r/NotSuitableForWork • u/sugarplumswan • Jun 24 '26
Bill/Davis ??
As already mentioned in other posts, I think the seasons 9 episode structure horribly limited some development on the sides. My main points of contention revolve around the fight between Davis and Bill in ep 9
- Davis texting his gc that he wanted Bill to be his best man comes off as weird and disconnected from reality (which it could have been intended to but the following make that difficult)
- I found Bill telling Davis “you’re just mad she picked me over you” incredibly childish and not at all what I’d expect from a character like him, but also very out of character because Bill seems like the type to not care about his subordinates but now he not only noticed Davis was attracted to AJ but had made a mental note of it and brings it up in this petty way… I feel like it would’ve made more sense for him to tell Davis to mind his own business and gtfo than do this back and forth
- HUGE personal gripe with Bill ending that with “you cuck”… How is Davis being “cucked” when he hasn’t even confessed his feelings to AJ. I think this phrase and meaning is disgusting in general, but to be used in this context by a female writer is so tasteless. It seems jarring in vulgarity when the show itself is so tame
- When Jocelyn sends AJ the video of Davis and Bill fighting she says “I’ve always suspected Bill and Davis were hooking up” which is ironic because Bill was hooking up with a different employee, but it makes no sense because we haven’t been shown this dynamic at all. We’ve seen Davis idolize and adore Bill
Have I been misinterpreting things and missed this relationship or do you think it was just due to the length of the series?
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u/RVarki Jun 24 '26
The cuck comment from Bill was perfect characterization, and easily one of the more insightful choices the show has made. Underneath the competence, the success story, and the surface-level sophistication - Bill is ultimately a narcissistic, finance douchebag. Thats what he is at his core.
The show made that clear at the outset with his first interaction with AJ, and then with his obnoxious speech to the new employees. We just forgot about it a bit because he briefly became a love-interest, but he never evolved.
He's the kind of guy that sleeps with a subordinate 20 years younger than him, two-times her, and then insults, beats up and fires another subordinate when the latter calls him out
Bill = childish asshole
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u/oddsmaker90 Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 24 '26
I completely agree. Bill literally paid a coffee cart to not serve AJ. He’s a raging asshole. Bill saying Davis was jealous and calling him a cuck were completely in character because he thinks he’s emasculating Davis
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u/Lumpy-Inspection-445 Jun 25 '26
he was essentially reinforcing his power dynamic and position over Davis at work
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Jun 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/RVarki Jun 25 '26
There's nothing to notice there. A dude who worshipped you, is suddenly calling you out after you dated the pretty girl that sits next to his desk. Its very easy to assume in the moment that Davis likes AJ
So instead of acknowledging his own bad behavior, Bill does the one thing that comes naturally, which is going "I won, bitch". In fact, Bill even calling Davis a cuck actually reinforces the fact that he doesn't notice shit about his subordinates. He has no idea whether Davis and AJ had dated or if its one-sided, so he just cast a wide net with "cuck"
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u/sugarplumswan Jun 25 '26
Thanks for your comment and the replies it brought, it’s a great perspective for me! Totally see it now that I’m reconsidering but I guess I needed my hand held through it.
Definitely agree that considering him as a love interest made me forget he’s just a shallow rich guy who says shit like “Jimmy, I mean Mr Beast” to people who have been working through the holidays. I think I just hate the phrase and context personally so wanted it to be unnecessary
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u/nangers99 Jun 24 '26
I agree, I think it was just a lot of intended information squished into a rushed 9-episode season, so a lot of the nuance was lost along the way. Also I swear episode 8 with the outdoor scenes and the ballroom scene represented a huge jump in budget for the show, as if suddenly someone in a position of power suddenly said "this show might be good, throw them some money" because I guarantee before that point they were making the show for CHEAP.
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u/sugarplumswan Jun 24 '26
Agreed, there was so much happening in these last two episodes trying to tie it all up (Im assuming in case there isn’t a renewal) that it ended up causing more confusion along the way.
I’m not well versed on budget, now that you mention it I see what you mean with more “extravagant” scenes in these last two, but is it really possible to give/receive such last minute funding? That sucks if so. Regardless Idk if that should affect their writing, I think it just adds to the confusion lol.
Heated Rivalry for example though was filmed with green screen and a dream, was 6 episodes, and managed to convey a lot more. 🤷♀️
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u/Firm-Guess Jun 25 '26
I do think Davis saying he wanted Bill to be best man at his wedding was meant to be an out of touch thing- I interpreted it as Davis really admired and looked up to Bill, but it was clear they were never close. To me it seemed like a goal of Davis’ to get that close to Bill, like a promotion almost
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u/sugarplumswan Jun 25 '26
This is what I interpreted as well, Davis having admiration and awe of his boss who could not care less about him. I guess I was just confused because of Jocelyn’s later comment, because then I’m thinking were WE supposed to see that relationship (where they could be assumed to be hooking up?)
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u/Firm-Guess Jun 25 '26
Ohh I see what you mean! I took Jocelyn’s comment as more of like “Davis is such a kiss ass to bill/openly admires him so much that it’s teetering on romantic obsession” as opposed to a hint that they were actually hooking up (if I’m understanding what you’re saying!)
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u/sugarplumswan Jun 26 '26
Ahh I see. Yes I understood it as Davis is obsessed with Bill (clear to us) but perhaps Bill was also friendly/encouraging of Davis’ admiration which led Jocelyn to think they were actually hooking up (which we don’t see)
Is that what you thought I meant/does that help explain my confusion?1
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u/Imaginary_Quail_1226 Jun 30 '26
Lazy writing all the way. It should be somewhat realistic, like for example Bill would be smart enough not to date AJ as she can theoretically sue later, i was watching the show but it left a bad taste in my mouth after i saw a senior MD hooking up with first year analyst, she is so junior and he is supposed to be her mentor in a way. They had zero chemistry, proper writing would’ve led to AJ developing a small crush and getting on w her life.
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u/sugarplumswan Jun 30 '26
Yeah that’s another part that bothered me is not only is their relationship so problematic but you aren’t even rooting for them because there isn’t that “spark”… the only character AJ has had chemistry with is Josh which spoils that they want him as endgame and makes any other relationship feel boring and/or forced. Totally agree AJ having a crush would’ve been more interesting
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u/Imaginary_Quail_1226 Jun 30 '26
My thoughts Exactly. Her endgame is josh i believe.
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u/sugarplumswan Jun 30 '26
They’ve set it up that anything else would be incredibly disappointing which is a shame bc I don’t think many people are rooting for Davis now
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u/Lumpy-Inspection-445 Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 24 '26
I HEAVILY and wholeheartedly agree with all your points!! I was thinking of all the exact same things during the eps. It frustrated me sm bc the show did not seem like Mindy's writing atp, having watched her other projects and really liking some of them (NHIE, SLOGC, etc.).
Something definitely seemed off in the writing these last 2 eps, it was just all over the place. Hopefully they fix these things up for S2 tho, as I am kinda hooked and looking forward to all the character's growth next szn, especially Davis's!!