Title Virgins

Two-Sentence Summary When Jess gets an unexpected text from the man she lost her virginity to, all the loft roommates (and Cece) begin sharing their “first time” stories in an attempt to determine whose was the worst. After withholding the real story of his first time from everyone but Jess, Nick finally decides to stop thinking and carries her to his room for their own first time.

Favorite Line This episode had so many winners that I’ve composed a little Top Five list of favorite “Virgins” quotes for your reading pleasure:

5. “This guy’s the worst. Playing guitar for girls? Girls don’t like that—that’s a fact!” (Nick)

4. “If I pee while it’s happening, will she die?” (Schmidt)

3. “Ruh-roh.” (Jess)

2. Mysteria: Aren’t you a virgin too?
Winston: Just my penis, baby. Just my penis.

1. “Do you like DVDs? Do you sell cookies? Not a cookie bar.” (Schmidt)

Episode M.V.P. The entire ensemble was on fire once again this week, but I have to single out the guys as the true reason “Virgins” was such a standout New Girl episode. In both the flashbacks and the present-day scenes, Schmidt, Winston, and Nick were at their very best. Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, and Jake Johnson play off each other so perfectly; you really find yourself believing that you’re watching three best friends interacting when they share scenes, and that was especially true in this episode.

I think it needs to be said before this season is done: Winston is sneakily becoming a scene-stealer on this show. Morris has owned everything he’s been given this season, and this episode was no exception. His teenage Winston was such a believable mixture of innocence (watching Titanic and not knowing what was going to happen, asking Mysteria what she did for a living) and false bravado (#2 on my list of favorite lines). And in the present, Winston was hilarious in his disbelief over Mysteria actually being a prostitute and his strange optimism over his “last chance” with Daisy.

Schmidt, on the other hand, is no one’s surprise scene-stealer anymore. He’s the character I look to for genuine laugh-until-I-cry moments in almost every episode, and he provided a few gems in “Virgins.” Fat Schmidt is always a welcome addition to an episode because of the naïve vulnerability and inherent sweetness in that character, so I loved his awkward interaction with Nick about the basics of sex (and his strange “Penis! Vagina!” dance). But what really made me laugh until I couldn’t breathe was that genius bit of physical comedy involving Schmidt, Nick, and way too much personal lubricant. It went on just long enough to remain hilarious throughout, and the fact that it happened with “I’ll Make Love to You” playing in the background made it even funnier.

And then there was Nick. Oh Nick Miller, Nick Miller, from the streets of Chicago—just when I think I can’t love you any more, you talk about Jess’s “secret garden,” hide in the bathroom to eavesdrop on conversations (which Schmidt and Winston find totally normal), have a standoff with an imaginary troll during a mushroom-induced trip, and still manage to end the episode looking perhaps hotter than ever before. Johnson can add “Virgins” to the already-long list of episodes he could use for his Emmy submission. He managed to go from awkward teenage boy to perhaps even more awkward college student to a grown man unwilling to let the right moment pass him by anymore. Yes, he was incredibly funny throughout (crying in front of Octopussy, crawling on the floor of his dorm room as Schmidt tried to have sex, letting random jealous outbursts take over whenever Jess talked about Teddy), but what got me once again was his disarming sincerity. I thought his story about his relatively normal first time was delivered perfectly, with just the right sense of nostalgia and vulnerability as he chose to only tell Jess. And then the way he stopped the elevator and carried Jess to his room was the epitome of hotness. There’s something so ungodly attractive about Nick (and by extension Johnson) when he’s interacting with Jess, and this took it to a new level (as it should).

