secretallie:

bj-hunnicutts-blog:

I didn’t follow your orders. I took advantage of our friendship. I was a jerk. I’m sorry.

Jake Peralta, who in any other show would have been a racist, misogynistic dudebro whom we’d be expected to find hilarious and lovable despite said racism and misogyny just because he’s young, attractive, and white. Jake Peralta, who in any other show would make guys like Boyle the butt of countless jokes just because he’s passionate about “effeminate” things like cooking and is bad with the ladies. Jake Peralta, who in any other show would have been portrayed as a cool, heroic renegade by fighting the leadership of a straitlaced authority figure who just happens to be black and gay.

Jake Peralta, ladies and gentlemen, seen here refusing to let a female, non-white character brush off his assholish behavior and instead makes a sincere, unconditional, and respectful apology to her. He doesn’t make excuses, doesn’t defend his intentions, and he acknowledges her authority over him in this project and promises to support her.

Because Jake Peralta is in Brooklyn 99, and in this show we get a protagonist who has meaningful, respectful friendships with women, who admires and pursues the approval of his sergeant and his captain (both of whom happen to be POC),and who willingly reads a bridegroom magazine so that he can help his bestest friend Boyle plan his wedding. When the woman he likes dates someone else, he doesn’t embark on a campaign to win her, but instead acknowledges that his feelings are not her problem and treats her as he always has.

I guess what I’m saying is, Jake Peralta gives me hope for television, and Brooklyn 99 is a gift, and if you’re not watching then you’re missing out.