Do you like to laugh? Do you like Netflix, but maybe don’t want the “chill” part that is often associated with it? Well then, Aziz Ansari’s new made for Netflix series “Master of None” is perfect for you. Continuing the streak of high quality shows that Netflix produces, it propels Ansari past the shining ensemble role he held in “Parks and Recreation” as Tom Haverford, and into a role as the star and producer of this show. Not only does he do an adequate job, he thrives. Much like Netflix’s other phenomenal comedy show “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Master” follows Ansari’s character Dev as someone trying to navigate New York City in his late twenties.
This role as an Indian lead is something that doesn’t happen often, and Ansari addresses it heavily in his show. Throughout the first five episodes, he struggles with finding work as an actor, and when he is cast it is almost always in a stereotypical Indian role. He has a whole scene with fellow Indian actor Ravi Patel about whether or not he should do “the accent” as they refer to it. As with many situations in this show, Ansari tackles a very real issue, but does it in a manner that is absolutely hysterical.
The other side of the show that is prominent, besides Dev’s acting career, is his navigation of his love life. Though the scenario of the main character having trouble finding love is incredibly common in shows, very few can say they deal with it as masterfully as “Master of None”.
The first episode features Dev watching his friends’ two boisterous children while she is at a meeting, and as expected, shenanigans ensue. Rather than just having this be a progression of events, there are flash-forward scenes of Dev imagining his future with his own children. The scenes are crafted in a genius manner that not only push the plot forward, but do so in a hilarious manner.
Throughout the season Dev runs into a plethora of girls at different events —one turns out to be married, one turns out to be crazy, and another just isn’t interested at the moment. All run of the mill scenarios for comedy shows, and yet “Master” makes it all feel so fresh.
It isn’t only Ansari that makes this show as great as it is. He is assisted by former SNL member, Noel Wells, who is excellent as Rachel—a woman Dev is interested in and who continually pops up throughout the first half of the season. Also adding to the comedic gold that makes up “Master” are Eric Wareheim, who plays Dev’s buddy Arnold, who constantly gives terrible advice, and Lena Waithe who is Dev’s scene stealing friend Denise. All of these actors besides Ansari are fresh faces to the mainstream audience, and after viewing the show, you’ll find yourself asking “Why haven’t I seen them sooner?”
The final breakout stars of the show are Ansari’s real life parents, Shoukath and Fatima. They are featured in a few episodes, and play a big part in one of the funniest scenes of the whole show. Dev snakes his way out of helping his dad setup his iPad, and his father’s face is stern, while it goes to a flashback showing how hard he worked to get to America. It had me dying in laughter as I binge-watched the show last week.
With only ten episodes at a half hour each, “Master of None” is the perfect length to help you procrastinate on that bio exam or English paper that you want to avoid at all costs. With “Maste of None”, not only will you avoid responsibility, you will be laughing the entire time you do so.
