Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 5 Episode 3 Review ’Kicks’



***Spoilers Ahead***

Kicks

Andre Braugher, Joe Lo Truglio, Andy Samberg (left to right), photo: Ray Mickshaw/Fox

Near the beginning of the episode, Charles Boyle proclaims, "This, this is what I've missed." while addressing Holt and Jake's commonplace banter. I don't think there's a better way to sum up this episode than those few seconds of dialogue. While I admire and appreciate the series for changing things up and raising the stakes, I truly missed the signature elements that Brooklyn Nine-Nine is known for. Sure, Peralta in prison was fun, but the low-stake cases and quirky exchanges are what make the show. In all, 'Kicks' is comparable to last year's 'The Night Shift'. It's an episode that seems standard on the surface but introduces a new obstacle or variable for one or more of the characters.

The A-plot involves Jake's attempts to get out of desk duty by being evaluated by Holt on a case. First off, I loved how the writers had the trio of Holt, Jake, and Boyle in this main plot. Boyle & Jake's infectious enthusiasm always pair well with the captain's strict manner. The story follows a fairly normal road as the trio find the sneaker thief and lock him up. But, the twist occurs when Jake suddenly comes to a realization that he may be innocent. The amazing thing about this change in the story is that it shows how much Peralta has grown over the course of the series. In the first season, he had a black-and-white vision of justice. In this episode, he begins to realize that everything isn't so open-and-shut. Sure, the thief ends up actually being guilty, but the significance of the message is rather powerful and very well-done. Outside of the character growth, this is a very by-the-book plot for the series, but that doesn't mean that it's not extremely likable. The rapid-fire banter between Jake, Holt, and Boyle is something that shouldn't be taken for granted.

While the A-plot was fun and light, the B-plot focuses on the weak relationship between Rosa and Pimento. Just like the main one, this plot throws a curveball at the end. While Adrian wasn't cheating on her, Rosa still decides that it's time to end the relationship. I felt that this was a rather rushed way to quickly write Pimento off the show. There was never a build-up to any problems between the two and they were even willing to get married at one point. Nevertheless, Pimento never really had a place on the show after the Figgis arc ended, so it's probably for the best. But, that doesn't mean I won't miss the madcap humor that Mantzoukas brought to the show.

In the end, 'Kicks' is a very average episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but that is not a bad thing by any means. After a high-stakes court case and time in prison, it feels right to have an episode where the writers go back to the basics. But, even with the episode following standard protocol, it manages to find loopholes and insert elements that are a bit unfamiliar. 'Kicks' is a thought-provoking and genuinely funny episode that cements the fact that Brooklyn Nine-Nine continues to be a comedy powerhouse five seasons in.


Stray Thoughts
  • Holt's mention of fidget spinners cracked me up.
  • Glad that we got to see more flashbacks of Terry in Japan
  • 'Even a broken Amy is right twice a day' - Terry
  • I felt super bad for Pimeno. I know it was played for laughs, but it was sad to see him leave the show and in such an out-of-shape manner.
  • Never knew that Jake was such a Warriors fan or that Lil Wayne had a line of sneakers. 

Grade: A-


What did you think of 'Kicks'? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. Catch the Halloween episode next Tuesday at 9:30/8:30c on FOX.

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