‘The Mindy Project’ Recap: "Annette Castellano Is My Nemesis" Presents An Interesting Meeting Between Danny’s Mother and Mindy

As season three of The Mindy Project continues, we are introduced to a new character. In "Annette Castellano Is My Nemesis," Mindy finally meets Danny's mother and it isn't as easy to get her to like her as one would think.

This week's episode begins at Danny's apartment as Mindy and Danny are eating breakfast together. All of a sudden Annette Castellano (played by Rhea Perlman) bursts through the door to give her son Danny her collection of TV Guides. Mindy of coarse introduces herself to Annette, who awkwardly mistakes her for Danny's new cleaning lady.

After she leaves Danny and Mindy start to argue about the fact that Danny has never mentioned her to his mom. Despite being offended, Mindy knows she can woo Annette and that she will like her. The next day Danny, his brother Richie and his mom all go to his office. In Danny's uncomfortable way, he tells his mom that Mindy is his girlfriend. She then invites Mindy to her birthday brunch, but Danny has planned it for a time he knew Mindy had to work, which doesn't sit well with her.

Meanwhile in another part of the office, Morgan is peeing sitting down and about to sell all 40 of his dogs, because Tamra (who he is now officially dating) is allergic and doesn't like that he can't pee without hitting the seat. Peter freaks out about Tamra running Morgan's life; mainly as a way to deal with the sadness and anger he is feeling about his girlfriend Lauren kissing Jeremy.

In a switch back to Mindy, she crashes Annette's birthday brunch in an attempt to make her like her more. Mindy works her magic by faking a love of Castle, agreeing to hate anything Annette dislikes and bringing her a gift. Just as she is about to become the only girlfriend that Annette has every liked of Danny's, she loses it.

Danny gives his mother a really nice stove for her birthday, but his mom doesn't like it and says it is too much. This clearly hurts Danny's feelings, so Mindy stands up for him. In an adorable girlfriend moment, she accidentally implies that Annette mooches off her son and a fight begins.

Back at the office, Morgan is having a dog sale to get rid of all of his dogs. Peter freaks out again and grabs one of the puppies and throws it at Tamra to prove she doesn't have allergies. Unfortunately, she does have allergies and Morgan has to save her from her allergic reaction.

After Tamra is feeling better, she tells Morgan that he doesn't need to give up his dogs for her and they quickly make up. Peter admits that he is not okay with Lauren and Jeremy's kiss. Morgan then steps up as a friend and gives him one of his dogs so he won't be alone.

Back in Mindy land, Mindy tells Danny that she will drop the fight with his mom and not try and make her like her anymore, but she lies. She calls his mom and then goes to pay her a visit. When she finds her, she is in a hotel room on the floor after falling and hurting herself while cleaning the room.

Despite being told to leave her alone, Mindy attacks Annette, well, she actually helps her get up but somehow bites her in the process. Mindy and Annette finally talk it out and realize that because Mindy has a mind of her own and cares about protecting Danny, she is actually better for him then all his other girlfriends.

They are both super sassy with one another and it is amazing. They have a heart-to-heart about how great Danny is while Mindy finishes the cleaning job. The episode ends at Danny's childhood home as they all have a big Italian dinner together. After dinner, Annette walks in on Mindy and Danny fooling around. It is awkward and hilarious, but we wouldn't expect anything else from these two.

PS: Our favorite Mindy line this week was when she told Annette that she gets mistaken for different people all the time. "One Thanksgiving a little boy thought I was the Dora the Explorer balloon." 

Photo: The Mindy Project's Facebook