Take 5: Top 5 Countdown for August 19, 2014- UPDATED

For those who are celebrating TE, nothing I can do or say can make your celebrations more exciting! But, I found the episode fast-paced and engaging, so wanted to make sure I wrote a take.

I found the episode to be very well-crafted ... it was like Jalal was the magnet in the center, he had just thrown the dice and was gauging the reactions of all.

I loved how Jalal continued to be determined under the face of severe criticism from all his loved ones ... and also how each of the people who pushed back against him did so completely in character.

So, my take 5 will be Jalal's interactions with each of his loved ones + an overall view on all of Jalal's opponents:

1. Jalal-Hamida Bano

When Hamida Bano called him aside, I found Jalal's expressions were like "I don't need to deal with this right now."

I liked Hamida Bano's approach- questioning if he was really the son she knew? Actually, she was the only one to observe that Jalal is behaving totally out of character ... but she didn't go the next step to understand why.

I felt Hamida Bano always views Jalal as her dear son and the torch bearer for Humayun ... and those were the reasons she pushed on as to why he should not go forward with the wedding.

Jalal's determination was amazing as was his double-meaning dialogues on wanting to see how far the enemy will go.

2. Jalal-Salima

Before getting to Ruqaiyya, let's look at Salima. I felt Salima was the most graceful in her opposition to Jalal. Citing that she would never want to go against her husband, but wanted him to understand he was doing a religious sin.

It reflected Salima's own focus on religion and spirituality in how she pushed back on Jalal's decision.

I loved the softer tones Jalal used with Ruqaiyya and Salima and that his again double-meaning question on whether they would support their husband's happiness or not.

3. Jalal-Ruqaiyya Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1 was softer ... as he confronted both Ruqaiyya and Salima together.

As expected, Ruqaiyya pushed back on Jalal's decision by focusing on her audha and rutba.

The first time - Jalal softly addressed how this would not impact her rutba. But, in the second confrontation in the end - brilliantly yelled out why she is always obsessed about her audha, but never about her duty as a begum.

I think Jalal was outbursting what was a frustration on all our minds about Ruqaiyya!

But, you have to love Ruqaiyya for her pulling Atifa's hair and her bonding with Jodha in time of crisis.

4. Jalal-Jodha Part 1 and Part 2

Do you notice how differently Jalal behaves to Jodha in private vs. public?

In private, he still criticizes Jodha ... but it is softer tones, and less extreme. I think he asked valid questions on Jodha's stubborn actions and insults (obviously, when one is angry, they don't remember the mention the good things the other person did whether it is Jodha or Jalal) ... but his main objective was to keep Jodha out of the issue by saying "she has no right to ask anything." His anger is not anger , but to distance her.

Notice also in the private confrontation - how Jalal could not give Jodha eye-contact and looked pained at his own words.

Jodha's push back focused on the shehenshah and protector of the people that she loved and admired, which was also completely in line in character vis-a-vis the approach of Hamida Bano, Ruqaiyya, and Salima Begum.

In the public confrontation with Jodha, he was much louder and OTT - showing clearly he is doing it to throw someone off the scent with strong words on divorce, etc.

In the private confrontation, Jodha picked up the point very well ... that his "vishwashgaati" will use this as an opportunity to destroy him.

And that was exactly the point- Jalal was using this to find his vishwashgaatis.

(4) And what a plan to bring the enemies out and today the CVs brought out nicely the diverse opposition that Jalal faces- from the religious folks, the Rajvanshis, Adham Khan- Maham Anga.

Hats off to Maan Singh for standing by Jalal!

I found it highly suspicious that Nigaar was not shown. I feel she is still involved somewhere.

Anyways, thoughts on my real take for the episode?

THE TAKE BEFORE THE EPISODE

Originally posted by: mishtidoi

TE sure was in full form...sort of anticlimax building up

I loved his smirk, while Jodha was in revolting form...am sure he loved her then to core😳

Just am mad at CVs for showing not only revolt in awaam but also in sub ordinate states...that is no minor situation...I hope they show something, like Jalal sending paigams to his friendly subordinates and states about superiority of Mughal sultanate being supreme and King's scepter still being the rule of the kingdom.

Am sure Atgah Saheb, TM and Maan Singh are with him in his plan.