After two preemptions, "The Mindy Project" returns to Fox TV with "Halloween," an episode in which two characters face their deepest fears.
In the case of Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling), the good doctor is afraid of becoming a spinster and dying alone. Overconfident new boyfriend Josh (Tommy Dewey) has a sweet side, but he can be rather obnoxious most of the time. While inviting Mindy to a Halloween party, for instance, he cautions her to dress to impress and bring her best.
As she's dealing with mixed feelings over Josh's behavior, Mindy literally bumps into Tom McDougall (Bill Hader) at the hospital. Mindy feels some buried emotions bubbling to the surface, but after her behavior at his wedding reception, Tom fears for his life. Relaxing as Mindy stitches up a gash on his forehead, Tom tells her not to settle for just anyone.
Seeing her ex-boyfriend once again is a shock, but nothing compares to the sonogram of his unborn baby that he posted online. Agreeing to go to the party with Josh, Mindy tries out a sexy mail carrier's outfit, but her friends make her realize that a funny costume trumps a hot get-up. Nurse Morgan (Ike Barinholtz) models a walking urinal costume, but Mindy opts for clever movie variations: "Tinkerbell, Tailor, Solider, Spy" and "Dirty Harry Potter," among others.
Meanwhile, Dr. Danny (Chris Messina) and Jeremy (Ed Weeks) head to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Long island. Jeremy wants a license so he doesn't have to carry his passport for identification. Danny, on the other hand, wants the freedom to drive where he wants.
Danny's fear of the test gives him a massive case of flop sweat. He fails the driving test miserably, but Jeremy manages to charm the DMV employee into give him a second chance. Unfortunately, he told the tester that Danny had been abused in a car and that's why he gets so freaked out behind the wheel.
Gathering inspiration from goddaughter Riley and "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," Mindy cobbles together a Diane Chambers outfit from "Cheers." Heading over to Josh's apartment, the doctor is pleasantly surprised to see him dressed as Inigo Montoya, a character from "The Princess Bride."
Josh, it seems, searched a long time on the Internet for a costume from Mindy's favorite movie. There may be hope for him yet.
