New Girl - Episode 4.06 - Review: "Background Check"

Wow, if you did not think last night's episode of New Girl was their best yet, then you must have been on Meth. Last night had all the major elements of a fantastic episode, from the tender moments between the gang, to the far out shenanigans that they are known for getting into. I didn't want to spoil anything in the Preview and for good reason. Last night solidified that New Girl is back and ready to take the show in the direction it started out with in Season 1.

First off, I was so happy to see Jess and Winston share a sweet moment and not be the third string plot of the episode. Ironically, Coach was given that job after electing to go find "DaQuan", Winston's "friend" from the Big Brothers group. Coach had a standout funny moment trying to convince "youths" on the basketball court to "come back to the loft to meet his friends; they needed children." Winston and Jess were able to discuss their feelings in a true heart-to-heart type moment. Winston explained that he always feels looked down upon in the group and Jess with not willing to trust Winston. She realized that Winston would be an amazing cop and decided to take the blame for the bag of Meth.

Concurrently, Nick was forced to wear Schmidt's kimono after not being able to lie and producing more sweat than he had ever before. The "I think I'm having a heart attack" line was perfect as were his expressions/mannerisms which really hammered in his insecurities when he must lie. I also loved the "Goonies"-esq. tell me everything, moment with the Lieutenant as he described his life from early childhood. Schmidt and Cece also worked to stall "The Fish" while also working through some past relationship troubles. Cece's lie to Schmidt about hooking up with Mark-Paul Gosselaar was perfect as was Schmidt's reaction. In classic New Girl fashion, the bag of Meth turned out to just be aquarium rocks and the Lieutenant was visibly alarmed that Winston had to endure living with these crazy characters.

I feel like major milestones were hit among the group and that momentum can be built off of this standout episode as we head into the mid-season finale. The Lieutenant praising Winston in front of the gang was the final payoff for always making his arch the least important. Winston finally had his moment in the sun and the gang was extremely happy for him. The ending with "DeQuan" aka Jose was priceless; Coach and Jose describing how exactly they work out and the "did we just become best friends" moment on the couch was great. I think tonight was the first time I laughed out loud on numerous occasions while also appreciating the heart that went into the characters. I can't wait to see where things go from here and I hope you can't either. Tune in to New Girl next Tuesday for a new episode at 9 on FOX and comment below with your thoughts from the episode.

About the Author - Edward Slothus

Edward Slothus is a young professional working in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. An avid pop-culture, film, and television fan, his favorite shows include LOST, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, New Girl, Outlander, and (for inexplicable reasons that go against all sanity) The Leftovers.