FOX's New Girl has brought in an incredible 25.8 million views for its post-Super Bowl episode. Clad with Prince, the L-word and a gun salute, the show killed two birds with one stone by taking Nick and Jess' relationship to a whole new level while achieving a spot as the highest-rated scripted entertainment telecast on broadcast television since 2011.
Super Bowl fans (and non-fans) were exposed to Nick's awkward "I love you" that was shortly followed by a double gun salute by Jess. Although Nick states that he does in fact love Jess, Winston and Schmidt aren't in the least encouraging, causing Schmidt to get Nick to "fix" the situation by taking the "I love you" back.
The boys then go to Prince's house to enter a celebrity party they weren't invited to. Winston gets into the party by pretending to be a military vet who lost his fellow friend while Nick maneuvers his way into the party he wasn't invited to by cleverly sneaking in with a crowd of models. Poor Schmidt is unable to enter.
Meanwhile, at the party, Jess is disappointed in herself for not saying the L-word back. When she sees Nick at the party, she faints, unable to get her "I love you" out.
Nick, thinking that his profession was done too-soon and in poor taste, offers to take it back, which causes Jess to become instantly upset.
Another faint is in order when Nick meets Prince right after "erasing" his "I love you."
After bringing Nick to consciousness, Price politely asks for a moment with Jess. He saves the night by revealing his version of the secrets of the universe consisting of a late pancake supper, a makeover, ping pong and locking Jess in a closet.
Ultimately Jess finds the courage to say the three dreaded words back to Nick followed by a kiss and a duet performance of "Don't You Wanna Fall in Love Tonight" with Prince.
All in all, it was truly an episode that was worth being aired post-Super Bowl. The exposure that New Girl received from the post-Super Bowl crowd will help when the show returns to its regular Tuesday night showing.
