BROOKLYN NINE-NINE "Charges" Into Season Finale

Article first published as BROOKLYN NINE-NINE "Charges" Into Season Finale on TheTVKing.

FOX's Brooklyn Nine-Nine has proven to be a very entertaining series, a conclusion that does not lessen going into the final episode of its freshman run, "Charges and Specs." Despite starting the story at the end, a terribly overused TV trope in recent years, this installment manages to tell a surprising and compelling story, taking several of our characters in new directions while allowing their fun, bumbling energy to come out along the way.

As "Charges and Specs" begins, Jake (Andy Samberg) is being pressured by his boss's boss, Deputy Commissioner Podolski (James Michael Connor), to stop investigating a rich donor. Jake continues anyway, even after Captain Holt (Andre Braugher) orders him not to. When Jake finds some evidence to support his theory, Holt and Santiago (Melissa Fumero) get on board. That is, until Holt asks Jake to trust him and get himself fired.

We all know what a great detective Jake is, in spite of his lackadaisical personality. If he says the man is dirty, he's dirty. And Jake continuing to pursue his case long after he's threatened only proves even more how dedicated he is to the badge. It's not a new thing for a hero cop to go off book and doggedly follow his leads, but this is a pure comedy, not the drama most police shows are made up of, and it's still integral to the character.

Holt likely thinks that Jake is right from the start, but as captain, has to play the politics of the department. As the man in charge, he can't just buck his superiors at will or none of the officers under his command would have jobs. To Holt's credit, he doesn't turn a blind eye when Jake brings him actionable evidence. But he's a sympathetic man, balancing the responsibilities of the job with justice.

Any annoyance at Holt for not getting behind Jake sooner is tossed out as soon as the trio go undercover at a dance competition. "Charges and Specs" gives Holt a chance to show his lighter side, something glimpsed occasionally on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but never more so than in this episode. I do think if Holt were allowed to come out like this more often, the novelty would soon wear off and it wouldn't be half as amusing, so as much as I love this, it's good the writers dole it out in dribbles, rather than letting it flow.

In the end, their work takes them across an FBI case and Jake must get fired in order to go undercover for the feds. Holt does the right thing by not telling Jake the full story ahead of time, as Jake can be his own worst enemy, and could have spoiled a rich opportunity. It's telling how well Jake and Holt have come to know and trust each other when this plays out exactly the way it should, and it's gratifying they will have that bond going forward, their dynamic a centerpiece of the program.

Santiago gets to show a different side, too, bucking the rules to help Jake. Is it because she has feelings for him, as he does for her? Or does it just feel good for once to get caught up in the mission, forgetting about the rule book she usually worships? Whatever the reason, this version of Santiago feels a little awkward, as she hasn't been developed yet, but really works.

Jake confesses his feelings for Santiago in a very appropriate way just before he leaves. Setting aside Jake's public discussions of covert affairs, which is dumb, the scene between the two is sweet and perfect. Samberg doesn't abandon who Jake is, finding his own unique way to say what he wants to say, not going over the top or getting too gushy. And Amy is fittingly shocked, giving them both plenty of time to mull this confession over.

Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) has love troubles of his own. Dumped by Vivian (Marilu Henner), he settles into a Matrix costume and consumes only eggs for sustenance. It's pathetic, and it's a shame; the couple is so good together. However, they found one another at the wrong time in their lives, professional considerations pulling them apart.

Boyle's co-workers do their best to cheer him up, especially Terry (Terry Crews), Gina (Chelsea Peretti), and Rosa (Stephanie Beatriz). They don't make much headway, none quite getting the depth of what Charles is going through, but at least they offer companionship and drinks. I think that's all friends can really do in such a situation. Boyle needs time to heal.

One suggestion brought up repeatedly is that Boyle should engage in some meaningless sex to bounce back. For a time, it looks like Rosa is being encouraged to step up, but Boyle's emotions towards Rosa will come back, and it would be a shame to waste them now. Besides, Rosa has definitely developed some real compassion for the man, which could lead to her wanting something real, too, besides a one night fling. So Gina boinks Boyle.

As long as Gina and Boyle are one-and-done, this works. It will cause tension and an obstacle between Rosa and Boyle making a go of things, but it also serves the purpose for now. Gina isn't girlfriend material for someone as earnest as Boyle. Overall, the romance on Brooklyn Nine-Nine has been handled with care, not allowing Rosa to fall into stereotypical jealousy when Boyle is happy with Vivian, either. I'm impressed by the nuance in what is, on the surface, a broad comedy.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine has exceeded expectations. It's a whacky group of players, to be sure, but also a complex gang. It does the unexpected from time to time, and somehow puts forth a layer of authenticity over the goofball antics. A stellar cast and terrific writing combine to create a series I look forward to watching for years to come.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine has been renewed and will return on FOX next fall.