Favorite Moment When Nick stopped the elevator doors from closing just as “Anything Can Happen” started to play, I could feel my heart start beating faster in anticipation of what was to come—that’s how you know a TV moment is a great one. What I loved about Nick and Jess finally taking this step in their relationship was that, like their kiss in “Cooler,” a whole episode was built around getting them to this point, but it still managed to feel natural and spontaneous. It was a moment I knew was coming, but that didn’t make the payoff any less sweet. In fact, it made it feel even sweeter because it felt earned and believable and right. Words are failing me when I try to describe just how sexy Nick was in that scene—the way he held Jess was just so…FGHGHLDGFHAKSFHJDGKHDGJK. (Yes, I believe a keyboard smash is the only appropriate reaction to that level of hotness.) But what really sold me was Zooey Deschanel’s reaction. For a split second, Jess looks at Nick and you can see how nervous she is for what’s about to happen—because she knows it’s going to change everything. But then Nick smiles at her—just a small smile—and Johnson sells the hell out of that moment. And then Jess kisses Nick, all her nerves pushed aside by that one small smile. Because of that beautiful little character moment, I was more than okay with the directorial decision to favor eye contact over kissing in that scene. It was actually more intimate, and it made the one kiss they showed all the most powerful.

My favorite part of that scene, though, was the very end of it. I loved that the sex was clearly very good and not bad or awkward like some sitcoms might have tried to force on the audience. I loved that neither of them seemed to regret it. And I loved that they were able to just be themselves after venturing into such new, intimate territory together. Their laughter, smiles, and facial expressions were so perfectly in-character and added a realism to this moment that kept it from being too melodramatic or too sappy. Their happiness was so palpable, and their dynamic felt so right. The best thing about Nick and Jess’s relationship has always been how genuine it feels, and that extended in a really beautiful way to this scene.

A New Girl GIF* For My New Girl Feelings

That really just happened—and it was awesome! That’s what’s written all over Nick and Jess’s adorable faces here, and that’s how I felt after this episode. I knew it was going to be good, but I had no idea it would be that good.

*I have no talent for GIF-making. Thankfully, I am highly skilled at searching Tumblr for the best GIFs. I take no credit for this beauty. 

Title Bachelorette Party

Two-Sentence Summary Jess’s plan to throw Cece the raucous bachelorette party she’s always dreamed of is complicated by the presence of Shivrang’s aunt. The guys aren’t having any less awkward a time after Schmidt embarks on a plan to get a date for the wedding and Nick and Winston are tasked with getting a picture of the part of Shivrang Cece isn’t supposed to see before the wedding.

Favorite Line “It’s like waking up from a bad salad dream.” (Schmidt, while eating pizza)

Episode M.V.P. Schmidt. Nick was hilarious yet again. (Any excuse to see Jake Johnson try to dance is a good one in my book.) Winston’s overexcited schemes continued to make me laugh. (I’m serious when I say “Prank Sinatra” has been one of my favorite things to come out of Season 2 of New Girl.) And Jess and Cece’s interactions proved why they are one of the funniest, sweetest, and most realistic depictions of female friendship on TV.

But this episode was a huge one for Schmidt, and I liked that it was. For as much as I love Nick and Jess with all my heart, this was a good way to take a little step back from their relationship and focus on the other reasons why New Girl is such a great show. Plus, too much Nick/Jess interaction would have just furthered emphasized the fact that this episode and last week’s “First Date” were switched from their correct order. Instead, focusing on Schmidt for the emotional center of the episode allowed for an episode that didn’t feel forced, starved, or off from the correct timeline in terms of Nick and Jess screentime.

The way Max Greenfield was able to transition so smoothly from anger at Cece to “douchebag” with his ex-flings to emotional honesty with Elizabeth and Cece to childlike joy over eating pizza again proves what a capable actor he really is. Schmidt’s sincere moments always blindside me in the best possible ways, and this episode’s moments were no exception. The way his entire body seemed to shrink when Elizabeth told him he was mean to her was such a subtle reaction that said so much about the true heart of this character. And the warmth in his voice when he talked to Cece at the end just about broke my heart. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in Nick and Jess that I forget that Schmidt was my first New Girl love. It’s nice to have episodes like this one to remind me of what a great character he is.

