Brooklyn Nine-Nine Review: White Whale (Season 5 Episode 21)

The penultimate episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 5 shines brightly under the light of the news that NBC saved the 99 and ordered a 13 episode Season 6!

NINE-NINE!

The glowing Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 5 Episode 21, “White Whale,” is a giddy, tender episode that shows that conflict does not need to be hateful. In fact, sometimes a confrontation is just what is needed to reset a dislocated relationship.

Rosa and Amy’s friendship, which is developed and cherished brilliantly on Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 5 Episode 20, “Show Me Going,” gets even stronger through the trials the pair face on “White Whale.” Rosa learns that Amy lied to her about a mistake she made in the past.

This is the thing that pisses Rosa off and makes her shut off from Amy: a violation of trust. This is very in character for Rosa, and it’s a meaty relationship conflict for them to chew on.

Rosa has slowly let the 99 into her life, culminating with the team coming over to her house for game night. She takes those relationships very seriously. The 99 has become family.

So Amy’s violation of her trust is a big deal. I love that this is the conflict the friends get into in the days leading up to Amy’s wedding. Brooklyn Nine-Nine avoids the trope of the jealous bridesmaid or the stressed-out bridezilla.

The week before her wedding, Amy gets to catch her “white whale” with one of her best friends. This in itself is significant. That Amy and Rosa also have an argument during the case shows how much trust the show has in the relationship, and how much trust the two women have in their relationship.

Their friendship can weather any storm (or whale) that hits it.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine yet again provides excellent against-stereotype character development. The women are given conflict and the drama has nothing to do with them being catty or overly emotional. The drama really comes from the case they’re trying to solve.

The conflict is handled with communication, vulnerability, and some gut-grabbing humor.

I could not laugh harder than when Rosa makes a little bunny with her fingers to try and distract Amy from her pain. Just brilliant.

Captain Holt’s on-going Commish Competish story line also dazzles on “White Whale.” It is endlessly funny that these two well-qualified captains are exchanging sharp, below-the-belt jabs at each other, while also standing tall with integrity.

It is darn poetic.

The eye goop and grandpa bits really work because they come from that integrity-filled spirit.

I shed tears when I see these people (who could so easily do the underhanded thing to take power) step back from it in order to do what is best for the city.

To be honest, I don’t see many examples of this in real life. It is inspiring and heart-warming to see it on my screen, and I firmly believe it makes a difference.

Holt and Olivia are heroes, and I know I want to emulate that type of pride.

Jake’s groom-gut storyline is less inspiring and funny but still enjoyable. I especially like when Terry pops his lid and yells at Jake for smashing the second window of his car.

Terry being extra is good for the soul.

It is sweet, though, that Jake is so invested in being a good enough husband for Amy.

Importantly, the ways in which he is concerned with being good enough are anti-toxic masculinity. He wants to be thoughtful, organized, and a good decision maker.

Those are far from the traits we more typically see men fret about when wanting to be a “real man.” Usually, men talk about needing to be a good protector or provider.

Jake’s arc further assures us that while the season is ending in a somewhat typical way (with the main ship getting married), their love story is no trope.

Stray Thoughts:

• I love that Jake and Rosa talk about her dreams and that Jake remembers them.
• The opening bit is a flop. Flashing a penis, intentional or not, is not funny. I suggest you retire that joke, Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
• Gina and Holt’s little envelope back and forth convo is so delicious. I WANT MORE GINA!
• Jake screaming “We’re taking each other’s names!” is A+ writing.
• Holt’s power-walking burn is everything. He’s not wrong, either!

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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