Review: ‘The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh’ is a splendid new comedy centered on an immigrant family

As a long-time follower of diverse and well-written comedies, I can confidently say that “The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh” is a refreshing addition to the genre. Vijal Patel has masterfully crafted a show that not only resonates with his lived experience but also brings unique characters to life. If you’re familiar with shows like “The Detour,” you’ll find similarities in the framing, family dynamics, and hectic attitude – but remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it might just be Pittsburgh.

Titled “The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh,” this fresh, quirky sitcom, airing on Prime Video starting Thursday, is brought to you by Vijal Patel, whose personal background and family experiences are mirrored in the series. Notably, his resume boasts writing and production credits for acclaimed family comedies such as “The Kids Are Alright,” “black-ish,” and “The Middle” – indicating a strong foundation in both professional expertise and authentic personal experience.

The show is similar in several genres – culture clash humor, neighbor disputes humor, and zany family comedy – which doesn’t necessarily detract from it, as you haven’t met these characters yet, and the quality of the script and acting is exceptional. If I were to compare it to Jason Jones’ excellent “The Detour,” with its storytelling format (it’s a narrative being told to investigators), family dynamics, and overall chaotic tone, not everyone might understand the reference, but those in the know will appreciate it.

The story unfolds within the offices of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, where five individuals named Pradeep, having arrived from India two years prior, are engaged in discussions with two agents known as Dark Suit (Pete Holmes) and Light Suit (Romy Rosemont). These agents are probing to unravel a pair of enigmas – the arson incident and an illegal activity in Ohio. These unsolved matters could potentially lead to their expulsion from the country.

In this adaptation, Father Mahesh Pradeep, portrayed by Naveen Andrews, initiates their relocation to Pittsburgh, which serves as a substitute for Toronto and is depicted as snowy upon arrival. He has secured a deal with SpaceX for manufacturing a rocket component and a workshop, previously a sex toy factory, retaining some of the original stock. Sudha, his wife played by Sindhu Vee, holds significant influence in their family and anticipates a busy professional life due to American’s less-than-ideal eating habits in their new home. Their eldest child, Bhanu, dreams of independence and a fresh start in America, while Kamal, the middle child, is excessively protective of his mother and fearful by nature. The youngest member, Vinod, as described by his mother, is an optimistic but naive individual who idolizes the local garbage collector.

Mahesh reassures Sudha by saying, “Don’t worry, there are two more of us,” in response to Vinod expressing his desire to pursue that career path.

“Do we?” she ruefully wonders.

Living just a few houses away are the Mills family: Janice (Megan Hilty), Jimbo (Ethan Suplee) and their son, Stu (Nicholas Hamilton). While Sudha often refers to them as ‘trash’, they have a shared love for the TV show “The Good Fight.

Without a doubt, there will be bumps along the way. The plot unfolds by speaking with all the key players, as well as some supporting ones, who pass the narrative back and forth like a game of basketball. Each character offers a unique perspective, which is evident in how events unfold on screen. (The humorous aspect comes from Sudha and Janice’s perceptions of each other’s children influencing them negatively.)

In South Asian perspectives, there are more jokes about Americans from the Southern regions compared to jokes about South Asians in American culture. Upon entering the school bus, Bhanu is shocked by the number of Caucasian students, expressing her feelings as being “blinded” by them. Sudha points out that the denial of a medical license is often due to “accreditation and compatibility,” which she interprets as America’s bias against brown immigrants. While race can be a source of humor, such as when Janice says she doesn’t see color and views everyone as white, it is not the primary focus of the series.

In a nutshell, Mahesh’s business is barely noticeable throughout the story, serving more as an undercurrent or potential danger rather than a central focus. It’s so inconspicuous that one might question how the Pradeeps have managed to sustain themselves for two years. A subplot about drug dealing is presented in a casual manner, but it quickly dissipates and seems out of place for the characters involved, although it does provide some amusing scenes in Janice’s reimagined narrative.

Through the course of this captivating season, I found myself grappling with the central enigmas that were subtly unraveled over the span of eight enthralling episodes. As the agents tirelessly sought answers, their pursuit was often delayed, yet their journey remained enticing. An intriguing subplot unfolded as their relationship evolved humorously.

It’s possible that you may have already forgotten who set fire to the Mills’ house, as it won’t be revealed this season. Instead, the focus lies on our protagonists, all of whom are heroes in their unique ways. At heart, every family comedy, even a dysfunctional one, is about unity.

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2024-10-17 22:01