Warning: Possible spoilers ahead

Beyond the laughter, smiles, and joy, the fictional ninety-ninth precinct of New York City’s police task force questions what it means to be a police officer amidst times of police brutality in its newest, and final, eighth season. Together, the characters in the NBS show, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, fight alongside each other to answer this question.

The past couple of years has been very tense, especially in America. Cases of police brutality and police discrimination against minorities have always existed in the U.S, but last year we saw the Black Lives Matter movement being further highlighted due to the tragic deaths of black individuals like George Floyd and Ahmad Aubrey- prompting a rise in much-needed discussion. As creators of a cop show, the directors and cast members of Brooklyn nine-nine felt that it would be socially insensitive to continue on with their show without properly addressing the troubling events that happened in the U.S. 

This caused the original script for season 8 to be thrown away and replaced with one that commented on systemic racism in the police force. 

Here are some ways in which the last season of Brooklyn nine-nine was able to expertly comment on and highlight the problems of not only the U.S. police force but also other social issues such as mental health and racism.

Scene 1: Detective Rosa quitting the force

In the first episode of season 8, the viewers are introduced to the fact that Rosa Diaz – a detective of the 99th precinct – resigned from her position and quit altogether. This shocked many of her co-workers, including the protagonist of the show, Jake Perolta. Her decision for quitting had to ultimately do with her conscience- she could no longer work for a system that has consistently been putting minorities at a disadvantage and in intentional harm. Being a person of color herself, Rosa knew what it is like to be wrongly treated just on the basis of her skin and race. Detective Diaz has always been a person who likes to rebel and do things her own way even when it comes to her work life. Although this decision of hers aligns with her rebellious nature, this scene took it one step further and demonstrated her strict values and morals in life- that she would do whatever it takes to make sure she is true to herself and her core beliefs. 

This show prides itself on being able to show a close-knit relationship between the detectives and police officers, so to have a member leave is understandably a huge upset and something that would theoretically break the family bond the 99th precinct has together. However, many viewers, and I included believed that it was necessary because it shows a side of the police force that we never see- how do officers of color feel about the wrongdoings of their employing institution? Many would feel betrayed and yet guilty as they are aiding in these acts of systematic terror on citizens that look like them and live to bear them. The creators portrayed these inner feelings through Rosa, taking it one step up but ultimately showing her quitting the force to show her morals. Also, it can be argued that the family-like bond between Rosa and the rest of the precinct crew has only gotten stronger. Although Rosa and Jake had a falling out because of Rosa’s abrupt decision to leave the force, Jake soon realized that her feelings and resolve meant a lot to her and that this decision did not come easy to her. Seeing how this has impacted his friend, Jake was able to get rid of his ignorance and started to understand her actions and this, therefore, helped to deepen their friendship and trust in each other.

Scene 2: Mental Health discussion between Captain Holt and Amy Santiago

Amy Santiago, a detective of the 99th precinct, started to notice how her Captain, Captain Raymond Holt, had started to act differently. Captain Holt is a very stoic and physically emotionless person, so for Amy to be able to read his expression and know that something was going on with him is a true testament to their friendship and bond- further accentuating the close-knit community of the 99th precinct. When Amy confronted Holt about his feelings and how he has really been doing, Holt began to open himself up and expressed how “it has been a tough year to be a black man”. This indicates not only- again- how systemic racism has affected many black individuals physically, but mentally as well. Holt continues by saying how the past events have caused him so much emotional distress that in turn, affected his love life negatively. 

Seeing how Captain Holt breaks down illustrates the emotionally destructive effects the past year has had on my people. Displaying such vulnerability, especially through a character that is known to hate showing emotions, speaks so much about the amount of pain that has accumulated for many individuals, not only in the U.S but all across the world. This scene of Holt opening up and sharing a heartwarming conversation with Amy helps to tell the viewers that it is okay to seek help and that there is nothing shameful about being vulnerable. 

However, let it also be known that Brooklyn nine-nine is a comedy show and it prides itself on its ability to crack inappropriate jokes here and there. Therefore, lots of fans were worried whether or not this would hinder the creator’s motive of portraying serious real-life issues. However, the creators were able to create a perfect balance between comedy and serious issues by adding one additional element to the mix- Emotional relatability. Having touching moments such as the tearful conversation about mental health between Captain Holt and Amy, the heart-wrenching reunion between Captain Holt and his husband and the anxiety that was caused due to suspicions of detective Boyle having cancer, all of these moments have made many viewers cry and were able to create a perfect transition from serious events to comedy- not making the change too drastic or shocking which created such a nice harmony. 

Although progress has definitely been made in terms of having more open discussions and just overall more public acceptance, we as a society still undoubtedly view mental health as a taboo subject and something that is frowned upon. 

We are told, whether that be directly or indirectly, that to be emotionally weak means that you are abnormal. 

That to be vulnerable and in need of guidance is attention-seeking. 

That the struggles you carry tirelessly every day on your shoulders are “not that bad” and can be easy to fix. 

Teenagers and young adults- individuals who learn what we know from others and from the media- therefore are not exposed to mental health transparency and as a result feel not only more isolated as most of them do not see themselves being represented on the screen, but are also more accepting of the fact that their personal battles are sinful and a factor that defines how weak they are.

 However, Brooklyn nine-nine is a show that loves nothing more than full transparency. Revealing how the infamously stoic and hard-headed characters, Captain Holt and Detective Santiago also deal with such mental struggles allows the viewers to be aware of how it is not only okay to be not okay, but also how even the most “successful” and “hard-headed” characters have their moments.

There were also many positive opinions on season 8 and its attempt to balance both serious issues and comedy:

“There was a good balance of both comedy and serious issues in my opinion,” said twelfth-grader Hai-Van Hoang, “The show definitely made sure to be comedic but at the same time not putting these issues on the back burner. The show is not trying to be something they are not and this proves the point that a comedy show that is goofy like Brooklyn nine-nine can still deal with serious topics. It definitely broke boundaries,”

Overall, season 8 has been a monumental season of this series, as it was able to capture and acknowledge the troubling events that have occurred in the U.S but were still able to retain its trademark comedic charm, creating a season that is not only funny but educational.