The “Mindy Project” is the little show that could. It started off with dismal critical reviews caused by its poor writing and acting. There were rumors that it would be cancelled. But, like so many other shows that started off slow, the “Mindy Project” has shown itself to be on track to be a lasting show of quality. The writing has improved, the cast has diversified and learned how to act, and the plots have only become more entertaining. And this third season promises to be better than ever, with its plot taking an exciting new turn (though I won’t give spoilers). The show focuses on the titular Mindy Lahiri, whose differences from the show’s lead actress, writer, and director, Mindy Kaling, pretty much stop at their surnames. Lahiri is nominally an OB/GYN in New York City with all the accoutrements of a New York City TV show: an impossibly large apartment, a job that takes up no time, and an endless stream of potential boyfriends. The “Project” centers around that last feature: Mindy has dated a wide array of men over the last two seasons, many played by such notable names as James Franco, Seth Meyers, and Glenn Howerton of “It’s Always Sunny”. After watching Mindy get disappointed over and over again, anyone would start to root for her to finally find love. It’s romantic and it’s a comedy, but it’s not a romantic comedy. The show derives its humor from everything that isn’t obviously comedic: the inside jokes, the recurring characters, and, most importantly, the cultural references. The show is funniest when it’s least expected. The “Mindy Project” has finally found its stride this season, making Tuesday nights on FOX a night to look forward to.
Kadir is a member of
the class of 2017.
