Debbie Downer: How Brooklyn Nine-Nine Corrupted a Good Cop Character

3–4 minutes

If you’re a fan of Brooklyn Nine-Nine like I am, you probably appreciate the well-written humour that each character brings to the show. In Season 7, a new character named Debbie Fogle is introduced, who starts off as Holt’s partner. Initially portrayed as ditsy and not taking her job seriously, Debbie quickly becomes a likable character through her relatable quirks and amusing anecdotes. However, her storyline takes an unexpected turn when it is revealed that she is involved in criminal activities. In this blog post, we’ll delve into Debbie’s character development and discuss the implications of her storyline.

Debbie’s Endearing Qualities: In the beginning, Debbie’s character is designed to be socially awkward and funny, which makes her endearing to the audience. Her valley-girl way of speaking and the fun facts she shares humanize her, allowing viewers to relate to her on a personal level. Moreover, her backstory involving the search for her twin sister’s murderer adds depth and tragedy to her character, making her more intriguing.

The Surprising Twist: The turning point for Debbie’s character occurs in Season 7, Episode 4, where she unexpectedly steals illegal drugs and guns from the evidence room. This twist confuses viewers, as it contradicts the earlier established aspects of her personality. Even Jake tries to give her the benefit of the doubt, suggesting that she might be manipulated and still a good person at heart.

Debbie’s Motivations and Disappointments: As the story progresses, we learn that Debbie’s actions were driven by a desire to secure funds for her sick father’s surgery. However, it is later revealed that her brother had already paid for the operation, leaving Debbie with the illicitly obtained money. Disappointingly, she falls into drug use and becomes involved with a drug lord. This turn of events not only disappoints the viewers but also Jake and Rosa, who were rooting for her.

The Manipulation and Redemption: Debbie’s vulnerability and susceptibility to manipulation become apparent, particularly in her strained relationship with her mother. While it is initially portrayed as a troubled bond, inconsistencies arise when we discover that Debbie is actually close to her mother and shares everything with her. We learn this when we see Amy, Holt and Boyle going through her many diaries/journals. She knew everything her mother was doing, why would she want to write about her if they had a strained relationship? And, if the relationship was so strained then why did she document most of her day-to-day activities without showing the issues she had? I believe this aspect appears to have been introduced to generate sympathy and align with Rosa’s perspective instead of having a cohesive storyline for Debbie.

The Inconsistencies and Missed Opportunities: The storyline involving Debbie becoming a dirty cop raises questions and inconsistencies. Despite her occasional naïve moments, Debbie exhibits intelligence in her extensive diary writing and preference for less action-oriented tasks on the job. The decision to tarnish her character could have been better suited for a different kind of character, rather than compromising the likable and naïve aspects that initially endeared her to viewers. If her character was meant to exit the show, the storyline could have allowed her to find her sister’s killer.

Conclusion: Debbie Fogle’s character arc in Brooklyn Nine-Nine presented a mix of endearing qualities, unexpected twists, and missed opportunities. While she initially captivated viewers with her relatability and amusing anecdotes, her transformation into a dirty cop and involvement in criminal activities felt forced and inconsistent with her established traits. Nonetheless, Debbie’s storyline generated discussions among fans, and opinions may vary on whether her character’s journey was satisfying or not.

What are your thoughts on Debbie’s character? Did you find her storyline compelling, or do you believe it missed the mark? Am I just a Debbie fan who was too interested in her story to realize she was just a character used to further the storyline? Please share your opinions in the sit-comment section below!

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