Pilot Talk: Fox's "The Mindy Project"

"The Mindy Project" may not have been the funniest pilot I've ever seen, nor does it necessarily set up a plot line that I think will lead to something original or worthwhile. Within minutes anybody with even the slightest knowledge of classic TV cliches can tell where this series is going to go. Yet, I was completely absorbed into the story. Why? Mindy Kaling, who's extremely intelligent script embraced the classic romantic comedy formula and added a whole lot of personality.

By using Mindy's obsession with romantic comedies as a starting off point for the series, I was immediately absorbed into the series. Granted, meta humor can only be taken so far. Eventually, the sort of self aware humor can become condescending, annoying or just "too meta." And, unfortunately, that could happen to "The Mindy Project."But, as far as the pilot is concerned, this is an impressive and considerably enjoyable genre deconstruction that isn't afraid to embrace the very formula it mocks.

Right from the opening scene, it becomes clear: narrator Mindy is obsessed with romantic comedies and finding her Mr. Right, even though virtually every guy she meets seems completely wrong for her. And, of course, there are the men in her office including the "guy she has no chance in hell with getting together with...just kidding" and a womanizing British hunk that is either "Hugh Grant in About a Boy" or "Huge Grant in real life." Obviously, a love triangle will begin to form eventually but for now I'm fine with the three trading witty one liners and allowing the chemistry to speak for itself.

There is also something to be said about the cast of this series. It might be a bit too early to tell for sure, but the cast seems to have fantastic chemistry and play well off each other. Kaling is a movie star in the making. She may be an unconventional leading lady, but she radiates charisma and is incredibly likable, even if her actions are not always the wisest. She also has a great sense of humor and wonderful comedic timing. The pilot also features some wonderful supporting players- Chris Messina and Ed Weeks are perfect foils to each other and their scenes with Kaling are, by far, the highlights of the pilot, while the pilot also showcases the fantastic Anna Camp who really impressed me with her work in "The Good Wife" and "True Blood" and has (hopefully) found a show worth sticking with.

"The Mindy Project" is my favorite pilot to premiere so far this fall, and is considerably more enjoyable than the other comedy pilots I've seen this year. It's certainly worth checking out and will make a great companion series with "New Girl" this year.