If you are a college student, I automatically assume that you are an expert when it comes to perusing online TV websites. We’ve cast out channel surfing like an old sock, and nowadays all we need is some speedy Internet connection and a laptop charger to get our TV fix.
But within this popular culture of online TV, there’s the looming pressure to watch every single show that every one else watches, that way you never feel left out of the convo. I can’t even explain the painful awkwardness of the moment where someone excitedly attempts to connect with you over a show you are not in to/have never heard of/have yet to commit to.
“YOU’VE NEVER SEEN ‘BREAKING BAD’?”
“Oh wait, you don’t watch ‘Greek’. Never mind.”
Ugh. I hate being the out of the loop TV victim. But for the first time in my life, I’ve caught on to a new show before anyone else really has (I hope) and rather than making you feel like an idiot I shall kindly give you the details before it’s too late.
It’s called “Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and it’s similar to The Office/Parks and Recreation/New Girl/Arrested Development style of television. This is my all time favorite kind, because it comes in handy whenever your mind is ready for zero brain activity. No violence, nothing awkwardly sexual, and no annoying cliffhangers.
The first six episodes are up on hulu for your viewing pleasure (as well as on Fox, but seriously who would watch it live on TV), and I recommend that you get started watching right away. The show is mainly about the ins and outs of the workplace: a precinct in Brooklyn, New York. The adorable and funny Andy Samberg, known as Detective Peralta, spends his spends his time goofing around and somehow cracks cases in the process. Peralta struggles under the reins of his new, strict boss, a macho guy similar to the beloved Ron Swanson. The dynamic between these two, however, is that Captain Holt is demanding that Peralta act like the professional detective he is.
“That’s basically what we do in the nine-nine: catch bad guys and look good doing it”
As with most of these up and coming shows, the first half of the season is a little weak with the plot and punch lines. The actors are still forming their character identity, and we are still getting used to them. The dynamics between the detectives are also eerily similar to the government employees of Parks and Rec, but there are enough unique aspects of the show to keep it interesting.
For example, my favorite moment in the first episode where Captain Holt tells Peralta that he needs to start wearing a necktie, insinuating that he should embody a more professional attitude as a whole. Peralta pulls up his shirt to show his “secret tie” which is wrapped around his stomach. Later in the episode, Holt congratulates him on wearing a tie the proper way, except Peralta stands up and is wearing a colorful Speedo. But the relationship between the two is not negative; it’s actually an endearing companionship in which both have immense respect for the other. The dynamic between the Captain and Detective Peralta is the main plot of
the show so far, and each episode presents different, “laugh out loud” back and forth scenes featuring their relationship.
“Jacob Peralta is my best detective. The only puzzle he hasn’t solved is how to grow up.”
This does not define the essence of the show entirely, however, as there are other hilarious characters that I can’t wait to watch develop. Chelsea Peretti plays the office secretary, Gina, and she is definitely famous on the show for her dry humor. Charles Boyle, the less attractive, clumsy detective is hopelessly in love with Rosa Diaz, who is scary, tough, and will never love him back.
Thank goodness for “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” because I was getting really tired of watching random “New Girl” episodes over and over. And now that Jess and Nick have finally started dating, I usually end up contemplating my own life of solitude, a path I do not want TV to push me down.
I see serious potential in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and whenever you’re ready to add another new show in your life, I strongly recommend this one.
