New Girl’s second episode is as solid as the first and makes some needed adjustments from the premiere.

First off, the transition of losing Damon Wayans Jr.’s Coach is handled smoothly and somewhat logically with their old friend, Winston, moving in to replace him. It makes Jess no longer the “new” girl though, a funny complication that the show brushes off with ease. Winston also brings a nice dynamic to Schmidt as they seem to be setting them up as competitors instead of a team in the friendship dynamic. Schmidt’s douchiness seemed to have been reigned in and is used to much better affect here, a needed adjustment after the over the top nature in the premiere. Schmidt gets a number of good lines here and is the second lead of the episode and it works well. Making Schmidt not a pervy flirt with Jess the whole time is a smart move as well, the two together makes no sense whatsoever. Schmidt potentially hooking up with Jess’ friend could be a good source of humor, especially if it is a mistake hook up creating awkward tension between the two.

Jess is just as strong a character here as she was in the pilot, and we get to shed off her past which hopefully leads us to move forward. Seeing Jess deal with that pressure provides for some great laughs and gives Zooey Deschanel a lot of fun material. Nervous Jess is going to be a joy to watch but her brave side could be even better.  Standing up to, and the build up before hand, to the glorious locks of her ex was the highlight of the episode and showing some depth form Jess early on.

Another solid ep that builds up its lead, improves on its pilot, and navigates a potential recasting issue with ease. New Girl is taking the right steps so far, here’s hoping it continues to grow and gets that back order; which another patch of solid ratings this week will most liken assure. Were you watching?

Bullets:

-Singing wake up call, “It’s, Jesssssss.”

-Jess’ defense song plus playing basketball went predictably but got me a laugh

-“She might be a really nice, ho.”

-“Tear my heart out with her perfect, perfect hands.”

-“Rachelle, like a mermaid.”

-“So nectar.”

-Jess’ punching eyes and attempts at pump up was some great work by Deschanel

-Still love Jess’ singing; ‘Save the Best for Last’ finally gets her pumped, brilliant

-“She looks like Helena Bonham Carter.”

-Enjoyed solidarity through hats, though executed better it was a repeat of pilot’s ending

-the Jam-boree was silly and cute

-“Thumb ring; bitch!”

-I haven’t seen any of Jess’s movies, not my brand of 80’s flicks

-no great Lord of the Ring reference this time, bummer, Jess does seem to like wizards though

-got to love the screeching cat sound effect off screen

 

See you next week.