Brooklyn Nine-Nine “The Box” Spoilers Ahead
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is single-handedly the smartest, most unique comedy on TV right now. Its means of weaving in significant conversations we should all be having with the distinct dynamics within the precinct never fail to stun me. And one of the greatest dynamics established is that between a detective and his captain. Jake’s admiration towards Holt, more so than Amy’s is truly something of great value.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s “The Box” did one heck of a stylistic job bringing that relationship to light when it came down to Jake interrogating someone who’s easily 10 steps ahead of them. (P.S. is there anything Sterling K. Brown can’t do? He was such a phenomenal guest star as this week’s suspect in question!)
It’s the little things that make this series so exquisite and Jake Peralta learning that Holt’s proud of him was that very little thing that’s equivalent to something prodigiously impactful. Jake’s subtle yet not so subtle declarations of needing a father figure never fail to break me, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s form of masking the pain through intricate humor has become one of the heartiest sentiments we often look forward to. Jake won’t ever admit just how deeply the absence of an admirable father figure has had on him, but we know it’s something that tirelessly haunts him. It’s something that inspires him to do better, be better, and stay stronger, especially in the presence of Holt. And admitting that he wants to make him proud followed by genuinely doing so after being inspired by their argument brought the episode full circle brilliantly.
A round of applause to Andy Samberg, who in a moment of frazzled defeat and sheer frustration, brought Jake’s heart to life masterfully in the admittance of his sincere desire to always make Holt proud. It’s something that needed to be said and it was done so in an episode that brought to life the true essence of what it means to strive toward success. No one ever wants to be defeated or have someone think anything but highly of them, and to explore that while solving their mystery. Again, brilliant.
This is a show that explores the human psyche in a humor-filled, profoundly captivating manner and when it does so with its core character showcasing their adoration for one another, I’m a goner. This episode, truly, in every sense of the word was a heartfelt display of what it means to be a captain and a lost boy in a crew—it means family. It means that Neverland is a place called the 99th Precinct and Captain Raymond Holt is the fatherly figure they all need to become the very best versions of themselves. And it means that in watching them grow and make the world become a better place, Holt can be filled with a kind of happiness that he wouldn’t find elsewhere. It’s perfect—wholeheartedly perfect.
What are your thoughts on Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s “The Box?”