Ep 1. Episode 1: New Beginnings
- January 1, 1970
- 21 min
Metro Park is an American-Indian comedy show, which follows the lives of an Indian-American family living in Metro Park in New Jersey. The show explores the lives of the Patels - a close-knit family comprising of patriarch Aashish, his wife Payal, and their two children, Akash and Sarika. Episode 1: New Beginnings introduces us to the Patel family and sets the tone for the series to come.
The episode begins with Aashish, who runs a small grocery store, receiving a call from his sister's family in India. The family has won a green card lottery and is moving to America. Excited about their arrival, Aashish and Payal prepare to welcome them. Meanwhile, Akash, who is studying medicine, is about to give his USMLE exams and is feeling the pressure. Sarika, on the other hand, dreams of becoming a famous rapper.
The episode gives a glimpse into the various cultural clashes that the Patels face living in America. Payal, who has been living in the US for over a decade, is more Americanized than her husband, who still holds on to his Indian roots. Aashish, who enjoys watching Indian television shows, is seen struggling with the idea of his new American relatives and their cultural differences.
The episode also touches upon the sibling relationship between Akash and Sarika. While Akash is serious about his studies, Sarika finds it hard to concentrate on anything other than her music. She is shown rapping in front of her brother, who is not very supportive of her aspirations. Akash wants his sister to focus on her studies and not get distracted by her hobbies. However, Sarika is determined to pursue her passion for music.
As Aashish and Payal get ready to welcome their Indian relatives, they are seen making preparations for a grand feast. They are excited to introduce their guests to American culture and food. However, when their guests arrive, the Patels are in for a surprise. Their relatives, who won the green card lottery, are not who they expected. The couple, who arrive with their teenage son, are not as well-off as Aashish and Payal had imagined. The situation makes for an awkward first encounter, giving the episode a humorous touch.
The arrival of the Indian relatives also makes Akash's life more complicated. With the guests occupying his room, he is forced to study in the living room. Sarika, who is seen recording music in the same room, is a constant distraction for him. The episode ends with Akash taking his exams, while Sarika prepares for her first rap battle.
Episode 1: New Beginnings sets up the premise for the rest of the series. The episode introduces us to the Patels and their struggles of living in America. The show's focus on cultural clashes, sibling relationships, and aspirations makes it an interesting watch. The first episode promises a lot of drama and humor to come, making viewers eager to watch more.