'New Girl' Season 1, Episode 11 Recap - 'Jess & Julia'

On more than one occasion, Zooey Deschanel has had to answer from complaints (almost entirely from females commenting on Internet boards) that she is too "girly" and is therefore setting feminism back. Deschanel has responded through a couple of avenues to these accusations, even though it's a silly thing to have to argue in the first place. The crux of her argument is that she likes dressing like a girl, thank you very much, and that's her business and she can still be a strong woman while wearing polka dots. So shut up. (She didn't say that last part).

That whole argument is played out in "Jess & Julia," as Nick's New Girl-who-doesn't-want-to-put-labels-on-things butts heads with Jess over their differences. Julia is a bit taken aback by Jess' seeming vapidity, her baked goods, and her way of talking that is catered to the kids she teaches at school. Jess, on the other hand, is offended when Julia says that Jess has "a thing" that she does.

It culminates in Jess saying what Deschanel herself has said many times before: yes, she's girly, but that doesn't change who she is or make her any less of a strong, independent woman. And then Julia is invited to crochet, and there is much rejoicing.

It looks as though our guest star Lizzy Caplan is here to stay, as she and Nick agree to date exclusively by the end of the episode. And that's a good thing because their banter has been charming thus far and Caplan is generally awesome.

Other bonuses of the episode include a little more depth for Winston, who needed it, as he learns he has "no game" and tries to impress a girl from his past. The balance is nice here, as Jess and Winston were beginning to be left behind a bit by Schmidt and Nick, who have been getting a lot of attention. Order is restored.

Bonus points for the added drama of Julia being threatened by Jess concerning Nick: It would be easy to drop the Jess/Nick romance entirely at this point, but keeping just a hint of it makes for a much more interesting show. Bravo.

Notes & Quotes:

-"...the big beautiful eyes like a scared baby."

-"If you'll excuse us, Julia's about to be very disappointed."

-"I will be putting my dehumidifier and my towel in my room, where nothing ever gets wet."

-Jess' face after her accidental plea. Amazing.

-"It's in my room next to my Irish walking cape!"

-"You're making me gayer!"