Favorite Moment Both of Schmidt’s scenes with Elizabeth were the standout moments of this episode for me. I’m continually blown away by the way the writers and especially the actors on this show are able to create a sense of shared pasts between these characters. I feel it all the time with the guys, and I love when I can see it between Jess and Cece, too (like their fight in this episode, which had a real sense of familiarity to it). Somehow, Greenfield and Merritt Wever were able to create a depth between their characters in their first scene that some sitcom actors take whole seasons to develop. You could feel the hurt Elizabeth still feels, and Greenfield beautifully played Schmidt’s growing awareness that he used to be a better person—and his regret that he’s no longer that person. That scene was as big a character moment for Schmidt as we’ve gotten this season, and it was played with the subtle emotional quality that has made Greenfield such a standout actor on a show filled with great performances every week.

The last scene between Schmidt and Elizabeth was probably the most fun I’ve had watching Schmidt this season. When he’s allowed to be silly and ridiculous, you can see Greenfield relishing in those moments. I don’t know how much more we’ll be seeing Elizabeth, but I actually hope she sticks around for a little while (and I say that as a huge fan of the Schmidt/Cece pairing). Elizabeth just feels like she’ll be good for Schmidt, and more character development on this show is never a bad thing. Plus, Greenfield and Wever had an easy rapport that I really liked.

A New Girl GIF* For My New Girl Feelings

I just really wanted to hug Schmidt at the end of this episode. I was so proud of him for growing enough as a person to wish Cece well and to show up to try and make things right with Elizabeth, but you could feel how heartbroken he still was over Cece. Schmidt’s character development was the best part of the episode (mainly because the Jess/Nick stuff was thrown off by the switch in episode order), and Greenfield played it so perfectly.

*I have no talent for GIF-making. Thankfully, I am highly skilled at searching Tumblr for the best GIFs. I take no credit for this beauty. 

Title First Date

Two-Sentence Summary As Nick and Jess go on their first date (but does Jess really know it’s a date?), Winston and Schmidt enlist the help of Outside Dave to sabotage the romance before it ruins the loft dynamic forever. However, Nick and Jess do a good enough job of sabotaging themselves, especially when Jess’s ex-boyfriend Russell forces them to confront (or not confront) the truth about what their relationship really is.

Favorite Line “Jessica, you are a beautiful woman, and my life has not been the same since I met you. And it would mean the world to me if you would go on a date with me.” (Nick, to Tran)

Episode M.V.P. This week’s episode M.V.P. is a beautiful, intangible little thing called chemistry. There was no one character that stood out above the pack this week. Rather, it was the ease and rapport between the characters that made the episode work. Without sparks—of both comedic and romantic varieties—“First Date” would have fallen flat.

In terms of comedic chemistry, I’m not sure it gets better than Schmidt and Winston trying to come up with ideas to ruin Nick and Jess’s date. Winston’s inability to find a good middle ground for a prank is one of my favorite of his character quirks. Lamorne Morris excels when Winston is being “Prank Sinatra,” and Max Greenfield has such a hilariously deadpan way of shooting down his ideas. I laughed until I wanted to cry when Winston suggested killing Jess with a knife and releasing a bear full of “Hep C” into the restaurant. And I actually did cry tears of laughter when Schmidt and Winston both offered their own guesses as to why Nick was being secretive about his date (“Male escort!”). These two characters have been on fire lately, and they’ve been excelling at quieter moments of friendship, too—mainly because they balance those with sharp humor right away.

