Master of everything.
By their nature, most comedy shows are meant to be enjoyed and laughed at but once those final credits role, you’ll reach for the remote and store those 30 minutes into the box in your brain labeled ‘escapism.’
I’ve a theory about what differentiates a great comedy from the rest of the pack, though. Any show that has the ability to tickle your ribs while also pulling at your heartstrings will always be more memorable.
The ‘Parents’ episode from Aziz Ansari’s superb new show, ‘Master of None’ on Netflix, has already acquired the status of ‘must-watch TV.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0EF70Vc0cQ
Think about some of these tearjerking moments from famous TV shows. Marge consoling Homer with a chorus of ‘You Are so Beautiful’ in The Simpsons, after he questioned his self-esteem and worth to her, or Will Smith finally coming to terms with the fact that his biological father has abandoned him in The Fresh Prince of Bell Air.
These heartbreaking episodes have lasted the course of time because of one simple truth; they understand the human condition. We’re all prone to be happy and sad in equal measure.
So what’s Master of None about and why is this particular episode an instant classic?
In case you don’t know, Aziz Ansari is best known for his hilarious stand-up comedy and his wonderful turn as the seemingly vacuous but loveable Tom Haverford in the wonderful ‘Parks and Recreation.’
His new show is a sort of rom-com for the millenial generation, taking a look at everything from relationships to the pitfalls of getting older. It deals with everything from racism to sexism, and even perceptions of the elderly in a hilarious yet tasteful way.
But Master of None isn’t preachy. It’s just honest, speaks from the heart and is incredibly perceptive of the world.
The Parents episode, in particular, resonated with me.
The main character Dev (Ansari) and his friend Brian (Kelvin Yu) try to show their appreciation for their immigrant parents at a joint family dinner.
We see the ordeals, sacrifices, fears, problems, hopes and dreams of Dev and Brian’s folks as they grow up in India and Taiwan respectively.
Just like your own parents at the time, life wasn’t easy because money was scarce, opportunities were limited and work took precedence over leisure.
As Dev’s own father puts it “you do realise that fun is a new thing that only your generation gets to experience,” but the episode is extremely clever in juxtaposing the luxuries, comforts and changing cultural attitudes that Dev and Brian enjoyed as children growing up in New York with the more difficult environment that their own parents had to endure.
We’re all guilty of narcissistic and self indulgent moments but the ‘Parents’ episode is clever because it instantly reminds you of one universal truth; most people owe everything to their parents.
Watching the episode and Dev’s dad, I couldn’t help but think of my own father, who has been working as a taxi-driver for almost 30 years now, just so he can support me and my four brothers and sisters. Both my parents worked tirelessly to ensure that the five Moore children would all have an excellent education, food in our bellies, a roof over our heads and a happy life.
Just like Dev’s parents, my folks also worked hard and expect nothing in return. This episode feels like a small token of Ansari’s appreciation but as his own mother says “you don’t have to bring us for fancy meals, just call us once a week to let us know that you’re ok.” Is that not what every Irish mother would also say?
Like many of you, I’m sometimes guilty of forgetting my folks’ tireless work or taking it for granted, which is why these 25 minutes are just magnificent. It’s a reminder that for the majority of people that nobody in life will do more to help and guide you than your own mam and dad.
My description probably makes the episode sound very serious but Dev’s folks (played by Ansari’s real-life parents, Fatima and Shoukath) are an absolute riot and despite the cultural differences, I saw so much of my own parents in their quirky characteristics and dialogue.
For some shows, it can take at least two seasons before the writers hit their stride, Master of None did it in two episodes and you can thank Aziz Ansari’s parents for that.
While you’re at it, thank your own. I know I did.
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