Posted:
Good episode tonight. 
First, I'd like to comment on the new montage. It was refreshing and I thank the SB? crew for it. All three leads were equal in size and power, but Sia was in the foreground and the main focus was on her, which I'm grateful for -- it's a great reminder that it's Sia's journey. Furthermore, I loved how Raghav was at her right with a mysterious expression [and do I spot the ghost of a smirk? *gleeful*] while we had V at her left with an evil/dark expression -- light versus darkness, but without actually glorifying darkness. Sia looked confident, strong. I liked that Raghav and Sia looked right at us, the viewers, connecting, while V had his eyes on the prize.
Something general/overall about tonight's episode is that it had flow, balance in terms of character strength, but I still felt that V occupied a large portion of the narrative. That will never cease to bother me unless I see the power of narrative balanced out, given to Sia and Raghav as well. V has many dialogues and Raghav/Sia have very few. Plus I'm still feeling that their scenes aren't given much time to play out. Moving on for now...
>> Pros:
1) Krish was back and sweeter than ever
It was good to have him back. The shot of him running to Raghav, holding Sia's pallu, and then taking pictures of them both was sweet. I still miss the Krish who had deep and really unique scenes with Raghav. Like, the one in which he massaged Raghav's head and then wrapped his arms around him from behind, cheek to cheek, and some other moments.
But I guess that right now a lot of things are happening all at once. I just wish that the CVs wouldn't neglect Krish's character. Yash is a talented kid. His portrayal of Krish has given the character many layers, made him stand out from other kids his age -- and I can see a lot of potential in the character of Krish. I hope that the writers won't forget that there is a story to tell here as well -- Krish's traumatic experience that made him mute and his very peculiar drawing of his own father like a black shadow.
Plus the bond between him and Raghav is such that Krish should've been shown feeling guilty for Raghav being caught. And I'm still waiting for him to express his anger toward Black Heart for fooling him into thinking that he would get his voice back.
Enjoyed how Raghav noticed Krish's excitement over his "marriage" to Sia and it brought a smile to Raghav's face. If anyone can make Raghav smile, it's definitely Krish.
2) Gayatri/Komal silent communication and Gayatri's pride
I just love Gayatri and Komal as characters and their relationship -- not only to each other, but also to Raghav. There's a strong bond here. [Loved the smile that passed between Raghav and Komal while she did his aarti. It conveyed a lot.]
For one thing, I enjoy watching how Gayatri-Komal don't have the conventional/traditional saas-bahu relationship, but more something that leans toward sisterhood. Solidarity, in a way. Komal supports Gayatri. Gayatri leans on Komal's support. It's trust, and a beautiful bond between the two of them.
In this scene, there was a silent communication between them. Gayatri was too proud to speak directly to Raghav, thus she used Komal as her voice. Komal concealed her smile, her happiness, at Raghav/Sia's marriage as well as she could, trying to be serious when she questioned them on Gayatri's behalf. But you could see that she was conflicted b/w jumping in joy and staying loyal to Gayatri. Beautiful performance by Neha.
When Raghav answered Komal's first question -- on whether he'd married to get bail -- it was obvious that her smile was that of pride and love. It had a voice of its own. It seemed to say "of course Raghav would never do anything for selfish reasons", and that faith and trust in Raghav from Komal's side is what makes her relationship to Raghav so beautiful, so strong.
The smallest details in this scene were what made it so awesome. Komal's sad attempts at suppressing her smiles. Gayatri's suspicious expression and her pride. Raghav's perfectly composed expression that revealed nothing, yet exposed everything to Gayatri's eye. You can actually see all the similarities between mother and son -- the sharp mind and the no-beating-around-the-bush attitude.
I love how Komal asked her question to Sia and made this expression that said "Sia, you better nod to this answer!" It made me laugh out loud. Brilliant detail.
3) V screams like a girl and goes insane over "Jahnvi's" escape
It was a treat to watch V lose control, throwing tantrums. It was a treat to watch him lose, period. He was being so overdramatic. Like a Drama Queen. The way that he screamed, shoved Unniyal away, and went all nutcase on him [though I no longer feel sorry for him since he has been supporting V without a single trace of remorse].
If V hadn't been so self-absorbed, then he might've actually kept a better eye on Sia. But he was too preoccupied shaping up the slave-ish wedding vows and his worship altar. V wore this blue-ish wedding outfit, but I kind of wished that he'd worn black. It would have emphasized his character's growing darkness better. On the other hand, I've noticed that the colors he wears now lean more toward Joker colors. The blue and green combo, for instance. Is that on purpose?
Well, as long as he doesn't dress up like the Joker again, I'm fine.
4) Unniyal's flashback and Sia's leap from the window
I'm glad that we were at least shown how Sia escaped. That leap from the window was a very nice shot. I still expect to find out how she managed to meet up with Raghav in time and fix the whole "fake wedding" plan.
5) Raghav's terrible lie and Gayatri refuses to believe him
I swear. This was one of the awesomest moments in the entire episode. First, I loved how Gayatri observed Raghav's face while he lied. There was no doubt that she wasn't buying his lies for even a second, but she was watching to see how far he'd go and whether he'd stumble. Raghav, of course, tried hard to keep a straight face, but being a poor liar...
