By and large, sitcom characters are not a mature group of people. They are created for comedy. Often, they don’t take situations seriously, make unusual and plot-driving decisions, and complicate things in comedic fashion. If a sitcom character is mature, it is often to contrast the other characters and act as a foil.
With somewhat more nuanced writing than other sitcoms, Brooklyn Nine-Nine has characters across a range of different maturities, many of whom are more complex than they first appear. Immature characters learn responsibility, and responsible characters prove to have foibles. Nonetheless, some are clearly more mature than others.
8 Charles Boyle Learns Responsibility As A Parent
In the early seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Charles Boyle acts as little more than Jake’s sidekick. He tries everything he can to make Jake happy, supports Jake’s irresponsible or juvenile plans, and has distinctly unusual attachments to his friends. These qualities depict Charles as immature – although not to the extent of Jake.
A serious relationship, marriage, and fatherhood all conspire to mature Charles significantly. Although he remains a close friend of Jake’s and is still happy to engage in reckless behavior, Charles also develops a clearer sense of boundaries. Charles makes it clear that his son is his first priority, and becomes a better detective.
7 Amy Santiago Is Organized, Competitive, And Neurotic
At first glance, Amy Santiago appears to be one of the most mature detectives in the Nine-Nine. Amy is relatively serious, acts by the book, is incredibly organized, and is less prone to reckless behavior than her colleagues. However, closer inspection reveals a number of immaturities in Amy’s behavior.
She is deeply and irrationally competitive – to the extent of gambling on felony arrests with Jake. Amy is driven to less rational actions by her insecurities and has an overwhelming determination to be Captain Holt’s favorite. Amy’s development involves her overcoming her insecurities to become more mature, while simultaneously being able to loosen up and enjoy herself.
6 Sophia Perez Is Almost Too Mature To Be With Jake
Both Amy and Jake are in separate serious relationships for a time in Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s second season. Jake is with Sophia Perez, a defense attorney. Sophia is able to overlook the issues in their contrasting professions to form a relationship with him.
The two are very similar – part of the reason for their attraction – with similar senses of humor and hobbies. However, Sophia is more sensible and reserved than Jake, and far closer to a functioning adult in Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s early seasons. Their relationship comes to an end when Sophia refuses to prioritize the law over her boss, showing her to be less mature than she seemed.
5 Kevin Cozner Is Restrained Until He Isn’t
Any husband of Raymond Holt’s is going to have to be mature to deal with the rampant sensibleness of the Captain, and Kevin certainly qualifies. A respected academic and scholar, Kevin is restrained, serious to a fault, and almost oppressively adult to the members of the Nine-Nine, particularly before he warms up to them.
However, much like his husband, there is a less mature side to Kevin. After he and Jake form an unusual friendship, Kevin shows that he is able to be baited by Jake. When threatened by a gangster, Kevin chafes under his protective custody, almost putting his life and his husband in danger.
4 Rosa Diaz Is Far More Mature Than She Seems
Rosa is one of the Nine-Nine’s most aggressive and unusual members, and often the first with an insulting joke. Rosa initially appears to be particularly immature or irresponsible. There are signs – recognized by several other characters – that there is more to her than this.
Despite her flaws, Rosa has some of the strongest boundaries in the Nine-Nine, one of the clearest and rational outlooks on most situations, and is one of the most dedicated members of the squad to doing the right thing. Her superiors see her good traits. As a result, she is often given positions of authority – such as heading an anti-drug task force.
3 Raymond Holt Appears Incredibly Mature – And Almost Is
Part of Captain Raymond Holt’s characterization at the beginning of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is that he is almost oppressively responsible and mature. He is more mature and sensible than the group’s previous captain, which clashes with the squad – particularly Jake Peralta.
After appearing restrained and mature, with only occasional lapses, a far less rational side of Holt is seen. Although played for comedy, he is shown to make highly irrational decisions, struggle with appropriate behavior, and frequently indulges the rest of his squad in their shenanigans. Nonetheless, he remains one of the group’s most mature members.
2 Olivia Crawford Shows Herself To Be The Bigger Person
Olivia Crawford has very few appearances but still manages to make a clear impression. One of Holt’s rivals for the role of Police Commissioner, Crawford is by far the youngest candidate. Crawford initially appears to be as petty as the others, especially when she insults Holt’s age.
In her first appearance, the two form an odd rapport as the only female and only black candidate. Although still insulting one another, they prove able to work together. While circumstances partly inform it, Crawford shows her maturity by being willing to withdraw her name from contention for Commissioner to avoid splitting the vote. This earns Holt’s respect.
1 Terry Jeffords Is A Father Figure To So Many People
Prior to Holt’s arrival in the precinct, Sergeant Terry Jeffords is one of the few people able to handle the group’s antics. Both Holt and Terry are heavily respected by the other officers. Although not without his own foibles, Terry proves himself to be one of the most consistently-mature people.
Even with his occasional panics and snap decisions, Terry is willing to listen to his team and talk to them honestly. Terry provides a sorely-needed voice of reason and makes it clear that his first priorities are his children. On the occasions Terry stands against other characters like Holt, he is usually the most mature, arguing the most sensible course of action.
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