Speaking of balance, I’m not sure any pair of actors is better at balancing comedy, angst, and sexual tension than Zooey Deschanel and Jake Johnson are right now. Their chemistry in this episode was nothing short of extraordinary. It ranged from painfully realistically awkward (Jess asking Nick if they were on a date) and equally realistically easy (sharing their turn-ons) to heartbreaking (agreeing on “middle school dance rules”) and just plain HOT (Nick opening the jar and gargling his beer). Everything worked because Johnson and Deschanel remained true to their characters through it all. So, despite the frustration of watching them get in their own way, you can feel how much they want each other—and you can feel that this new arrangement won’t last very long. That last goodnight by their bedroom doors was filled with more longing and sexual tension than I’ve seen on TV in years. You know two actors have amazing chemistry when you’re literally yelling at the TV for them to kiss, and I will totally admit to doing that on multiple occasions during “First Date.”

Favorite Moment For as much as I adored the rampant sexual tension in the last scene (and the almost uncontrollable hotness of Nick opening the jar), my favorite moment was a little less tense. The best thing about Nick and Jess’s relationship is how real it feels, and it’s never felt more real than when Nick and Jess were sitting at the bar, talking about the weird things the other does that turns them on.

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Title Chicago

Two-Sentence Summary The sudden death of Nick’s father brings all four roommates to Chicago, where Jess meets the Miller clan for the first time. As Nick takes on the responsibilities of planning an Elvis-themed funeral, Jess tries to support him in any way possible, while Winston helps Schmidt deal with his intense fear of death.

Favorite Line “I really feel transported to the ghetto.” (Schmidt)

Episode M.V.P. You know a television show has really hit its stride when the whole cast is so good on such a consistent basis that you begin to hate the idea of singling one of them out every week for being better than the rest. “Chicago” provided memorable moments for all of the major characters, and every actor brought their A-game to the table once again.

Although Winston and Schmidt had less emotionally intense storylines than Nick and Jess, they both had standout moments of comedy. Winston’s complete breakdown as he attempted to eulogize Walt was hilarious, and Schmidt’s “butt-ton”-induced panic attack was yet another scene for the Max Greenfield highlight reel. (Why are his strange pronunciations of words so funny?) One more potential addition to that reel: the way Schmidt faced his funeral fears (“All day, son!). But because New Girl is becoming the best show on TV at mixing comedy and emotional sincerity, Schmidt and Winston also had a genuinely sweet moment with Schmidt giving a fake (but very heartfelt) eulogy for his friend. I definitely “awww’ed” when he called Winston “the brother I always had.”

While Winston and Schmidt brought the laughs for the majority of the episode, Jess brought the heart. This was some of Zooey Deschanel’s best and most nuanced work to date. Yes, her Elvis impression was hilarious, but it was the way she played the quieter moments of the episode that had me really admiring her talent as an actress and her understanding of this character. I loved the way Jess interacted with Nick throughout the episode. I’m not sure if it was written as such or if it was a decision made by Deschanel, but from the softness in her voice to the gentle way she held Nick’s hand, it was clear that Jess knew how hard this was for Nick, even when he didn’t want to admit it. The scene between the two of them in the bathroom felt real—there was no other way to describe it—and so much of that came from the honesty of Deschanel’s performance. For so long we’ve all been swooning over how much Nick loves Jess, but that scene made it clear that Jess loves him just as much as he loves her. And yes, I am throwing around “the L-word” because if you didn’t get that feeling from watching Jess tell Nick she’s going to be there holding his hand no matter what (and from watching Nick’s reaction to that promise), then I’m not sure we’re watching the same show.

All three of these actors may have been amazing, but this episode once again belonged to Nick Miller. It’s getting to the point where Jake Johnson not getting an Emmy nomination this year just seems ridiculous. The range he had to exhibit this week was truly impressive. I loved what we learned about Nick through what this episode showed us rather than told us. Nick grew up with way too much responsibility thrust upon him at a young age, so his hatred of responsibility suddenly made complete sense. It’s not that Nick doesn’t know how to function as an adult; it’s that he doesn’t want to because once he escaped that house he didn’t have to be responsible for anything anymore—not even himself. Of course Nick doesn’t take care of himself; he was always too busy taking care of his family. Of course Nick is angry all the time; the burden of high expectations, a strained relationship with your father, and being asked to do too much for your family for too long will do that to a person. It’s amazing how one episode can flesh out a character so fully and in such a believable way.

