Brooklyn Nine-Nine burst onto the scene last fall as TV’s best new comedy, and over the course of the season, it’s grown into a hilarious and well-crafted show with interesting characters and stellar writing. Tonight’s season finale neatly wraps up the season-long arcs and previews what should be a fantastic season 2.
At the beginning of the season, the character of Jake Peralta wasn’t what you would call interesting; he merely filled the role of an annoying, sometimes funny dude who would constantly get himself into trouble. Yet, over the last 20 episodes, he’s grown into a more complex, compelling, and realistic person who’s good at his job, but does so in a way that maximizes the fun. Part of that transformation is due to the presence of Captain Holt, someone who, even as they get on each others’ nerves, Jake respects and looks up to. “Charges and Specs” really emphasizes the teamwork fostered by the Captain and underscores various character moments: for example, when Santiago stands up to Holt.
Ultimately, several storylines come to a head here, most notably Jake and Santiago’s situation; they’re definitely friends, but at the end of the finale, Jake confesses his true feelings for her in a moment that doesn’t feel like many other “confession of love” scenes we’ve seen. It’s a genuine, nicely acted moment for Samberg, and a sweet, pivotal moment for the character. Yet, it certainly doesn’t feel pivotal, and it’s all the better for it; this is merely one person being honest to the other due to circumstance.
The other big storyline coming to a close in this episode is Boyle’s relationship situation, which, thankfully, does not end up with him and Rosa in bed together (I was nervous there). In fact, him breaking up with Vivian has nothing to do with any kind of infatuation with Diaz, and once again, the show’s better off for it.
All in all, the episode is a bit lighter on the laughs, but it’s very effective as a finale. I’m really interested in Jake’s situation next year, which, as of right now, transcends a generic “I’m fired” plot that usually would be resolved by episode 4 of season 2. We’re going to become privy to some really interesting conflicts and interactions, and I can’t wait to hang out with the crew from the 99 again.
GRADE: B+
OTHER THOUGHTS:
-“That was the end of an 8-year relationship.” Andre Braugher’s delivery is just spot on every single time. I also loved “Jake, the overwhelming time pressure.”
-“Eyes closed, head first, can’t lose.” FNL REFERENCE! I LIKE THIS SHOW EVEN MORE NOW.
-“Break-ups are a cartoony thumbs down. They make people feel face with exes for the eyes.” Great emoji speech.
-I loved the transition from Peralta’s slow-mo dance to regular speed.
-“I had to stop selling drugs, and I love selling drugs! It was my dream job.”
-Holt, making the ladies all hot and bothered. “Wassup?”
-Hopes for season 2? Man, it seems so far away.
Photo credit: Brooklyn Nine-Nine, FOX
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This show is really great. I’d be super happy if it ended on the top of its game after three or four seasons, because Schur’s other show, Parks and Rec, is sort of limping along in its sixth. There’s something about the type of ensemble comedy that he makes which obviously isn’t entirely sustainable, and I hope he either fixes it or lets it run its course, because it’s just such a fun show to watch, and I wouldn’t want to see it run into the ground.
True. I wish all shows would go out on top, but alas, in this ratings-driven world, that doesn’t happen very often. Hopefully, B99 does so.
I had missed that you were reviewing this one. I tried the first three episodes and gave up. It looks like you liked those early episodes too so maybe it just doesn’t work for me (comedy is like that).
However, I am wondering, did it get less–for lack of a better word–cartoony as it went along? It sounds like Samberg got reined in as it went, but I’m wondering if the rest of the show did.
I would say it did (and especially Samberg). There’s a part of the second half that’s a bit shaky, but overall, it’s a solid show; nothing remarkable, but it’s well worth watching.
Okay, thanks. I may give it another try then.
Man I love this show! I am a huge Office nerd, and this reminds me of it somewhat. But it is clear that it is its own show as well. I expect a larger following like The Office come season 2! Great post.
Yeah, love The Office as well! The last few seasons were a bit shaky, but those early seasons were the pinnacle of TV comedy for me. I, too, hope B99 has a bigger following next year; FOX is putting it on Sunday after The Simpsons, so that should be a better lead in for the show than Dads was.