The most impressive performance requires disappearing completely into a role to the point that audiences can’t even find a trace of the actor in it. That kind of work wins praise from critics and attracts awards attention, but ultimately it’s recognizable faces that tend to bring people out to theaters. Especially for a high-profile part that’s going to lead a blockbuster, the public image of an actor can be just as critical as, if not more important than, any actual skill. Building and maintaining a squeaky-clean, target-hitting reputation can be an ordeal in itself that may not prove worth all the effort in the end.
Shah Latif (Riz Ahmed) is an actor most often misidentified by people on the street as Dev Patel, and his career isn’t headed anywhere productive. But when he finds out that he has a chance to play James Bond, he decides to get things in order, which proves more challenging than it should be. His Muslim heritage (and lack of strict adherence to the religion) is just one thing he has to deal with, along with the overenthusiastic influence of his cousin (Guz Khan), who’s often getting into his business in a way he’d rather didn’t happen. He’s certainly not getting the encouragement he’d like from his other cousin (Aasiya Shah) or parents (Sheeba Chaddha and Sajid Hassan), but if he plays his cards right and luck is on his side, things may just work out for him after all.
Ahmed teams with Ben Karlin, whose past credits include Minx, Modern Family, and The Daily Show, as showrunner of this series. This is definitely a different take on the film industry than much of what has been made before, leaning into the color of its protagonist’s skin and all the stereotypes about Pakistanis and Muslims which influence those who don’t take the time to actually get to know people. In effective comedic fashion, it also ensures that some of its characters do indeed display many of those traits in a way that makes Latif and those rooting for his success cringe.
This is a smart, entertaining send-up of the film business that also taps into its secret agent subplot to make much of the show feel as if Latif is on a mission for unknown overlords, running from the bad guys and trying to save the world. A good chunk of that journey is within his own mind, played out through creative devices that help to flesh out his inner thoughts to which audiences otherwise wouldn’t be privy. It’s an even mix of creative and weird, making for an immersive viewing experience as Latif proves again and again to be in the running for the title of his own worst enemy.
It’s a treat to see Ahmed, who has recently leaned into strong drama with the upcoming contemporary-set Hamlet, Relay, and Fingernails, return to his comedy roots with a project that’s considerably more serious than Four Lions but still knows how to embed humor into its story in the best possible way. Knowing that he’s tapping into his own experience in the industry only adds to the appeal, and it’s equally rewarding to see Latif in his rare moments of success as it is to watch him struggle, desperately trying and failing to stay on track.
The supporting cast includes a handful of terrific guest stars whose involvement is better left discovered without any foreknowledge or tease. From the series regulars, Khan is an absolute riot, dialing up the excess of his character to the maximum level yet still serving as a believable figure who thinks it’s vital to speak loudly when you assume people aren’t listening. Shah, Chaddha, and Hasan also add considerable entertainment value with their own unsolicited takes on how Latif is doing. in just six episodes, this show packs a good deal in and comes to a point that could easily be its end but also leaves the door open for more, demonstrating that this character and his peculiar universe are absolutely worth revisiting.
Series grade: 8/10