Detail to be noticed -- Gayatri asking him how he'd changed his mind when he'd refused to marry Sia a while back. This was a logical question, and an observation worthy of her character. Thank you, writers, for making her a sharp woman.
Honestly, Raghav's expression when he lied made me laugh. For one thing, he knew that Gayatri knew that he was lying to her. But would she call him on it? She didn't exactly call him on it, but she let him know that she didn't believe him for a second by pointing out the fact that his friends would lie for him because he'd done so much for them.
Something else that was noticable was Komal's suppressed smile throughout Raghav's horrible lie, and also when Raghav stuttered for a second right before Gayatri shut him up, telling him not to speak anymore. That was hilarious. Harshad's performance in this scene was mindblowing. He knows how to switch from serious to light humor in a single heartbeat.
What I loved was how Gayatri turned to Sia and asked her if Raghav had told the truth. I couldn't help but notice the disappointment on Gayatri's face when Sia lied to her as well. Gayatri hadn't expected that from her. She knew that Sia was lying, but I think what hurt her was that she'd genuinely trusted Sia, believed them to have some kind of bond since Sia had shared her past with Gayatri.
This, I believe, was a breach of trust that saddened Gayatri, including Sia.
6) Taashu will distrust Sia and possibly make trouble for her
Interesting how the camera kept focusing on Taashu's distasteful expression. I think that she'll believe Sia's intentions to be corrupt and thus she might join V, allow him to simply manipulate her in order to protect her brother's feelings.
I don't believe that Taashu will turn negative. But she might end up making some serious mistakes that'll trouble Raghav/Sia somehow.
7) Sia's flashback during grah pravesh and Gayatri's observation
The writers remembered to give us an insight as to Sia's internal state during the ritual. It was a needed and appreciated detail to have them show the audience what was actually going through her head. Naturally, there are memories attached to this ritual. But I loved the hardness on Sia's face, the anger in her eyes as well as the pain.
I don't think that her healing process has even started yet. If the shower scene yesterday and the ritual flashback today was any indication, I think that there are deep scars which might take a long time to heal. In fact, in order for them to heal, she'll need to have all of the old memories replaced with new and better ones. Not to simplify it, though.
I liked how Gayatri noticed Sia's expression here. She's a sharp lady.
8) The Nod and The Smirk
Fantastic performance by Harshad-Sriti here. I loved how Raghav nodded at her as V had come in. But the best part was when V approached them and Raghav turned his head -- there was this barely concealed smirk on his face that said "you lose". I frigging loved it. I know that I've said it many times before, but Raghav's smirking has become a trademark of his now -- an ingrown part of his character that adds an edge to him.
And as for Sriti? That triumphant half-smile and expression on her face when V stared at her sindoor and mangalsutr? FANTASTIC. Hot. Loved it.
9) The shot of Raghav/Sia walking past V
This was a mindblowing shot. The way that Raghav stood between V and Sia, protector. The way that he turned slowly to the side, nodding at Sia, and then -- as she passed -- walking close behind like her bodyguard. The entire shot was awesome, powerful. You could sense the power that Raghav held in this shot, and you could feel it. His tune was back as well, backing up his powerful shot.
His expression was brilliant as well. Just enjoyed this scene immensely. V just stood there like a speechless statue. I loved how he stumbled for a moment -- when Komal told him that Raghav and Sia had gotten married. Nice to see him out of it for once.
Overall, it was a symbolic scene.
10) Raghav's selflessness versus V's selfishness
Point to notice. Raghav is the most selfless hero that I've seen on Indian TV while V is the most selfish man I've ever known to exist in fiction, I swear.
The fact that Raghav married Sia for her protection and not his own -- beautiful.
>> Cons:
1) Raghav/Sia screenplay
I still feel that their scenes aren't given enough focus nor room. I'm not certain if it has to do with the fact that V fills out so much of the episodes, or if the screenplay is written in a way that leaves much to be desired. To be honest, I think it might be a combination of both. Harshad-Sriti manage to sell it to me only because of their performances and their fabulous chemistry. But the script should be supporting them too.
2) Raghav needs to grow stronger now
I'm growing tired of saying this. Raghav's character needs to become just as dominating in dialogue and screenspace as V's. He's the hero and supposed to rival the villain. That can't happen unless his character is made stronger, more powerful, and given dialogues. More than just a few phrases here and there.
I've been waiting a long time for this track to start -- Raghav/Sia battling V. And I want to enjoy it. But it's hard when Raghav is either mute or made invisible in comparison to V. I think that the actor has proven by now that the multidimensional character of Raghav holds immense potential and that he can grow into a fantastically powerful hero -- if he'd be given the chance by the writers. Please work on his character. The actor is absolutely mindblowing, but he's being restrained because Raghav is being restrained.
Give the character an edge, a rawness, something that strenghtens him and emphasizes his power, his characteristics, his dialogues, etc. Just... make him stronger, please. Focus on him more. Focus on Sia more. Raghav was so fierce during the ride to Manali. Where did all that character focus go?
That's all for tonight, peeps.
