The Brooklyn Nine-Nine season opener, “The Big House, Pt. 1” had us eager for more!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode 5×01, “The Big House, Pt. 1” on FOX brought it! Many people speculated that the cop comedy would run out of material for season five. But they couldn’t have been more wrong! There is nothing this show won’t do, and we love it! Our season premiere found Jake (Andy Samberg) and Rosa (Stephanie Beatriz) where they left off at the end of season 4. Heading to prison. The depression and odd fashion sense from Charles (Joe Lo Truglio) wasn’t a surprise, but his scenes were still funnier than hell to watch!

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Though some things were predictable, there were also things that kept us on our toes. Captain Holt (Andre Braugher) and Sergeant Jeffords’ (Terry Crews) responses to Rosa being locked up for one. We know Terry is emotional, but it was surprising to see how much emotion Holt showed us when speaking to Rosa. Jake also wasn’t the joker we’ve come to know and love. Sure, he was still pulling antics and digging himself into bottomless pits, but he was bit more subdued. So this is a side of Jake us viewers hadn’t seen before and even though we love him happy, we’ve got to admit seeing a sad Jake is pretty adorable. But what makes it even more so is that we all know his depression comes from missing Amy (Melissa Fumero). It certainly didn’t help that the visit was cut short.

So let’s get into our season premiere by introducing our roundtable of the week!

Kaysi (@julietknope) – Just a big television and Brooklyn Nine-Nine lover!

Aurora (@AurorasBlog) –  Won a car on TPiR. Lost a trip to Mexico on LMaD. Ran 52 half marathons in 52 weeks after open-heart surgery for a congenital heart defect. Equity actress who sings national anthem for large sporting events. Completing Project882.

Debbie (@petfan58) – Pet lover, animal shelter volunteer and entertainment junkie.

Lii (@curiouslyhale) – Number one Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Pretty Little Liars fangirl. Would take a bullet for Amy Santiago. Waiting for the day Rosa Diaz gets a girlfriend (preferably Gina)

Sarah (@Sarah_Jeanne17) – Huge fan girl and shipper of many ships. Contributing writer for TV After Dark.

1. Charles is always making poor style decisions, but what did you think of the new hair color?

Kaysi (@julietknope): Charles’ new hair color is absolutely horrible and I love it.

Aurora (@AurorasBlog): He seems to like it! If he likes it, I’m down for him! It is a bummer that he’s so stressed his hair turned white. Ultimately, Charles is such an amazing sweetheart, it’s what’s in his heart that matters – not what’s on his head.

Debbie (@petfan58): Not attractive, but funny. Classic Charles!

Lii (@curiouslyhale): It was funny, but it kind of worked. Just like Jake’s frosted tips from Florida! Personally, the Nine-Nine could wear garbage bags and I’d still think they look good. The orange hair might’ve been a bit much, but I definitely prefer it over the white hair he’s had from the distress of Jake in prison!

Sarah (@Sarah_Jeanne17): Charles has never made an independent fashion choice that went well. This one was no different. But it was hilarious!

2. Was it surprising to see Holt and Terry acting so sensitive towards Rosa?

Kaysi: Not really. Holt and Rosa have always gotten along well and he sees some of himself in her. There’s a real kinship there. In the season three finale when Holt refers to the precinct as a family and tells Rosa they’d miss her, it once again showed how much he genuinely cares about Rosa. Terry is like one giant, muscular, yogurt-loving teddy bear. He would be sensitive towards anyone in the nine-nine if they were in Rosa’s position

Aurora: It really didn’t surprise me that Holt and Terry were so sensitive toward Rosa. Terry is this teddy bear, with kids at home. He’s such a doting dad! Holt is kind of like the dad of the precinct. Rosa’s their family. They’d do anything for her.

Debbie: Yes for Terry. He seemed more uncomfortable than sensitive.

Lii: It was kind of surprising, considering Holt and Terry think Rosa’s the tough one in the precinct and they usually don’t feel the need to “take care” of her. Unlike Gina who whips out hairspray and a lighter when unattended, and Boyle setting his fringe on fire. Of course the others too. But then again, one of their detectives is in prison, so they do have the right to be sensitive and worry.

Sarah: I wasn’t as surprised about Terry because we all know what a teddy bear he is. But Holt has been surprising me since he told Rosa they were family at the end of last season.

3. Were you surprised when the gang asked Jake to kill a guard, or did you expect them to ask for something crazy?

Kaysi: Romero and the rest of the gang ARE kind of terrifying. So it wasn’t too surprising that they would ask for something so outrageous.

Aurora: Originally, I was going to say that seems realistic of what he’d probably be asked to do in prison to join the super special gang. But then I realized most of the knowledge I have of the inner-workings of prisoner dynamics is from television. So, what do I know what’s actually realistic? It felt realistic from what I know of TV prisons. Even though Brooklyn Nine-Nine can be very silly, and exaggerate real life situations in this amazing way, I always feel like it’s rooted in reality. This all tracked and felt normal to me (with my limited prison knowledge).

Debbie: They always ask for something crazy! Often the predicaments are over the top.

Lii: It wasn’t that surprising, actually. Considering they’re in a prison and Jake is friends with a cannibal, murderers were going to come up eventually.

Sarah: Sometimes I get so caught up in this show being a comedy, that I forget it deals with real issues too! So at first I was surprised, but I also knew they would add their own special spin on it.

4. As much as Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a comedy, when Caleb talked about the prison cameras being off when the guards hit inmates, did it make you cringe a little at the serious undertones?

