The Mindy Project Review: Best Man (Season 3 Episode 21)

Oh no, you guys! Just when I thought Danny had learned how to be an adult!

This week’s episode of The Mindy Project, “Best Man”, finally required Danny to really go out of his way for Mindy. And he managed to. But is it too little too late? Spoilers ahead.

Mindy’s parents are moving to India and she, totally reasonably, wants Danny to meet them before they go. Luckily, there is a convenient going away party for him to attend. Naturally, this is way too hard for Danny and he doesn’t show. Despite the numerous times Mindy has put up with his family. Numerous times. He makes up some lame excuse about having to work late. I honestly don’t know how Mindy has managed to not punch him in the face. Once again I find myself wondering what she sees in him.

Mindy is crushed that Danny doesn’t show, but she pretends it doesn’t matter. I think she’s probably realized that he’s always going to behave this way. She does confess to Peter, however, that she hasn’t told her parents that Danny exists. They know she’s pregnant, but they think the father is out of the picture. Morgan overhears this conversation and thinks Mindy has said that Danny isn’t the baby’s real father. You know that’s not going to be good.

Unaware that she’s even hurt, Danny takes Mindy to a surprise baby shower at his mother’s house (another example of Mindy putting up with his family). Morgan shows up to break the news that Danny isn’t the real father… and he’s got three of her ex-boyfriends with him. It’s a Mama Mia! This is pretty hilarious, but I’m too mad at Danny to focus.

When Danny finds out what really happened, he doesn’t understand why Mindy is upset. At this point, I’d like her to break up with him. He’s a liability you guys. She’s basically going to have two sons! Danny explains that the real reason he didn’t show to the going away party is that he’s worried that her parents would want them to get married. And because it’s all about him, he’s worried that he doesn’t really want to get married. He was married once before and it didn’t work out. His parents didn’t work out either. I get this argument, but I don’t get how he thinks he’s exempt from having an uncomfortable conversation with Mindy’s parents about it.

After the party, Danny’s mom sets him straight and tells him the problem isn’t marriage and that Mindy is worthy. Danny gets on a plane and heads straight for India to, presumably, ask Mindy’s dad for her hand in marriage.

I know this is supposed to be a grand gesture, and I appreciate that the writers are acknowledging that he needs to do something big, but I kinda feel like it’s too little too late. Isn’t it a problem for Mindy that Danny consistently proves that he puts every passing feeling of his own ahead of her interests and the interests of their unborn child? Doesn’t Mindy deserve better? I think I’m ready for the show to have Mindy stand up for herself in a more substantive way.

Am I being too hard on Danny? Maybe. I do sort of hope that Mindy’s father is hard on him too. He deserves it. Also, I hope that last minute ticket to India was pricey.

Yes, I’m really mad at Danny.

The majority of this week’s episode focused on the Mindy/Danny dynamic. In the background Peter quietly got married. Mindy, unfortunately, had to miss when her doctor told her she couldn’t travel. I find this really sad, since they are such good friends (Mindy was even going to be Best Man). I also kind of hate that the wedding wasn’t focused on more. Peter’s wedding could have been hilarious. And sweet.

What did you think of this week’s episode of The Mindy Project? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Mindy Project airs Tuesdays at 9:30/8:30c on FOX.