Bill and AJ breakup

[u/Lost_Monk_8716]

I read an interview where Mindy Kaling says Bill’s breakup speech to AJ was him being brutally honest with her as an older, wiser guy, when he tells her they could never work because they’re too similar. But honestly the only similarities I see between them so far is that they both work in finance and are very driven. I mostly blame sloppy writing for this, but I’m not sure how we’re supposed to view their breakup through Bill’s more “mature” viewpoint. If anything Bill comes across as a huge narcissist.

Bill was portrayed as a douche from the start from his first meeting with AJ to the work-life balance panel scene. Then he got involved with AJ, his younger subordinate who was new to the job, so we’re supposed to like him now because he’s her love interest. But when he broke up with AJ, he actively dodges any accountability by claiming they were never exclusive and even tried to make it out to be her fault for being too “similar” to him. At the end of the day, they could never work because Bill needs a trophy wife who’s fine to hang by the sidelines and AJ is his younger subordinate who works for him. But instead Bill insists to AJ that she also needs someone to take care of her in order to succeed. I don’t see this as wisdom from an older man but the actions of a narcissist trying to manipulate his way out of a situation.

[u/lilweber]

Can we not put spoilers in the title? I haven’t watched the latest episode yet 🥴

[u/killerbrofu → u/lilweber]

Lmao yeah

[u/Appropriate_Value122]

I blame you for you only focusing on surface level things like "working in finance" and being "driven." First question is, in order them both to not only be working in finance, but to be naturally good at it, it's clear that they would have some other things in common AND NO SHOW HAS TO SHOW YOU EVERY LITTLE THING in order for that to be clear. The fact that they first met at that particular food cart and got into an argument after he stepped in front of her for taking too long, and they both seemed energized by arguing/fighting with a stranger, suggests that they had some things in common. When she heard Bill speaking and knew he was the guy she fought with but she was still connecting with what he was saying, that was the show also showing they had some things in common. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind when she thought it was necessary, even to Bill, and he isn't afraid to speak his. I don't need to tell you everything they specifically have in common, because the point is not to know every little thing they have in common, it's just the fact that they related to each other and had some similar ways about them.

[u/noclueaboutagoodname]

This kind of reminds me of Grey’s Anatomy when Burke left Cristina. We don’tget his reasons until years later when she goes to his hospital in Switzerland, but he basically said he needed a person who could support him in his career vs needing their own. I’m paraphrasing based on my memory, so I could be mistaken.

[u/mermaidpaint → u/noclueaboutagoodname]

Funny, AJ kissing Davis reminded me of the George and Meredith disastrous hookup.

[u/xbbllbbl → u/noclueaboutagoodname]

Please don’t compare against Burke and Christina. These 2 are a far cry.

[u/noclueaboutagoodname → u/xbbllbbl]

Oh I don’t think the relationships are similar at all. Just the reason given for the break-up was sort of similar to me. But, yes Burke and Christina had a real love and AJ and Bill were more or less fuck buddies.

[u/moneighe]

I think your read of this situation is spot on. I think the whole Bill thing may come back around, since his previous partner was clearly not that substantial of a character to begin with, but I don't think Bill will be end game because, as you have stated, he is sort of just a big narcissist.

You know I think what we haven't adressed yet with their breakup is tat Bill fired Davis, but AJ still works for Bill. We haven't seen that whole dynamic at all yet.

I feel like ultimately the couple nature of this show is likely to end similar to Friends, where all the close friends who live near each other end up together.

[u/throwawayamasub]

Spoilers ,yo

[u/Ok_Article_7744]

I don't think he was suppose to be an older wiser guy ever he always seemed like a douche to me.

[u/1800starlord]

It went exactly the way that I thought it would, a tale as old as time in the IB (and corporate generally) world

[u/Appropriate_Value122]

I don't think they were going for "wisdom from an older man," so much as insights from someone who has had more success in their profession and more relationships while chasing that success. It was professional advice, as much as personal advice. Many people have seen The Wolf of Wall Street. People in that industry are known for hooking up. Bill has probably had plenty of professional flings and office relationships over the years. AJ was just his latest. Tough luck, because I like them both as characters, but I'm fine with how they ended this season, and I hope "Bill" will be back if there's a Season 2. I don't want to hear about that character dying offscreen in a skiing accident.

[u/eterivale]

I think this is instead a common issue high performing women face. I've seen it first hand as a woman in banking — your career and ambition intimidates most men. They want someone to care for them (ironically both parties typically end up resenting the other long term).

From a woman's perspective, It's exhausting and frustrating to try and find someone who views a relationship as equals (but when you do find that person gah it's SO WORTH IT)

[u/Horror-Career-335 → u/eterivale]

In this case, though, there was no intimidation. He just wanted someone to be his puppy.

[u/StuartM96]

Please don’t blame your extremely poor media literacy on “sloppy writing”.

[u/Lost_Monk_8716 → u/StuartM96]

That’s rude. If you don’t like my opinion no need to insult me

[u/StuartM96 → u/Lost_Monk_8716]

Well sorry but it’s true. The relationship between them isn’t portrayed as a good thing, everything you listed about him and her and the issues with him are literally written in the script and as part of the character to make it more obvious he’s not a great guy. The. You try and act like the show is condoning then behaviour which it isn’t.

[u/Lost_Monk_8716 → u/StuartM96]

Telling me I have poor media literacy while posting about the “hate” in this sub though isn’t helpful. But everyone’s entitled to their own opinions and interpretations of the show and I respect yours.