Brooklyn Nine-Nine Review: Bachelor/ette Party (Season 5 Episode 19)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 5 Episode 19, “Bachelor/ette Party,” is a sweet love letter to the 99 friendships.

Even though it doesn’t bring anything new to the table, it provides some needed closure to Boyle and Peralta’s storyline for the season.

In the last few episodes of the season, the focus should turn away from Boyle and Jake to other pairings.

It does raise some panic in me because the show is beginning to feel like a farewell tour — but it is too soon to freak out.

There is still plenty of time for FOX to wise-up and #RenewB99!

The strongest part of the episode is the “Never Have I Ever” game during Amy’s bachelorette party. In particular, the interactions between Rosa and Amy shine brightly and warm hearts.

Rosa is so there for Amy it isn’t even funny, except when it’s trying to make us laugh. Then it’s very funny indeed.

Amy’s character is really easy to make into a two-dimensional joke. She is Type-A, loves rules, and is a super-dork.

Rather than make her a character who is limited by her Type-A nature, Amy is seen through the eyes of the people who love her.

We see that she is a fun, surprising person who is, most essentially, a thoughtful friend and incredible detective.

Rosa doesn’t love Amy despite her neurosis, exactly. Rosa doesn’t love Amy because of her neurosis either.

I actually think the most accurate way to describe Rosa’s love for Amy is that she is in the love with Amy.

No, not “in love,” but “in the love.” She is there with her through her life. She accepts Amy as she is, without condition.

When Amy isn’t drinking during Never Have I Ever, Rosa doesn’t care that she’s never done things. She cares that Amy isn’t having fun because she isn’t drinking.

Rosa cares about her friend having a great time, not that her friend isn’t as adventurous (or AT ALL adventurous) as the bridesmaids.

This is in direct contrast to Boyle’s plans for Jake that really focus on meeting Boyle’s needs and expectations for their friendship.

The “in the love” is complete acceptance, and it is selfless.

This “in the love” is the type of love Rosa requests from her parents but only gets from her 99 friends on Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 5 Episode 10,”Game Night.”

Rosa gives to Amy what she has been given herself. Rosa says to Amy, over and over:

“We’re your bridesmaids. We’ve got your back.”

It is a pleasure to see Amy roast a contract and bust off of a bar. But the deeper pleasure of the episode is Rosa and Amy solidly in a place in their relationship where they are undoubtedly family.

Jake’s bachelor party is less heartwarming, but still very fun. I will admit, though, I have had enough of Boyle this season.

Don’t get me wrong — Joe Lo Truglio is always hilarious. But I don’t need any more Boyle.

Simply put, he is the least interesting character but is getting nearly the most screen time.

I want to see Terry and Gina bond over parenthood. I want to see Gina continue to work with Captain Holt to secure his advancement. I want to see Gina getting to the same “family” status in her friendships as Rosa and Amy.

Basically, I want way more Gina.

Of the bachelor party shenanigans, I adore unbridled Captain Holt (“Just call me Raymond”) the most.

His cap and his surprisingly intimate disclosures about his horny times with Kevin are a delight. The episode is not as skilled as others at weaving the side jokes into a larger blanket purpose. But the one-liners are, as usual, very funny.

Terry’s commitment to getting drunk, and his wife’s kind support, is through the roof charming.

Terry is another character who needs more exploration and focus.

The season is winding down, and there is a limited amount of time to cover all the characters’ development.

I am hopeful that Brooklyn Nine-Nine will use its remaining episodes to delve into some under-focused characters, like Gina and Terry.

Speaking of Gina… where is Gina Rodriguez?! We have been promised a guest star arc!

What did you think of this episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

 

Brooklyn Nine-Nine airs Sundays at 8:30/7:30c on FOX.

Follow us on Twitter @telltaleTV_

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!