Anytime I talk about Nick, I have to take a moment to mention Johnson’s incredible nonverbal acting. There were so many subtle moments in this episode where a look from Johnson took a scene from good to great or great to exceptional. I especially loved the way his eyes widened with admiration for his dad when he talked about how Walt was never scared, and my heart broke when his eyes closed as he tried to gather his emotions at the end of his eulogy. But the best of Johnson’s facial expressions in this episode were directed towards Deschanel. Please tell me I’m not the only person who just wants someone to look at her the way Nick looked at Jess throughout this episode. That’s love—pure and simple.

Favorite Moment Nick’s eulogy was such a real moment, and each actor gave subtle and perfect reactions to the situation, making it feel grounded in the kind of genuine emotion that makes New Girl such a unique sitcom. For me, the moment really began with Nick watching Jess try her best at being an Elvis impersonator. It was as if you could see him finally accepting that he’s head-over-heels in love with this woman, and he’s done trying to fight it. I’ve spoken volumes already about the magical powers of Jake Johnson’s face, but it can’t be said enough: The man can make me melt into a big, happy puddle like no one else on TV right now.

The eulogy itself was beautiful—sweet without being saccharine, both funny and heartbreaking in a very genuine way. You could feel Nick’s loss, but you could also sense the complex relationship he had with his father. That strained relationship wasn’t lost just to deliver a big dramatic moment. However, we still got an incredibly poignant moment of grief in Nick’s struggle to maintain composure at the end of the eulogy. The tension visible in just his hands was such a perfect detail, and it made the moment Jess reached for his hand all the sweeter.

When Jess took Nick’s hand, his face both broke my heart and made me smile at the same time. He looked so vulnerable but so happy to have her next to him, and it looked like it was taking everything in him not to kiss her right then.

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Title Quick Hardening Caulk

Two Sentence Summary Nick’s newfound sense of responsibility makes Jess more attracted to him than ever, leading to a pain-pills-induced confession of lust after a trip to the hardware store goes awry. Meanwhile, in the aftermath of Cece’s engagement, Schmidt becomes obsessed with acquiring a rare tropical fish, and Winston helps him on his quest.

Favorite Line “I know this is a dumb question—but will a number two help?” (Winston to Schmidt, after he’s unable to pee on Schmidt’s jellyfish-stung face)

Episode M.V.P. This was an incredibly hard choice this week. Every member of the cast turned in solid performances, and every character had their chance (or chances) to shine. Schmidt’s storyline was full of laugh-out-loud moments (his temper tantrum at the aquarium and his reaction to getting stung—“IT BURNS!”—were two of my favorites), but, once again, Max Greenfield was able to ground the moments of broad comedy with a feeling that Schmidt’s antics were coming from a place of really genuine (and therefore really heartbreaking) pain. Schmidt’s fish quest also showcased the friendship between him and Winston in a way we haven’t seen before. Winston’s scene with Cece was a standout moment for me because it felt so real, and that’s a credit to the poignantly direct writing and honest performances.

Zooey Deschanel perfectly played Jess’s growing attraction to Nick spilling over into unbearable sexual frustration (I was especially fond of her bolting from the room when Nick complimented her dress and her yelling at him to leave when he started to talk about wanting to iron his shirts). From her medication-induced Judy Garland impression to her priceless reading of Nick’s hardware store shopping list, Deschanel’s performance was a true highlight.

