I was extra blessed for my birthday this year -- I got a brand new episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, AND a free t-shirt! Unrelated, but still both very exciting. For now let's focus on the episode -- we can chat about my t-shirt later.
"Beach House" is much in the style of Season 2.A episodes, which is to say, great. It starts off strong with a simple and hilarious cold open, in which Jake desperately tries to confirm that Holt is sitting pantless in his office. In the process Jake finds himself in the same soup induced situation.
"Look at us! Just three people with pants on having a normal conversation."
"Yep, no story here."
Jake has always had a relatively close relationship with Holt -- in a much different way thab Amy's desperate people-pleasing/puppy love/obsession. Holt seems to respect Jake as a detective (mostly), a d Jake is just a friendly guy who always seems to be inviting people to be part of the club. Which is what happens when Jake hears that Holt missed out on his own colleague events, excluded as the lone Black, gay cop on the squad. So Holt ends up at the DOG Party '15 (naming credit to Jake, of course), where the rules clearly state no bosses. Having two parties ("Seperate but equal. Forget I said that phrase!") appeases the detectives and stalls Holt for a while, but meticulously planned party shifts only work for so long when people are drinking. In the end both men sit in a still jacuzzi and discuss the action that needs to be taken to save the party -- Holt has to come down to everyone else's level. This wise course of action saves the day, and Jake leads everyone in a round of my new favorite party game: Real Ray or Fake Ray?
This episode is a perfect Jake piece, showing the real advantages to his friendly demeanor and frequent immaturity. He talks about his perception in the episode, explaining that he knows he comes across as a cynical, hard-hitting detective. But this image is only in Jake's head -- it's clear from this episode, and season, that jake is really a nice, friendly guy, with lots of enthusiasm. Every one of the detectives approaxhes his/her job differently. Rosa looks at the world as something to take down and crush, Sarge makes the world safe for the kids, Amy wants to make everything right by the book, and Jake hits crime in the face with jokes and a smile. He's like a kid playing cop, with the skills of an actual cop. He's in it for the adventure, the cool names, and because he can make the world better. At the start Jake's chilslike behavior was occasionally frustrating, but coupled with his general enthusiasm and spirit, it's become very refreshing. No disgruntled, tragic-backstory, socially-inept cop here -- nope, Jake's an anti - antihero.
Drunk Amy. Let's give a big hand to Melissa Fumero for that one. It was such a sinple bit (stages of Drunk Amy), but it was so brilliantly done. Like Gina, I just sat back and watched with glee as Amy drank, and danced, her way through her personalities. Due to alcohol's tendency to release inhibitions, it's always fun to watch someone that starts with many inhibitions lose those holds on themselves. Of course, they ecentually get to Six-Drink Amy, which is generalized sadness and woe, but the descent is pretty magical to behold. I've got to say that Randy Amy (Four-Drink) may be my favorite. Though I like that Three-Drink just literally cannot stop dancing.
Not much on the Jake/Amy front this week, though that's not particularly surprising coming right out of winter hiatus. Slow burn, my friends, it's a slow, slow burn. Like a smolder.
Rosa and Marcus, sittin' in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g. Rosa's got a boyfriend! That's right, Holt's nephew, Marcus, has somehow weaseled his way into Rosa's stone-cold heart. Unfortunately she can't figure out how to text, or flirt, without just straight-out insulting. Enter Boyle, the Cyrano de Bergerac of the Nine-Nine. He ghostwrites Rosa's sexts for her, until just telling her to text the (edited) truth. A real 'teach a man to fish' moment here. Remember last year when Boyle had a crush on/was obsessed with Rosa? Can I just say how very glad I am that he's moved on and can now be friends with her? It's a lot less creepy, and their friendship is really sweet and supportive.
What did you think of the first episode of the new year? Which is your favorite Drunk Amy? Did Jake make the right call with Holt? Should Boyle set up a ghostwriting sext service, a la Joaquin Pheonix's character's letter-writing service in Her? Will you be playing Real Ray or Fake Ray? Let us know below!
*Apologies for formatting anamolies or typos -- unfortunately I have to post from my phone this week as I'm travelling, which means less control. The reviews will be normal again soon, thanks for bearing with me!
