The Swedes
A Swedish detective arrives to shake up the precinct, challenging Holt's past and Peralta's ego.
The Swedes refers to a specific two-part story arc in the third season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine that introduces Captain Raymond Holt's former partner and rival, Detective Jake Peralta's Swedish counterpart, Inspector Thomas Jensen. This storyline serves as a comedic exploration of international policing methods while deepening the lore surrounding Holt's past career before he became captain of the 99th Precinct.
- Arc Name
- The Swedes
- Season
- 3
- Episodes Involved
- 2 ("The Swedes" Parts 1 & 2)
- Key Guest Character
- Inspector Thomas Jensen
- Primary Focus
- Holt's Past and International Cooperation
- Affiliation
- 99th Precinct / Swedish Police Force
Lore & Background
The story also serves as a vehicle for character development regarding Jake Peralta, who initially views the Swedish detective as a rival to be outsmarted but eventually learns to appreciate a different style of detective work. The arc emphasizes themes of respect and cross-cultural understanding within law enforcement, showing that while methods may differ, the core goal of justice remains universal across borders.
In Their Own Story
The precinct hums with its usual chaotic energy until Inspector Thomas Jensen strides through the doors, his presence instantly silencing the room. He moves with a precision that makes Jake's casual swagger feel clumsy by comparison. As Holt and Jensen exchange polite but tense greetings in hushed tones, the squad watches, sensing the weight of history between them. The air is thick with unspoken rivalry as Jensen begins to dismantle a case file with surgical efficiency, leaving Peralta scrambling to keep up.
Reader's Guide
The arc spans two episodes where Inspector Thomas Jensen arrives at the 99th Precinct to assist in solving a high-profile international smuggling ring. Key characters include Captain Holt, who is forced to partner with his old rival again; Jake Peralta, who tries to prove American policing superiority; and Rosa Diaz, who finds common ground with Jensen's no-nonsense attitude. The plot advances by revealing the backstory of Holt and Jensen's past partnership, which ended under mysterious circumstances. As they work together, tensions rise when their differing methodologies clash, threatening to derail the investigation. The narrative resolves as both detectives realize that combining their unique strengths is the only way to catch the criminals, leading to a successful takedown. This storyline significantly deepens Holt's character by showing his vulnerability and professional history outside of Brooklyn. It also reinforces the theme that the 99th Precinct can learn from outsiders, setting a precedent for future collaborations and expanding the show's world beyond New York City.
Did You Know?
- Inspector Thomas Jensen is one of the few characters to ever challenge Captain Holt's authority directly without facing immediate disciplinary action.
- The arc was written to explore the idea that different cultures approach crime-solving with unique, equally valid philosophies.
- Jake Peralta initially mistakes the Swedish detective for a tourist before realizing his official status.
- The storyline introduces the concept of international police task forces operating within the show's universe.