Brooklyn 99 Cold Open I Want It That Way

Okay, picture this: you're in a police precinct. It's late, probably past everyone's bedtime. Suddenly, a group of suspects starts singing Backstreet Boys. Sounds bizarre, right?
That's exactly what happens in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine cold open, "I Want It That Way." It's pure comedic gold and a perfect example of why the show is so beloved.
The Lineup From Hell (or Heaven?)
It all starts with a police lineup. Our favorite detectives, including Jake Peralta, need to identify a suspect. Pretty standard stuff, until...
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Jake, being the lovable goofball he is, asks the suspects to sing. Why? Because the victim only remembers the suspect humming a tune. It's ridiculous, but brilliantly so.
And then, magic happens. One by one, the suspects begin belting out "I Want It That Way." It's like a terrible, wonderful karaoke session unfolding before your eyes.

Why It Works So Well
The humor stems from the unexpectedness of it all. Police lineups are serious, intense situations. Turning it into a Backstreet Boys singalong is just… absurd.
Plus, the reactions of the detectives are priceless. Captain Holt's stoic face barely cracks a smile, but you can tell he's secretly enjoying the chaos. Even tough-as-nails Rosa Diaz looks mildly amused.
And let's not forget Terry Jeffords. His booming voice adds another layer of hilarity to the impromptu concert. He's fully committed to the bit!

Beyond the Laughs: A Touch of Heart
While the scene is primarily comedic, it also highlights the characters' personalities. Jake's impulsiveness, Holt's dry humor, Terry's enthusiasm – it's all on display.
The scene also shows the strong bond between the detectives. They may tease each other relentlessly, but they're a team. They're willing to participate in Jake's crazy schemes, even if it involves singing boy-band songs to criminals.

It's a reminder that even in the midst of serious police work, there's room for levity and camaraderie. That's a big part of what makes Brooklyn Nine-Nine so special.
The Enduring Appeal
The "I Want It That Way" cold open has become iconic. It's one of the most memorable scenes from the entire series. You often see it shared on social media or referenced in other shows.
Why? Because it's relatable. Everyone knows and secretly loves (or loves to hate) that song. It taps into our shared cultural consciousness.

More importantly, it's simply hilarious. It's a perfect example of the show's ability to blend clever writing, quirky characters, and unexpected situations into a comedic masterpiece.
"Tell me why!" - The Suspects
So, next time you need a good laugh, revisit the "I Want It That Way" cold open. You won't regret it. Just be prepared to have the Backstreet Boys stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
NINE-NINE!
