Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 6 Episode 10, “Gintars,” saves up the emotional punch until the very end, but it’s a knockout.
It’s a refreshing build up to that punch as we get to see Jake reciprocate Boyle’s love and Boyle showcase his dad-spine.
Charles Boyle is a character who lives his life inhaling and exhaling love. It is his essence and his core mission.
This key trait is what makes Boyle a powerful character.
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE — “Gintars” Episode 611 — Pictured: (l-r) Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta, Ike Barinholtz as Gintars Irbe — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
Time after time we’ve seen the other members of the 99 be able to become their true selves because of the loving support Charles provides.
Rosa could come out on her own terms. Gina can be a complete rascal.
Charles cuts against toxic gender stereotypes and often acts as the fangirl stand-in for us viewers as we gush about the people we love.
On “Gintars,” we get to see how that love manifests into being a wonderful father to Nikolaj.
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE — “Gintars” Episode 611 — Pictured: Ike Barinholtz as Gintars Irbe — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
We already knew about the neurotic and quirky upbringing Charles provides. Usually, that abundance of care, some might call it smothering, is a source of joking and humor.
But the episode doesn’t shy away from taking Charles’ emotionality seriously. The talk he gives Jake at the close of the episode is soft and so very important.
He lays out what it means to be a loving father: letting your children choose to love you and letting them choose to reject you.
CHARLES BOYLE: All I can do is make him feel safe, and give him as much love as I can.
I am moved by the simple and insightful message about how to be a good parent.
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE — “Gintars” Episode 611 — Pictured: (l-r) , Stephanie Beatriz as Rosa Diaz — (Photo by: John P. Fleenor/NBC)
For me, this message is just as revolutionary and essential as those about coming out as bisexual or #metoo moments.
I doubt the scene will ever garner the attention it deserves, but that suits Boyle, doesn’t it?
It is never about the recognition or the glory for him. It is all about the love.
The B plot on the episode is another rehashed concept with Captain Holt and Amy getting all in their “Yees” about esoteric cop science.
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE — “Gintars” Episode 611 — Pictured: (l-r) Andre Braugher as Ray Holt, Melissa Fumero as Amy Santiago, Terry Crews as Terry Jeffords, Stephanie Beatriz as Rosa Diaz — (Photo by: John P. Fleenor/NBC)
Melissa Fumero manages to imbibe new life into the story with her physical comedy.
It is impossible not to laugh at her prolonged and deep laugh when responding to Rosa’s skepticism about Yee’s flies. The uniform is also really working to enhance how funny Amy is as a character!
The all-in commitment to Amy Santiago and Captain’s Holt’s nerdom is a hallmark of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It is comforting to know that NBC is leaning into the bit.
AMY: You can’t be a fraud you have a Ted Talk!
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE — “Gintars” Episode 611 — Pictured: Terry Crews as Terry Jeffords — (Photo by: John P. Fleenor/NBC)
Terry’s facial hair situation is another strength of the B plot on the episode.
Eyebrows are the most expressive part of a face. So, Terry’s ridiculous eyebrow iterations, from fully shaved, to clown-like blocks, enhance the communication on Terry’s face and in turn enhance the hilarity.
The escalation to mid-work nose trimming is especially funny.
It is a wonder that any of the cast could keep a straight face with Terry looking the way he does in the scenes. We stan this comedic cast!
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE — “Gintars” Episode 611 — Pictured: Stephanie Beatriz as Rosa Diaz — (Photo by: John P. Fleenor/NBC)
The tie in for the “flies don’t lie,” to help Rosa get her perp to confess is really elegant.
I prefer a stoic Rosa who delivers zingers and eye rolls as a default. Even though she gets the least focus on the episode, her few moments on screen deliver big energy and satisfying humor.
Stray Thoughts
I love that Brooklyn Nine-Nine doesn’t feel like Amy and Jake need to be featured together on every episode. Their development and purpose as characters is not exclusively tied to their ship and I am thankful.
“I sing your sex result a lullaby every night,” is so gross and yet so funny.
I can’t stop itching my eyebrows and hair after what Captain Holt says about mites. Yick! We get it, Terry.
Ike Barinholtz as Nikolaj’s real dad is excellent. There really should be an Emmy for having the best guest stars. Brooklyn Nine-Nine would take it easily!
What did you think of this episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Janelle Ureta is equal parts Veronica Mars, Raven Reyes, and Rebecca Bunch, but she aspires to add some Tammy Taylor to the mix. An attorney turned teacher, Janelle believes in the power of a well-told story. She is currently exploring how to tell short stories, 140 characters or less, on twitter. She loves to talk about TV, and right now she can't shut up about Timeless, Dear White People, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The 100, or Younger.
