Entertainment

What We Need From 'Master Of None' Season 2

by Amy Roberts

It's felt like the longest wait ever, but the premiere date of Master Of None Season 2 has finally been announced, and we don't have to be too patient in waiting for it's arrival. Aziz Ansari's Netflix show is returning to the streaming service on May 12, which means that you're going to want to start preparing your artisan bread selections and collecting your homemade, gourmet recipes now in order to be supremely ready for it. The announcement of the premiere date was made with a short teaser for season two of Master Of None, which was low on details but big on gratuitous shots of Dev and bestie Arnold riding Vespas through the Italian countryside. That ticks off at least one of the things I definitely want to be seeing in the new episodes of Master Of None, but, guys, there's so much more I want to see too.

It isn't so much that the first season of Master Of None ended on any particular cliffhanger that I'm absolutely dying to see resolved (though we definitely need to talk about Rachel), but more that the show contained certain elements that I'm desperate to see repeated. From tone and characters, to plot details, jokes, and romantic intrigue (oh hell yes), here's everything that I think we all kind of want to be seeing in the second season of Master Of None...

1. Realistic Sex Scenes

The first season did this with perfect aplomb, and I, for one, want more of it. Though it's doubtful the show could ever replicate the realistic genius of episode, "Plan B" (in which a condom disaster during a one night stand leads to a late night trip to the pharmacy for the Morning After pill), Season 2 is definitely capable of maintaining that tone of the first season.

2. Some Painfully Real Love Connections

I'm not going to hold out for a reunion between Dev and Rachel. But, at the very least, it would be nice to see them trying to remain friends, even if they can't rectify their romance. I'm absolutely ready to see Dev (and everyone else) enjoy more romances in all of their complicated, beautiful, messy, and sometimes painful glory.

3. Another Phenomenal Soundtrack

The eclectic music featured on Master Of None's first season was so good it made me shriek, "are you kidding me with this song right now?" all the time. If the second season can feature artists as diverse as Aphex Twin, Spandau Ballet, and Beach House, then I'll be a happy woman.

4. More Cutting Social And Political Commentary

Let's be honest about this, without naming names or specific events, a lot of things have happened since November 2015 when Season 1 was released. And most of them have been rather unpleasant. Ansari didn't hold back with how he approached the insidious nature of racism and sexism within society in Season 1, and I'm hoping he steps up that game for Season 2.

5. Dev's Parents

...who, incidentally, are also played by Ansari's real parents in Master Of None. They were adorable and hilarious, and I think we all need to see a lot more of them.

6. Paro The Seal

Netflix

OK, this is probably not going to happen — like, at all — but man, I loved this robotic seal from Season 1 that was used to treat dementia. Arnold got attached to it, and so did viewers. Can it just be a recurring part of the show, please?

7. The Most Ridiculous Gourmet Food Imaginable

Season 1 was like a Pinterest food porn page come to life. We need more of it. Teach me how to cook, Dev.

8. A Food Tour Of Italy

Netflix

Speaking of which, the last we saw of Dev he was heading to Italy in what can only be described as a pasta pilgrimage. The teaser shows he's still there (with Arnold by his side), so sweet mercy I hope that we get to see some gourmet Italian cuisine.

9. More On-Point Pop Culture Commentary And References

Hopefully, Dev hasn't given up on acting altogether, and we can enjoy seeing more of his performances in bad commercials and b-movies. These moments were hilarious, sure, but they also opened the show up for Ansari to critique the industry and the institutionalized bigotry that is sometimes prevalent within it.

10. An Assortment Of Wondrous Guest Stars

Netflix

Season 1 featured a performance from Father John Misty, a memorable appearance from Busta Rhymes, and Bob's Burgers and Archer actor H. Jon Benjamin in a recurring guest role. Considering that Ansari is pals with Amy Schumer and Jennifer Lawrence and a bunch of other cool people, I'm expecting more great (and surprising) guest stars for the second season.

Don't mind me, I'm just setting up a countdown clock on my phone for May 12.

Editor's Note: On Jan. 13, Ansari was accused of sexual misconduct by a woman who went on a date with him. Ansari has since responded to the claims, saying:

"In September of last year, I met a woman at a party. We exchanged numbers. We texted back and forth and eventually went on a date. We went out to dinner, and afterwards we ended up engaging in sexual activity, which by all indications was completely consensual.
The next day, I got a text from her saying that although 'it may have seemed okay,' upon further reflection, she felt uncomfortable. It was true that everything did seem okay to me, so when I heard that it was not the case for her, I was surprised and concerned. I took her words to heart and responded privately after taking the time to process what she had said.
I continue to support the movement that is happening in our culture. It is necessary and long overdue."