|Jodha Akbar Episode Discussion & Live Updates Thrd #1 - Page 46

Originally posted by: sweet_5

The Mughals are BADASS. PERIOD.

I LOVE THEM!

Originally posted by: coolpixie

Loved your take on the episode, and I completely agree!!

and, these two lines describe my feelings perfectly!!!! They are definitely BADASS, and I'm so glad they are because I think they are going to keep me hooked to JA for a long time now. ;)

Originally posted by: smiletherapy

Hey all. I'm new to posting, but after lurking on this site for a while and enjoy all these interesting comments, I just had to join. :)

I just wanted to echo the sentiment of others regarding the portrayal of the harem and Ruquaiya--That is to say, I think its awesome they showed the harem and the obvious competitive nature it would generate. I mean think about it--they don't seem to have much to do all day; nothing substantial to occupy their minds. All they do is wait around for Jalal (the only man they see who they must share)--who validates their worth by giving them attention in this environment, where they are basically just objects. I think that would mess with any woman's mind, esp. if she didn't have a strong sense of self or background before ending up in the harem. And this is in a particularly patriarchal setting, so however these women came to be in the harem, and who knows how they may have been when they first entered, after time in that environment, it is no wonder they would devolve into insecure, bored, competitive and/or (in some cases) hedonistic women. Sure we can name-call and judge them as disgusting, but really what else do they have to focus on, but a visit from their shared husband? Frankly, I feel sorry for them. Sure they have pleasures of various types at their disposal, but I imagine it all gets old after a while...anyways, food for thought.

This of course, makes Ruquaiya and Jodha all the more interesting.

Jodha's character in this serial is interesting b/c she has a strong sense of self and self-respect as a person, a woman and also a Rajput princess. She also is very educated, well-read, great at chess and swordplay, and has ideals and principles above and beyond her own interests that she does act upon. She's also someone who thinks women have worth--doesn't completely buy into the idea that they should always sacrifice (as per her comment in the last epi, 'why do women always have to sacrifice.' At least i think that's what she said--I'm not totally fluent in Hindi) This would ostensibly prevent her from succumbing to the harem mentality. It also makes her a unique woman in Jalal's life (as others have commented as well).

Likewise Ruquaiya is intelligent, but also has the confidence of being Jalal's best friend since age 9. She's not any ordinary harem member and was pretty much there from the beginning, so naturally she'd rule that scene and not succumb to the pettiness of it. It's too early to tell if she's negative yet and in what ways. I do think though what sets her apart from Jodha is that she's understands her worth as coming from her brains--she's very clever; very shrewd. Also, I don't see any larger principals or purpose in Ruquaiya--anything that goes beyond her interests. Jodha is more interesting that way.

That being said, I still think Ruquaiya is an interesting, potentially multi-layered character. At least, I agree with everyone here who is hoping she is portrayed that way in this serial. I think it would be cool if she was the one who suggests Jalal marry Jodha, underestimating Jodha's affect on him. Even better IMHO is if Ruq and Jodha started off amicably; as friends even. Or at least not competitive. I'd like to see Ruq as someone who really just loves Jalal and not another power-hungry person. (I mean yeah she has power in the harem b/c of her place in his eyes, but she doesn't seem to be trying to rule the world like MA/BK.) Ruq would eventually start going grey upon becoming insecure by the threat that Jodha would pose to her place in Jalal's heart, as Jalal begins to actually care for Jodha as much as Ruq. This would all be exacerbated by the fact that she has yet to bear Jalal an heir. I think that would be realistic and more multilayered. I'd much rather have a villain whose motives I can understand and sympathise with (even though I still root for the hero). It makes for much juicier drama than a one-dimensional villain. And honestly, I'm so sick of one-dimensional vamp characters--it's just demeaning and boring.

So yeah, sorry for the long post. I don't have time to edit. And I'm just excited with this serial as it has the potential for some really complex characters and I so hope they develop that. I'm also really digging some of the great analyses and comments on this thread. Love everyone's comments! Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this.

Originally posted by: LuvMishalRaheja

Loved today's episode a lot .

Finally a very good balanced episode .

Originally posted by: Clumsy_Wings

Today was episode unbearable for me. Except for the Mughals, and the narration of war going nothing was watchable. I had to endure 3 whole mins of pancake romancing Jodha which was just annoying. I think they have shown enough tender moments, and I don't we need more. I will be happy whenever he goes away.I was happy to see Jodha, and that she was given a little bit more screen space. Her mother constant whining, and saguini constant predictions were annoying as hell.I understand she is a mother, and I do understand her sentiments. I just think that scene could have been cut short. I think if they had done that it would have been a little bit better for me.

For me the highlight was when the eunuch questioned What happens if the Emperor did have a heart?