Who is the Original Winston in New Girl? The Full Story of Winston M. Schmidt
For fans of the hit sitcom New Girl, the name Winston immediately brings to mind the lovable, quirky, and often surprisingly insightful character Winston Bishop. But here's a fun bit of trivia for those who might be wondering: there was actually an original Winston before Winston Bishop moved into the loft. This original Winston was actually part of a running gag and a hilarious character twist in the early seasons of the show.
The Real Original Winston: A Flashback to a Lost Roommate
The character who held the title of the "original Winston" in the context of the loft's history was none other than Winston M. Schmidt. Yes, you read that right – Schmidt. This name belonged to Nick Miller's former roommate before Winston Bishop joined the group.
The reveal of Winston M. Schmidt's existence happened in the episode "The Apartment" (Season 1, Episode 1). In this episode, Nick, Jess, and the rest of the gang are trying to help Jess find a new apartment after her disastrous attempt to live with her new boyfriend, Paul Genzlinger. While discussing their living situation, Nick casually mentions that he had another roommate before Winston Bishop.
The "Winston M. Schmidt" Reveal and its Significance
The joke was that when Winston Bishop (played by Lamorne Morris) first moved in, he was introduced as simply "Winston." However, it was later revealed that Nick's *previous* roommate, the one who had vacated the room before Winston Bishop arrived, was named Winston. To differentiate between the two, Nick had apparently started referring to the original Winston as "Winston M. Schmidt." The "M" was never explicitly explained, adding to the absurdity.
This reveal served several purposes:
- Humorous Misdirection: It played on the audience's expectation and created a moment of comedic surprise.
- Character Development for Nick: It showcased Nick's often eccentric and slightly illogical way of thinking and organizing things.
- Establishing Loft History: It provided a small but memorable piece of the loft's past, grounding the current dynamic.
Where Did Winston M. Schmidt Go?
The article wouldn't be complete without addressing the fate of Winston M. Schmidt. While his existence was a pivotal moment for comedic effect, the show never delved deeply into his backstory or departure. It's implied that he simply moved out, making way for the Winston we all know and love.
The humor stemmed from the fact that Nick was essentially trying to claim the name "Winston" as his own by assigning the original roommate a full, somewhat formal, moniker. It highlights the often odd dynamics and internal logic of the characters in New Girl.
The True Winston: Winston Bishop's Journey
While Winston M. Schmidt was a fleeting, albeit memorable, character in the show's narrative, the Winston who became a cornerstone of the New Girl ensemble is undeniably Winston Bishop. His journey from a struggling basketball player to a passionate police officer, a loving husband to Aly, and an all-around hilarious individual is one of the most beloved arcs in the series.
It's important to distinguish between the two "Winstons." The "original Winston" was a punchline, a detail to flesh out Nick's character and the loft's history. The Winston who became a fan favorite, with his love for ferrets, his distinctive laugh, and his unwavering loyalty, is Winston Bishop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Nick Miller come up with the name "Winston M. Schmidt"?
Nick, being Nick, likely came up with "Winston M. Schmidt" as a way to differentiate his former roommate from the new Winston who moved in. The "M" was likely an arbitrary addition to make the original Winston sound more distinct or perhaps just a random thought from Nick's creative (and sometimes nonsensical) mind.
Why was there an "original Winston" mentioned?
The mention of an "original Winston" was a comedic device. It was a way for the writers to create a humorous twist and reveal that Nick already had a roommate named Winston before Winston Bishop arrived. It served to highlight Nick's quirky personality and the often absurd situations the characters found themselves in.
Did Winston M. Schmidt ever appear on screen?
No, Winston M. Schmidt was never seen on screen. He existed only as a name mentioned by Nick Miller to explain the situation of having two Winstons in the loft's past. The character of Winston Bishop is the one viewers know and love.
What happened to Winston M. Schmidt?
The show never provided specific details about what happened to Winston M. Schmidt. It's understood that he simply moved out of the loft sometime before Winston Bishop arrived. His departure was a plot device to allow for the introduction of the more prominent Winston character.
