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(SPOILER ALERT: The post contains a review of the episode aired on 2.2.2013. In case you haven't watched it, please do avoid reading further!!!!)
SYNOPSIS: Two women, Sheena and Misha are mysteriously kidnapped and completely vanish from the face of the earth. Formerly good friends, they had had a fight over a man whom they both liked. The receptionist Mala eagerly provides many details about the case. But is all what it seems?
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Some overwhelming impressions that I got about the episode.
LIKES
1) THEME
I just loved the way in which the episode depicted the central theme- that of friendship, companionship, and the need to have and let in others into one's life.
The theme of the episode was reinforced through the perpetrator of the crime- the kidnapper Mala who in her abject loneliness after the death of her mother seeks someone to be friends with.
Also, the two former friends Sheena and Misha who had a fallout over a man they both love- it again points out how fragile human relationships often are.
The theme of the episode was nicely summed up by a kind Arjun at the end- that everyone needs a companion, a person to share things with, and that loneliness can make one do things that one hadn't imagined. (It's so nice to see the human side of Arjun which is so far removed from his tough cop persona...I love him at moments like these!)š
I think that none of us cannot forget the implications of this, considering how it reflects on Arjun's own life. The man is virtually an island and refuses to let others into his life after the loss of his wife. It is to be noted why Arjun is able to recognize Mala's state- he probably connected with her because he knows very well how terrifying loneliness and loss of companionship can be.
2. RATHORE AND ARJUN- PERSONAL GLIMPSES INTO THE PAST
Again, this theme of companionship was applied to Arjun's own life when Arjun in the spur of the moment calls Rathore as "Sam".
(WOOHOO people!!! Arjun and Sameer were good friends in the past! )
There were some brief glimpses of the good times that Arjun and Rathore had in the past- seems like they were the best of friends and were quite close to one another.
After they revert briefly to the memories, Arjun and Sameer choose to ignore the former's foot in the mouth moment. As the others look shocked, Arjun continues calmly and this time calls him Rathore.
Though heart warming, this moment was again very very sad. What had happened in the past to make Arjun and Sameer so alienated from one another, so much so that they now call each other by their surnames?
Again, an interesting parallel is established in terms of the loss of friendship : Arjun-Sameer and Misha-Sheena.
3. THE CHARACTERIZATION OF MALA
After a long time I was really pleased with the characterization of the antagonist, especially the fact that we could empathize with her.
I have been pretty miffed with some episodes where the criminal is given a very black and white characterization and gets a big moral lecture from Arjun and Co. about their crime.
So it was a pleasant surprise to have Mala as a person who was etched out in a three-dimensional manner. The alienation that she feels, her need to make friends, and the terrifying despair of the character was beautifully written.
4. PSYCHOLOGICAL INPUTS
Again, the reference to Mala's OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) was very well done. It seems that the writers do some research on such disorders that they portray, and this is always welcome.
It makes one blanch when one looks at the way in which mental illnesses and disorders are portrayed on Indian Television. So the depiction of Mala's condition and the insights about the disorder by the team was a respite.
Also, the fact that Ayesha, Arjun and Sameer manipulate their knowledge of Mala's OCD to save the girls was a nice touch. It is in details like these that the show really scores.
5. TEAM SPIRIT
This episode also cured me of a major grouse I have been having for some time- the lack of the human element in the show.
Of late, the interactions among the team had become minimal, and I was really glad to have them share their insights and theories with each other to solve the case in this episode.
Ayesha touching Shree's forehead to check his fever, Arjun-Sameer moments, and the Arjun-Ayesha-Sameer action at the end of the episode were some noteworthy moments.
Also, the little mention of Ayesha's cousin having OCD and her use of this knowledge to assess the case was also good. I am glad that Ayesha as a character is finally getting her due. Hope her brilliance shines out more in the future.
CRITICISM
1. The only major criticism that I have about this episode was that the plot was quite similar to an episode of "Criminal Minds" where an obese woman who was sexually abused as a child kidnaps women and tries to form bonds with them.
Though you might think that the two plots are quite dissimilar, the use of the dolls, the painting of smiles on the gags and the frustrated overweight woman had some startling resemblances with today's case.
Frankly, I was taken aback! Hope this is not blatant plagiarism, though I do appreciate how the writers moulded the plot to give us a convincing case.
2. Khushboo Thakkar was mostly fine as Mala, and she did give depth to her portrayal. But there were some moments when she did go a little overboard.
But maybe that's me being picky, for the actress did a good job most of the timešš¼ The role was admittedly quite different from her earlier comic roles, so some flaws may be forgiven.
RATING
On the whole, I would give this episode a stellar 9/10 for its execution of the theme and the portrayal of the antagonist who in a way was a victim herself.
So what did you think about today's episode of "Arjun"? Please do share your thoughts.
P.S. This post only reflects my personal opinions and does not pretend to be objective in any way. So please do share your opinions to make the discussion better!
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