgment, while I do not go into debt, I don't balance my checkbook monthly either.  If I lost my mind and withdrew tens of thousands of dollars--not that I could--I could quickly go into debt.)

 

Two of the show's female characters got a bit more depth this week, to different effects.  I think the scene with Heather really worked, and Vella Lovell impressed me by adding a bit more emotional upset to a character most known for detachment.  Gabrielle Ruiz played the more human Valencia really well, but I have a hard time squaring that version of the character with the character from previous episodes (and, indeed, in her last scene of this episode).

I think both characterizations didn't completely align with what we've seen before, although I did suspect Valencia had more depth in her initial introduction.  They took her on a more shallow path but I'm glad they brought her back a little in this episode.  Gabrielle Ruiz was really good and even if she's not right for Josh, I do like what she adds to the show.  Heather is the one who didn't work as well for me.  I had a hard time believing her last week when she told Greg to follow his heart.  And I have a tough time believing her this week when we discovered it was a test.  I guess it adds depth to Heather but it makes her less sane.  (I have major issues with relationship "tests." )

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SeanC

SeanC

I had a hard time believing her last week when she told Greg to follow his heart.  And I have a tough time believing her this week when we discovered it was a test.  I guess it adds depth to Heather but it makes her less sane.  (I have major issues with relationship "tests." )

The funny thing is, looking back, Heather's reprise of "Don't Settle For Me" is just like Greg's original version:  the person who is imagining it completely misread the sentiment behind whatever the speaker was actually saying.

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Rinaldo

Rinaldo

(I have major issues with relationship "tests." )

Me too, for sure, but they undeniably happen. I've encountered a few in my time -- and failed them, as I do people the apparent discourtesy of believing they mean what they say. So it's ripe for dramatic use as far as I'm concerned.

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Irlandesa

Irlandesa

Me too, for sure, but they undeniably happen. I've encountered a few in my time -- and failed them, as I do people the apparent discourtesy of believing they mean what they say. So it's ripe for dramatic use as far as I'm concerned.

Oh sure. I know they happen.  But I could see someone like Paula or Rebeca doing something like that.  But Heather?  I thought she was above that.

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ddawn23

ddawn23

(edited)

When Rebecca ran from the key ceremony I half expected her to do the grand gesture of having her ticket transferred into Valencia's name so she and Josh could go to Hawaii together.

I mean, what's Rebecca going to do for money once she gets to Hawaii? After buying airfare and new clothes is there really enough pawn money to cover a hotel room and food in what I understand to be one of the pricier US destinations?

Edited by ddawn23
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Eyes High

Eyes High

(edited)

I think the odds of Rebecca winding up on the same flight as her psychiatrist by chance and being seated next to her psychiatrist by chance are slim, but I do think that there's a decent chance Rebecca is hallucinating her psychiatrist. I'm also going to guess that Rachel Bloom is doing a callback to an episode of 30 Rock where Liz Lemon, high on Ambien, hallucinates that Oprah is sitting next to her on a plane (where it's actually a 12-year-old girl sitting next to her). Whatever, if it helps Rebecca with her issues.

 

I don't know what was funnier about Darryl's song: Darryl dorkily bouncing around with enthusiasm, or the cuts to his coworkers looking supremely unimpressed that he called a meeting to announce that he was bisexual (and really uncomfortable when he was reassuring them that he wasn't a slut but took his time until he felt "at ease").

 

"I made a grand gesture, I made a fool out of myself, because that's what happens when you emulate stupid romcoms!" Oh, Greg. Where was that self-awareness an episode ago? Speaking of self-awareness, I loved Paula's line "Why do you even have a shrink? I give such great advice! Now let's drink some expired apple juice!" Cheap laugh, but funny.

Edited by Eyes High
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Snarklepuss

Snarklepuss

I almost wonder if Valencia will accompany Josh to Hawaii.  That would wreck things up considerably for Rebecca.  Is there some reason that can't happen?

 

I didn't especially love the musical numbers this week.

 

I just feel that an eventual showdown between Greg and Josh over Rebecca is coming in the future.

