When it comes to comedy, many TV fans may not immediately suggest Riz Ahmed as the first choice for a series frontman that has major funny chops. With previous critically acclaimed roles in the likes of The Night Of, Sound of Metal, Rogue One and Mogul Mowgli, Ahmed is no stranger to the screen or a powerful, multilayered role.
It's clear the actor and rapper is known for picking roles and productions that show off a range of experiences and stories but in Bait, Ahmed has not only crafted a story that is equal parts funny and introspective, but it's clear to see that the actor is having some serious fun in this lane of his career. So much so that after watching, you may start to wonder just why he hasn't been cast in more comedies.
While Bait could easily stand as an extended audition tape for Ahmed to take on the title role (one that I personally wholeheartedly support), Bond is simply a plot device here that opens up the door to a whole world of deep, contemplative thinking. Laughs are to be had in plentiful supply, but the great thing here is the red herring of Bait. It's not simply just a six-parter that will leave you laughing out loud – a rare feat, it seems like these days – but it's tackling of wider themes may even leave you wondering about the persona you show up as on any given day.
We follow Ahmed as struggling actor Shah Latif as he embarks on the dream of a lifetime – getting the chance to audition to be the next James Bond. While he fudges the audition, he's later informed by a runner that press are camping outside the studio, intent on churning the rumour mill that we know all too well in the real world. So, like any man with a plan, Shah makes it his mission to get in front of the camera and be papped leaving the building, all in a bid to be invited back to re-audition.
The ludicrousness of it all is showcased in Bait as Shah now has to reckon with a world that doesn't actually want him to play Bond, despite this being the career jump he's only ever dreamed of. It can't quite be 2026 without everyone having an opinion about something and that herd mentality only gets set alight in a big way as Shah is on the receiving end of online hate and commentators who can't think of anything worse than Shah encapsulating the Ian Fleming-penned character.
Soon, everything starts escalating in the way of any good spy thriller, with Shah finding himself being a central character in one of his own. At just six episodes, things move at such a heady pace that you can't help but be impressed at all the charisma, charm and plot development that is crammed into each 25-minute instalment.
He wants nothing more than to be an 'artist', but with eye rolls coming from industry peers and family members at the mention of the word, what does it mean in today's climate to be one? And more importantly, at what cost does it come to be one that you can look back at in the mirror with pride?
While it may have been a tad random in some aspects, it's also an example of the way that Bait isn't a show that fits neatly into any margins.
The third dedicated Eid episode and the fourth more romantic Brick Lane-based instalment are particular highlights to look forward to, with things only getting more bonkers the more we career through the snappy six episodes.
Ahmed may have gone too meta to warrant a serious Bond callback from the powers-that-be but if anything, Bait stands on its own two feet to demonstrate that Ahmed can craft a thoroughly enjoyable comedy and that it's one that I personally will be crossing my fingers for more of.
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