The Mindy Project: Season Two

This sitcom created by and starring Mindy Kaling (a costar and writer on The Office) opens with her character, Dr. Mindy Lahiri—a thirtysomething OB/GYN and New York single looking for true love—doing missionary work in Haiti with her minister boyfriend, Casey (Anders Holm). But almost immediately illness sends Mindy back to New York, where she's soon re-immersed in office politics and romantic complications. This season finds Mindy a little more grown up, a little less shallow, and decidedly more certain about what she wants in a relationship. Meanwhile, the clever banter and comic situations continue to entertain as the show balances standalone episodes with ongoing storylines—notably the secretive romance between Mindy and her associate Danny (Chris Messina), an attraction brewing since the beginning. Adam Pally joins the cast as new partner Peter, alongside Danny and Jeremy (Ed Weeks). Along with recurring guest stars Mark Duplass and Chloë Sevigny, there's also James Franco as Mindy's very popular (and temporary) “replacement” in the partnership, Glenn Howerton as a new love interest, Jenna Elfman as an image consultant, and Anna Gunn as a doctor to celebrities. The workplace and romantic elements are well balanced, the cast chemistry is excellent, and Kaling delivers the goods as a strong and interesting woman in a professional setting. Compiling all 22 episodes from the 2013–14 second season, extras include deleted scenes and a gag reel. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)