As with its other seasons, the first few episodes of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”‘s fifth season begin by shaking up the show’s formula before slowly re-adjusting to its own established beats, and it continues to make for a jarring yet audacious creative choice on the part of the showrunners. By the time it returns to its established formula, things snap back into focus and the show returns to its strengths: Ensemble comedic acting, extraordinary writing, clever plotting and a simple but straightforward spirit that often recalls the best of “Spin City.” Stephanie Beatriz’s Diaz has a number of remarkable sequences throughout and Andre Braugher remains the show’s standout performer, but Andy Samberg’s charming performance as Jake Peralta is the anchor here.
Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)
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