We’re counting down the days until Christmas by looking back at Christmas episodes from a variety of TV shows. Tonight we’re talking about “Christmas” from Brooklyn Nine-Nine. What Christmas episode tropes did this episode use? Let’s take a look.
Basic Info
Directed by: Jake Szymanski
Written by: Dan Goor
Episode Number: Season 1, Episode 11
Where to Watch It: Hulu
Santa Claus
The episode opens with a sequence of Jake and Charles breaking up a fight between two Santas. Both are raising money for charity and things turn ugly when they start fighting for territory. One Santa thinks that the other’s charity isn’t legitimate and says, “Nobody cares about canine diabetes!” The other replies, “They can’t give themselves shots. They have fat paws!”
One of the Santas takes out a knife and Charles has to kick him in the crotch, in front of a group of horrified kids.
Christmas Songs
“Christmas in Hollis” by Run-D.M.C. plays throughout the opening of the episode.
Christmas Cards
When Amy finds out that Captain Holt isn’t accepting presents, she sets out to make him an amazing Christmas card, with everyone in the precinct’s faces photoshopped onto Christmas ornaments.
This means recruiting Gina to help her somehow get a picture of Rosa where she’s actually smiling. It’s not easy and they don’t get the picture until, in a surprise moment, Rosa smiles at Charles after calling him a hero for taking a bullet.
Holiday Togetherness
Holt and Jake become closer under terrible circumstances: Holt has been receiving death threats and Jake is tasked with protecting him. It’s certainly an untraditional holiday plot, but the bonding is there.
Christmas Travel
Boyle plans to go on a singles cruise. He’s planning on being sure to get the airport eight hours early to be safe for his flight, but he cancels those plans when Holt calls him in to deal with Jake’s stifling protection.