What I’m Watching: Master of None

Master of None: Season 3, Episode 4 “Moments in Love, Chapter 4” (B)

I was able to screen the first episode of this season just ahead of its premiere and had the opportunity to watch this installment as well but opted not to since I’m a stickler for watching things in order, even if they don’t necessarily follow a narrative progression (like anthology series). But in this case, the two episodes that came in between one and four are crucial plot-wise, though the length and pacing of the premiere were more indicative of what was to come here. It’s strange to think of this show as a comedy and Naomi Ackie as a supporting actress in a comedy since she gets such an opportunity to shine here, carrying an entire episode in a way that feels much more involved and vibrant than the considerably less enthusiastic Denise, who doesn’t want to put nearly as much effort into anything as Alicia wants to put into trying to have a baby. Back in the city, she’s diving right in, and this slow-paced saga was all about the intensity of the process and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with good news about possibility and then less optimistic updates about actual viability. Calling her mom for encouragement when she had to inject herself was sweet, and it was good to see her try to keep up her positive attitude, and the doctor’s, through it all. I’m not sure that I would describe the contents of this episode as “moments in love,” aside from those of Alicia towards her future child, but I’m intrigued to see what the normal length finale will present in terms of any closure and more than one character on the screen at a time.