Review: 'New Girl' - 'Naked': Don't bother to knock
Zooey Deschanel and friends return from a baseball hiatus with a shaky episode
Jake Johnson and Zooey Deschanel in "New Girl."
A quick review of tonight's "New Girl" coming up just as soon as I do close-up magic...
Thanks to baseball interruptions and FOX's desire to keep "X Factor" going (even though "New Girl" has arguably proven to be the bigger hit so far), It's been nearly a month since the last new episode aired, and "Naked" unfortunately wasn't the show putting its best foot forward after the mini-vacation.
As I've discussed in previous discussions of "New Girl," there is a very delicate balance between Jess being an amusingly eccentric person and someone who is not believable as a human being and/or incredibly annoying. And a Jess who is so oblivious to things like knocking before entering a room, and who has a 10-year-old's mix of discomfort and amusement with discussing all things sexual is the bad version of the character. (And that all that nonsense with her inability to say "penis" came after a teaser where she was super-annoying as the guys watched their movie didn't help matters.)
The early episodes of a TV show involve figuring out what works and what doesn't. "Wedding," the last original episode to air, pretty much nailed how to make Jess quirky and yet likable and vaguely believable; "Naked" unfortunately showed what not to do. Given the ratings, this show is going to be around for quite a while, and hopefully they'll get a firmer handle on Jess before long.
What did everybody else think?
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Next 49 CommentsEric
November 1, 2011 at 9:38PM EST Reply to CommentI've thought from the beginning that the creators know exactly how annoying they're making Jess, and I think we'll see a gradual growth and calming down (almost an inverse Manic Pixie Dream Girl scenario) in conjunction with the guys growing to love and accept her.
As ridiculous as he can be, I think Schmidt was the standout this episode. Yes, his quest to see Nick's penis was odd, but the writers have really been embracing his strangeness, and I think he's quickly becoming the most interesting character in the series.
alamble This was definitely a highlight for Max Greenfield and Lamorne Morris, though they're gonna have to get Winston a job at some point, right?
November 1, 2011 at 9:52PM EST-alyson
Razorback
November 1, 2011 at 9:42PM EST Reply to CommentI think you are dead inside, Alan. I loved it. And I know girls like her. Maybe not specifically like every facet of her, but certainly parts. So, why couldn't there be one girl with no filter, who is totally this eccentric? Anyway, I liked the episode a bunch. Though, the last one was clearly the best of the season... SO FAR.
November 2, 2011 at 12:42AM ESTPersonally, I agree with him. However, it applies not only to Jess, but Zooey as a whole. She is either cute and quirky or irritating. She seems to have a hard time playing natural when the material isnt the greatest, yet she's the go to for the archetype right now. She's very pretty and talented, not a great singer imo, but she can be pretty grating and New Girl is showcasing that side more than it should. This may end up being a huge miscalculation for her.
Joseph I believe Alan allows insults directed towards him, just not other posters.
November 2, 2011 at 12:34PM ESTI do not believe Alan is dead inside. However, I strongly disagreed with him about this episode - I thought it was the funniest one yet. I think "extreme quirky" Jess is funny, while "extreme douchey" Schmidt is very much not, and I really liked the toned down Schmidt in this ep. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for penis jokes.
BlitzMark Reply to comment...
November 4, 2011 at 3:43PM ESTBlitzMark I wouldn't say he's dead inside, but I would agree to disagree with Sepinwall. My wife and I were laughing out loud with most of the Jess material. I agree with Joseph--maybe not funniest yet, but plenty to laugh at.
November 4, 2011 at 3:45PM ESTpost a new comment
November 1, 2011 at 9:42PM EST Reply to CommentThis plot was a lot funnier in Season 1 of "Friends," and there wasn't a single line in this episode that was funnier than "I'm not showing you my tat."
dannyf
November 1, 2011 at 9:47PM EST Reply to CommentI agree that Jess was more annoying-than-funny on the scale in this one, whereas other eps had a better handle on her. That teaser was brutal. HOWEVER, I still laughed a lot, mostly because of the roommates, which I really appreciated. If anything, this episode proved that this is more of an ensemble show than it's advertised as being, and the guys have just as much potential to bring the funny as Zooey does in her own star vehicle. So I appreciated that enlightenment (and the laughs) in spite of Jess' OTT-ness.
RTVF
November 1, 2011 at 9:54PM EST Reply to CommentI loved it! Laughed out loud through the entire thing. Schmidt is definitely the undercover star. Loved Lake Bell as well.
fritanga I really loved Lake Bell, even though I think she was channeling Michaela Watkins the entire time. Who knew Bell could also play weird and compulsive as well as icy and gorgeous? I hope the character comes back.
November 2, 2011 at 1:54AM ESTHowever, I did find Deschanel a bit over the top tonight, but the guys were great so it sort of evened out. But I hope to God they don't pair her with Nick, because while he is funny sometimes, mostly I want to stab him in the eye. What a whiner.
klg19 Anyone who watches "Children's Hospital" on Adult Swim (raises hand tentatively) knows EXACTLY how Lake Bell can play weird and compulsive.
