Summary
Shantaram can’t seem to escape its usual pitfalls but does offer the most exciting set piece since the initial prison break in episode one. Otherwise, this is dreary storytelling with soap opera-styled short sequences and an abundance of ill-conceived characters – the saga continues to drag on.
We recap the Apple TV+ series Shantaram season 1, episode 8, “Like in the Time of Cholera,” which contains spoilers.
The average TV show normally runs for about eight episodes, give or take, but Shantaram just keeps on going. In “Like in the Time of Cholera,” the two rival gangs battle it out for the slums, which cumulates in a war over water. Karla (Antonia Desplat) tries to manipulate Sunita (Tharanya Tharan) into making the right call, Khader (Alexander Siddig) tries to win over Qasim (Alyy Khan), and drug dealers Modena (Elham Ehsas) and Maurizio (Luke Pasqualino) plan their final score. The show continues to struggle to overcome its many pitfalls, but it has to be said this installment does include some intriguing moments.
Shantaram season 1, episode 8 recap
At the start of this episode we find Lin battling cholera in his tent, he has finally succumbed to the deadly disease and Karla has come to his rescue. She nurses the doctor back to full health over three desperate days. Lin and Karla both discuss their shared guilt over certain situations in their lives. Lin talks about starting the fire in the slums and Karla admits to having blood on her hands too. Lin believes his time in Bombay is finally up (again), with Kavita’s article on the way. He declares his love for Karla, but she doesn’t reciprocate. To make matters worse, Ravi has overheard Lin’s entire confession, his mother was killed in that fire, and he blames Lin for her death.
Lin exits his tent fully recovered and the slum dwellers all clap him. Then the crowds start to follow him as he walks to the toilet. Prabhu hugs the hero and announces that he has been granted permission to court Parvati. The water drop-off returns to the slums, yet Rafiq is now in charge and his men start to get violent. Rafiq speaks on Walid’s behalf, stating that the slum dwellers cannot do any more deals with Khader, and there will be no more water as punishment. The thugs then proceed to smash all the water bottles in front of the crowd. A few citizens are even beaten for their troubles. Lin wants to retaliate, but Prabhu has to literally hold him back. Qasim sees this travesty and blames Lin, believing they are now in the middle of a war and it is all Lin’s fault.
Karla is sent to the Palace to convince Sunita to participate in their plans. Khader and his cronies need Minister Pandey on their side, so they are using his prostitute girlfriend as bait. Karla asks Sunita to call up Pandey and convince him to come to the brothel. Sunita flat-out refuses, saying how in love she is with Pandey, and that she cannot hurt him. Karla leaves and talks with Madame Zhou about this snag in the plan. Zhou reckons that Sunita can be talked around. Karla tries again, addressing her concerns over Pandey’s legitimate love for her. If he does in fact love Sunita, then he will come to her rescue.
Our hero Lin returns to his guilt-ridden ways, blaming himself for all this mess. Prabhu defends him though, saying his Parvati would be dead without Lin. Prabhu informs Lin that Ravi is spreading lies about Lin killing his mother and starting the fire. Lin admits that it is partially true, but he had good intentions. Prabhu (again) states that Lin is a good man, he just overthinks everything.
Modena and Maurizio collect their drug money and contemplate leaving Bombay. They owe Madame Zhou her cut and have been threatened by Abdullah for their dealings, but consider just ditching all the chaos and starting afresh elsewhere. They agree to sell off the remaining drugs and run away. Modena wants Lisa to tag along though. Maurizio speaks ill of Modena’s girlfriend and in return, Modena runs off with all of Maurizio’s money. This betrayal will not be taken likely.
Shantaram season 1, episode 8 ending
After Rafiq’s attack, Lin pays Khader a visit. The crime boss explains the war between himself and Walid over the deeds to the slum land. Walid has Pandey in his pocket, but the slum dwellers get the final vote. Lin says he is tired of being the middleman and leaves, but Khader wants to make things right. They organize a meeting with Qasim. Khader offers to help the citizens of the slums in the years before construction starts. He wants to provide them with power and plumbing, employment, and education. Qasim begrudgingly agrees.
As a final sign of solidarity, Abdullah and Khader’s cronies take a stand with Lin, Prabhu, and the other slum dwellers. They prepare for a battle with Rafiq and his men. The thugs arrive with trucks full of water and a fight beckons. This may be the most exciting moment in the series since the prison break in episode one. The two sides run at each other and a battle ensues. Ravi targets Lin with his slingshot but accidentally hits Abdullah instead. Rafiq goes for his unconscious adversary, but Lin protects his teammate. Sensing defeat, Rafiq and his men flee, leaving the untouched water behind. Lin celebrates with the others, sad that he is leaving so soon.
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