Aly Nelson and Winston Bishop’s relationship in “New Girl” is a fan-favorite, known for its quirky and heartfelt evolution. They officially get together, solidifying their status as a couple, in the episode “The Apartment” (Season 4, Episode 22).
From Pranks to Partners: The Evolution of Aly and Winston
Aly and Winston’s connection is a delightful slow burn, characterized by their shared love for pranks, unwavering loyalty, and awkward yet endearing attempts at romance. Their relationship wasn’t an instant spark but a gradual warming, building a foundation of friendship and mutual respect before blossoming into something more. To truly understand the significance of “The Apartment,” we need to trace their journey from colleagues to companions and finally, committed partners.
The Early Days: Just Partners in Blue
Initially, Aly and Winston’s interactions revolved primarily around their work at the LAPD. They were partners, sharing the everyday grind of police work and developing a camaraderie born from shared experiences. However, even in these early episodes, hints of their future connection emerged. Winston’s unbridled enthusiasm and Aly’s dry wit created a compelling dynamic that viewers couldn’t help but root for. The show cleverly used their professional relationship as a platform to showcase their individual personalities and lay the groundwork for a deeper bond. Their playful banter and mutual support in the face of absurd situations foreshadowed the romantic potential simmering beneath the surface.
The Prank War Heats Up: A Sign of Affection?
Their dynamic truly took a turn when the “prank war” began. What initially seemed like harmless office shenanigans escalated into a hilarious back-and-forth, revealing a competitive spirit and a surprising level of affection beneath the surface. These pranks, often bizarre and over-the-top, served as a vehicle for expressing their growing connection in a way that felt comfortable and authentic to their characters. It was through this shared absurdity that they began to see each other as more than just colleagues. The pranks were, in essence, a form of flirting, a way of testing boundaries and gauging each other’s reactions.
“The Apartment”: Sealing the Deal
“The Apartment” marked a turning point in their relationship. The episode revolves around Winston’s attempts to find a new apartment, with Aly playing a crucial role in the search. As they navigated the challenges of apartment hunting, their feelings for each other became undeniable. The episode culminates in a heartfelt conversation where they finally acknowledge their feelings, leading to their first kiss and officially marking the beginning of their romantic relationship. It’s a satisfying moment for viewers who had been invested in their slow-burning romance, confirming that their shared quirks and inside jokes had paved the way for something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aly and Winston
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the nuanced relationship between Aly and Winston, exploring their progression, challenges, and ultimately, their enduring love.
FAQ 1: What initially drew Aly to Winston?
Aly was drawn to Winston’s authenticity and unwavering optimism, even in the face of his often-eccentric behavior. Unlike the other men she encountered, Winston was genuine and unapologetically himself. His good heart and his earnest desire to connect with others were qualities that Aly found incredibly appealing. She appreciated his loyalty and his willingness to go the extra mile for the people he cared about.
FAQ 2: What challenges did Aly and Winston face as a couple?
One of the biggest challenges was navigating Winston’s unique personality and his penchant for the absurd. Aly, being more grounded and pragmatic, sometimes struggled to understand his thought process or keep up with his impulsive decisions. Furthermore, as both police officers, balancing their professional lives with their personal relationship presented its own set of complications and required open communication and mutual understanding.
FAQ 3: What made their relationship different from other relationships in “New Girl”?
Aly and Winston’s relationship stood out due to its slow-burn development and focus on friendship. Unlike the whirlwind romances of Jess and Nick or Cece and Schmidt, their connection grew organically from a foundation of shared experiences and mutual respect. This made their relationship feel more relatable and believable, resonating with viewers who appreciated the realistic portrayal of a couple building a life together.
FAQ 4: How did Winston’s cat, Ferguson, factor into their relationship?
Ferguson, Winston’s beloved cat, played a surprisingly significant role in their relationship. Aly had to learn to accept and even appreciate Ferguson, recognizing how important the cat was to Winston. It became a symbol of her acceptance of Winston’s entire personality, quirks and all. Ferguson even became a comedic device in the show, often involved in their pranks and playful banter.
FAQ 5: What are some of the most memorable Aly and Winston moments?
Memorable moments include their escalating prank war, Winston’s elaborate proposal, and their heartwarming wedding. Their shared love for Ferguson and their quirky inside jokes also provided numerous comedic and touching moments throughout the series. Specific episodes like “Clean Break” (Season 5, Episode 1) where Winston struggles after the breakup and Aly helps him through it, really highlights their support of each other.
FAQ 6: When did Winston propose to Aly?
Winston proposed to Aly in the episode “Operation: Bobcat” (Season 6, Episode 12). It was a characteristically Winston proposal, filled with good intentions but executed in a hilariously awkward manner. Despite the chaos, Aly ultimately said yes, solidifying their commitment to each other.
FAQ 7: What was their wedding like?
Their wedding, featured in “The Hike” (Season 7, Episode 7), was a reflection of their personalities – unconventional, heartfelt, and filled with their close friends and family. While the wedding ceremony itself was somewhat chaotic, it perfectly captured the essence of their relationship and the love they shared.
FAQ 8: How did Aly’s career influence their relationship?
Aly’s career as a police officer brought both challenges and strength to their relationship. Her strong-willed nature and her dedication to her job often clashed with Winston’s more carefree attitude. However, her professionalism and her ability to handle difficult situations also served as an inspiration to Winston, pushing him to become a better officer and a more responsible partner.
FAQ 9: What are some of their most iconic pranks?
Their pranks were legendary. From hiding Winston’s desk to replacing his cat food with human food, they constantly pushed the boundaries of workplace humor. One of the most memorable pranks involved Winston convincing Aly that he had adopted a badger, only to reveal it was a taxidermied animal.
FAQ 10: How did their relationship change Winston’s character arc?
Aly’s influence on Winston was significant. She helped him channel his energy and focus his goals. She also encouraged him to embrace his individuality while holding him accountable for his actions. Their relationship helped Winston mature and become a more well-rounded individual, both personally and professionally.
FAQ 11: Did Aly ever get tired of Winston’s eccentricities?
While Aly sometimes found Winston’s eccentricities frustrating, she ultimately loved him for them. She recognized that his quirks were an integral part of his personality and that they were what made him so special. She learned to appreciate his unique perspective on the world and to find humor in his often-bizarre behavior.
FAQ 12: Where do we see Aly and Winston at the end of the series?
At the end of “New Girl,” Aly and Winston are happily married with children. They’ve successfully navigated the challenges of their careers and their personal lives, creating a loving and supportive family. Their ending reinforces the idea that genuine connection, humor, and unwavering support are the keys to a lasting relationship. Their enduring love stands as a testament to the power of embracing imperfections and finding joy in the everyday moments of life.