BWW Recap: It's a Shark's Tale as NEW GIRL Returns

Winston's a cop, Jess is an activist and Schmidt is arm candy? That's right, NEW GIRL is back. And if you think a new year is going to change these kids, you may want to reconsider.

Winston is now an official cop and everyone is overjoyed... at first. Nick and Coach are super worried for their pal as he is a gentle person. Thankfully, they are reminded that he will be with an experienced officer while he's new. When they meet her, they are not reassured as she is, God forbid, a tiny woman (Guest Star Nasim Pedrad). Nick and Coach express their concerns in the most characteristic ways and offend the good officer. After reaching her breaking point, she eventually enrolls Nick and Coach in a family support group so they can learn to let go of their boy and trust he'll be safe.

Jess, meanwhile, fed up with night construction decides to complain to her local councilwoman, Fawn Moscato. Jess' strategy is to be nice and forthright, whereas, Schmidt believes she should be a shark. Moscato plays Jess into filling out a billion forms, while Schmidt bonds with the councilwoman. She uses him for arm candy and he loves it. At the end of the day, it is Jess who winds up playing Schmidt in order to win. And in true Schmidt fashion, he isn't offended, he's impressed.

After the mid-season finale left on such a high note, tonight's episode was a little sub par. But a sub par episode of NEW GIRL is still one of the best comedies on television. It was nice to see Schmidt be on the receiving end of some good old fashioned manipulation for once. Even better was how much he enjoyed it. It was also very endearing to see just how much Coach and Nick love Winston. The lengths that they go to as to make sure Winston is safe are hilarious, yet very good hearted in nature.

Ryan and Jess are vying for the cutest couple award as the two had some adorable moments especially Ryan taking part in a reenactment for the city presentation doing his best American accent. And for me, British folk trying to do an American accent never fails to make me laugh out loud.

No sightings of Nick's new girlfriend in the past few episodes. That was a huge plotline in the Thanksgiving episode and no sign of her since. There's always a little bit of a lull after the holiday break as it takes a few episodes to get back into the rhythm of things, so let's just chalk this up to that. I have no doubt that NEW GIRL will deliver a great season and as I said, even in a low episode, they still manage deliver some amazing sound bites.

Lines I Love:

• Nick - I can't believe Winston's going to be a cop. He's the gentlest guy I know. Remember when he broke his arm wrapping presents?

• Schmidt - Are my sleeves even? This is ridiculous. You know, my new tailor sews like an army medic. I'm not being overdramatic when I say that I would rather sit naked on a hot grill than wear something off the rack.

• Jess (To a drunk Ryan) You got a real Dudley Moore thing goin' on right now and I like it!

• Schmidt - If there's anyone who understands the importance of a sharp knife, it's a Jewish man.

• Nick - I can't go to jail, I'm too sarcastic for the white gangs. Coach - And I'd get passed around like a bong.

How do you think Winston will do as a police officer? Are Nick and Coach right to be concerned? Are Schmidt and Cece still just friends? I feel like even in the slightest of moments, we still see glimpses of their love for each other. Maybe it's just wishful thinking. We never did find out what happened with Ryan and Jess over the holidays. Were they able to meet up in LA or in London or did they just cut their losses? Does it matter? Should I point out the irony that the two stars of "Let's Be Cops" are the ones who are desperately afraid to let Winston be one too?

Follow me on Twitter @eponineq and follow @BWWTVWorld for all the latest updates, scoops and recaps.

Photo Credit: FOX