Stephanie Beatriz Directed Her 1st ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ Ep & Fans Are So Proud

Stephanie Beatriz

Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Stephanie Beatriz directed her first episode of the beloved series this season, one that focuses on the #MeToo movement. The episode, titled He Said, She Said, follows Amy (Melissa Fumero) and Jake (Andy Samberg) as they investigate a sexual harassment case.

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The episode, written by Lang Fisher, known for The Onion News Network and The Mindy Project, is another example of the series tackling real-world issues. In previous seasons, B99 has included episodes which focused on racial profiling and an active shooter situation.

In the lead up to the episode, Beatriz filmed a little behind-the-scenes video in which she discussed her directorial debut. And yes, if you’re unfamiliar with Beatriz’s real voice, you’re in for a shock.

“I thought maybe this was a challenge that I could rise to,” she shared. “There have been lots of women in this industry but I still don’t think there’s enough women behind the camera. I kind of put my name in the hat and at the same time, Melissa Fumero and Joe Lo Truglio did as well and we were really, really lucky NBC agreed that all of us are ready.”

“Scheduling wise, it just worked out that I was the best sort of person for this particular episode and also due to the subject matter. I think this episode, in this sort of traditional Brooklyn Nine-Nine way, dealing and grappling with world issues through the lens of people who really want to make the world a better place.”

Beatriz added that she was both interested in and excited for the audience’s response to the episode. And for the most part, fans appeared to really appreciate the thought and care that went into it.

After the episode aired, Fumero shared her deep thanks to B99 fans for their endless support.

“I am so proud of this episode, and so grateful for how you all received it,” she wrote.

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Co-stars Andre Braugher (Captain Raymond Holt), Terry Crews (Sergeant Terry Jeffords), and Joe Lo Truglio (Detective Charles Boyle) all celebrated the episode and its director on social media.

Selma director Ava DuVernay, who Beatriz drew on for inspiration, also congratulated the actor for her work.

In an essay for GlamourBeatriz revealed she had felt extremely stressed in the weeks leading up to her directorial debut.

“I was stressed and barely slept. I snapped at my partner. I emotionally ate a lot of ramen (highly recommended, by the way),” Beatriz wrote.

To combat the stress, she asked herself, “‘What would Ava DuVernay do?’” 

 “I decided that she would trust herself. I also decided she would go to the bathroom and do a silent scream of frustration in a stall (again, highly recommended).”

You can find Brooklyn Nine-Nine season six on SBS On Demand

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