When “Girls” debuted on HBO in 2012, many hailed series creator and star Lena Dunham as “the voice of our generation.” If “generation” refers to the well-to-do offspring of famous people who have no real problems in life, then sure, that’s accurate.
For the rest of us commonfolk, I’d like to make the case for Aziz Ansari to take the moniker from Dunham, thanks to his masterful work in “Master of None,” which premiered on Netflix Nov. 6. The first 10-episode season of the series was co-created, co-written and stars the former “Parks and Recreation” fixture as Dev, a relatively successful actor living in New York City.
If you’re familiar with Ansari’s previous work, watching him as Dev will feel like a reunion with your favorite cousin that comes to visit every now and then. However, Dev differs from Ansari’s other portrayals due to his thoughtfulness and practicality, which complements his hyperactive humor perfectly.
Dev navigates the busy, diverse landscape of the Big Apple with an equally diverse supporting cast, including his friend Arnold (Eric Wareheim of Tim & Eric), his parents (played by Ansari’s actual parents) and his on again/off again love interest Rachel (former SNL cast member Noel Wells).
The cast is talented, funny and about as symbiotic as Spider-Man’s black suit, but ultimately, the show works really well because of the writing.
When it comes to storytelling, “Master of None” draws inspiration from “Seinfeld” as each episode focuses on a certain aspect of life that would seem like minutia compared to the outlandish escapades seen within other popular sitcoms during their heyday.
For example, in the third episode, Dev stresses when his date to a concert doesn’t respond to a follow-up text right away. Arnold, serving as a taller, but less scummy version of George, tells him not to worry about it, but Dev’s inner Jerry is too strong to keep at bay.
That’s the stuff that made “Seinfeld” great, and it does the same for “Master of None” minus the narcissistic edge of the former. It’s just real-life situations written and performed in a realistic and relatable manner, all while being funny at the same time.
The show also touches upon life’s not-so-funny moments – like death, divorce, stereotyping and sexism – and manages to bring these issues to attention with a deft blend of humor and pathos. Ansari’s energy will force you to crack a smile even during the toughest of on-screen situations.
In the end, “Master of None” is a perfect portrait of the times we live in thanks to its effortless ability to recognize what our generation does and will experience throughout our lives without being patronizing or preachy.
It also doesn’t force you to hear Allison Williams “sing” on a weekly basis, so if you really needed a reason to give up on “Girls” for good, look no further.
