S03.E21: Maximum Security

[formerlyfreedom]

In an attempt to get information on a criminal operation, Amy has to go undercover at a women’s prison and befriend one of the prisoners. Meanwhile back at the precinct, Holt and the team plan a fake funeral in an attempt to catch a hitman.

 

[Loandbehold]

It will be interesting to see what steps they took to hide MF's pregnancy in those prison scenes.

Edited March 30, 2016 by Loandbehold

[ClareWalks]

It will be interesting to see what steps they took to hide MF's pregnancy in those prison scenes.

 

The promo shows her going undercover AS a pregnant woman (Jake hands her a fake belly, and Rosa is also shown wearing it). Well played, B99. Well played.

[bethy]

"Why aren't you going to each other?"

I kind of love that both Jake/Amy and we, the audience, completely expect that Charles will be present for these little moments between the two of them.

I thought it was weirdly sweet that Amy thought Jake didn't believe she was tough enough and that Jake himself thought that was his issue until she called him on it.

Loved Rosa flicking the tear she, well, pooped, at Terry.

[Mystery]

Raymond Holt would not say "unquote." That is all.

[thuganomics85]

Well, I wasn't a huge fan of Pimento, but I guess I'll give him credit for leading to an episode like this!

 

Not surprised that I loved pretty much every minute of Amy in prison.  I loved how everyone wondered if she had what it took, and she proved them all wrong, because as I said before, I always felt Amy could actually be pretty scary when the time called for it.  Combine that with her smarts, and I can easily see her being able to assess situations in prison, and know the best way to approach the mark.  Sure, a few of her typical Amy-moments slipped out, but I loved her undercover work.  I felt like Amy's been put on the back-burner somewhat (to be fair, probably because of Melissa Fumero's real-life pregnancy), so I'm glad she got to take lead in this one. Can't wait to see where this goes from here!  Also enjoyed the casting of Aida Turturro as Maura Figgs, even part of me still wanted to call her Janice from The Sopranos.

 

Jake being overprotective was condescending and unprofessional of him, but I'm glad that he admitted it at the end and even took himself off the case, since he knew his judgement was impaired.  Despite all that, I can understand why he acted like that, because, yeah, Amy was in a dangerous situation and it would be hard for him to watch.  But I'm glad he realized he was messing things up, and left her in Boyle's hand, who is more then capable.  Well, once he quits being obsessed over Jake and Amy's "baby."  Oh, Boyle.  This is healthy, man.

 

Figured the funeral was going to lead to Rosa finally opening up about missing Pimento, but I enjoyed it and thought Stephanie Beatriz did a good job her eulogy scene.  And Terry being his normal, awesome, supportive self is always great.  But Holt was my favorite of the entire thing.  I loved him making "small talk" (which includes The Bachelor and Andre Agassi of all things), and his hilariously high five-ing, and even admitting he now enjoys it.  Andre Braugher is the gift that keeps on giving.

 

I actually imagine it would be kind of fun watching Jake and Amy on Jeopardy night.  Although, what I really want to see is Amy on that show.  Alex Trebek wouldn't know what hit him.

 

Loved the cold opening and them figuring out they were in the wrong place once they realized Hitchock and Scully actually found the secret spot.  That is a pretty big warning sign.

[KateeBar]

Man, my love for Holt knows no bounds. Andre Braugher is just amazing. "I could also wear short pants and drink out of a jug marked XXX." 

 

This was one of my favorite episodes to date. And I was initially against the Amy/Jake pairing, but they've really executed it so well. It seems like realistic relationship growth, with them figuring out how to work together (or not). It's interesting that one of the funniest shows on TV can also create a good adult relationship that runs right through the middle of it. 

[Duke2801]

Loved this!  And yes, Charles's "WHY aren't you going to each other??" was classic Charles---sweet, hilarious, and somewhat inappropriate! 

 

I loved Jake getting all "quote unquote" protective of Amy in prison. In fact, I'll admit I found him quite um.... attractive in that scene.  Yeah, I find vulnerability a slight aphrodisiac. (and I, too, avoid gluten!)  But I digress... 

[TheRabbi]

I can't really put my finger on it, but I just am not finding this show funny anymore, and this was my favorite show for the first 2 seasons. I loved this year's Halloween episode but that's about it.

I don't know if it's trying too hard, or if the schtick is just wearing out its welcome, but I honestly haven't laughed at the last 4 or 5 episodes, and it makes me sad to say.

Edited April 6, 2016 by TheRabbi

[bethy]

I loved Jake getting all "quote unquote" protective of Amy in prison. In fact, I'll admit I found him quite um.... attractive in that scene.  Yeah, I find vulnerability a slight aphrodisiac. (and I, too, avoid gluten!)  But I digress... 