However, this episode belonged to Nick. In order for this episode to work, Nick Miller had to be more attractive than ever, and that was accomplished on so many levels. Jake Johnson is on fire this season, and his balance of adorable enthusiasm for self-improvement, genuine confusion over how to handle Jess’s high-as-a-kite proposition, and raw desire finally set free was nothing short of perfect. Nick may be a terminal adolescent in a lot of ways, but there’s no question that he’s a man when it comes to his relationship with Jess. The way Nick refused to do anything with Jess while she was on her pain meds was both surprising and not surprising at all. Like their first kiss, Nick wants their relationship—every bit of it—to be real. You could almost see an echo of his “Not like this” confession on his face as Jess told him she wanted to sleep with him. That facial expression was beautifully contrasted with the hope and happiness on his face when Jess finally tells him that she wants him for real. Johnson is so good at using his facial expressions to both make the audience laugh and make us forget how to breathe. That last scene, with him running the gamut from longing to passion (I might just be a little obsessed with the vein in his neck popping out as they’re kissing and fighting) to comedy, was some of his best work in a season that has mentions of Emmy nominations being thrown his way (as they should be).

Also, the man is just really attractive…I dare anyone to disagree after watching this episode.

Favorite Moment The final scene between Nick and Jess demonstrated what New Girl does better than any show on TV: mixing the broadly comedic with the genuinely emotional. Everything about that scene felt true to the characters and their relationship as we’ve seen it develop. There was something so deliciously exciting about watching the two of them playfully argue about Jess being a gold-digger as she stepped closer to Nick, and I actually held my breath when Nick told her to prove that she wasn’t. (Like I said, I’m finding Jake Johnson incredibly attractive right now.) And I loved that what followed was like a powder keg of sexual tension exploding. It was messy, it was full of arguing over random annoyances (Nick’s anger over Jess’s shorts was my favorite), and it was the only way a scene like that between Nick and Jess should be at this point. New Girl is special because it manages to find moments of realism amid comedy, and that’s exactly what happened in this scene. The comedy that was there was perfect, and the realism was…Well there’s no other word to describe it except HOT. I can’t be the only girl who finally understood what it means to swoon when Nick told Jess to take off her damn clothes (His voice!) and when he kissed her “like a man” (Now that is a “damn fairytale” kiss, Nick Miller.) I don’t know how this show has been able to hit every beat between Nick and Jess in a way that is both creative and simply right for the show and the characters. But they’re doing it. And I can’t wait to see where it leads.

A New Girl GIF* For My New Girl Feelings

I agree, Jess. Everything about this episode worked: the jokes, the friendships, the tension, and the payoff. But the thing that worked most of all is Jake Johnson. Who would have thought that Nick Miller would be known as the best kisser and one of the most swoon-worthy characters on TV back when this show started? Things have certainly changed…and it’s definitely a change for the better.

*I have no talent for GIF-making. Thankfully, I am highly skilled at searching Tumblr for the best GIFs. I take no credit for this beauty. 

Title TinFinity

Two-Sentence Summary Nick and Schmidt celebrate their 10th anniversary as roommates with an elaborate party that goes anything but according to plan when Shivrang uses to occasion to propose to Cece. Jess tries to push her feeling for Nick away by dating a professional football player who’s open with his feelings…but he might be a little too open.

Favorite Lines
Schmidt: It’s just really disappointing when things don’t work out the way you thought they would, you know?
Nick: I do.

Episode M.V.P. Schmidt and Nick. This was an episode about their friendship, and it resonated so strongly because both Jake Johnson and Max Greenfield were so good at balancing the comedy and the drama of this episode. I love any flashbacks to college Nick and Schmidt, and the end of this episode featured what might be my favorite flashback yet. Johnson and Greenfield have great comedic chemistry; they banter with a speed and ease that’s not usually seen between two male characters. I loved both of their moments of sheer ridiculousness in this episode (especially with the porta potty), but what I loved most were their quieter, more emotional moments. Both actors really sold their respective heartbreaks, making them “Equals!” again, but not in the kind of way either of them would want. Greenfield was especially devastating in the seconds after Cece accepted Shivrang’s proposal. Their scenes alone after the proposal were the strongest in this episode in terms of their depth. I genuinely believe their friendship; it’s flawed and dysfunctional, but it’s real and full of a kind of love that’s not flowery or overly sentimental but is strong enough to last for 10 years.