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Irlandesa

Irlandesa

I almost wonder if Valencia will accompany Josh to Hawaii.  That would wreck things up considerably for Rebecca.  Is there some reason that can't happen?

Yes.  Josh isn't going to Hawaii.  After Valencia forgave him, he decided to stay put.

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Eyes High

Eyes High

(edited)
I just feel that an eventual showdown between Greg and Josh over Rebecca is coming in the future.

 

Would Greg seriously present himself as a suitor, after having been shut down in such brutal fashion last episode (albeit not intentionally)? Fool me once and all that.  If Rebecca openly admitted that she was in love with Josh, Josh broke it off with Valencia properly because he openly admitted that he was in love with Rebecca, and then Josh and Rebecca hooked up, I doubt Greg would actively interfere, as miserable as he might be at that outcome. It was the denial--Rebecca's denial that her intentions towards Josh were at all romantic, and Josh's denial that there was anything inappropriate about what Rebecca was doing--that was driving him crazy.

 

Is it even a triangle at this point? For there to be a real triangle, I think Rebecca would have to indicate that she had some sort of romantic interest in Greg, but she hasn't. I suppose there are a few episodes left for something to change on that front before the finale, but I don't see anything yet to support the interpretation that she does have some sort of repressed feelings for Greg.

 

I really liked the callbacks to Rebecca's previous careless use of money (the camp donation, the planted cash, and the restaurant bill for Josh's friends).

Edited by Eyes High
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bredcrumbs

bredcrumbs

I just started watching with the party-bus episode, because I read it had "blown up" the show's premise - eh, not quite - and I've liked enough things about the show to keep going, but Rebecca's antics have kept me from being fully in.

So "VIllain of My Own Story" was very, very welcome. Now I'm even looking forward to a possible hour of Rebecca therapy on the cheap party-bus set redecorated to be a cheap airplane set!

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ElectricBoogaloo

ElectricBoogaloo

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Darryl's 80s Huey Lewis number was great, especially contrasted with the bored looks on everyone else's faces.

 

But Rebecca's "Poor Unfortunate Souls" song was even better. Finally, some self awareness. And like many people, she thinks that because she does some good things (like donating money to charity), she's a good person in spite of her other actions.

 

I was surprised that Valencia forgave Josh so quickly. I wonder if she is going to hold this over him so she can get her way (although, to be fair, it seemed like she got her way all the time even before this). Josh seemed to realize this when she said she didn't want Indian food so maybe there's hope that he will break up with her eventually (not to be with Rebecca, but just to be independent of Valencia).

 

The one weird thing was that Josh said he would move out when he got back from Hawaii, but that's his apartment. Her name isn't on the lease, so how would that work?

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vixenbynight

vixenbynight

I don't find it that unbelievable that Rebecca pawned her family's heirloom so that she could follow Josh (her obsession) to Hawaii.

She hasn't hit bottom yet.

I like how WJ and Darryl are being honest with one another about their feelings. WJ is right: Darryl needs to date others, before putting all his hopes on him. I also like that Darryl isn't denying his feelings for WJ.

I don't know how Rebecca's going to get that ring out of pawn. I can't believe she went that far.

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lovinbob

lovinbob

For me, pawning the Garfinkel ring might have been the worst thing Rebecca's done. I was hoping that moment would stop her from this insane mistake.

Also, her therapist is a saint (or a masochist) for engaging in therapy on the plane.

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PodcastTown

PodcastTown

Talk about a disaster for Rachel after what happened in last week episode. She was on the verge of being happy and it all turned heel on her. My prediction is somehow Josh is getting on that plane to go to Hawaii and they will rekindle their romance in the final episode? I'm Bi Bi BI!!!

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Wax Lion

Wax Lion

(edited)

I liked that we got two resets from last week's episode and they made sense for the characters. The show veered away from putting Josh and Rebecca together -- or making Greg chase after her -- in ways that fit the characters. Josh is lazy and will take the easy route to avoid conflict, Valencia is actually really dependent on Josh that he is the one person she won't chase out of her life for a slight and Greg is the kind of person who will shrug and walk away.