 

What I loved about that scene was that Andy Samberg's whole demeanor and even his voice changed when he finally realized and admitted what he was doing. I also appreciated that Amy didn't shame him or scold him, but acknowledged that what they're doing is hard and that she worries about him, too. Both of them were respectful of each other.

 

I continue to be so pleased by how well the show is handling this relationship. Romance between the two main characters can be done, shows!

 

Edited, because YIKES. Andy Samberg is NOT Adam Sandler. 

Edited April 6, 2016 by bethy

[3dog]

I loved that Jake had cuts and bruises at the end. Amy really gave him a beatdown! That little detail made me laugh.

[Primetimer]

Take notes: this guy's spitting gold.

Read the story

[swimmyfish]

Holt's follow-through on the high five with Rosa was maybe his best moment this episode. Although we did have an embarrassment of riches to choose from.

[VCRTracking]

"Oh my god Amy go to him!"

"Oh my god Jake go to her!"

"Why aren't you going to each other!"

 

I love Charles.

 

"ScarJoe". Heh.

 

"Hotzis". Double heh.

 

Favorite line was Gina's "If people knew how smart I was, it would be harder to control them."

Edited April 6, 2016 by VCRTracking

[Featherhat]

This was a great way to incorporate MF's pregnancy into the storyline and give her something more to do than hold boxes/files or sit at a desk for two scenes per episode. Yes Amy is tough and can be bad ass. I liked the storyline with her and Jake, it felt fairly natural. It's horrific to watch someone you love in a terrifying situation and if the circumstances had been any less secret Holt would not have allowed it to happen. I liked that they both acknowledged the difficulties of dating a cop, but I wish we'd seem slightly more of that this season. Jake was obviously out of line but he admitted it and recused himself gracefully in the end. Their relationship is so grown up for all TV let alone a sitcom. .......And then Amy beats him up as the only way to regain the prison cred he cost her.

Love Holt and Rosa, that's most of what I have to say here. I'm really glad that he discovered that he enjoyed High Fives! And that whilst I wasn't a fan of lightening fast! Rosa/Pimento that SB gave a great eulogy.

Teeny Tiny side note. Does anyone else feel Jake's "what?! WOMEN WATCH PORN!!!??!" moment was a little weird for the character. It wasn't a big deal

[Danny Franks]

No Pimento means the show is watchable again. The threat of him returning is really, really annoying. Because I want to punch my screen every time I see Mantzoukas playing his one, worn out old comedy card. 'Oh hey, he's angry and unhinged again. Wow. How funny.'

 

Anyway, without him, this was a great episode. Loved seeing Amy get to take centre stage, both in the plot and in the team's plans to crack a case. She's always been the best, but I laughed at them all doubting that she could be tough and scary. Because she's Amy, the adorable dork who values grammar and everything sensible.

 

But she's almost as good at role playing as Jake is, and she really seems to get into it. Lots of fun stuff for Melissa Fumero to do in this episode, and she nailed every bit of it. I'm intrigued to see how long she's undercover for, because I expected it to only be a one episode storyline.

 

Jake and Amy continues to work wonderfully well, and provide such growth for both characters. Jake facing up to the truth of why he was acting like he was, and owning it, was such a strong moment for him. And Amy understanding and not being angry after he admitted it was great for her too. No gloating or crowing, like so many shows would have the woman do in those circumstances. She appreciates his concerns, just like a real live person.

 

Charles being the voice of all the 'shippers is always funny. Jake and Amy just rolling with his weirdness made me laugh. As did Charles's horror over 'touching Amy's boob' at the end. Of course he'd feel like he had to tell Jake.

 

Holt high fiving and getting a taste for it was funny too. But I paid little to no attention to that storyline, because it was about Pimento. Who I honestly hope does show up dead before the end of the season.

[Bort]

I absolutely LOVED that Hitchcock was tapped to portray a bloated, dead body.

[peeayebee]

Good ep. I liked the montage of Jake, playing a doctor, kept pulling Amy in whenever he felt she was in danger, with each time getting more and more ridiculous.

 

I think my favorite bit in the ep -- aside from everything Holt did because he's simply the best -- was when Amy said she'd never scratched her butt in public. Jake and Charles' reaction cracked me up.

[DeepPoet117]

I absolutely love that Jake and Amy had a mature, grown-up conversation about the fact that Jake was being overprotective and that Amy gets scared for Jake too, that Jake was mature enough to realize that he was being overprotective and needed to step down from the case, and basically that Jake and Amy have a mature, healthy relationship where they can discuss these issues without fighting or overreacting. It's so refreshing to see!

 

I absolutely adored fangirl!Charles and Holt's newfound love of high fives. I had a lot of laughs this episode, which was awesome.

