DISCLAIMER: This Brooklyn Nine-Nine recap of “Four Movements” contains more spoilers than the number of times Gina has made a grand entrance. The human form of the 100% emoji puts forth 100% into everything she does. You’ve been warned. Proceed with caution.
Welcome back, Nine-Niners! Brooklyn Nine-Nine bade farewell to one Gina Linetti this week, and my heart will be forever torn asunder. Seriously. A Gina-shaped hole now resides where my heart used to be. But, in true Nine-Nine fashion, there were still laughs aplenty in this week’s episode. The opening had me in stitches, not so much because of Gina’s outlandish dance routine but the ensemble’s reactions to said routine. Brooklyn Nine-Nine has one of the most talented comedic ensembles in its roster. I am constantly in awe of how in sync these performers are, and how adept they are at playing off each other. Bravo!
Alright, ready to delve into “Four Movements?” Just be sure to clap for Gina. Give her the thunderous applause she so deserves. Not that her ego needs it.
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We open with our favorite squad gathering together for a briefing. Everyone assumes Holt (Andre Braugher) is responsible for orchestrating said briefing. However, Gina (Chelsea Peretti) was the one pulling the strings. She makes her grand entrance, as only Gina can, by performing an elaborate dance routine. Gina hands in her two weeks notice via dance. While the crew is taken aback, everyone slowly begins to come to grips with a world sans Gina Linetti. Gina vows to leave behind crucial life lessons before she departs, in the form of four movements. Very human form of the 100% emoji.
Now, first thing’s first: Gina partakes in a high stakes chess game with Holt. Apparently, they’ve been playing for years, but Holt’s efforts to teach Gina the rules of the game have been futile. Holt grills her on the reason she’s leaving the Nine-Nine. Gina cites that she needs a change of pace. She longs to take risks, and the only way she’ll conquer the world is to take a leap of faith. Holt is satisfied with her answers, and is reassured that starting this new chapter will be fruitful for Gina. Meanwhile, Gina blesses Holt with a valuable lesson. Blessed be to Gina Linetti! First Movement over.
Next: the Second Movement. Amy (Melissa Fumero) approaches Gina and Rosa (Stephanie Beatriz) with a fun idea. Why not one last gal’s brunch before Gina leaves the nest? Our trio embarks on a brunch for the books. Rosa gives Gina a very succinct toast, but Amy isn’t satisfied with that. She’s incredibly emotional at the mere thought of Gina leaving, so she gifts the latter with a massive tome documenting all of Gina’s tweets. All of them. If you’ll recall, there’s an earlier episode where Gina declares that if she perishes, her only dying wish is that her tweets be made into a book. Amy was just fulfilling that wish! Gina urges Amy to burn the book, citing that this act of genuine emotion “sickens” her. Thus, the trio moves to a trash can outside the precinct.
Then, we see a fire burning in said trash can with Amy standing over it, book in hand. She despises the very idea of demolishing a gift she worked tirelessly to create. But, prior to burning the tweet book, Gina imparts the lesson she wanted Amy to learn. Never be afraid to be yourself. If you’re an emotional person who wears their heart on their sleeve, like Amy, then be that. Uninhibited. Unashamed. Amy and Rosa both start crying as they embrace their friend. No, I’m not crying. Just cutting onions while watching TV. Very normal. End Second Movement.
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Later, we arrive at the Third Movement. Jake (Andy Samberg), Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) and Terry (Terry Crews) are discussing Gina’s going away party. Jake insists that said party must be the splashiest of splashy parties, while Terry argues that keeping it simple might be best. Gina urges Jake to throw her party at the Manhattan Club, despite the fact that only the elite have access to the club.
Next, Jake and Gina emerge from the shadows looking like the very definition of opulence. The Denim Crew sure knows how to clean up, folks. They arrive at the Manhattan Club, where they’re immediately asked if they’re on the list. Jake and Gina stage an elaborate ruse by pretending to call “daddy” to solve this issue. After a moment of arguing, the harried doorman finally grants them access to the club. Thanks, fake daddy!
Now, Gina and Jake have an objective: to ask Mario Lopez to attend the going away party. Of course, a celebrity of that caliber at the Manhattan Club will need some convincing. They decide to claim said party is a charity bash benefiting animals. Celebrities love animals. Jake attempts to approach Mario’s security but is instantly detained. Fake daddy, help him! Third Movement out.
Later, it’s party time! Gina’s bash is held at the precinct’s regular bar hangout. Mario Lopez arrives, only to be shooed away by Gina. She claims that said party is at capacity, even though she eagerly ushers in Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller) when he arrives. Mario forlornly leaves. Jake is utterly shocked that Gina would turn away Mario after they fought so hard to get him. But, Gina reveals that turning away a celebrity at her party was an item on her bucket list. Check mate!
Next: the fourth and final Movement. Our crew arrives at the bullpen after Gina’s farewell bash. They expect to find Gina’s desk empty, but she’s still there. Gina claims she’s merely cleaning out her desk. However, she lingers around the bullpen for another week, making up excuses for her presence as she goes. Jake feels that Gina is getting cold feet regarding her decision to leave. Finally, Gina admits to her cold feet. She’s nervous to face the world outside the Nine-Nine. Our crew gathers outside and brainstorms a way to lift their friend’s spirits.
Then, they re-enter the bullpen to find a lavish gold statue of Gina. The statue is on her phone, which is a typical Gina activity. A laptop sits before the statue and a video begins to play. Gina explains that her statue’s delivery was delayed so she toiled around the bullpen to intercept it when it inevitably arrived. Gina bestows some final lessons upon her friends and thanks them for their immense support. Terry, who was dismayed that he never received a coveted “Gina Moment” despite their several year-long friendship, finally receives the best one of all. A full year subscription to a Yogurt of the Month club. Terry loves his yogurt. Gina demands everyone clap for her, in true Gina fashion. End Fourth Movement.
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Nine-Niners, Gina will be missed. Her lack of presence shall leave a ripple in all of Time and Space. Thankfully, we have that massive golden statue to remember her by. Peretti’s swan song was epic and utterly ridiculous in the best way possible. This episode had it all: comedy, drama, stunt work, gold statues, burning trash cans. Now, may we all dance forever in remembrance of one Gina Linetti. It’s really the only way to pay homage to her and her contributions to the 99th precinct.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine airs Thursdays at 9pm on your NBC affiliate.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
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