Edited by Wax Lion
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Eyes High

Eyes High

(edited)

I liked that we got two resets from last week's episode and they made sense for the characters. The show veered away from putting Josh and Rebecca together -- or making Greg chase after her -- in ways that fit the characters. Josh is lazy and will take the easy route to avoid conflict, Valencia is actually really dependent on Josh that he is the one person she won't chase out of her life for a slight and Greg is the kind of person who will shrug and walk away.

Greg has always been the kind of person who would shrug and walk away. He made a big show of shrugging and walking away in 1x11, I think. This episode was just course-correcting his out of character behaviour in 1x13.

 

For me, pawning the Garfinkel ring might have been the worst thing Rebecca's done. I was hoping that moment would stop her from this insane mistake.

Isn't pawning in the nature of a collateral loan, at least initially? I thought you can get something out of pawn if you pay back the money you received for pawning it (with interest) within a set period. Rebecca's supposed to get a paycheck soon, so maybe it will be enough to get the ring back. I don't think any of her friends would have the cash on hand to help her out: Greg tapped out his savings for his dad's medical care, Paula is no stranger to needing to keep an eye on money and finances, Josh works a low-income job, Darryl suffered a huge financial setback after his divorce, etc. etc. 

 

I'd been assuming all this time that Rebecca had accumulated substantial savings as a partner-track associate in a law firm from which to finance her adventures. Oops. I did like that there were consequences to Rebecca's reckless spending, since that was something the posters on these boards have pointed out several times. Clearly the writers are reading the boards, heh.

Edited by Eyes High
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tennisgurl

tennisgurl

I honestly half imagine the writers do read these boards. They seem like they could be the types to take fans thoughts into consideration. This episode really nicely addressed two complaints about this show, first, that Rebecca is spending a ridiculous amount of money on her schemes, and second, that Rebecca is trying to break up a couple that has been together for years. Rebecca's villain song might be my new favorite song, both because of what it means for the narrative (they clearly know that Rebecca is in the wrong, even if Josh and Valencia really are probably wrong for each other) and it was just a fun song. 

 

I want to see more of Paula the singing raccoon side kick! 

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Rinaldo

Rinaldo

I honestly half imagine the writers do read these boards. They seem like they could be the types to take fans thoughts into consideration. This episode really nicely addressed two complaints about this show, first, that Rebecca is spending a ridiculous amount of money on her schemes, and second, that Rebecca is trying to break up a couple that has been together for years. 

Remember, these five additional scripts were written last fall, before the show started airing (though not picked up by the network till later). That's not to say they couldn't have been tweaked here and there, but the overall story movement is such that I'm inclined to give the writers credit for knowing what they're doing and putting those elements into the stories with the intent that they will have consequences, which will eventually be addressed. I have a vague memory of reading an interview with Rachel Bloom (but I can't remember where, so obviously nobody is obliged to believe me) last year in which she said that Rebecca was eventually going to have to face the fallout of her actions, and the hurt she has done to others. This latest move does seem consistent with the show's general self-awareness and willingness to go dark places.

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FurryFury

FurryFury

Oh hell, finally, that moment of realization for Rebecca! Please, show, make it last! 

 

Also, I didn't care for WhiteJoshFeather previously, but they were pretty cute this episode.

 

Glad to see Heather's OOC behavior has been explained, but please, more of Greg, he needs to be redeemed. 

 

I was sorta sad for Rebecca when Josh said he loves Valencia... but not that much, because she deserves it. And why did she still go to Hawaii? That was weird.

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Pallida

Pallida

(edited)

I've found myself with a conundrum regarding this show.  The realism of many aspects makes me spiteful towards some of the characters.  For example, I need Paula to have something happen to her due to her pushing Rebecca towards her obsessive and reckless behavior.  (I think she's far more than an enabler.)  I get that she's looking for excitement in life, but this is just getting to me.  Note, I'm not considering this bad writing - in fact, it's good writing that's causing me to get so angry!

