DISCLAIMER: This recap of Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode “Ding Dong” contains more spoilers than the number of insults for Madeleine Wuntch in Holt’s verbal arsenal. Unsurprising, given his knack for embellishment. You’ve been warned. Proceed with caution.
Welcome back, Nine-Niners! Brooklyn Nine-Nine returns with “Ding Dong,” and it’s rife with wonderful moments. Holt learned that lifelong nemesis Madeleine Wuntch passed away. He was tasked with delivering a speech at her memorial without his usual verbal mudslinging. Boyle and Terry competed for tickets to see Kwazy Kupcakes – the film based on the smash hit game. Amy learned at the end of this episode that she was finally pregnant. Baby Peraltiago is on the way, folks! I hate to say I told you so, but…I told you so.
Alright, ready to delve into “Ding Dong?” Let’s get to it.
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Now, we open Terry (Terry Crews) acting as the bearer of bad news – Madeleine Wuntch has died. Of course, Holt’s (Andre Braugher) is one of jubilation. He believes he’s won their perpetual battle. Next, Holt tosses fresh bagels to everyone in the bullpen, excitedly exclaiming that Wuntch time is over. Rosa (Stephanie Beatriz) is all for this new side of Holt, but she also believes he should take it down a few notches. Amy (Melissa Fumero) is distraught – mostly due to the new hormones her doctor prescribed her.
Meanwhile, Jake (Andy Samberg) reveals to Terry and Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) that he has tickets to the movie premiere of Kwazy Kupcakes. If you’ll recall, the aforementioned is a mobile game that took the precinct by storm. Naturally, both want to attend, but there can only be one. One ticket to rule them all. One ticket to…okay, you know where this is going.
Then, Holt receives an email from the dearly departed Wuntch herself. In said email, Wuntch (Kyra Sedgwick) reveals that Holt must deliver a proper eulogy at her memorial service. If his speech is riddled with insults, then he’ll be booted from the force. You know, since all of Holt’s superiors will be present. If the speech goes smoothly, there’s a chance Holt will be reinstated as captain at the nine-nine. Wuntch is Holt’s arch nemesis, so this may be the latter’s most difficult police-related task to date.
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Next, Boyle and Terry bring in their kids to seduce Jake into gifting the golden ticket. Jake sees right through the ruse. He won’t be won over by adorable children. Thus, he urges the pair to decide for themselves. They find a solution – they’ll fight it out in the boxing ring. So basically Boyle is going to die. My sweet baby boy Boyle!
Meanwhile, Holt, Rosa and Amy are at the memorial. Amy is sweating profusely courtesy of her hormones. Holt reveals his initial decorating scheme for Wuntch’s service. It’s like a children’s birthday party vomited everywhere. So, the pair aids Holt in some emergency redecorating. A man named Adam (Michael McDonald) reveals to Holt that he was Wuntch’s one true nemesis. Holt is jealous – he was under the impression that he was the one Wuntch despised the most. A battle of the enemies ensues. That is, until Adam decides to help Holt’s reinstating to captaincy. Holt reads him his original eulogy speech – it’s written in all caps and spewing with malice. Adam loves it! However, Holt aims for something more amiable.
Then, we see Boyle and Terry squaring off in the ring. Jake is worried for Boyle. He’s quite certain that Terry will annihilate him. When the bell dings, Boyle goes in for the final blow. He aims for Terry’s family jewels – it was his Nana Boyle’s signature boxing move. The Strawberry Basket! Then, Terry delivers a nasty punch. Boyle reinforces his Nana’s move. And…that’s that. Fight over and out!
Later, Holt begins his speech. Suddenly, footage of Holt reciting his initial speech is played behind him. Adam was planted by Wuntch as one last impediment. He reveals himself to be Wuntch’s nephew. Adam believes he’s showing Holt’s superiors the latter’s true colors by airing said footage. However, Holt has a trick up his sleeve as well. He hired improv actors to pretend to be memorial attendees. It’s a faux service, and Adam fell for it. Huzzah! Holt still wins!
Next, Jake reveals that he’s not going to take Boyle or Terry to the movie premiere. Instead, he’ll be taking their kids. After Jake leaves, Boyle and Holt act as if that was their plan all along – to get the former to inadvertently play babysitter. Mission accomplished, then!
Now, Holt, Rosa and Amy are attending the real memorial service for Madeleine Wuntch. He issues forth a beautiful, succinct speech for his arch rival. Holt claims that he’ll miss Wuntch incessantly challenging him. He’ll miss the excitement she brought. In fact, he may actually miss Wuntch herself. Braugher is in top form this episode, and this vulnerable moment for Holt is understated yet rife with impact. I’m thinking Holt will be reinstated soon.
Later, Amy drops an information bomb on Jake – she took a pregnancy test and it’s positive. They’re finally having a baby! Rejoice! Hallelujah! What a lovely way to end the episode. Not to mention, it’s a ray of sunshine amid terrifying real-life worldly developments. Baby Peraltiago is a go! Oh – and Boyle already knows. His Jakey senses are a-tingling!
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Now, I tickled pink my baby prediction came true. My hope is we’ll focus on Amy’s pregnancy in the back half of Season 7. However, I also want more Rosa content. We don’t get nearly enough Rosa time. Braugher is my MVP for this week – he completely stole the show. Holt was equal parts comedic and refreshingly vulnerable.
Do you think the remainder of the season will showcase Amy’s pregnancy? Will Holt be reinstated as captain? How did Kwazy Kupcakes fare at the box office despite its very low Rotten Tomatoes rating? Join me next week as I recap Brooklyn Nine-Nine, here on Geek Girl Authority.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine airs Thursdays at 8:30pm 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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