BROOKLYN NINE-NINE Recap: (S08E05) PB & J

Melody McCune

Still of Craig Robinson and Andy Samberg in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode "PB&J."

DISCLAIMER: This recap of the Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode “PB & J” is laden with spoilers. You’ve been warned. Proceed at your own peril. 

Welcome back, Nine-Niners! It’s only been two weeks since the premiere, and yet we’re already halfway through the final season! Time flies when you air two episodes a week. Anyway, “PB & J” marks the last Jake/Doug Judy adventure of the series. Not gonna lie, this one’s bittersweet. It hardly felt like Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s swan song until I watched this outing. Now, it’s real (cue the waterworks). 

This episode is chock full of classic Doug Judy goodness. It’s nice to see our favorite “Toucs and Tigers” duo get a proper ending to their series arc. In a world rife with pervasive negativity and darkness, “PB & J” is equal parts humor and heart. It’s a bona fide delight. 

Ready to delve into “PB & J”? Let’s get to it. 

RELATED: Brooklyn Nine-Nine Recap: (S08E04) Balancing

We open on Jake (Andy Samberg) and Amy (Melissa Fumero) lamenting their collective sleep deprivation from parenting. Well, Jake was up all night playing a game. Trudy Judy (Nicole Byer) waltzes in with Dog Judy in tow (her new pup). Apparently, her brother, Doug Judy, was arrested and is scheduled to be transferred to a prison facility soon. 

Later, Jake visits Doug (Craig Robinson). While his NYC criminal records were scrubbed clean, Doug still had a warrant for his arrest in New Jersey. Five years ago, he was caught stealing a car in the Garden State. 

Still of Craig Robinson and Andy Samberg in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode "PB&J."
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE — “PB & J” Episode 805 — Pictured in this screengrab: (l-r) Craig Robinson as Doug Judy, Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta — (Photo by: NBC)

So, Doug has one final day of freedom before he’s sent to prison. Jake offers to drive his fave crook there himself. He even prepares a series of “sexy surprises” to lift Doug’s spirits. 

Surprise number one: a sexy Trans Am. Next, surprise two consists of superfly matching tracksuits, which are bedecked with toucans and tigers. But wait … there’s more! The third surprise is a set of rings — one says “PB” for Pontiac Bandit, while the other bears “&J,” for Jake. PB and J forever!

Then, our dynamic duo hits the road. They formulate a rap on the spot together. Later, they stop for food, which is the fourth surprise. Jake managed to assemble Judy’s favorite foods so he can dine like a king for his last meal in the outside world. 

Suddenly, Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) pulls up in a massive camper, looking the epitome of “dad style.” He emphatically disapproves of Jake’s close bond with Doug Judy. Why would he trust a criminal who’s escaped from him multiple times? 

Next, Judy openly, nonchalantly admits his plan to flee. It was all a ruse! Trudy Judy’s arrival at the Nine-Nine was part of Doug’s sneaky scheme. His felon bros will help him evade prison altogether. 

Now, Jake accuses Doug of being a bad friend. Doug shoots back with his catchphrase, “Slurp, Slurp,” which he says incessantly, and this isn’t the first time we hear it, okay? Anyway, Boyle stops the camper so Jake and Judy can play a game. Think of it as a spin on the “newlywed game.” If Jake wins, then Judy has to go to prison. However, if Judy prevails, then Jake must set him free. 

After an intense and close competition with our pair firing off random factoids about each other, Judy wins! Or does he? Jake and Boyle already texted Holt requesting backup to escort them to the prison. Judy guffaws. He surreptitiously switched all of Jake’s phone contacts to Trudy Judy’s number! So, in actuality, Jake messaged Trudy. 

Still of Andy Samberg and Joe Lo Truglio in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode "PB&J."
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE — “PB & J” Episode 805 — Pictured in this screengrab: (l-r) Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta, Joe Lo Truglio as Charles Boyle — (Photo by: NBC)

Later, Jake calls Holt (Andre Braugher) via Boyle’s cell. Holt will send backup, but Jake’s job is on the line. If he allows Judy to escape, he’ll be fired. After the conversation, Jake purchases a car that’s seen better days in an attempt to thwart Judy’s people. 

Meanwhile, Rosa (Stephanie Beatriz) video calls Judy with a surprise — she sings his name to him! However, Jake puts the kibosh on the musical number, citing that Judy scammed him. Even though Rosa was supposed to sing 35 verses of a song that’s bereft of a proper chorus. Rosa applauds Judy for fleeing and hangs up. 

Then, the backup Jake requested arrives.

As Jake’s driving Judy to prison, he notices something’s amiss. The police car in front of him makes a strange turn, away from the prison. Jake surmises whether the “backup” is actually Judy’s crook buddies. That’s when Judy discloses that he tampered with Jake’s GPS on his phone, diverting them from the prison route. Uh oh. 

Next, Jake and Judy arrive at the GPS’ new destination to find a bevy of criminals brandishing guns. Apparently, Trudy hired these dudes off Craigslist. Never hire Craigslist felons! One of them urges Judy and Trudy to seek cover while he shoots Jake in the head. 

Thankfully, after telling Jake to “enjoy the ditch,” Judy turns on the Craigslist crooks and lays the smackdown. Jake grabs one of their guns and takes charge of the situation. 

Later, the real backup enters the fray. Jake gives a handcuffed Judy one final embrace. Toucs and Tigers forever. 

Two weeks later, Terry (Terry Crews) informs Jake of a phone call from prison. Jake answers, knowing full well Judy’s on the other line. We see Judy is in prison. He apologizes for saying he regrets befriending a cop. Judy’s grateful for their seven-year friendship. 

Still of Andy Samberg in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode "PB&J."
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE — “PB & J” Episode 805 — Pictured in this screengrab: Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta — (Photo by: NBC)

Now, the duo recounts some of their wild adventures together — a Jake/Judy highlight reel Brooklyn Nine-Nine-style. I’m not crying; you are. 

The camera pans out. Judy actually escaped, and he’s currently in Amsterdam with his wife. He’s a big fan of Stroopwafels and legal marijuana. The perfect combo!

Earlier, Jake placed a pen in Judy’s pocket, which the latter used to “Mind Freak” himself out of his handcuffs. Aw, these two! Their friendship is so touching. 

RELATED: Catch up on all the toight shenanigans with our Brooklyn Nine-Nine recaps!

There’s nothing I love more than a pure, wholesome friendship between a detective and a criminal. Well, just this pure, wholesome friendship between a detective and a criminal. The Jake and Judy episodes are some of my favorites in the history of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Robinson and Samberg possess chemistry out the wazoo. This is a brilliant coda to the Tale of PB and J. Long may they rap about sandals.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine airs Thursdays at 8 pm on your NBC affiliate. 

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Melody McCune
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