Brooklyn Nine-Nine - Episode 2.03 - The Jimmy Jab Games - Review

After Amy’s gentle but firm “no” regarding Jake’s feelings for her, Jake has decided it’s about time for him to get back out there and spread his legs. Oh, I mean wings. Spread his wings. And his intended target is Rosa’s friend Katie -- yes, abrasive Rosa has got friends. In order to get her number, Jake has to beat Rosa in The Jimmy Jab Games, aka, one of the odd traditions that happens in the Nine-Nine when they’ve got a lot of time to kill. (It’s amazing how much free time these detectives have in a busy city -- and yes, I know, suspension of disbelief, it’s just a comedy, I get it. But still, I’m thinking about becoming a detective just to hang out and play games all the time). The Jimmy Jabs are reminiscent of The Office’s “Office Olympics,” which isn’t all that shocking considering Mike Schur wrote that episode. And similarly to that episode, flirty feelings are clearly felt between some officemates. Jake insists he’s over Amy (even though he was still in love with her two episodes ago), and then proceeds to flirt with her throughout the games, even while he’s competing for Katie’s number. (Side note: During “Office Olympics,” Jim Halpert was dating a Katy -- in case anyone else is into connections today.) Jake eventually throws the game, letting Amy win for the first time, as he realizes he still has feelings for her (WHAT?! No way! Just kidding, Jake, we’re here for you).

The Jake/Amy story has played fairly subtle these first few episodes, which is a good way to start the season. Obviously no television character is going to move on from a romantic interest in three episodes if there’s a story to be told there, but B99’s done a really good job this season of not pushing it too hard. A few episodes last season I felt as though Jake was being pushed toward Amy because that’s just the way the story was constructed, but this year their interactions feel a lot more natural, and they’re really cute together -- even just as good friends. Is Jake still into Amy? Of course. Is he trying to move on? Yep! Will he date Katie, make Amy jealous, she’ll break off her engagement because she realizes she loves him too, and then he’ll start dating Karen? …Hold on, I went back to the wrong show. (But seriously, there’s a potential for a very similar romantic situation here as with The Office season 2.) Hopefully Jake will be able to explore other romantic avenue for a few episodes before some Jake/Amy drama bubbles back to the surface around November sweeps.

It was nice to see a bit of Holt’s fallibility in this episode. Obviously he doesn’t have any sort of natural people skills, but usually when it comes to work he has it all in order. As Sarge pointed out in the Captain’s office, Wuntch didn’t beat him -- he got a task force, and now he can use that for good. And sure, his squad is made up of childish and/or incompetent adults, but hey, they surprisingly get the job done (mostly) all of the time. With the return of Holt’s adversary B99 gets to approach the Captain’s stories from a new angle, and instead of just seeing Captain giving orders to the precinct, we get to see more of his struggles to get the Nine-Nine to function as it needs to. He’s a little out of his league, which is refreshing to see for the Captain, as well as amusing.

Oh Boyle and Gina. Your secret’s going to get out someday soon, and I honestly can’t wait to see the reactions. Next time you leave evidence of your relationship around, it’s not going to be as easy to destroy as trying to make Hitchcock look cool, and we all know how much of an uphill climb that was. But let’s back up for a second -- when did these two oddballs decide to make their definitely-not-friends with benefits situation official? They drunkenly slept together six months apart, and after the second time just said “What the hell?” and decided they might as well keep it up? I’m interested in the storyline because Gina and Boyle interactions are always weird, and anytime they become some sort of team even for a moment (like re: the missing tape), it’s hilarious. But I still can’t figure out when their bed buddies partnership became an ongoing thing. Did I miss a scene somewhere, or is it lying on the cutting room floor? Can anyone help me out here?

“The Jimmy Jab Games” was another great episode for a strong sophomore season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and I’m really excited to see how the season progresses. One of the things that I wasn’t a huge fan of with the last season of the show was the crazy behavior of the characters. Sometimes it felt like Scrubs when the dream sequences started to bleed into the reality of the show. And there are definitely shows for whom the outrageous and implausible are the bedrock of the program. But Brooklyn Nine-Nine always felt more at home when it mixed goofy sensibility with odd, but not completely unrealistic, behavior, and this season has been a perfect example of that. These first three episodes have really played to the show’s strengths, with lots of jokes, fun stories, and gentle character development. The episodes often feel a little short, like another 25% of story got cut in editing, but this episode seemed a little more complete than others. Overall, another great notch in B99’s bedpost.

What did you think of the episode? Do you think Jake will be able to push aside his feelings for his partner and move on? How long do you think Boyle and Gina can keep their secret? Do you have any great puns involving Wuntch and lunch? Let us know below!

Bits from the Police Scanner
- “Is that how you’re planning on sitting? Leaning back like a matinée goer? She’ll eat you alive.” (Holt)
- “I’ll see you tonight at my place? God I hate you -- don’t be late.” (Gina)
- “You want to hear the funniest thing ever? I also split an infinitive -- and she didn’t even notice.” (Holt)
- “Slam dunk, returned. ” “Three point dunk.” “You guys really don’t know enough about basketball to be doing this…” (Wuntch / Holt / Sarge)

About the Author - Kimberly

Kimberly is a big TV nerd - willing to talk any show, any time. Her tastes are various and sundry, but she’s got a soft spot for comedy. She currently writes the SpoilerTV reviews for Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and About a Boy.

Recent Reviews (All Reviews)