November 2, 2011 at 7:34AM ESTTed Schmoesby yeah and what about the movie where paul rudd is married to eva longoria and eva dies & he starts dating bell & eva comes back to "haunt" them? (over her dead body, I think?) I've actually seen Bell much more often in things closer to this type of character than "icy and gorgeous"
November 2, 2011 at 10:56AM ESTpamelajaye oh right! Lake Bell was on it. Loved her on Boston Legal and I absolutely adore Childrens Hospital (which I first heard of when Ellen Pompeo mentioned how she liked it in an interview somewhere)
November 3, 2011 at 1:35AM ESTS
November 1, 2011 at 10:02PM EST Reply to CommentI never thought I could find Zooey Deschanel annoying but I guess here we are. In fact every character is unlikable. They need to start taking some cues from Happy Endings.
Greatgrace84
November 1, 2011 at 10:07PM EST Reply to CommentI agree with your review completely. I convinced my male roommate to watch tonight's episode based off of my enthusiasm for "Wedding." Fortunately he enjoyed it, but holy awkward, Batman! More like "Wedding" please! I've watched that episode 3 times.
Raane
November 1, 2011 at 10:11PM EST Reply to CommentUsing a variation of the same ending in EVERY episode (Jess spews words of wisdom and the guys all gather 'round to live and support her) is getting OLD.
Raane
November 1, 2011 at 10:13PM EST Reply to CommentThe show is really funny BUT having every episode end the same (Jess speaks words of wisdom and all the guys melt and gather round to love and support her). Is getting OLD.
Adam
November 1, 2011 at 10:25PM EST Reply to CommentThis was by far and way the best New Girl sans Coach and maybe the funniest New Girl to date. While I don't think the show knows how to nor may ever successfully implement Winston, this episode didn't need to because Jess worked off of Nick the entire time while Schmidt worked well off of Winston. I think you're getting WAAAAYYY too caught up in the "reality" of Jess's personality and realize the true stars of the show- Schmidt and Nick. This episode was just funny and while probably sophomoric, the scene where Jess tries to properly say "penis" in front of Nick was the funniest scenes of the series so far
Sliksmiley
November 1, 2011 at 10:33PM EST Reply to CommentMaybe its b/c I know people like this, but thought the ep was great. Know to not go in before knocking? I know plenty of girls who have done that (usually the guys aren't so upset though). I saw the Friends reamke-ish storyline coming a mile away (and was the lowpoint for me) but thought the rest of the ep was funny. Definitely more of an ensemble ep than in the past and I didn't find Jess nearly as annoying as in the first few eps. Still find the show overall enjoyable and laughed out loud a bunch of times (which is usually reserved for Parks & Rec and Community storylines - don't get me wrong, this show is nowhere as smart as those two but still good for laughs).
Sliksmiley
November 1, 2011 at 10:52PM EST Reply to CommentAlso, I thought it was funny that Jess couldn't say "Penis" when Zooey had a great scene in 500 Days of Summer where she yelled "Penis" so many times. Maybe that was an inconsequential joke to many but I found it funny in a me-flashing-back-to-that-movie kind of way.
Jean-Ralphio
November 1, 2011 at 11:26PM EST Reply to CommentI like Zooey in almost all of her film roles so I was a bit suprised at how much I loathe Jess. Even her clothes annoyed me this episode (That whimsical polka dot skirt) and that whole "say penis" scene made me cringe. I have no strong connection to the roomates. It seems their main function is to roll their eyes at Jess for 20 minutes and then all rally around her and join in whatever wacky shenanigans she's performed earlier on.
The_NV
November 1, 2011 at 11:28PM EST Reply to CommentI liked this episode. I don't feel like it was a step backwards from the previously aired episodes in the least.
I'm just glad they didn't all come together at the end for some silly dance or something. I think this is the first episode where the stories didn't all combine for one big happy ending.
I think it's believable to her character that she wouldn't say naughty words, even if it's annoying. It's supposed to be annoying in a cute way, and I think it works.
alamble She did acknowledge the fact that somehow she missed the part where she was supposed to learn to be comfortable discussing sex.
November 2, 2011 at 12:15AM ESTBeth
November 1, 2011 at 11:29PM EST Reply to CommentI'm honestly happy that some people liked this episode, because I want this show to succeed well. I loved the first three, but I just couldn't enjoy this one. I hate watching people embarrass themselves, and I felt like cringing in almost every scene Jess was in. I did love Gordon and Schmidt's plot, but I don't think it provided enough balance for the explosion of awkwardness that was Jess tonight.
I hope I enjoy it more on the rewatch, because New Girl is my favorite new show this season.
Teproc
November 1, 2011 at 11:32PM EST Reply to CommentI think this was the first episode that wasns't the Zooes Deschanel show. Jess's character was annoying in this episode, but I still enjoyed it a lot because Nick was hilarious (the dance scene in particular) and the other guys were pretty funny too. I really see this as a good sign for the show, since it can't rely only on Deschanel each episode.
