'New Girl' Recap: 'Valentine's Day'
New Girl wishes us a happy Valentine’s Day this week. Jess and Schmidt are single this year, and Jess in particular is not very happy about it. Especially after seeing Nick and Julia acting cute at the kitchen table and Winston on the phone with his former hookup turned new flame, Shelby. Schmidt tells Jess that he doesn’t go out on Valentine’s Day because he’d have an unfair advantage over every other guy preying on vulnerable women. He eventually agrees to go after Jess begs him, saying that it’s her first single V-day in six years and she’s feeling “twirly” (that’s Jess code for horny).
Nick and Julia’s adorable relationship continues as Nick plans a romantic date for his new girlfriend. He explains that last February 14 he was fighting with his ex-girlfriend, but this year he wants to make it special for Julia. As a new edition to the show, Julia fits in well with snappy one-line jokes and a great rapport with Nick. Meanwhile, Winston makes plans to go over to Shelby’s place for Valentine’s Day, expecting them to have a romantic dinner in (and maybe some fun).
Jess’ planning for a potential one night stand is hilarious—she even packs an overnight bag complete with a box of 100 condoms and stain-remover (ick). As Cece tries to convince her that she is not the one night kind of girl because she easily makes emotional attachments to men and inanimate objects, Jess assures her friend that she will only be listening to “Little Jess” this evening.
Winston arrives at Shelby’s apartment with a bottle of wine, but is completely shocked when he walks in to see two other single women in makeover mode. Shelby’s invited him over for a girls’ night! He frantically calls Nick, complaining that he has a pore strip on his nose and that he has no idea how to behave in this situation. He learns quickly though, and later on he’s seen bringing the ladies sangria and dispensing relationship advice.
Nick arrives at Julia’s office to pick her up, but she tells him she has to keep working. Nick ends up spending the entire night hanging out with her intern, Cliff, and unintentionally causes him to quit and mess up the office. Julia gets upset and asks him to leave, but instead he stays and cleans up everything for her (aw). They never do end up having their date, but Nick still looks happy.
At the bar, Jess finds Oliver, who is cute and uninteresting, and feels proud that she feels no emotional attachment to him. But, since neither of them have a car, Schmidt is forced to drive them back to Oliver’s house, where he overstays his welcome. Jess kicks him out, but her night with Oliver is interrupted once more when Oliver’s live-in ex-girlfriend arrives and causes a scene. As if this weren’t bad enough, Cece and Schmidt both walk in, along with Cece’s drugged-out boyfriend, causing a fight between CeeCee and the ex when the latter kisses Cece’s boyfriend. Jess decides that she can’t handle all the drama, and can’t do a one-night stand either, and leaves.
Back at the apartment, Jess decides that maybe she should have a one night stand with Schmidt instead, and brings her giant box of condoms to his door. Before she can knock, though, Nick comes home and saves her from making a huge mistake. But little do they know that Cece is in Schmidt’s room and they end up spending the night together. And Winston realizes that he doesn’t deserve another chance with Shelby, but she admires how much he’s changed and his persistence and lets him spend the night.
The more I watch New Girl, the more I appreciate how truly funny it is. It doesn’t try too hard, but rather relies on the natural chemistry of the actors and the quick wit of the amazing writers to get the job done. By the way, am I the only one who wants something to happen between Nick and Jess?