Brooklyn Nine-Nine, arguably one of the funniest shows to come out in recent years, is finally about to reach the end of its often touching and always hilarious journey. After some truly heartfelt moments, a near cancelation, and plenty of belly laughs, the cast and crew have begun to say their goodbyes after filming on the final episodes of the upcoming 8th and final season has concluded. But perhaps none share as close a relationship with the show as Lt. Terry (loves yogurt) Jeffords himself, Terry Crews.
Crews, who has been a big part of the show since day 1, had plenty to say regarding the impending final season. Now that he and the rest of the team are finished filming, emotions have been running a bit high among those who have just completed an 8 year run together, and he didn't mince words. Having just reached the end of what is now his longest continuous acting role, there are clearly some deeply harbored feelings behind this end of an era.
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"It was so sad," Crews said to Variety, wistfully reminiscing on all the good times. "I mean, you spend more time with these guys than you do your own family. It's so much work but it's so fun. We laugh all day." This came alongside co-star and resident "noice" guy Andy Samberg (Jake Peralta) reinforcing the bittersweet feelings permeating the end of shooting. "There were a lot of tears, a lot of hugs," Samberg said. "Everybody had a hard time saying goodbye."
When Crews isn't demanding a localization of Mother 3, he enjoys many of the same comforts that his character does in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. From a rather obvious fondness for exercise to a now legendary love of yogurt, the dual Terries share many similarities that slowly edged their way into the show over the years. Even his artistic side came out as part of the Lieutenant's skillset, culminating in a striking portrait of Andre Braugher's Captain Raymond Holt (the piece itself wasn't painted by Crews, even though he himself is an accomplished painter in his own right).
Brooklyn Nine-Nine made news last year when the showrunners announced that they were completely scrapping season 8's scripts and starting over. This was the result of not only the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the numerous documented cases of police brutality against Black people. This led many fans to speculate that the show would abruptly move on from the police precinct setting for its final season, but it looks as though things will be more nuanced than that, possibly addressing the police issues head-on. "We had a lot of adjustments, a lot of somber talks. But when I look at the scripts and look at what we did, people will not be disappointed," Crews said. "I've been blessed to work with such amazing showrunners and writers and people who know how to entertain, but also inform."
It really is an emotional end to a show that's proved time and time again how it's willing to both teach and learn. For a series set in a police station, it offered a surprisingly deep look at social issues and was never afraid to bring up uncomfortable topics. But the laughs were always there, and if there's any justice in the world, they always will be. If nothing else, maybe he can stream Danganronpa with his son again. Crews himself appeared optimistic that a reunion could easily happen even a couple of years down the line. "I'm ready. I'm already pitching ideas," he enthusiastically exclaimed. "Hey, let's do a Brooklyn Nine-Nine movie; we could do one every year!" Now that's how to keep spirits up.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine will premiere its 8th and final season August 12th on NBC.
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Source: Variety
