A relaxing trip turned into a horrible disaster, and in a surprise turn of events, Rosa and Holt learned how to feel. Let’s get into it, shall we?
Since Sarge has been very stressed lately, what with the baby on the way and Jake creating extra paperwork by smashing through windows, Jake and Boyle decide to take him away for a weekend in the woods. The plan is a nice weekend full of fishing, drinking, and campfires at a rustic cabin. Except no one can figure out how to fish, Jake forgot to bring any food, and the cabin is a rundown murder shack owned by major sadsack. The idea of a stress-free weekend of fun quickly disappears as the hunger sets in. It only gets worse when the detectives head out into the woods (Boyle to find dinner, Jake and Sarge to find Boyle), and all end up in a pit. Naturally Sarge isn’t too pleased, and calls Jake out for always counting on others to solve his problems for him. The three triple-spoon rather disgruntledly as they try to keep warm in the pit. (This includes executing the advanced “triple-spoon rollover,” which was quite impressive to behold.) In the morning Sarge and Boyle wake up to find Jake high above them in a tree above the pit, in just his boxers and t-shirt. During the night he decided to take action and solve his own problem, and so used his clothes to make a rope of sorts and pull himself out. Although the trip is not much of a success, Fun Terry does make a little emergence after it’s over, bring Jake and Boyle to a bomb disposal site to set off the collection of fireworks Jake had to surrender when reentering New York.
Overall a fun story, though not my favorite of the season. We’ve had a surprising amount about Sarge’s pre-baby stress level so far this season -- I wonder what’s going to happen when his off-screen baby’s actually born. I like that Jake tries to do something nice for Sarge, though it makes sense that his ideas, while noble, were horribly executed. Sometimes I worry about what Jake eats and whether he ever remembers to do things like pay his bills or wash his clothes. The thing I absolutely cannot believe is that Boyle didn’t bring any food with him. This is not only a supreme foodie we’re talking about, who always seems to have at least one gourmet treat with him at all times, but this is the man who tucked a snack bar away in Jake’s bulletproof vest in case he forgot to eat breakfast (he did). He always seems to be prepared when it comes to food, and covering for Jake. That bring said, I absolutely believe that he took a foraging class.
The cabin trip isn’t the only thing falling apart in the Nine-Nine -- Rosa has decided to break up with Marcus (Captain Holt’s nephew). Although they both agree with her original plan (a nighttime text simply stating “we’re done, goodbye.”), Holt reports that his husband Kevin thinks they’re both sociopaths. They come up with a new plan, which includes acknowledging Marcus’ feelings (by stating “Your sadness is noted”). Rosa breaks up with Marcus using the newer plan, but when she reports back to Holt about it, she starts to have…feelings. The two of them cry as Rosa explains her feelings about the relationship ending, and her worry that she’ll never get another chance at love.
We’ve had a few “Rosa and Holt are feeling-phobic quasi-sociopath” stories, but they’re always a delight when they pop back up. This story in particular showcases why the two seem like they don’t have any emotions -- because it can be scary and revealing to admit how you really feel to someone. Luckily the two have each other as odd confidants, as is shown in their final scene together. I’m always impressed by comedies that can mix some heart and drama in without feeling inconsistent, and the actors that can pull off the more dramatic aspects within comedic characters. So here’s a big shout-out to Stephanie Beatriz and Andre Braugher, as well as the writers of B99, for the sweet, touching, and also hilarious, scene between Rosa and Holt in his office.
On a lighter note, lifelong nerd Amy Santiago is ready to pitch her shoulder-mounted flashlight to the NYPD, but she’s got a feeling she’ll need to make her spiel a bit more flash first. So naturally one turns to Gina. Gina provides the energy the project needs, as well as a name change for Detective Amy Vanessa Santiago. The two work well together and the presentation impresses the head of NYPD Purchasing, but he can’t justify buying the ShoulderNova when just carrying your flashlight in your mouth is free. It is hard to beat free… Although Amy is bummed, Gina tells her not to worry -- just because the NYPD didn’t want it, doesn’t mean nobody will. In fact, a young Amy-like speedreader in her building loves it! Hooray! Three cheers for the ShoulderNova!
This was a fun C-story that actually had a little bit of time to play out. Amy and Gina are a fun pair of opposites, and it’s nice to see them play to their strengths to help each other out (Gina by making the presentation more dynamic, and Amy by giving Gina an excuse not to do her work.).
Line of the week goes to Captain Holt, for his research into break-ups: “I did some research on amicable break-ups. I visited www.ladiesgoodhealthmag.com/sex-relationships/867599904/9432&20.html. …Do you know that site?”
What did you think of the episode? Have you ever seen such a beautiful three-way spoon? Do you think Jake will ever take more responsibility in his life, or just continue to surround himself with people that will support him and cover for him? Will Rosa ever find her soulmate? Do you think Amy has a future in the gadget biz? Let us know below!
