In Case You Needed Another Reason to Love Mindy Kaling | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

In Case You Needed Another Reason to Love Mindy Kaling

Four Weddings and a Funeral isn't just a rom-com obsession; it stands for something much greater than itself.

7
In Case You Needed Another Reason to Love Mindy Kaling
imdb.com

This summer, I've been obsessing over Mindy Kaling's television adaptation of the 1994 rom-com, Four Weddings and a Funeral. Now, for the sake of transparency, I feel obligated to admit that I haven't seen the Hugh Grant classic, and frankly, if Mindy's name wasn't on the project, I wonder if I would have ever tuned in…but I'm certainly glad I did.

Critiques of the Hulu miniseries have been mixed, many noting the messiness of the plot and morally ambiguous characters. My response: isn't that the point? I think there's something very refreshing about Mindy's homage to real life.

Likeability isn't always clearly measurable in fleeting introductions, certainly not in reality. As such, there's something to be said of the inherent characterization complications of leading roles, Maya and Kash. To all who have been religiously tuning in every Wednesday, you know I'm talking about their slow-to-bud romance amidst arduous love triangles, career-oriented political tensions, and of course, awkward game nights

This show represents all the beautiful complexities of adult relationships. Exploring all the avenues – from heartbreak, to betrayal, to reality-show fame, etc. – Kaling's series allows for more honest communication about the components of a rom-com, but (thankfully!) without compromising any of those elements that we know and love: the meet-cute, the cheesy romance montage, the grand gesture(s), the list goes on. Four Weddings and a Funeral portrays romantic fiction in a way that is familiar, but still unexpected and therefore refreshing, and it's all done to the tune of a phenomenal soundtrack, I might add. (Lily Moore's cover of Heart of Glass has been on replay in my apartment for weeks.)

Finally, we can't talk about Four Weddings without applauding its representation. Black and brown actors not as the eccentric sidekicks, but leading roles is refreshing, yes, but this remedy is also almost frustrating in its reminder of how uncommon this kind of diversity is in pop culture. Finally, we get a glimpse of romantic fiction with the emphasis on the romance and not the fiction. Now, a believable, diverse cast accompanies an intricate plot, and the result is inspiring.

I hope we will one day look back on the current moment – Mindy Kaling's Four Weddings and a Funeral, in particular – and note how this was the beginning of a major change in the industry: a push for representation and a push for cultural change.

Add that to the list of reasons I'll be tuning into the season finale tomorrow on Hulu! I hope you'll join me (and let me know what you think!).

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 Of The Best Shows To Binge Watch Over Winter Break

As the semester is coming to an end, most of us are going to have more free time on our hands. This calls for binge watching a new show on Netflix and really using this break to relax from the stress of school. Here are some of the best shows on Netflix that you should be watching.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Gifs That Explain Your Lazy Weekend

Get ready for 2.5 days of doing absolutely nothing

620
netflix
Kayla Master

Admit it: everyone loves to have a lazy weekend every once in a while. Not too much work to do, comfy clothes, Netflix binge sessions: just a few of the perfect components of a relaxing weekend. While you may get to a point where you regret doing absolutely nothing with your weekend, you just got to pull through and finish out this weekend to prove that you can go 2.5 days without accomplishing a single thing.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Truths About Being In A Sorority

(For Girls Who Are Interested In Greek Life)

2742
Sorority
Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break
Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less
Disney Princesses
The Odyssey
Tiana would no doubt be disappointed in the food our cafeteria has to offer.

And hopefully she would cook for everyone in her dorm.

She definitley would not take any 8:00 am classes because she would be up late baking and cleaning up the communal kitchen that are available in every dorm.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments