Fans of Pakistani-American comedian Kumail Nanjiani and the web series “Burning Love” recently got a double dose of good news. Not only is Season 3 launching on April 12, new episodes will be released daily.
For those unfamiliar with the comedy shorts series, the first season was a spoof of ABC reality show “The Bachelor,” while the second season turned its sights on sister series “The Bachelorette.” However, to call the project a spoof does not tell the whole story. At times, it can be hard to tell the difference between the parody and its source material.
Nanjiani, who had an all-too-brief stint on the second season of “Burning Love,” will return as Zak for Season 3. To celebrate, enjoy the recap below of his Season 2 stint and subsequent coups de grâce.
First, Michael Ian Black’s “host,” Chris Harrison, introduces four “bonus gentlemen” for bachelorette Julie to choose from:
Chris: Now I can’t tell you to pick one of them. But it would be great if you did.
I hope you see what all four “bonus gentlemen” have in common. A nice little dig at the criticism both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette has received regarding, um, homogeneity.
During their date, Julie and Zak don’t quite hit it off because, despite Zak growing up in Chicago and speaking perfectly good English, Julie can’t quite seem to understand what he’s saying.
Julie: The sounds that were coming out of Zak’s mouth sounded like a circus train of very scared animals.
This leads to the following date recap between Julie and Chris:
Julie: He speaks Pakistani.
Chris: Well he speaks English.
Julie: No, he does not.
Chris: He does.
Julie: But does he?
Chris: He does.
Julie: You know…
Chris: I do know and he does.
Julie: Uhhh…
Chris: Okay, what does Zak sound like to you?
Chris: Okay, what I’m hearing you do, almost, is like a Chinese accent, almost. Like, a bad Chinese accent.
Julie: Well, Geography was never really my thing. But, I’m not sure if Zak is a *whispers* terrorist.
Chris: What?
Julie: A *whispers* terrorist.
Chris: A *whispers* terrorist?
Julie: *whispers* Terrorist.
Later, Nanjiani’s Zak is unsurprisingly kicked off the show by Julie.
Zak: This is really not surprising. This has been kind of a nightmare and a waste of time.
Julie: I think you might have gotten some of your words mixed up in the translation, I think you mean it was a wonderful experience and it was great to meet me.
Zak: No, I feel… *turns to other guys* ok, you guys can understand what I’m saying, right? You guys know? *everyone nods*
Zak: Don’t take this the wrong way, but I think parts of your brain might be missing.
Julie: I don’t have a clue what you just said.
Zak: That’s exactly why it’s not a surprise.
Julie: Goodbye.
Zak: Okay. *Walks off*
Julie (to other guys): It’s the language barrier. It could have been something.
*Zak returns*
Zak: Fuck you. Do you understand that?
Nanjiani fans will also be thrilled to know that there will be no shortage of opportunities to catch him in 2013. He will be reprising his role as Pindar on TV’s legal dramedy series “Franklin & Bash.” You can also catch his occasional appearances on “Portlandia” and “Newsreaders.” His horror comedy film “Milo” received praise during its SXSW screening this past March. He will lend his voice to the animated film “Hell & Back” with Mila Kunis and Susan Sarandon, and he has roles on HBO’s feature “Silicon Valley” as well as a TV pilot from the creators of TV series “Numb3rs.”
