As a longtime fan of this delightful sitcom, I must say that each of these Thanksgiving episodes holds a special place in my heart. However, if I were to choose just one that truly encapsulates the essence of “New Girl,” it would be “Thanksgiving IV” from season 4. This episode was particularly captivating for me as it showcased the growth and development of characters we had grown to love over the years.
Traditionally, holiday-themed episodes are a longstanding custom in sitcoms. “Friends” notably produced heartwarming Christmas episodes, but their Thanksgiving episodes showcased that the food-centric holiday could be more humorous than the festive and joyous ones. Given that Thanksgiving revolves around friends and camaraderie, it seems fitting for a series focusing on friendships, making it an ideal choice for sitcoms following buddies such as “New Girl.
During its seven seasons, the TV show “New Girl” broadcast five episodes centered around Thanksgiving. However, there were no episodes during the fifth and seventh seasons, which were both abbreviated. The seventh season, serving as the final one, aired following Thanksgiving. Lead actress Zooey Deschanel was absent for half of Season 5, which might have been when a traditional “New Girl” Thanksgiving episode would have been shown. Jess’s presence is integral to creating an authentic “New Girl” Thanksgiving experience, and her absence during that season made it less so. Furthermore, the episode was aired after the festive holiday season had concluded.
Let’s delve into the five Thanksgiving episodes of “New Girl” and arrange them from least favorite to most favored considering their impact on the series, amusement factor, and ability to evoke Thanksgiving cheer.
5. “Last Thanksgiving” (Season 6)
In this episode of “New Girl”, we’re saying goodbye to the traditional Thanksgiving celebrations at the loft as Schmidt and Cece prepare to move out and start their new life together. However, since the show concluded the following year with a brief season, this could be considered the last real Thanksgiving episode. In an attempt to celebrate his fresh start, Schmidt invites his somewhat dubious father, Gavin, to join them for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, Gavin’s presence quickly sours the mood as he wallows in a heartbreak he inflicted upon himself. Additionally, Jess is considering ending things with Robby who is injured at this time.
Reason for Placement on the List: Despite “New Girl” having numerous entertaining Thanksgiving episodes, this particular one falls short, particularly as the final Thanksgiving installment. Although Gavin’s troubled actions are intriguing, they don’t quite develop into a compelling narrative that warrants laughter or concern about the resolution. As a romantic comedy series, Jess’s love interests during that season often feature prominently in the Thanksgiving episodes. However, Robby, compared to her other suitors, proves to be less captivating. The episode primarily revolves around Jess ending things with him and then rediscovering feelings for him, which gives the storyline a somewhat unengaging feel.
4. “Parents” (Season 2)
In this episode, Jess, in a move reminiscent of Lindsay Lohan, attempts to manipulate her parents into reconciling. This strategy involves Nick flirting with her mom, leading to quite a tumultuous Thanksgiving celebration. Additionally, Schmidt experiences another round of family chaos when his cousin drops by. The ensuing rivalry between the cousins escalates into a contest over masculinity. The competition concludes unexpectedly as one of the Schmidts bestows an unwanted kiss upon Winston.
Reason for its Position: The sitcom “New Girl” features two of its standout guest stars, Jamie Lee Curtis and Rob Reiner, as Jess’s parents, which is a significant factor in its placement on the list. The storyline is also adorable and aligns well with Jess’s character. Overall, it’s a strong episode for “New Girl” in terms of concept and holiday spirit. However, the Schmidt vs Schmidt storyline detracts from the overall enjoyment of “Parents.” While Schmidt is typically a cringe-worthy yet lovable character, the introduction of his cousin (Rob Riggle) makes him too uncomfortable to watch. Additionally, the plot point involving Schmidt attempting to kiss Winston without his consent or knowledge doesn’t hold up well over time.
3. “Thanksgiving III” (Season 3)
In the Episode: Coach playfully taunts Nick about being influenced by his relationship with Jess. To demonstrate that he hasn’t altered, he manages to persuade Jess and the rest of their group to embark on a camping adventure for Thanksgiving. This results in a series of amusing and risky incidents.
Reason for Its Ranking: “Thanksgiving III” stands out due to Nick Miller’s unique charm and humor, making him a beloved character in “New Girl.” Despite his chaotic behavior, he is endearing and this is well-portrayed in this episode. However, the Cece, Schmidt, and Coach love triangle detracts from the episode’s overall quality. Love triangles among friends often create an awkward atmosphere, which is evident here, and it overshadows some of the episode’s strengths, such as the developing friendship between Winston and Cece, and the humorous supermarket scenes. Nevertheless, “Thanksgiving III” is one of the funniest Thanksgiving episodes in “New Girl,” even though it seems less like a traditional holiday episode.
2. “Thanksgiving” (Season 1)
In this episode, Jess extends an invitation to her crush Paul (portrayed by Justin Long) for Thanksgiving dinner. However, the gathering is riddled with misfortunes such as a deceased neighbor and an ill-fitting oven for the turkey. Paul seems to share many traits with Jess, which grates on Nick’s nerves. In an attempt to win Nick over, Paul’s affections towards him intensify, only fueling Nick’s dislike for him. Meanwhile, Cece experiences Schmidt displaying a more assertive side, and finds it appealing.
This Showpiece Episode Earned Its Spot: The “Thanksgiving” episode beautifully establishes the series’ signature style by featuring holiday episodes. It introduces us to the main characters, each with their unique quirks: Nick, the endearing grump who sets high standards for women; Winston, the oddball but endearing one; Schmidt, who gradually morphs into a control freak; and Cece, who stirs up the chaos. This episode also lays a pattern that the characters are well acquainted with. “Thanksgiving” offers a sneak peek into the future Nick and Jess romance, as his jealousy towards Paul is evident. It initiates the tradition of Thanksgiving and subtly weaves in some romantic progress for Jess. Paul, one of Jess’s significant romances apart from Nick, serves as a testament to Justin Long’s exceptional guest appearances on the show. He seamlessly fits into the role of Paul.
1.“Thanksgiving IV” (Season 4)
In the episode: Schmidt proposes an event called “Bangs-giving,” where everyone has to play matchmaker for each other by bringing a date. Simultaneously, in her new role of authority, Jess struggles to keep her feelings hidden for Ryan (played by Julian Morris). However, Coach adds another layer of complexity when he invites Ryan to be Jess’s date instead.
The Reason Behind Its Ranking: “Thanksgiving IV” shines with numerous memorable scenes and characters, such as Tran (Ralph Ahn), who is Nick’s best friend. The episode is filled with heartwarming moments featuring Tran. Moreover, it lays the groundwork for Cece and Schmidt to reconcile, a development that eventually leads to their marriage. The episode is sprinkled with adorable scenes between them, like Cece dismissing her actual date to keep chatting with Schmidt. Each character also has a side-splitting subplot involving their dates. Winston’s lunch lady trauma is one of the funniest of these storylines.
Watching the Thanksgiving episodes from “New Girl” brings back the show’s appeal for repeat viewing, offering a lively and heartwarming experience. Each character contributes to the series’ charm, making the most enjoyable Thanksgiving episodes those that provide ample opportunity for each personality to stand out.
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2024-11-28 02:07