"Party" With BROOKLYN NINE-NINE

Article first published as "Party" With BROOKLYN NINE-NINE on TheTVKing.

FOX's Brooklyn Nine-Nine got the sort-of cushy show-after-the-show-after-the-Super Bowl-slot this week, meaning a new episode aired following New Girl late Sunday night. Unfortunately, by then many viewers were going to bed and turning off their television sets, so the ratings weren't as over-the-top better than a typical week as one might expect. But hopefully it still got the program a few new viewers. It's original, charming, and creative, and deserves the eyeballs.

Last night, Brooklyn Nine-Nine aired their second fresh episode of the week. Called "The Party," Captain Holt (Andre Braugher) and his husband, Kevin (Marc Evan Jackson, Parks and Recreation), host a fancy gathering at their home and invite the squad to attend. Granted, the 9-9ers aren't the most dignified of people, which leads to some awkwardness, but the main problem isn't Kevin's stuffy academic colleagues, nor Holt's eccentric ones. It's that Kevin doesn't want them there, and makes that pretty clear, even if he isn't overtly rude.

Kevin is introduced as an unlikable character from the start, which is weird, since Holt is such a well-developed person himself. It's sweet to see Kevin and Holt interact, but when Kevin looks down his nose at the cops, it becomes downright uncomfortable. Had "The Party" left the situation at that, I would have been confused as to how the relationship worked, and disappointed at Brooklyn Nine-Nine's choice. I also didn't want to believe that Kevin really thought Jake (Andy Samberg) had read The New Yorker because the man doesn't seem that gullible.

But Jake sees what no one else, including the viewers, see - Kevin hates the NYPD because of how they've treated Holt. In retrospect, it makes total sense, and once that piece of the puzzle is revealed late in the half hour, the episode really comes together. Besides being funny, Brooklyn Nine-Nine sneaks in a pro-gay rights agenda where one might least expect it, a definite check mark in the plus column for it. Perhaps the show could have been a little more obvious about the plot, rather than allowing it to come out so subtly. But I appreciate that they don't make Kevin a stereotype, didn't necessarily copy the tale from other series, and in the end, Kevin seems a worthy companion for Holt.

That's why I'm diggin' Brooklyn Nine-Nine; it brings something new to the table. There are classic sitcom elements, to be sure, but it also has a unique voice you can't find in any other program currently running. It does things its own way, celebrating oddity and embracing skewed perspective. Holt's husband, Kevin, is only a small element, having just been introduced, but "The Party" is in keeping with the larger tone and spirit of the show.

"The Party" is also great because it gets to showcase the rest of the ensemble, who have terrific chemistry, and can each stand on their own. Jake craves approval but acts like he doesn't, his target in this episode being Kevin. Gina (Chelsea Peretti) is certifiably insane, earning her a crowd of head docs gleefully analyzing her. Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) is more cultured than his fellows, and so clicks well with Kevin's foodie friend (Marilu Henner, Evening Shade, Taxi). Terry (Terry Crews) is the father figure who tries to make them all behave. And Santiago (Melissa Fumero) likes to believe she's the well-adjusted one, but her sneaky antics to get to know Holt better prove otherwise. Even Scully's (Joel McKinnon Miller) talent for opera and his weirdly close relationship with Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker) gets screen time.

Only Rosa (Stephanie Beatriz) is not highlighted in "The Party," but that's OK because there's a big cast to serve. It's impressive how all of these people can get their moments and subplots in such a short running time, each more than pulling their weight. They're oddballs, but they're specific oddballs who exist in a well-fleshed out world and have found their place. Brooklyn Nine-Nine is tightly written and knows how to effectively use its people.

Another cool thing about "The Party" is that Kevin's friends come to see the value of the squad, too. At first, there's a definite divide in the house, but once our heroes split up and interact, there is acceptance and appreciation for them. They may not have earned any new best friends, but Kevin's teacher pals don't look down on them, either, which is heartening to see. While some shows might go for the easy conflict in the clash of worlds, Brooklyn Nine-Nine plays something smarter, teaching us about human nature and the individuals themselves who star in the piece.

Overall, I'm highly impressed with Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I'm not a fan of dumb, base comedy, and while some commercials may lead one to believe that's what this show is, it couldn't be further from the truth. The fact that I could write a similar glowing review about basically any episode that's aired recently in their run is even better. I chose this one for convenience, having missed the window post-Super Bowl, but it really doesn't matter; the series consistently delivers. It definitely deserves the Golden Globes it recently brought home.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine airs Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on FOX. If you haven't done so yet, do yourself a favor and check it out.