Ep 5. Cece Crashes

In New Girl season 1 episode 5, titled "Cece Crashes," the show's protagonist Jess (played by Zooey Deschanel) finds herself in a bit of a bind when her best friend Cece (Hannah Simone) comes to crash at the loft unexpectedly. Jess is hesitant to let Cece stay for extended periods of time because she worries about the potential strain it could put on their friendship. Complicating matters, Cece is going through a bit of a rough patch with her boyfriend, which means she's extra emotional and needs a lot of support from Jess.

Meanwhile, Jess's roommates Schmidt (Max Greenfield), Nick (Jake Johnson), and Winston (Lamorne Morris) are dealing with their own issues. Schmidt is trying to prove to Cece that he's the kind of guy she should be with instead of her current boyfriend, while Nick is trying to write a zombie novel for his publisher but is struggling with writer's block. Winston, who has just returned from Latvia where he was playing basketball professionally, is feeling out of sorts and trying to figure out his next move.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise as Jess struggles to balance her loyalties to Cece and her roommates. Cece's continued presence in the loft, coupled with her emotional state, starts to put a strain on everyone's relationships. Eventually, the situation comes to a head and Jess is forced to face some hard truths about the people she cares about most.

Throughout the episode, there are plenty of laughs to be had as the characters navigate their various personal dramas. We get to see Schmidt's over-the-top attempts to woo Cece, including a hilariously misguided attempt to cook her dinner, as well as Winston's attempts to adjust to life back in the States. Nick provides plenty of comic relief as he struggles to write his book, leading to some funny scenes involving his publisher and a potential love interest.

Ultimately, "Cece Crashes" is a relatable episode about the complexities of friendship and love. It shows how difficult it can be to balance the needs of the people you care about while also trying to take care of yourself. The episode provides plenty of humor and heart, and it's a great example of why New Girl became such a beloved show during its six-season run.