some thoughts on "Happy Endings Depend on Where the Story Ends", was in my mind especially in relation to the book synopsis kendra had shared. in the book, the happy ending is the couple breaking up and thus ending the cycle of abuse that goes from one generation to another.
I can see that kind of show on some other channel like sony or web but on sitara??? would sitara show a happy ending where the woman walks off alone into the sunset???? would audience accept that? or would it be considered sad ending?
I have seen drama in many languages across Asia and what I find interesting is that there is a lot more grey reading on whether characters get redeemed. things aren't as black and white unlike western shows or books.
sometimes, characters that I find absurd are given depth, back stories that make you wonder. there is always punishment in that they have to face the consequences of their actions but then there is a turning point and sometimes a hopeful note of reconciliation.
I am reminded of a news documentary I saw many years ago about ex-convicts and their life outside prison. many find it difficult to find work because of their history. so even if they have served their time and are genuinely repentant, most in society don't necessarily forget the past. so it was interesting to see folks who actively employ ex-cons.
one was a factory type outfit and the man was very aware of his own background -- there had been domestic abuse at home and to escape, he had a rough upbringing. so for him, he saw it as a lucky kind of escape that he didn't end up in jail and instead focused his restlessness into gainful employment and rose up to own his own business.
he wasn't afraid of ex-cons in that he had grown up rough. plus, the older employees (who were ex-cons) were highly protective of the space and the chance at a new life that they thoroughly kept an eye on the new employee ex-con. if any showed they weren't serious, they were given the door. in real life, redemptions are hard to come by and the past does not get erased.
the question that arises in my mind is at what point can a character be redeemed in a drama. if their anger comes out of substance abuse and they are given treatment, then do they deserve a chance at reconciliation? or is anger a trait that cannot be changed?
if a character's violence comes out of unresolved trauma and the character addresses what is going on in their mind, is it possible to let go of the anger? or is it something that stays?
if the family members forgive after a certain cooling period (that is well-written), can we see a true reunion? is the FL being a doormat even if she actively makes the choice to let go of the past and try and build something again?
what is the level of anger that is forgivable and redeemable? and what is not? sometimes characters are given a clean chit because they happen to be super handsome but in others, there is a really good character graph and journey that happens.
what will we see in this drama especially given the promo that was posted in social media thread? what do folks think? is garv's anger a personality trait or something that can be changed? if a person lets go of their anger, do they deserve a second chance? or is reconciliation not possible under some circumstances and the best solution for all is to separate?