The iconic “I Want It That Way” cold open is undoubtedly one of Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s most beloved moments. It occurs in Season 5, Episode 9, titled “The Golden Child.”
Unpacking the Perfect Cold Open: “I Want It That Way”
Few television moments achieve the cultural impact of Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s rendition of the Backstreet Boys’ classic. It’s a masterclass in comedic timing, character interaction, and perfectly executed absurdism. The scene’s enduring popularity stems not just from its inherent humor, but also from how it perfectly encapsulates the show’s core strengths: a quirky ensemble cast, unexpected musical moments, and a surprising amount of genuine connection.
The cold open begins with Jake Peralta, played by Andy Samberg, orchestrating a police lineup. Instead of focusing on identifying the suspect, Jake is more interested in extracting a performance of “I Want It That Way” from the assembled individuals. Each suspect, prompted by Jake’s “Tell me why,” belts out a line from the song, culminating in a harmonious, albeit unwilling, rendition of the chorus.
The humor arises from several factors: Jake’s unwavering commitment to his bizarre request, the suspects’ increasing bewilderment and reluctant participation, and the contrasting reactions of Jake’s colleagues, particularly Captain Holt’s deadpan disapproval. The scene is a perfect example of Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s ability to elevate a simple premise into a comedic masterpiece. It showcases the show’s willingness to embrace silliness while simultaneously highlighting the characters’ unique personalities and relationships. It’s no wonder it’s become a defining moment for the series.
Why This Cold Open Works So Well
The “I Want It That Way” scene is more than just a funny clip; it’s a carefully constructed comedic symphony. Several elements contribute to its overwhelming success:
- Unexpectedness: The cold open starts like any other police procedural, only to take a sharp left turn into the absurd. This element of surprise is key to its initial impact.
- Character Consistency: Jake’s unwavering enthusiasm and penchant for the ridiculous are perfectly in line with his established character. Similarly, Holt’s dry humor and disapproval provide a perfect foil.
- Musicality: The song itself is undeniably catchy and universally recognizable. This familiarity allows the audience to immediately connect with the scene’s absurdity.
- Ensemble Chemistry: The scene thrives on the interaction between the characters. Each member of the squad contributes to the overall humor, creating a sense of camaraderie and playful banter.
- Visual Humor: The suspects’ expressions, their reluctant participation, and the overall absurdity of the lineup contribute significantly to the scene’s comedic effect.
The Enduring Legacy of “I Want It That Way”
The “I Want It That Way” scene has transcended its status as a mere television clip. It has become a cultural touchstone, frequently shared online, referenced in other media, and even recreated by fans. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal and its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages.
The scene’s success has also helped to solidify Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s reputation as one of the funniest and most beloved sitcoms of recent years. It serves as a perfect example of the show’s unique brand of humor and its ability to create memorable and shareable moments. It cemented the show’s comedic excellence and contributed significantly to its overall success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 1. Is the “I Want It That Way” scene scripted, or was there improvisation involved?
The scene was meticulously scripted, but the actors were given room to add their own comedic touches and reactions. While the core dialogue remained faithful to the script, the actors’ individual performances brought the scene to life and amplified its humor.
H3 2. Was the song “I Want It That Way” chosen randomly, or was there a specific reason?
The song choice was deliberate. The writers wanted a song that was universally recognizable and inherently catchy. “I Want It That Way” fit the bill perfectly, offering both familiarity and a slightly melancholic tone that contrasted hilariously with the scene’s absurdity. The Backstreet Boys’ popularity also contributed to its comedic impact.
H3 3. How long did it take to film the “I Want It That Way” scene?
While precise filming times are not publicly available, the scene likely took several hours to shoot. It involved multiple takes to capture the perfect comedic timing and reactions from all the actors involved. Lineups are generally time-consuming on set.
H3 4. What are some other popular cold opens from Brooklyn Nine-Nine?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is known for its consistently hilarious cold opens. Some other fan favorites include the “Heist” cold opens, the “Captain Holt Laughing” scene, and the “Title of Your Sex Tape” running gag. The show consistently delivers unique and memorable openings.
H3 5. Did the Backstreet Boys react to the “I Want It That Way” scene?
Yes, the Backstreet Boys themselves reacted positively to the scene. They acknowledged its popularity and even performed the song in a similar style during their own concerts, paying homage to the show. They recognized the brilliant comedic application of their hit.
H3 6. How did the writers come up with the idea for the “I Want It That Way” scene?
The writers were brainstorming ways to incorporate Jake’s love of pop culture into his police work. They wanted to create a scenario that was both unexpected and inherently funny. The idea of using a police lineup to extract a performance of “I Want It That Way” emerged from this creative process.
H3 7. What makes Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s humor so effective?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s humor is effective because it combines clever writing, strong character development, and a willingness to embrace absurdity. The show also excels at finding the humor in everyday situations and highlighting the quirks of its characters. The chemistry between the cast further enhances the comedic effect.
H3 8. Is “The Golden Child” episode worth watching beyond the “I Want It That Way” scene?
Absolutely. While the cold open is undoubtedly a highlight, “The Golden Child” is a strong episode in its own right. It features a compelling storyline involving Jake and his father, as well as the typical ensemble humor that makes Brooklyn Nine-Nine so enjoyable.
H3 9. Does the show ever reference the “I Want It That Way” scene in later episodes?
While there isn’t a direct repetition of the scene, the song and the moment become a recurring joke within the show. Characters occasionally make references to it, further solidifying its place in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine canon. This constant referencing keeps the joke alive.
H3 10. Are there any behind-the-scenes stories about filming the “I Want It That Way” scene?
While detailed behind-the-scenes accounts are limited, Andy Samberg has mentioned that the actors found the scene as funny to film as it was to watch. The cast’s genuine amusement likely contributed to the scene’s overall comedic effectiveness.
H3 11. Where can I watch “The Golden Child” and other episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is available for streaming on various platforms, including Peacock and Hulu (availability may vary depending on your region). Episodes can also be purchased digitally through platforms like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.
H3 12. What are some similar shows to Brooklyn Nine-Nine that I might enjoy?
If you enjoy Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s blend of humor and heart, you might also enjoy shows like Parks and Recreation, The Office, Community, and Arrested Development. These shows share similar comedic sensibilities and feature strong ensemble casts.