Ever since New Girl kicked off its fourth season, fans have followed a broken up Nick and Jess as they've attempt to muddle through the murky waters of the single life. And while several romantic prospects have cropped up, none of them stuck. And, in a way, I found that fact extremely comforting because I knew that as long as this dynamic duo remained unattached, the greater a chance there was for a reconciliation. But after last week's "Thanksgiving IV" episode of New Girl, I fear the tide has finally turned. For not only is Jess now in a full-fledged relationship with Ryan, but Nick appears to have a new love interest as well in the form of Tran's granddaughter Kai, played by Greta Lee.
And I'm not talking about another meaningless hook-up here. Nick already appears to really like this girl. But as much as I love the idea of seeing our beloved Mr. Miller happy, it makes me uneasy to think what this could mean for Nick and Jess' future. However, now that I've had some time to mull the whole thing over, I've decided that this particular pairing may not be the relationship that we want, but it could very well be the relationship we need. A necessary evil, if you will, that could have just as many pros as it does cons. For example…
Pro: Nick Will Have a Chance To Grow
The main reason Nick and Jess broke up was because they really didn't have much in common. Nick, God love him, never wanted to think about the future and is still pretty much a grown man child. And while that characteristic is hilarious to watch on TV, it's not so much fun to be in a relationship with. So if Nick's time with Kai is a way to help him mature and grow up to be the man Jess always knew he could be, then by all means, I say let's get this coupling started.
Con: Nick Could Fall In Love
As much as I like the idea of Kai serving as a temporary romance to help revive the show's true endgame, there's always a chance the plan could backfire. Feelings are unpredictable and can sneak up on you when you least expect it. What if Nick, throughout his whole growing up transition, ends up falling deeply in love with Kai? That could completely alter the entire dynamic of the show and leave me to sob into a gallon of Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream.
Pro: It Could Make Jess Jealous
So far Jess hasn't really seemed to have a problem with Nick's nightly dalliances, but that could just be because she's known that these hook-ups have meant practically nothing to him. Perhaps when she sees Nick being a boyfriend to someone other than her, she'll start to realize just how much she misses him. Granted, she seems pretty occupied herself right now with her dashing British suitor, but hey, a girl can dream, right? That Nick Miller charm is more powerful than any dashing accent.
Con: It Could Not Make Jess Jealous
By the same token, if Jess doesn't appear to care about Nick's new lady, no matter how serious it gets, then that presents quite a problem as well… because it would mean she doesn't care. You know what, this thought is just too depressing to even consider. Forget I mentioned it.
Pro: More Opportunities to See Nick Shirtless
I rest my case.
So there you have it. Though I by no means want this little union to last forever, I think it could be just the thing to eventually bring Nick and Jess back to where they both belong: in each other's arms.
Images: Jennifer Clasen/FOX; Giphy; theonethingicouldntfind/Tumblr; Wifflegif; giolikestowatchnetflix/Tumblr; colorblindjamaisvu/Tumblr
