“Master of None” Season 3 Netflix Review by Josh Davis : Pop Culture Leftovers

“Master of None” Season 3 Netflix Review by Josh Davis

June 1, 2021 9:14 am |

The first episode of “Master of None’s” second season took the show in an entirely new direction. Set in Italy and shot in black and white, it looked and felt more like a Fellini film than a sitcom like, say, “Parks and Recreation.”

Judging by the first episode of season three, the show is once again moving in a daring, new direction.

The season was reportedly shot entirely on film and in 4:3 aspect ratio, and it shows in the low-fi graininess that creates a soft, atmospheric texture.

The first two seasons focused on Dev (Aziz Ansari, “Park and Recreation”), a struggling actor living in New York. It was a fairly standard half-hour comedy, but it did feature strong performances and writing.

Season three shifts the focus to the relationship between Denise (Lena Waithe, “Ready Player One”) and her partner Alicia (Naomie Ackie, “Star Wars: Episode IX”).

Set Four years after season two, Denise is now a successful author living the quiet life in a rural setting with Alicia. Alicia has a PhD in chemistry but is working as an interior designer.

There are lots of long, slow-panning shots of the picturesque interior of the cabin, and the exterior that could be either be Connecticut, or the British countryside.

About 15 minutes in, Dev visits with his new girlfriend, Reshmi (Aysha Kala, “Shameless”), and we learn that he’s in a far worse place than when we last saw him, now living with his parents and with his acting career in decline.

It’s a sharp contrast to where Denise is, which is interesting considering that Waithe has become a successful writer and producer (much like her character), while Ansari hasn’t worked much since becoming part of a controversial sexual misconduct allegation in 2018.

The brief encounter with Dev causes Denise and Alicia to reflect on where they are as a couple, and they later decide to try and have a baby with a sperm donor, Darius (Anthony Welsh, “Hanna”).

Like the best parts of season two, season three of “Master of None” is a throwback, a love letter to introspective art-house fare. It’s a wild departure from the more pedestrian framework of the first season, but it’s yet another welcome turn.

There are still moments of comedy, but the laughs are more grounded and natural — a product of small and meaningful moments between the two leads.

Ansari directed each episode, and he co-wrote the season with Waithe.

The writing could not be sharper, and Waithe and Ackie’s performances and chemistry feel organic and earned and truthful.

Credit should also go to Ansari for his understated but effective direction, and for daring to continue to push the show in bold, exciting new directions.

All five episodes of season three are out now on Netflix.

PCL Rating: Tupperware

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: FRESH