Kaysi: Oh it’s definitely cringe-worthy, but I think it’s important it’s brought up. Brooklyn Nine-Nine has always done an amazing job of bringing attention to real issues. It’s one of the many things to love about the show.

Aurora: I’m glad they slip important issues into the show. They do this gorgeous job of weaving in serious issues. That’s a good way to get people to challenge biases or learn more. The exchange Jake had with the guard about trans prisoners was such a good addition. It’s an important issue. I know trans prisoners have it tough. But I was thinking about Jake becoming a snitch and how tough it would be for him. Not giant real world issues. So, I’m glad Brooklyn Nine-Nine keeps us planted in reality. It’s great Jake can be this silly, hilarious, lovable guy. He’s never gross, sexist, racist, or anything-bad-ist to be that lovable guy. Some shows go to the well of sexism-based or race-based “easy” jokes. But this show is always a cut above the rest. I love seeing our good guy hero really be a “good guy.”

Debbie: Yes, it did actually since that really happens.

Lii: It did. The guards shouldn’t be protected by the law, everybody should be treated the same. They should be punished. Not for Jake’s reason of course, he annoyed the guards on purpose to get the video. But when the guards beat up prisoners for no reason, that should get checked out.

Sarah: I cringed a little only because realities can be hard to face. Especially when you are watching a show like this and it hits you when you least expect.

5. As usual, Jake gets himself into more and more trouble every time he tries a new plan. If he plays double agent in the gang, will he end up too deep?

Kaysi: That is VERY likely. Jake befriending the gang will be hard enough for ‘Beef Baby’ to handle. But playing double agent will be even worse.

Aurora: I believe in Jake and I also really believe in Amy. Heck, I believe in the precinct. Jake’s making the best decisions he can in an exceptionally tough circumstance. Between him and his precinct police family, he’ll be okay. I hope! Fingers crossed!

Debbie: Way too deep! He will even confuse himself!

Lii: Well, him and Rosa did try to play double agents in the Hawkins investigation and they ended up in jail. So if he does end up in too deep, I’m going to cross my fingers and pray that Doug Judy and the Nine-Nine team up to get him out of it!

Sarah: When does Jake not end up in something too deep? He constantly gets himself into trouble. But at least he usually has his team behind him. He’s kind of isolated in prison.

6. It was odd to see the gang being okay with Jake just getting the guard fired when they said they wanted him killed. Do you think they’re playing Jake?

Kaysi: Yeah it was a bit odd. Jake is definitely going to have to watch his back around the gang.

Aurora: The writers did a good job setting up that the special way to eat Ramen really impressed the gang leader dude. I’d love to know how many viewers at home are trying that out this week, for the fun of it. So, I believe it could be real. That they’re not playing him. But I’m also often way too trusting. So, he might be getting played. But if he is, I’m right along with him!

Debbie: It’s possible. They do that kind of stuff to each other.

Lii: They might be, they might not! I genuinely do think there is some good in everybody, so if they’re not playing him, there’s that. If they are, I’m never trusting anyone again.

Sarah: I definitely think they’re playing him. There is something going on here that we haven’t seen yet.

7. Is Jake really reading books while in prison? Will it help his and Amy’s relationship if he is, or will he forget everything he read?

Kaysi: For sure. This wouldn’t be the first time Jake has read books because Amy loves them! He’ll remember all he’s read if it makes Amy happy.

Aurora: Jake is always growing every year. It’s really beautiful to see him grow, while he also keeps the basic essence of who he is. So, I think he is reading, at least a little. He’s also obviously doing a lot of other stuff in prison, as we saw in this episode. For instance, I’m sure it took a lot of time to present his case for admission to seventeen gangs. Still, I bet he’s reading. I think it will make their relationship a little bit better than it already is.

Debbie: Amy was stoked, so he may continue reading when he gets out to keep getting her attention.

Lii: I actually do think Jake is reading to pass time. I’ve never been to prison myself, but there shouldn’t be much to do there and he’s probably bored and missing the precinct. Maybe reading helps him feel better and closer to Amy somehow? I’m looking forward to them freaking out over plot twists and cliffhangers on the phone together. That’d be really cute and a great addition to the show! I’m sure it’ll help their relationship, like the time Jake started Harry Potter because of her and he actually loved them.

Sarah: As hard as it is to believe, I do think he’s reading. Jake loves Amy more than anything. It’s nice to see a show that can put a couple together and leave them there without the drama. I love their interactions! Jake would do anything for Amy. Even read.

Final Verdict: If this episode has been any indication, it’s going to be a hell of a season!

This show has proven time and again their writers stand apart from other shows. Brooklyn Nine-Nine isn’t afraid to find where the boundary lies and then deliberately take a step over it to the other side. If this isn’t a show you’re watching yet, it needs to be! Even though it is an extremely laughable comedy, there are always serious undertones. This is an area where the writers really shine and show just how good they are. While viewers are laughing, they’re also thinking.

Every show has flaws. As much fun as it was to see Hitchcock with a girlfriend, we have no idea how it happened. There is the possibility that we will get more on it as the show progresses. But as far as this episode goes, we got nothing! Even though she was in prison for who knows what, she is much younger than Hitchcock. He isn’t exactly a catch and the two seemed pretty involved. So how did that relationship come to be?

This was the start of what seems to be shaping up to an exciting season! We have so many questions and so many wants. In order to get the answers and see if we get what our little hearts desire, we’re going to have to tune in next week. It’s part 2 of Jake being in ‘The Big House’, and supposedly there isn’t going to be a part 3. So this may mean that next week is going to be all about how the team gets two of their own out of prison!