Favorite Moment: I know New Girl is a comedy, but I think the dramatic talents of these actors should be recognized. My favorite moment this week was less of a singular moment and more of a pattern throughout the episode of broad comedy being balanced with heartfelt emotional beats. That has become one of New Girl‘s calling cards—its ability to make you laugh and then stop you in your tracks with a moment of genuine emotion. In this episode, I was especially struck by Greenfield’s delivery of Schmidt’s line about things not going according to plan. Gone was the overly confident mask and instead we see him show Nick the vulnerable, broken side of himself. I was also floored by Johnson’s face when Jess tells Nick that she likes men who are open about their feelings. You can feel the whole mood of the scene shift with one heartbroken look.

A New Girl GIF* For My New Girl Feelings

I thought this was supposed to be a fun, fluffy sitcom! How dare it suddenly make me have so many feelings! I just want the couples I root for to be happy, but I do love the storytelling and acting this angst is bringing out of the cast. While this was probably my least favorite episode since before “Cooler,” it was still a surprisingly emotional examination of most of the central relationships on this show, especially one that always deserves more screen time: Schmidt and Nick.

*I have no talent for GIF-making. Thankfully, I am highly skilled at searching Tumblr for the best GIFs. I take no credit for this beauty. 

Title Parking Spot

Two-Sentence Summary An all-out war over a coveted parking spot highlights the new tension between Nick and Jess in a way that not even Schmidt can deny. Meanwhile, Winston goes on a desperate search for a condom before he can enjoy some quality time with Daisy.

Favorite Line “You dropped your fish sticks.” (Nick)

Episode M.V.P.: Jess. While the entire cast—including Cece—was stellar in this episode, Jess stood out to me because she had to go through such a wide spectrum of emotions. Zooey Deschanel was able to effortlessly transition from silly (taking pictures of the cats on her car) and strange (the weird-off with Nick) to heartbroken (her belief that Nick regretted the kiss) and falling awkwardly but realistically in love. The moment just after Nick told her that the “no-nail oath” was created because he wanted her from the start was breathtaking. Deschanel faces Jake Johnson with a look of total, lovestruck shock, like it’s dawning on Jess as it’s dawning on the audience that Nick has been falling in love with her from the very start. You can see her struggle to breathe as the tears form behind her eyes, and it’s a moment of real, human beauty in the midst of such a hilarious episode. I also have to say that I’ve never liked Jess more than when I got to see her indignation at the very idea of the no-nail oath. She is a strong woman, but her strength is relatable and imperfect. And I love her all the more for it.

Favorite Moment: The entire montage of Nick, Jess, and Schmidt racing to get to the parking space was one of the funniest things I’ve seen on TV in a long time. Every detail was perfect: Nick negotiating with the kids to fold the cardboard and push his car; Jess’s awkward standoff with the old man; Schmidt hitting Nick with his car; and Jess pushing Schmidt’s car with hers. The comedy in this sequence was just pure, silly fun, and that’s sometimes all you need from a TV show—a good dose of laughing until you cry.

A New Girl GIF* for my New Girl Feelings: 

Another week, another happy dance. New Girl just keeps getting better and better. The laughs are coming fast and furious, every storyline is working, and the chemistry between all of the actors in the cast has never been more perfect. The writers used Nick and Jess’s kiss as a realistic starting point for an entirely new branch of storytelling, and I love what they’re doing with the situation so far. It’s organic to the characters and the show as a whole, and it’s not getting in the way of the comedy. In fact, it’s making the show funnier—but also more emotionally charged—than ever before.

*I have no talent for GIF-making. Thankfully, I am highly skilled at searching Tumblr for the best GIFs. I take no credit for this beauty.