Madmanda
November 1, 2011 at 11:39PM EST Reply to CommentWhile I agree that Jess' character is a but much and embarassing to watch at times... I did really enjoy this episode. It solicited more genuine LOL moments than the previous episodes and the chemistry with the room mates was much better.
amg
November 2, 2011 at 12:14AM EST Reply to Comment3 things:
* Fully agree with all those rolling their eyes at the friends-nakedness-reciprocity story line. I really needed there to be an Abed character pointing out what a trope that was (which he did, in fact, on Community, during the whole Jeff-Britta "drunk dial" situation.)
* Sitcom writers seriously need to get over the fact that they can say the words "penis" and "vagina." We get it. Move on already.
* They could have gotten so much more mileage out of all the things Winston has missed in the last 3 years...I was really looking forward to him having all of those things explained to him, and his incredulous reactions.
Overall though, glad to have the show back. Agreed with those who think Nick and Schmidt are the best characters. The naked dancing and the ice-packed knees after less-than-a-mile of running reminded me why I liked the show.
billy
November 2, 2011 at 12:28AM EST Reply to CommentIf this was the episode you were talking about Jess not being likable then I'm really happy because I thought this episode was hilarious. Even though Jess wasnt necessarily "likable" everything that happened was completely understandable (and has happened to me and by me) and felt like a natural series of events. Why does she have to be the most adorable likable part of the show every week? I thought everyone elses plots were funny and strong too.
jezzleffezzle
November 2, 2011 at 4:03AM EST Reply to CommentThe bit where Schmidt tried to get Jess to confirm Nick's "length" and then starting over again slayed me.
DC Lee
November 2, 2011 at 5:51AM EST Reply to CommentI watch and I cannot find anything funny. Not one laugh out loud moment. Outside Zooey being nice to look at, what is the attraction? It is not the comedy because there is none.
klg19
November 2, 2011 at 7:40AM EST Reply to CommentI'm pretty sure Alan's not dead inside, despite my not agreeing with him. I can see why this episode wouldn't appeal to everyone, but I was helpless with laughter through the whole thing. I don't think there was anything that I didn't funny. Of course, it's been a rough couple of weeks and I'm exhausted, so maybe my critical skills weren't at their sharpest, but hey: chacun a son gout, right?
ChampSkins
November 2, 2011 at 8:41AM EST Reply to CommentReally bad half hour of comedy last night. I laughed way more at Last Man Standing than I did for this. The things they were trying to do didn't hit at all. I do like this show, but at times it is grating and way too much effort to try and be funny. The show is really lacking without a standout funny-guy (which Wayons was).
Zooey is adorable and quirky, but she really isn't funny. Her schtick plays cute in the movies and I do really enjoy her, but in episodes like this, ack, not good.
Overall I like the show, but wow, what a terrible first episode back.
Stormshadow4life
November 2, 2011 at 10:10AM EST Reply to CommentGotta disagree here. I thought this ep was much funnier than the wedding one. I had to pause the episode multiple times because my wife couldn't stop laughing (and she claims to hate Jess).
JedyKnight
November 2, 2011 at 10:10AM EST Reply to CommentI liked Zooey.. but this extreme version of her has gotten really annoying really fast.. im not a fan of this show, but i do watch when it's on and im not watching/doing anything else.. but for now my enjoyment has come more from the interaction with the guys, and their reaction to this insufferable girl. I really hope the writers dont use the good ratings as free pass not to make the changes are obviously needed to make the "main character" less infuriating.
blinky
November 2, 2011 at 11:14AM EST Reply to CommentThis show is Friends if they left out Courtney Cox and Jennifer Aniston. Can you imagine Phoebe carrying the show??
Plus Zooey DesChannel is a super light-weight actress, no matter how nerdy-cute everyone thinks she is, she can't act.
ken sly
November 2, 2011 at 1:38PM EST Reply to CommentI am glad that most on here did not care for it. Leaves more for me.
eddie willers
November 2, 2011 at 2:08PM EST Reply to CommentI like Zooey.
I loved her version of the National Anthem at the World Series.
I do not like this show.
Spikes of Fury
November 2, 2011 at 7:18PM EST Reply to CommentAnyone else see the irony in Winston saying "They found a better black guy"?
George
November 2, 2011 at 8:37PM EST Reply to CommentJess is _supposed_ to be annoying. That's the point.
Look carefully, and you'll notice that this is sort of a gender-reversed version of The Big Bang Theory (minus the genius element).
Instead of one normal girl living with a group of nerd guys, you have a nerdy girl living with a group of normal guys.
But in both cases, the girl is physically attractive, because (let's face it) nobody cares what the guys look like - but we all enjoy looking at pretty girls. She may share a lot of the social awkwardness of Sheldon, but if she looked like him, we'd change the channel in a hurry.
Ray "She may share a lot of the social awkwardness of Sheldon, but if she looked like him, we'd change the channel in a hurry."
November 3, 2011 at 8:25AM ESTThat's why Rosanne flamed out so quickly.
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