Bait review – Riz Ahmed’s comedy is petty, narcissistic … and excellent
Why it matters: Ahmed's "Bait" offers a sharp, nuanced look at identity, fame, and cultural representation in a compelling new format.
- Riz Ahmed created, co-wrote, and stars in "Bait," a series praised for its "petty, narcissistic… and excellent" portrayal of a brown British person's experience in the 21st century.
- "Bait" explores the protagonist Shah Latif's crisis of identity, fearing he'll become "bait"—both a sell-out and a lure used by the state—as he contends for the role of James Bond, mirroring Ahmed's own career trajectory.
- The series is a blend of semi-autobiographical sitcom, reminiscent of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" or "Ramy," and surrealist industry satire, with a pleasing connection to Ahmed's 2020 film "Mogul Mowgli."
- Sheeba Chaddha delivers a standout performance as Shah’s mother, Tahira, elevating every scene and providing an emotionally authentic family drama that grounds the show's sillier elements.
- The humor in "Bait" largely stems from its dazzling dialogue, showcasing second-gen immigrant linguistic dexterity, and features strong performances and cameos from the British South Asian actor community, including Guz Khan, Himesh Patel, and Nabhaan Rizwan.
Riz Ahmed's new six-episode series, "Bait," is lauded as an "excellent" semi-autobiographical comedy that masterfully blends industry satire with authentic family drama, exploring the pressures of fame and identity for a British Pakistani Muslim actor on the cusp of global stardom. The show, co-written and starring Ahmed, tackles themes of selling out and co-option through its protagonist Shah Latif, a rapper-turned-actor vying for the James Bond role, while also celebrating the strength and linguistic dexterity of the British South Asian community.
