Brooklyn Nine-Nine Review: Gray Star Mutual (Season 5 Episode 18)

Amy and Rosa’s friendship is the blooming centerpiece of Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 5 Episode 18, “Gray Star Mutual.”

Brooklyn Nine-Nine once again raises the bar on how to be a true ally and friend. Even Shaq could limbo under the bar, it’s so high.

I literally cheer and jump up and down when Amy hurls herself over cars and fences in layers of chiffon and lace to get her perp.

I could not feel more pride and empowerment than when Amy exclaims, “Maybe I do like the sash.”

The visual comedy is a delight for the wedding dress storyline, but my favorite thing about it is that it surprises me.

Five seasons in, storylines can start to grow stale and repetitive, as we see with Charles Boyle’s character, frankly.

Amy and Rosa together, supporting each other through the stages of their lives and careers via a wedding dress shopping expedition, are so FRESH! It is an unexpected storyline that, once it shows up, makes so much sense and fits beautifully into the arc leading to the wedding itself.

I LOVE that the central conflict is not about Amy’s relationship with Jake. It is about her identity as Sergeant and how her perceived femininity could undermine her authority.

This is a very nuanced issue, especially for Latinas who continue to face the largest pay gap.

In a male-dominated field like policing, how do women of color gain respect without sacrificing the aspects of their personal life and personality that could be seen as “too soft”?

Brooklyn Nine-Nine manages to provide an answer to this question by showing women of color supporting each other with genuine compliments and encouragement that have nothing to do with their appearance. It’s simple; it’s revolutionary.

Rosa clearly and assertively articulates to Amy her amazing qualities and what she deserves.

“Dude, I get that. But if you want a beautiful wedding dress, you deserve to find one.”

My heart is ravished! There has never been competition between these two. That is SO important for viewers to see!

It is so organic and flawlessly acted that it is easy to overlook: we do not get to see this on screen, like, ever.

As a Chicana myself, it is deeply affecting to see Rosa and Amy have rich, funny, and tender storylines, especially with each other.

I need to shout it from a rooftop (again): Brooklyn Nine-Nine DOES REPRESENTATION RIGHT!

I simply do not understand how this show is on the bubble. FOX, really, I must insist that you renew Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Gina, Terry, and Captain Holt’s social media storyline also works on “Gray Star Mutual.” These writers are achingly brilliant.

Captain Holt dramatically stating, “When it comes to clothing, Cheddar wears booties in the snow, or nothing,” is wildly funny and so very Captain Holt.

My only complaint is that the social media story was given such little time. There have been more than enough Jake and Boyle focused stories in Season 5.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it all day, every day: MORE GINA.

The social media story is ideal for Gina. It is her jam.

It was a miss for the show to focus on the distracting and unnecessary food truck arson at the expense of a more developed story for Gina, Captain Holt, and Terry.

Even considering its weakness, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is smarter, more tender, and funnier than 90% of the other shows out there.

Cop Thoughts:

• It’s really nice that Boyle and Peralta didn’t include Rosa’s coming out as part of their updates.
• “Commish competish” has such a delightful ring to it! Gina is the best trendsetter.
• I love that Kevin is super into Cheddar’s Insta pics. What an adorable couple.
• Rosa: You’re weird. Amy: I know. Me: How are you my best friends even though we’ve never met? You get me.

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

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

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