[kalamac]

Andre Braugher was the reason I started watching B99 (having been a fan since his H:LoTS days), and he does not disappoint. Holt cracks me up.

As others here have said, I also love Jake & Amy's relationship, and how well it's handled.

[tennisgurl]

When it comes to Jake and Amy and their relationship, I am basically Charles. I am dealing with that fact. 

 

Hello my name is Tennisgurl, and I am a fangirl. 

[Mama No Life]

This show has made me into such a Samberg fan....never knew it was possible to crush on someone from SNL. 

 

The way they handle the Jake/Amy relationship is just perfect...it should be a road map for other shows, and not just sitcoms, on how to use a romance to improve a show instead of ruin it. 

 

I too wish Pimento was dead, ha, but if I get Holt small talk and high-fives, I can survive most anything.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Funeral high five!

[Loandbehold]

 

I absolutely love that Jake and Amy had a mature, grown-up conversation about the fact that Jake was being overprotective and that Amy gets scared for Jake too, that Jake was mature enough to realize that he was being overprotective and needed to step down from the case, and basically that Jake and Amy have a mature, healthy relationship where they can discuss these issues without fighting or overreacting. It's so refreshing to see!

I wholeheartedly agree. What I also love is that Jake is recusing himself and leaving Charles to be Amy's handler because they both know Charles, much like Amy proved, is up to the job. I love that this show has Charles be a good cop as well as Jake's biggest fan.

 

AB was, once again, amazing. But, Capt. Holt, I gotta know, what, exactly, is the it Andre Agassi is at ... again?

[Thog]

Great episode. I loved that they threw in a line about nobody believing Amy's "fake" pregnancy belly. Nice little nod.

[dusang]

Great episode. I loved that they threw in a line about nobody believing Amy's "fake" pregnancy belly. Nice little nod.

 

I also loved that they (probably) padded her up a bit so that she and Jake could squish her belly as they discussed it.  I'm pretty sure pregnant bellies do not have that much give.

Edited April 8, 2016 by dusang

[ElectricBoogaloo]

But, Capt. Holt, I gotta know, what, exactly, is the it Andre Agassi is at ... again?

The latest Agassi news!

[ClareWalks]

 

AB was, once again, amazing. But, Capt. Holt, I gotta know, what, exactly, is the it Andre Agassi is at ... again?

 

I know, right? I haven't heard about Agassi in, like, 15 years! 

 

Just for fun, we could list other "Holt small talk" topics. 

 

"The Kardashians are a family."

"Fanta comes in several varieties."

"The latest political event was, truly, intriguing."

[AnnaRose]

I also loved that they (probably) padded her up a bit so that she and Jake could squish her belly as they discussed it.  I'm pretty sure pregnant bellies do no that that much give.

 

I was wondering about that too.  I didn't think it would move so much.  It was a little disturbing to watch.

[Thog]

I have to wonder if Google hits for Andre Agassi went up after this episode.

[NoWillToResist]

I liked all the plot lines in this episode.

 

Oh, Amy. If I loved you any more, I'd be Jake Peralta.

 

Loved how adorably pleased she looked when Jake and Charles liked her final attempt at being aggressive (in her practice sessions with them in the precinct).

 

I was kind of surprised that they thought she couldn't be convincing as a rage-monster though; have someone use the incorrect "its" one time around her, then watch and learn. ;)  I don't know how Adam Samberg does it, but he makes me die laughing every time he delivers that slightly spooked/weirded "oookay" when Amy or (whomever) does/says something kind of over the top and/or worrisome.

 

I was really surprised that Jake was allowed to be her handler. Conflict of interest much? Still, it's a sitcom and they addressed it well, so I'll let it slide.

Charles fanboying over them will never get old. Bless him.

 

The funeral was fabulous. Everyone did a fabulous job. Holt's surprised enjoyment of the high fives was delightful. :D

[pookat]

I loved Jake getting all "quote unquote" protective of Amy in prison. In fact, I'll admit I found him quite um.... attractive in that scene. Yeah, I find vulnerability a slight aphrodisiac. (and I, too, avoid gluten!) But I digress...

Little late to the party, but YES to that! It took a while for me to warm up to this show, but wow, they have really hit it out of the park this season. Jake used to be one of the reasons I disliked the show, but he has been wonderful over the last two seasons and was full on crushworthy in this episode.

I really dug the protective vibe, but was even more appreciative of his honesty and vulnerability as you mentioned. He has matured so nicely in this show, yet is still goofy and fun. I love that in the 3 episodes leading up to the season finale, he has been the go to guy, a caretaker, peacemaker and a smart detective. Yet secure in himself to own up to his insecurities and recognize that he was compromising Amy.

This show has a sweetness to it that is also grounded in authenticity. I am loving the latest episodes and will miss it over the summer.

Edited April 18, 2016 by pookat