Ep 16. Control

Jess (Zooey Deschanel) is a teacher and a quirky girl who moves in with three single guys after her breakup with her long-time boyfriend. In the sixteenth episode of the first season titled "Control", Jess's ex-boyfriend Russell (Dermot Mulroney) invites her on a day trip to Catalina Island, which Jess accepts reluctantly. Meanwhile, Schmidt (Max Greenfield), who is obsessed with cleaning and organizing, goes overboard when he offers to help Nick (Jake Johnson) tidy up his bar.

The episode opens with Jess trying to find a way to cancel her Catalina Island day trip with her ex-boyfriend Russell. However, after having a conversation with her roommates, she realizes that she has been too passive in their relationship. She decides to take control and go on the trip with him. On the other hand, Nick is struggling to clean up his new bar. He seeks Schmidt's help, who offers to clean it up for him. Schmidt is excited to help out because he loves cleaning and organizing, but he soon takes over everything, including the bar's design.

Jess and Russell board the ferry to Catalina Island, where they have a great time riding bicycles and having fun together. However, Jess becomes uncomfortable when she sees Russell talking to another woman, and she begins to feel insecure about their relationship. When they arrive at their hotel room, Jess discovers that another couple had booked the same room. Russell, who is not easily fazed, suggests they all share the room and have a good time. Jess follows Russell's lead and tries to have a good time, but things take a turn when she sees Russell talking to the other woman again.

Back in Los Angeles, Schmidt has taken his cleaning obsession too far at Nick's bar. He has reorganized everything, including the toilets and the neon sign, which he believes is not placed correctly. When Nick returns to the bar, he is surprised and uncomfortable with the changes. Schmidt tries to convince Nick that his way is better, but Nick is not having it. Eventually, they both realize that they need to compromise and find a way to work together.

In Catalina, Jess confronts Russell about his behavior, and he explains that the woman is his ex-wife. He was trying to make her jealous by being with Jess, which hurt Jess's feelings. Jess tells Russell that she is not interested in playing games and that she needs someone who is honest with her. She decides to leave Catalina early and return to Los Angeles.

Back in the loft, Jess shares her experience with her roommates, and Nick and Winston (Lamorne Morris) support her decision to end things with Russell. Schmidt, who has just come back from Nick's bar, admits that he went too far and apologizes for taking over. He promises never to do it again, and the roommates accept his apology.

In the final scene, Jess goes to the bar to see Nick and thanks him for being a good friend. Nick tells her that he had ordered a new neon sign for the bar and that he wants Schmidt to design it. Jess is surprised but, happy that Nick and Schmidt are moving forward. The episode ends with the roommates sitting together, enjoying each other's company.

In conclusion, "Control" is a fun and light-hearted episode that explores the themes of taking control and finding balance in relationships. The episode showcases the different personalities of the roommates and how they interact with each other. It also highlights the importance of compromise and communication in any relationship. Fans of the show will enjoy the humorous moments and the heartwarming ending.