 

I don't know exactly how lawyers get paid, but Rebecca doesn't seem to be bringing in many billable hours.  The whole water class action suit was contingent on a win, so there's no money coming in there.  She was shown starting to work on something in this episode, but got distracted.  Does Daryl have the ability to put her in her place?  Of course, with her complete disregard for money, perhaps she really is clueless on how much she lost her clients and the firm by not taking a settlement.

 

I also feel guilty because I desperately want Rebecca to hit rock bottom such that she truly acknowledges that she has maladaptive behaviors.  I actually trust this show to approach working through these things, and I'm ready to get past the build up and actually see it happen.

 

Edited to add: Oh!  I forgot to include that I absolutely loved Daryl's bi song.  I loved that it hit at bi erasure and all of the stereotypes of bisexuality (can't pick, can't commit to being gay, wants to sleep with everybody, etc.)

Edited by Pallida
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theatremouse

theatremouse

And why did she still go to Hawaii? That was weird.

Presumably at that point she had the ticket and it was likely not refundable. If she were trying to be at all cost-sensitive in her still-rash decisionmaking, she'd go for the cheaptest option, which was still probably not cheap since it's week-of. Still the cheaper fares are usually nonrefundable. Even if she could change the ticket, it'd likely just be to a later date, not for money back.

So she pawned the ring and can't get her money back on the ticket, might as well use it and get something out of it. Plus gives her the chance to be not in town and not run into Josh or Valencia for a few days.

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Irlandesa

Irlandesa

I don't know how Rebecca's going to get that ring out of pawn. I can't believe she went that far.

That was really low.  And not only did she spend money on a plane ticket when she was broke but she went and bought a whole new Hawaiian wardrobe. 

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Eyes High

Eyes High

(edited)

Josh looked like he gained some weight during the show.  He looked pretty stuffed in that suit.

 

I thought that was just how he was built, kind of barrel-chested. (Not surprising for a singer.)

 

I'm guessing Rebecca pawning the ring will come back as a future plot point. After this episode's callbacks to Rebecca's reckless spending, I have a renewed confidence that the ring will come up again. The Vulture reviewer speculated that Josh would buy the Garfinkel ring to propose to Valencia. We know in this episode that Valencia will know if Josh buys a ring at any jewelry store in town, so maybe he knows this too and buys the ring at a pawnshop to surprise her. At any rate, I can see a scenario where someone Rebecca knows winds up with the ring and Rebecca tries to get it back without explaining that she pawned a treasured family heirloom.

 

Paula's abject despair when Rebecca thought she could sell her leased car was probably my favourite Paula moment yet.

Edited by Eyes High
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Ohwell

Ohwell

I thought that was just how he was built, kind of barrel-chested. (Not surprising for a singer.)

I know he was a solidly built kind of guy, but he seems to have put on a bit of weight since the first episode.  These are my eyes though, so others might not see the same thing.

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Rhetorica

Rhetorica

The Vulture reviewer speculated that Josh would buy the Garfinkel ring to propose to Valencia. We know in this episode that Valencia will know if Josh buys a ring at any jewelry store in town, so maybe he knows this too and buys the ring at a pawnshop to surprise her. At any rate, I can see a scenario where someone Rebecca knows winds up with the ring and Rebecca tries to get it back without explaining that she pawned a treasured family heirloom.

I, too, thought that Josh would buy the ring for Valencia. But then I thought if I thought that, the writers surely thought of that so then I thought it was a stupid thought.

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itainttippithebird

itainttippithebird

(edited)

I love that this show keeps alllllmost fucking things up and then putting them right the next episode. It deserves a lot of credit (and way more patience) for the way it keeps nuancing the message at every turn in a way that always pulls it right back from the edge.

Also, I would say I need "Getting Bi" as my ringtone, but that's somehow inadequate. I need it for like, my face. My face, just a constant loop of Daryl playing sax and insisting "it doesn't take an intellectual to get that I'm bisexual!"

Edited by itainttippithebird
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violetr

violetr

(edited)

I think the writing is so good on this show. I watched this episode last night and was chuckling to myself all day about White Josh telling Darryl that meeting someone's coworkers wasn't a step in anyone's relationship.

