Trudy Judy, the younger sister of the infamous Pontiac Bandit, carved her own path of chaos in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Known for last-minute escapes and double-crosses, her final fate matched the Judy family tradition: clever, self-serving, and defiantly free.
Portrayed by actor and comedian Nicole Byer, Trudy was a con artist and car thief who delighted in outsmarting everyone, including her own brother and the detectives of the 99th Precinct. Her story arc, which spanned from Season 6 to the show’s final Season 8, shows a character who remained loyal to one principle: avoiding prison at all costs.
Who is Trudy Judy? The Copycat Pontiac Bandit
Trudy Judy first appeared in Season 6, Episode 5, titled “A Tale of Two Bandits” in 2019. She arrived at the funeral of her brother, Doug Judy, who had faked his death to escape a drug lord. She immediately tricked Detective Jake Peralta, introducing herself as a colleague from Doug’s fictional architecture firm.
Her true identity was quickly revealed. She was the “copycat Pontiac Bandit,” stealing high-end cars using her brother’s old methods. After getting caught, Doug Judy arranged a deal with the District Attorney. Trudy would help set up a sting operation to catch an arms dealer named Stefano Lucas in exchange for a reduced sentence.
However, Trudy had her own plans. In a classic Judy family move, she betrayed everyone at the last moment. She fled the scene with her partner, Dallas, stealing the recovered Ferrari for herself. In a phone call to her furious brother, she gave her reasoning:
“Reduced charges are still charges, and I can’t go to prison. There are no dudes there and I need to smush!”
This established her character: a self-professed, fun-loving criminal who saw crime as a business and freedom as non-negotiable.
From Miami Sting to Bachelor Party Chaos
Trudy returned in Season 7’s episode “The Takeback.” She had been caught and sent to prison but was released early for good behavior. She met up with Doug and Jake in Miami during Doug’s bachelor party, which Jake was attending undercover.
Her arrival caused immediate problems. She almost exposed Jake’s identity by calling him a “narc” in front of Doug’s criminal friends. The situation grew more complex when Doug’s friends stole $10 million in diamonds. Seeing an opportunity, Trudy switched sides yet again. She teamed up with Jake, Doug, and the crew to return the diamonds before the police arrived.
Despite the successful operation, Jake called in a SWAT team to arrest Doug’s friends. While Doug and Trudy were initially upset, Doug later admitted he secretly wanted his criminal friends arrested so he wouldn’t have to awkwardly uninvite them from his wedding. This chaotic episode ended with Trudy once again avoiding arrest and flying off on a private jet.
The Final Escape: Trudy’s Last Appearance in Season 8
Trudy Judy made her final appearance in the show’s eighth and final season, in the episode “PB & J”. Her plan was her most daring yet: to help her brother escape from police custody for good.
She visited Jake at the 99th Precinct, pretending to be worried about Doug’s safety during a prison transfer. She baited Jake into volunteering as the escort officer, knowing he was the one person predictable enough for their plan to work.
The plan succeeded, but with a major hitch. Because Doug’s old crew refused to work with him, Trudy had hired a new team of criminals off Craigslist. These new hires decided to kill Jake instead of just helping Doug escape. Doug was forced to intervene and save Jake’s life.
In the end, Trudy’s priority remained her own freedom. As Doug stayed behind with Jake, she drove off alone in the getaway vehicle, evading arrest one last time. This final scene cemented her fate: Trudy Judy remains on the run, free, and loyal only to herself.
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The Actress Behind the Con Artist: Nicole Byer
The character of Trudy Judy was brought to life by Nicole Byer, a celebrated comedian, actor, and television host. Byer is known for her energetic and improvisational comedy style, which fit the unpredictable nature of Trudy perfectly.
Byer’s performance was widely praised for adding a fresh, chaotic energy to the long-running dynamic between Jake Peralta and Doug Judy. Critics noted that she managed to be an even more ruthless and unpredictable criminal mastermind than her brother.
For fans of Nicole Byer, seeing her pop up in Brooklyn Nine-Nine was a highlight. She infused Trudy with a hilarious, unapologetic desire for fun and freedom, making her a memorable part of the show’s later seasons despite her limited appearances.
