Brooklyn Nine-Nine - Episode 2.01 - Undercover - Review

It was touch and go for a while, but it worked out in the end -- the name of Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 1’s sex tape!

There’s no standard for how the first season of a television show goes. Sometimes the show’s completely revamped after the pilot. Sometimes it stays the same and suffers, sometimes it holds on to its vision and flourishes. And more often than not, it takes chances, makes changes, and breaks away from its own formula to figure out what it is. Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s first season was a bit of the last version; the self-exploration roller coaster. It was funny, it was broad, it was crazy, it was smart, and it was certainly a work in progress. After all, television is one of the few bits of media where the beginning is realized before the end is even conceived -- it is, literally, a work in progress as the audience consumes it.

I am happy to say that the season 2 premiere of Brooklyn Nine-Nine points to a show that’s left the exploration phase, and moved into one of those sophomores who’s now comfortable on campus and finally knows where the library is.

The second season opener has the best elements of the first season: it’s funny and goofy, but not as outrageous as some of episodes last year.

The Jake/Amy situation was addressed in a light way, but one that didn’t downplay the emotions involved in Jake’s admission prior to his big undercover assignment. It was clearly something that both of the detectives thought about over the summer, and even though they’re not quite on the same page, they still find a way to move forward for the time being. Of course, this is television, and stories run on problems, so the issue will probably resurface at some point in the near future.

As for Gina and Boyle’s “incident” at the end of last season, it was hard to see how it would remain a worthwhile cliffhanger six months later, but B99 pulled it off. Bringing back some of the tension with Jake’s return and Boyle’s inevitable spill to his best friend ever was a good way to make use of a plot point that could have easily become obsolete by September. And obviously the repeat at the end of the premiere renewed the story to continue in the first run of episodes this season. Apparently there’s just something irresistible about Boyle and Gina to one another when they’re both drunk.

Even the silly story with Captain Holt’s silly drills was fun as Amy and Sergeant Jeffords quickly reach Rosa-levels of annoyed and start to rebel as well. Amy’s panic as Holt deflated their rooftop bouncy house with the detectives inside was both hilarious and panic inducing. Being trapped in a deflated bouncy house and not being able to find your way out? I’m starting to hyperventilate just thinking about it…

Jake’s undercover operation during the hiatus was the perfect choice for the show, as playing on gangster movies felt very appropriate for a show that is a long homage to old cop shows. Plus, Jake clearly loved it. It was nice to get to see a little bit of his undercover action before the show turns back to focus on more traditional precinct cases. It was also nice to see Jenny Slate as a gangster’s mole, who’s willing to turn on her mob boss boyfriend when Jake sings her his song about who’s sleeping with who -- and it turns out her (married) boyfriend’s also sleeping with her sister. That other Schur show (you know, Parks and Rec) has had a lot of success with small and/or recurring characters that help fill out the world of the show, and B99 has always followed suit; populating the suspects, criminals, and citizens of Brooklyn with talented and funny actors that add a little extra pop to the show. I’m sure this tradition will continue on this season as well.

So kids, that’s our talk for today. I was quite pleasantly surprised by the consistency of the second season premiere, and I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the season.

“I’m with someone and nothing’s gonna happen -- name of your sex tape!”

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is back ladies and gentlemen. Here’s to another year in the precinct!

(Bonus points if you can name the song that I quoted/alluded to in this review.)

About the Author - Kimberly

Kimberly is a big TV nerd - willing to talk any show, any time. Her tastes are various and sundry, but she’s got a soft spot for comedy. She currently writes the SpoilerTV reviews for Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and About a Boy.

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