BWW Recap: NEW GIRL, Mr. Telephone Man

There's the NEW GIRL I know and love. After a few lackluster episodes, they come firing back with this gem. Did it make you miss recording fun answering machine messages or was it just me? It's just not the same with voicemail.

Upon discovery that the only real place to get a good cell signal is on Nick's bed leaning out his window, Jess decides to bring back an old school landline. It was like opening a time capsule. Nick, being the only one that is home during the day, takes it upon himself to become the apartment secretary taking messages for Winston and Schmidt. (Do Coach and Jess not get calls?) The problem is, he's terrible at it. The solution? Why an answering machine, of course. (Do they still sell those?) Not to be taken out by a machine, Nick sabotages the machine and inadvertently books Schmidt an important magazine interview for "Business Man." Winston, who apparently is only smooth on landlines, steps in for Schmidt and saves the day.

At school, Coach is quite the ladies man. This prompts new VP, Jess to instill a new "Shut it Down" policy at school when it comes to fraternization between teachers. She is all set to put this plan in motion when she meets the new science teacher, Ryan, last name pronounced "gets in ya." Seizing his moment, Coach takes this opportunity to antagonize Jess to put these practices into play as she tries to hide her attraction to Ryan. In demonstrating her new plan, she accidentally grabs Ryan exactly where she doesn't want to... twice! She ends up revoking the policy after some subtle flirting with Ryan. It looks as if Ryan may feel the same way but the two are interrupte for an awkward conversation with the Principal.

Are we in for a Jess/Ryan romance? They sure had some great chemistry. It was nice to see the boys at their very best. Nick was at his Nick Milleriest while playing secretary from alphabetizing post-its to eating a bowl full of jelly. And Coach and Jess play off each other really well. I'm glad we are getting to glimpse their lives at school finally. And I do enjoy that even when Schmidt is complimenting Cece, he can make it sound like she is annoying the crap out of him.

This episode felt so much better than the past few. It didn't necessarily advance any plotlines other than a possible romance for Jess, but it was plain old fun. Guest star, Julian Morris of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS fame was adorable as new science teacher, Ryan. And it's always fun to see the recurring characters in the school played by Curtis Armstrong, Angela Kinsey and Brian Posehn as well as an awesome appearance by CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL's Erinn Hayes as the School Nurse. I hope we see more of her.

MVP - Winston and his smooth talking skills that only seem to play out on landlines.

Runner Up - Coach. I haven't seen a skillful antagonizer such as him since my brother, Bob.

Lines I Love:

• (Staring at their new landline phone) Nick - Where do you put your music? Schmidt - Why is there a rope?

• Teacher - What if you're in a situation where you either have to grab a teacher's crotch or give narcotics to a student?

• Schmidt - I'm as mad as a Dad in traffic!

• Winston - (pretending to be Schmidt) Did you know my name was an acronym? Schmidt: Some Can Have Money, I Desire Thoughtfulness.

• Coach - I call mine "Sam Jackson," because he's in everything.

What did you think? Is NEW GIRL back on track? How do we feel about Ryan, an acceptable mate for Jess? Can we get Cece a storyline? Follow me on Twitter @eponineq and make sure to follow @BWWTVWorld for all the latest updates, scoops and recaps.

Photo Credit: FOX