NBC’s popular series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which follows the hilarious adventures of Brooklyn’s 99th precinct, is returning for one final season on August 12. So, in preparation for Season 8, here is a list of 10 must-see episodes before you dive back in! Warning: There’s some spoilers in here, so if you’re a newcomer to the show, read at your own risk.
1. Pilot (1.01)
To start off, how can I not put the pilot? We’re introduced to all of the characters, with their individual personalities. Plus, we see what’s in store for each relationship—whether it’s Jake and Amy’s competitive nature that flows even into their romantic relationship, or Charles being in love with Rosa, it’s all set up in this opening episode.
2. Halloween (1.06)
If you’ve heard anything about B99, you’ve probably heard something about the Halloween Heists. Happening about once every season, the members of the 99th precinct compete in trying to steal an object, and whoever has it by midnight on Halloween is named the “amazing detective/genius.” While there are some amazing Halloween Heist episodes (one of which will come up later on this list), this is where it all began, and therefore it receives the second spot on this list.
3. The Bet (1.13)
A major theme throughout this article is going to be my love for Jake and Amy, and this will always be one of my favorite episodes. When the bet that they’ve been talking about all season finally comes to an end, Jake is ultimately victorious. As per their deal, Amy has to go on a date with Jake where she is not allowed to say “no.” While it was supposed to be another way for Jake to annoy Amy and make her miserable, who would’ve thought that this would be the night he fell in love?
4. Johnny and Dora (2.23)
Now this is where things really start ramping up with Jake and Amy. When the partners have to go undercover as Johnny and Dora, an engaged couple, their acting becomes a bit too real. I will never forget the scene when they were asked why they chose each other, and realized that their reasons were 100% true. After two seasons of will-they-won’t-they, seeing Jake and Amy finally realize they are perfect for each other was a great feeling.
5. Yippie Kayak (3.10)
Throughout the show, there are TONS of Die Hard references, since it is Jake Peralta’s all time favorite movie. Many of the squad’s shenanigans elicit a Die Hard reference from Jake, and his wedding cake even ends up being a model of Nakatomi Plaza. So, when an entire episode is a parody of Die Hard, it obviously ends up on this list of must-sees. Jake, Gina, and Charles are stuck in a mall, and Jake must channel Bruce Willis in the 80s Christmas movie to save the day.
6. Moo Moo (4.16)
Even though Brooklyn Nine-Nine is most definitely a sit-com, that doesn’t mean it can’t get serious at times, and this episode is one of those times. When Terry gets stopped in his neighborhood looking for his daughter’s stuffed animal, it leads to discussions about racism, both within the police department and in general. B99 has always had great representation, but Moo Moo was definitely an important episode in showing the reality of racial relations in the US.
7. HalloVeen (5.04)
This is probably one of my favorite Halloween episodes, even though I may be biased because, you know, Jake and Amy. The whole episode is amazing, but the scene that puts it over the top is Jake’s proposal. A combination of classic B99 humor and sweet romance, it perfectly encapsulates their romance, which the audience has seen grow. Plus, Boyle’s reaction to them getting engaged will never not be hilarious to me.
8. Jake & Amy (5.22)
And here it is. The wedding. Jake and Amy finally get married after season after season of their budding relationship. But, of course (because why would they have a normal wedding?), things go horribly wrong when there is a bomb threat at the venue. In the end, instead of a big fancy wedding, they get married at the precinct. Complete with a robot ring-bearer, a speech from Captain Holt, and Boyle’s classic obsession with the couple, it is everything we could have hoped for.
9. He Said, She Said (6.08)
As the second episode on this list that gets a bit more serious, this episode deals with the very real issue of people, especially women, being harassed in the workplace. It is an extremely poignant episode, especially after the #MeToo movement, when more and more people began coming forward with their stories. The episode follows Amy as she comes to terms with her own experience, as well as the choice to come forward or not, when she helps a woman with similar experiences. The episode delicately handles the nuances of the situation, which makes it one of my favorite episodes.
10. Lights Out (7.13)
And finally, the Season 7 finale. I feel like this is a given in getting ready for the next season, but that’s not the only reason to watch it. Over all of the seasons, we have watched Jake and Amy’s relationship grow, and many of their milestones have made it onto this list. So, why not put the start of their family on it too? When a blackout hits Brooklyn and people are stuck at the precinct, Amy must keep everything under control. But, it becomes harder when her water breaks. At the end, we finally meet McClane “Mac” Peralta-Santiago, Jake and Amy’s son, and we can’t help but look forward to what comes next for them.
Of course, not everything could be added to this list. There are TONS of incredible Brooklyn Nine-Nine episodes, and picking only 10 to watch was almost impossible. I am very much looking forward to finally having new episodes of my favorite television comedy, even if it’s only for one more season, and you will definitely catch me rewatching once I’m done!
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