The Prank Opener
- Chet Tweedy
- May 23, 2019
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 19, 2022
No matter the gag, a prank-based cold opening can be a vehicle for instant conflict, drama, and anticipation. Check out this rapid-fire opener from Brooklyn Nine-Nine's S6E17 "Sicko" . Here, writers successfully play off of an absurdly mundane premise and successfully spin their 45-second quickie into a playfully transfixing intro.
00:02
JACOB
Guys
00:03
JACOB (cont'd)
I have a great idea for a prank.
00:04
JACOB (cont'd)
Before Holt comes in, I'm gonna put ink on the podium where he puts his hands.
00:07
TERRY
I don't think he'll fall for that.
00:09
HITCHCOCK
I did!
JACOB
How?
00:10
JACOB (cont'd)
I haven't even opened
this yet.
00:10
HITCHCOCK
I guess it's unrelated.
00:11
00:13
ROSA
Captain Holt hates pranks.
This is gonna backfire, man.
JACOB
Ugh, fine,
00:14
JACOB (cont'd)
I'll tone it. down.
I'll move his podium
a foot to the left.
00:18
AMY
What! He'll be so angry.
00:19
JACOB
Okay, five inches.
00:20
AMY Five?
00:20
JACOB
Three.
00:21
AMY
Three?!
00:21
JACOB
One?!
00:21
AMY
One?!!
00:22
JACOB All right.
I'll move it. a half inch.
00:23
AMY
Fine.
It's your funeral.
00:25
JACOB
Oh my god
00:27
JACOB (off-screen)
Worst prank ever.
So stupid.
00:28
JACOB (cont'd)
Holt's not even
going to notice.
00:30
HOLT (off-screen)
Good morning.
00:31
00:33
00:34
HOLT (off-screen)
You guys,
00:36
HOLT
the podium, it's
00:38
00:39
HOLT
Ha.
[chuckles]
00:42
HOLT
[laughter intensifies]
00:44
HOLT [riotous laughter]
00:46
HOLT [riotous laughter]
00:47
HOLT
[shouting]
You're crazy!
How did you pull this off?
00:50
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