Ep 8. Thanksgiving

Master of None is a critically acclaimed Netflix original comedy series created by Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang. It follows the life of Dev Shah, a 30-year-old actor living in New York City, as he navigates his career, relationships, and cultural identity.

Season 2 Episode 8, titled "Thanksgiving," is a standout episode in the series. The episode kicks off with a flashback to 1995, where we see a young Denise (played by Lena Waithe) coming out to her mother over Thanksgiving dinner. The scene sets the stage for the episode, which chronicles Denise's coming out journey over the course of several Thanksgivings.

Throughout the episode, we see Denise come out to her family members and friends, with each year bringing new challenges and triumphs. We also see the evolution of her relationship with Dev, who becomes a constant presence at her family's Thanksgiving gatherings.

The episode is a powerful exploration of identity, family, and acceptance. It sheds light on the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face when coming out, especially to conservative or traditional families. The writing is both poignant and funny, and the performances are outstanding.

Lena Waithe (who also co-wrote the episode with Aziz Ansari) delivers a tour-de-force performance as Denise. She imbues the character with vulnerability, strength, and wit, making her journey all the more compelling. Angela Bassett also gives a standout guest performance as Denise's mother, Catherine, adding depth to the episode's central conflict.

The episode's direction, by Melina Matsoukas, is exemplary. The use of different Thanksgivings as the episode's structure allows for both a sense of time passing and a cohesive narrative. The cinematography is also top-notch, with Matsoukas using close-ups and handheld shots to add intimacy to the scenes.

One of the episode's standout moments comes in a scene where Denise and her mother visit a lesbian bar. The scene is both tender and hilarious, and it showcases the unique bond between the two characters. It is a testament to the writing and the performances that the scene never feels preachy or didactic.

Overall, "Thanksgiving" is a triumph of television. It is a testament to the power of storytelling, and it sets a new standard for representation of marginalized communities on television. It is a must-watch episode for fans of the show, and it stands alone as a masterful piece of art.