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PILOT REVIEW: Brooklyn Nine-Nine

BROOKLYN NINE-NINE










Starring: Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Joe Lo Truglio, Chelsea Peretti, and Andre Braugher

Created by Dan Goor and Michael Schur
Written by Dan Goor & Michael Schur, Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a new cop comedy set in the 99th Precinct in Brooklyn. Childish but brilliant detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) must contend with an uptight new captain in the precinct, Ray Holt (Andre Braugher). The ensemble is comprised of the many colorful characters in the precinct: Peralta's tough partner Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero), the squad leader of the detectives Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews), intimidating Rose Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz), bumbling Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio), and oddball administrator Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti).

THE GOOD: This could be the next great ensemble comedy on TV and it's no surprise that it came from the creators of Parks and Recreation. The difference with this show is that it's gelling from the start whereas Parks took awhile. This was a great pilot  because it felt like we were dropped into this world and the exposition was kept to a minimum while still thoroughly setting up the show. It's great to have a cop comedy on TV because that's a genre that's rarely attempted. Andy Samberg really sets the tone for this show and he was funny throughout. I actually enjoyed him more here than I did on SNL. While the entire ensemble is strong, the dynamics between Samberg and Andre Braugher and Samberg and Melissa Fumero were the best parts. Braugher is surprisingly funny in a comedy and a great foil to Samberg's childish antics while the teasing yet slight sexual tension between Samberg and Fumero really came off well in the pilot. There was good physical comedy and a funny story that didn't seem like a parody but rather a comedic take on a well-worn type of show (cop procedural).

THE BAD: Honestly, I can't think of anything that isn't extreme nitpicking. And by extreme nitpicking, I mean I'd be talking about a line here or there that didn't quite land, which isn't worth mentioning. There's not even one character that I didn't think was enjoyable. It was a great pilot.

BOTTOM LINE: Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a wonderful show in a terrible timeslot. I hope FOX realizes what a potential gem it has on its hands and is patient even if the ratings aren't strong initially. The Parks and Rec people have done it again and if the ensemble and timing is this strong already, I can hardly wait to see what it's like in the episodes to come. I don't want to make knee jerk reactions but it wouldn't surprise me at all if this is my favorite new comedy of the season when all is said and done.
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