'Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens' Episode 4 Review: A fun predictable watch, but nothing to make a fuss about
After watching four episodes of 'Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens', you can't help but feel that the pitch of "she's just like us" is getting higher and perhaps more frenzied.
The story has been ticking off the boxes for the typical millennial disillusion and angst in the form of a comedy. Golden Globe winner Awkwafina carries the weight of the show on her own shoulders, and for the most part, does a commendable job.
Her comic timing is impeccable along with her dialogue delivery. However, that's not enough. For starters, the premise is nothing out of the ordinary.
A woman, living with an eccentric family, struggling with the quirks of adulthood. It's fun, yes. Entertaining, well mildly so, to be honest. The fourth episode of the show aired on February 12 and was rather lackluster while Nora's "crazy" escapades seemed rather pale.
It felt like a morning toast. Nice, but nothing to make a fuss about. In the fourth episode titled 'Paperwork', Nora realises that she is in a pickle, as she cannot cash the cheque she received from her ex-office, as the bank is under the impression she is dead due to inactivity in her account.
Her license has expired as well and Nora resorts to dubious means to get a fake ID, almost landing her in jail. Predictable, with a few moments of emotion at the end, the episode dragged on at some points.
That seems to be the pattern of the show, a rather predictable premise, pushed by Awkwafina's star presence, a few laughs here and there and an Aesop Fable-ish ending.
In all probability, Nora will get counselled by her wacky grandmother. For those who grew up on sitcoms, this is just a rehash of all the tropes you've seen before.
The show seemed fresh in the beginning, and perhaps it is too early to say that it is not living up to its star power. Hopefully, the next few episodes will be more slick, fun and less predictable?
'Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens' airs on Wednesdays at 10.30 pm on Comedy Central.