I also loved Darryl's Huey Lewis-inspired bi song and how it dismissed all the dumb stereotypes about bi people. And also that none of his coworkers gave a rat's ass. Poor Darryl. He's a little like Jerry (or whatever his name finally wound up being) on Parks & Rec.

Edited by violetr
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arc

arc

Remember, these five additional scripts were written last fall, before the show started airing (though not picked up by the network till later).

I know the network ordered the five additional episodes fairly early on, but I can't imagine the writers had more than a sketchy idea of where to go after ep 13 at that point. Don't most broadcast shows at most have a general plan for the season, break a few episodes at a time, and turn in scripts a couple of weeks before shooting?

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Rinaldo

Rinaldo

That's true, through shows do try to get as far ahead as they can before shooting starts, as there's never enough time once they're in production.

 

I was slightly, though not I think hugely, off on the chronology. The CW ordered five additional scripts in October, and then ordered the filming of the episodes themselves in November.  So my conclusion would be that the scripts were finished by November in order for the network to make that decision. I'm still trying to track down the Rachel Bloom interview from last fall in which she hints at these late-in-season developments, but I have to conclude that I'm not a good enough Googler to find it.

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Eyes High

Eyes High

And also that none of his coworkers gave a rat's ass.

They're not just his coworkers, they're his employees. It seemed strange to me that the one lawyer would be so openly dismissive of him ("Until last month, I thought your name was Jasper") and that the others would be so openly contemptuous of his coming out announcement, given that he is their boss. I'm not surprised at their annoyance, just that they wouldn't make any efforts to hide it. I get that it made for a funnier scene, with Darryl dancing around in unrestrained enthusiasm while everyone around him looks bored and put out, but still. They treat him more like an equal than a boss, although I'm guessing Darryl is so friendly and unassuming that they feel comfortable getting away with it; I've read other fan boards where fans are confused about whether Darryl is actually the boss.

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HawaiiTVGuy

HawaiiTVGuy

Just noticed...the "Welcome to West Covina" poster that is in the picture at the top of this article, it looks more like a picture of Hawaii right?

In terms of how Rebecca is getting paid, I always felt that Whitefeather and associates was more of a non-profit type of place than an actual firm-firm. I could be just thinking that based on the work habits of the employees shown, but just a feeling. And not taking the original settlement offer, regardless of her original feelings on the matter, turned out to be the right move considering there were deeper pockets involved and a much bigger suit. The unrealistic aspect is that Rebecca, as the attorney, cannot unilaterally turn down an offer, she has to present it to her clients, she can urge against it, but she has to at least give her clients the information and the option.

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Wax Lion

Wax Lion

We've seen Rebecca's doing work for W&A's real estate clients, so she's generating some billable hours. She also seems to be ridiculously efficient, based on her essay for Josh's application and the way she goes from gossiping about her life with Paula in front of clients to surpassing their expectations, which might mean she's due to ask for a higher rate from clients.

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Chicago Redshirt

Chicago Redshirt

They're not just his coworkers, they're his employees. It seemed strange to me that the one lawyer would be so openly dismissive of him ("Until last month, I thought your name was Jasper") and that the others would be so openly contemptuous of his coming out announcement, given that he is their boss. I'm not surprised at their annoyance, just that they wouldn't make any efforts to hide it. I get that it made for a funnier scene, with Darryl dancing around in unrestrained enthusiasm while everyone around him looks bored and put out, but still. They treat him more like an equal than a boss, although I'm guessing Darryl is so friendly and unassuming that they feel comfortable getting away with it; I've read other fan boards where fans are confused about whether Darryl is actually the boss.

 

Darryl is so ineffectual, needy and unassuming that I am not at all surprised that people walk all over him, ignore him, and diss him to his face etc.

 

We've seen Rebecca's doing work for W&A's real estate clients, so she's generating some billable hours. She also seems to be ridiculously efficient, based on her essay for Josh's application and the way she goes from gossiping about her life with Paula in front of clients to surpassing their expectations, which might mean she's due to ask for a higher rate from clients.

 

Specifically,she also landed Calvin Young, the Donald Trump of West Covina. So I would think riding on that specific success would have her bringing in a fair amount of cash by Whitefeather standards.

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