Elizabeth Meriwether Pictures, American Nitwits, 20th Century Fox
Season finale curiosity got the better of me. Admittedly, New Girl and I have been on a prolonged break courtesy of the Season 3 slump. My fangirl love is not rational– break up with my favorite character, I’ll break up with the show. Just ask Shonda Rhimes. Though we usually break up because she kills off my favorite characters. At least New Girl creator, Elizabeth Meriwether has been merciful in that regard.
After New Girl season six finale aired last week, I had to find out what the residents of Apt 4D were up to. While the writers and actors are clearly gifted with the random, the bizarre and the laugh out loud, I’ve got to give credit for my return to the epic build of the season six closing track, Green Light by Lorde. The storyline doesn’t hurt either. Now, New Girl and I are so back on.
Upon reflection of this latest development, with Green Light still playing in the background, I have to give a moment to the New Girl music supervisors Manish Raval and Tom Wolf with librarian/coordinator Jonathan Leahy of Aperture Music (also works on Community and GIRLS) who have closed each season of New Girl with a repeat-worthy track. Let’s dig in and take a listen.
SEASON 1
1x24: See Ya
Track: Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
Sure this one is an oldie, but it perfectly sets the tone for what we’ll dive into in Season 2. At the end of this season, Nick returns to Apt 4D–and Jake Johnson reaches leading man status with one word, ‘Hey.' That one word made ladies everywhere exhale a collective, ‘Daaayuuumm.’ Followed by dancing and cheering around the room exclaiming, ‘IT’S ONNNNNN!!!!!’
SEASON 2
2x25: Elaine’s Big Day
Track: I Always Knew by The Vaccines
At the end of this season, our two favorite oddballs ‘uncall it’ and we all exclaim a collective woooooooo!!! The Vaccines provide just the right celebratory track as we all set out onto new, wild relationship adventures.
SEASON 3
3x23: Cruise
Track: I do not accept any tracks from this season aside from Jess’s signature post-break up track, River by Joni Mitchell
With the anticipation-of and post-breakup suck-fest of a season, I was forced to employ the classic break up with a show before it breaks my heart. I’m with Winston drinking and hiding under a blanket till this nonsense passes. Curses, Cruisers.
SEASON 4
4x22: Clean Break
Track: Rivers and Roads by The Head and The Heart
At the end of this season, full of optimism and elation, beauty and grace the track begins the moment Cece says yes. The last frame is a save-the-date post-it on the refrigerator of Apt 4D and sets up the anticipation of the season to come.
SEASON 5
5x22: Landing Gear
Track: Still by Seinbabo Sey
At the end of this season, in Apt 4D’s most magical scene ever, this loving, tender and reflective track celebrates the first official union among the residents and their future together. There’s also a little Hava Nagila in there for good measure.
SEASON 6
6x22: Five Stars for Beezus
Track: Green Light by Lorde
At the end of this season, Jess is locked out of the building as the first keys of Lorde’s Green Light are played. What proceeds is a game of catch the elevator, accentuated by a drop in music before the elevators open to reveal and finally embrace–endgame. No more will they or won’t they, but endgame. And Green Light is just the track we needed to build up and rejoice in the moment, creating an elation to last all summer long.
Thank you, New Girl, for giving us the Green Light to dance in celebration. Let's go, Season 7! I’m off to continue this dance party with some pink wine!