New Girl - Episode 4.02 - Review: "Dice"
This week’s episode of New Girl was in keeping with last week’s premiere, which basically means that it was a coarse half-hour dedicated to life lessons, sexual innuendo, and twenty-something’s freaking out. Schmidt introduced Jess to the world of mobile dating and Winston invited the rest of the gang to an afternoon barbeque to gain some friend credit among the cadets in the police academy. However, Nick, Coach, and Cece threw a wrench into his plans when they decided to get really, really toasted on the day of the party.
As soon as the episode began and the Tinder like mobile dating app “Dice” was introduced, one could surmise that Jess would want a piece of the action to prove that she’s “with it”. Schmidt knew this was a bad mistake, but eventually caved because deep down he’s a good roommate and friend to Jess. What followed was a series of unfortunate dating experiences that included a bearded treadmill runner and a raisin farmer. Following in last week’s footsteps, Jess shared a “teachable” moment with Schmidt that detailed why mobile dating is awful, but why it can also be freeing and fun. You may not find the love of your life via the swipe of a photo, but just maybe you’ll find someone to enjoy spending a Saturday afternoon with. I’m glad that the guy Jess was so keen on dating the first time turned out to be normal and crazy at the same time. In classic New Girl fashion, the “comedy magician” was a nice touch to cap off Jess’s arc.
Now Winston, Nick, Coach, and Cece’s arc is a separate thing all together. I can understand Coach not having smoked marijuana before in his life. I know some people never touch the stuff, but watching three grown adults indulge in an afternoon bake session just felt kind of off, even if you knew where the plot was going. I genuinely felt bad for Winston when the gang arrived at the party and he had to control them before they turned him into the laughing stock of the academy. It may just be my bias, but I am tired of Winston always having the third-string plot compared to the actions of the rest of the gang. I was pleasantly surprised when he, along with all the other cadets/cops at the party, scared them just to get even.
This week’s New Girl followed the same type of vibe as last week with just a little too much low brow comedy for my taste. It was surprising to see a life lesson moment between Schmidt and Jess because he obviously has his own problems to work out with Cece, but their arc was satisfying while providing some social commentary on the downsides and upsides of mobile dating. I expected more from the Nick, Coach, and Cece plot, but I was happy to see Winston ‘Toilet’ Bishop have a win. Let me know what you thought of tonight’s episode in the comment section below and I will try to respond with some feedback. Until then, look out for my preview of next week's episode sometime Monday night.
Favorite Quotes:
“He looks like a Hemsworth.” --- Schmidt
“Never take out the protection plan.”—Schmidt
“…Kings of Leon…good band, but it just feels like they’re stuck in one place, musically.” ----Schmidt
