Another thing that makes Judah such a great character is he's actually written as good autistic representation. So often on TV characters with stereotypical autistic traits are treated as little more than punchlines, but with Judah we see someone who has those same traits, but is also a fully functional, independent, successful person.
I know, right? It's so annoying when autistic people are portrayed as selfish jerks who have no empathy. And that's what makes me love Judah so much. He might struggle to give emotional comfort and can't read the room well, but he tries his best to understand. He asks what's wrong, tries to figure out what to do, and offers rational solutions to fix the problem. That's something I relate to so much, and I hate it when this is portrayed by other people as a selfish and heartless act.
And he’s great PASSIVE rep. the fact that they never outright stated it really impressed me, in contrast with the overt way they approached Todd’s asexuality. They felt comfortable just dropping hints about Judah because it’s already a part of Judah’s identity pre-show - he didn’t need to soul-search like Todd, and Judah is clearly very comfortable being a spectrum chad.
I liked that he was also a musician after work, meaning even though he was very professional and took his job seriously, he had other interesting traits besides what he has in common with PC.
Same. My therapist says I don’t have autism but that I have similarities. I hate it when people use overly dry sarcasm, I hate it when I’m forced to make eye contact, and I come across as “weird” to neurotypical people. It’s refreshing to see someone with these characteristics not being penalized, othered, or having to “unlearn” their neurodivergent tendencies before they can have a happy ending.
I was waiting for Ralph at the end, but the more I watched Judah go for PC, I GOT it. Something hits during the Ruthie sad episode where she’s like “YOU NEED TO LIVE IN THIS. THIS COULD HAPPEN 5 MORE TIMES. SAVE IT FOR YOUR NEXT GF…THE ONE WHO’S EASY.” Like she spent all her life sacrificing her own needs for others, so no wonder she felt resentment when a partner made a comment about her “compromise” abilities. Also, Ralph liked having her at home and not working when she was a workaholic. Didn’t fully support the new management company. Judah?? His whole damn motto was “there’s nothing Princess Carolyn can’t do.” She had a big idea, Judah said, “how can I help??” She had a freakout, he let her have her space. Even thought it was for monthssss, a year I think?? Rutabaga insults her perceived ability to have compassion, Judah says “[he sucks], you will be a wonderful mother.” Her necklace clasp breaks?? He notices. Knows how important it is. Calls a jeweler without her mentioning it. When she brought him back?? He was so casual about it. Let her pick back up from where they were before the firing. All her past boyfriends (Bojack, Ralph) so full of emotions. Judah was so chill. That time PC had to run somewhere, needed someone for Ruthie. Judah’s got no intense connection to kids, even though they CLING to him for no reason, threw some bubble wrap on her, let her chill on his lap while he did work on his laptop. Asked for more responsibilities in the company not for the money, but solely to support PC because he believed in her and her work. The more I think about it, the more I tear up. If we break it down, he’s the partner EVERYONE needs. (And he’s the endgame partner of the Main 5 we see the most of!! We didn’t meet Guy for Diane until season 6, we watched Judah support PC since season 3!!!
The first time I watched the series I felt like Judah's feelings for PC came out of no where, but after rewatching the show countless times I have realized he did have a crush on PC. That's one of the reasons why I still rewatch the show every few months. I'll always notice new things I hadn't on my other watches. Like foreshadowing I didn't catch before, or funny background gags lmao
I think the core of his loveability is how much he tries to do good for others despite having a hard time with social norms and reading things like context, tone and sarcasm. You see he really tries to work on that and improve. And that's a lot more admirable than starting off already good at those things.
He is all these positive things, but also his beard and hair helps. And hear me out, I feel like if he didn't have a beard, I think less people would like him (those who hate femininity in men), so they've kept his masculine aspect while also making him a supportive. Most often we see masculine energy downplayed to make the male character more approachable and supportive. But Judas got the best of both worlds. I like it!
The fans aught to thank Rutabaga for being such a two-faced scumbag, if he hadn't tried to screw over Princess Carolyn she and the fans would never have found the flawless gem that is Judah. In the world of Hollywoo where big fish eat little fish in an already tiny pond and big wigs that poach and eat up those big just to get ahead, so having that one person like Judah who has everything figured out in the most straitlaced manner is a breath of fresh air
i’m SO happy that people are talking about his autism in the comments. as someone who is autistic it is so important to have autistic characters that are hot, that love, that are emotionally intelligent, etc. and judah is just such a perfect representation of someone who is their own person but is also affected by having autism.
He’s my favourite character and the way they built up the relationship with PC to their romance was beautiful. I also love that the moment he expressed his love he was wearing outside clothes and his hair down.
Judah is so autism that he’s literally called “rain man bun” the only thing I don’t like about him is that they never say he’s autistic when he so clearly IS. So many cartoons do this where a character is written as neurodivergent but they just never say it, are they scared what the problem here?
Ive started to see it as either people who don't feel the need to disclose that their autistic. Or they dont know they're, I didnt till a few years ago
because there is no need to. you can be a cool person despite any quirks or neurodivergences. you can be normal without being normal, after all... everyone has their own uniqueness
Maybe because Judah never struggles with it?? They dropped the “Todd openly identifies as ace” card because he had reasons to struggle with it-his first love/best friend with romantic potential (Emily) has a ~solid~ sex drive. He hadn’t been able to feel comfortable in a relationship until he put a label in it. Joined a support group. Let Emily start him an app that Bojack sent Maude to. Judah was just chilling. He knows he has a hard time with tone and other neurodivergent traits but it never gives him internal conflict because he vibed so well with Princess Carolyn.
I think autistic people don't often say they're autistic, they know they're perceived as a little weird but when you're more mature and accept yourself, you just do your thing being a lovable weirdo.
I love that man purely from esthetical view - his eyes, hair bun, tie and suit are all the same shades of green. The glasses, Jesus beard and that hunky lion's mane are just a cherry on top
While I wouldn’t qualify it as a mistake, especially through his point of view, keeping the VIM offer from PC definitely warranted him getting fired lol. People get fired for less all the time.
As a big fan of Judah can someone explain to me the autistic thing? I assumed it was him being OCD with a touch of sort of lazy writing Jewish uptight stereotype. Thanks. Peace
I'm here to help!! As a fellow autistic person, Judah expresses many autistic traits such as the flat affect, not understanding sarcasm and tone, and being detail oriented. Hes also in a band called Spectrum of Enchantment, so do with that as you will!!