313: Birthday
The Mess Around with Hannah and Lamorne
Deep Dive
What is the main plot of the birthday episode in New Girl?
Nick struggles to throw Jess the perfect surprise birthday party while keeping it a secret. Meanwhile, Schmidt helps Cece adjust to her new bartender job, and Winston and Coach engage in a competitive bake-off.
Why does Nick struggle with Jess's birthday plans?
Nick struggles because Jess has high expectations for her birthday, and he has to plan a surprise party while stalling her throughout the day. His plans are further complicated when Jess wakes up early, expecting the day to start at the exact time she was born.
What is the significance of the cake mix-up in the episode?
The cake mix-up is a humorous moment where Winston and Coach accidentally receive a cake that says 'See you in hell, Boomer,' which is completely unrelated to Jess's birthday. This adds to the chaos of Nick's already stressful day.
How does Schmidt help Cece in her new bartender job?
Schmidt helps Cece by teaching her how to make an Old Fashioned cocktail. He guides her through the process in a loving and supportive way, showcasing their close friendship and Schmidt's patience.
What is the outcome of Winston and Coach's bake-off?
Winston and Coach end up merging their cakes into one, creating a 'double cake.' They hug it out, showing that their competitive bake-off ultimately brings them closer together.
How does Nick surprise Jess at the end of the episode?
Nick surprises Jess by renting out a movie theater and creating a personalized video message for her. He also places birthday cards under every seat, ensuring she finds one no matter where she sits. The video features messages from friends and family, making it a heartfelt and romantic gesture.
What is the significance of the coin Nick mentions in the video?
Nick mentions a coin in the video, claiming it's the same one he had in his pocket during their first kiss. This adds a sentimental touch to the surprise, though it's humorously implied that he might not actually carry it with him all the time.
What is the reaction of Jess to Nick's surprise?
Jess is deeply moved by Nick's surprise, calling it the nicest thing anyone has ever done for her. She is brought to tears by the thoughtful and romantic gesture, showing how much she appreciates his effort.
What is the role of Ben Falcone in the episode?
Ben Falcone plays Mike, Cece's boss at the bar. He delivers a series of improvised lines where he humorously critiques Cece's appearance and bartending skills, adding comedic relief to the episode.
What is the cultural impact of this New Girl episode?
The episode set a high bar for birthday celebrations, inspiring fans to create similar personalized videos for their loved ones. It became a memorable and beloved episode due to its romantic and heartfelt moments, as well as its comedic elements.
- The difficulty of keeping a surprise party secret.
- Different approaches to celebrating birthdays.
- The importance of teamwork in planning an event.
Shownotes Transcript