When did u loose interest in IB[VB note: pg 31] - Page 5

True, the merge was unavoidable, but I still hated it.

Honestly speaking, I never had any expectations with either show and stopped analyzing the characters because after a certain point all daily soaps are sacrificed at the TRP altar, but I wanted to be entertained. I didn't find a single episode entertaining after the merge. That's not a slight on the cast or any of the characters, but that's just how I felt. I never expected quality writing and gave up any development for the females, but the show should be entertaining. That's why we watch, right? To be entertained.

I agree the focus has always been Shivika with a lot of villains/ vamps thrown into the mix. I gave up on any development for any of the FLs after the grey FL turned into the Bela/Mala nonsense then Anika and Saumya's development was completely ignored. However, I'm not sure why it's so difficult to development Omru's characters. Even in DBO when there was no Shivika neither was explored or developed. At one point, the writers completely wrote off Rudra from both shows then he returned with a rushed love story. I'm not sure if this lack of development stems from losing their original leads or the writers are just lazy. I don't care about SS, but even with a two-minute scene a character can be developed. The issue for me is lack of development for all the characters and none of the characters entertain me anymore. Again, this is not a slight on any of the actors or actresses.

To play devil's advocate, Shivika has been comprised as well during the merge to make Omru's love story on equally footing. All 3 couples were at various stages in their relationship, but for some reason CVS forced them all into one box and Shivika suffered. Shivika's confession was rushed to get to Gauri's rescue and Om's confession in Bareilly. After 400+ episodes and waiting for Shivaay's confession it was thrown at us and then onto the next track. Shivika's SR became a family project and used for comedy gags. I understand others might feel like this is normal in joint families to tease each other or discuss these things openly, but I disagree. I found Omru, Gauri, and Bhavya actively participating in planning Shivika's SR weird. It made me extremely uncomfortable. On top of that, CGI tiger was ordered online for another group comedy scene. Most recently, the vanvaa track build-up about Shivaay's letting go of his NKK and building his own empire was forsaken when Omru, Gauri, and Bhavya came to Goa. After all the emotional buildup of the separation, but then all the couples were dancing in the garden alone with no guests.

Completely agree with you about the OBros. I have always preferred everyone minded their own business like in the past. The family would interact in normal and non-cringey ways in the past then go about their business. The assembly line, handholding, and hugs all started after the merge. I'm not sure how dressing like each other and switching personalities is supposed to prepare Rudra for marriage 😆

I feel like the writers even ruined the OBro bond with the saturation of the unnecessary "bonding and girls vs boys silliness. In the past, they discussed issues and had different personalities, but after the merge the spark is dulled. All they do is romance in unison, dance, and hug each other. The merge would have been a perfect opportunity to create bonds and show everyone's love story, but it's unfortunate it didn't happen. I feel like no character benefited from the merge. I'm tolerating all of them right now instead of rooting for them like I used to.