Summary
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” is a busy episode filled with surprising tension and comedy moments. As always though, the plot seems to go around in circles, repeating the same beats over and over again.
We recap the Apple TV+ series Shantaram season 1, episode 9, “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” which contains spoilers.
How many times has Lin (Charlie Hunnam) threatened to leave Bombay? We must be in double figures by now, yet the fugitive is still very much chained to the city. He just can’t seem to say goodbye to his new friends and family, although in “Should I Stay or Should I Go”, the wanted man tries his best to escape the city once and for all. Meanwhile, the Australian police find a break in their case, and the drug dealers Modena (Elham Ehsas) and Maurizio (Luke Pasqualino) face the consequences of their actions. It’s a busy installment that crams a hell of a lot of storylines into its one-hour run.
Shantaram season 1, episode 9 recap
Due to Kavita’s impending newspaper article on Lin, the slum doctor decides to leave Bombay for good. He teaches Parvati about medicine, in the hopes that she will take over when he’s gone. Lin gives away his rations and starts to say his final goodbyes. First, he pays Qasim a visit. The slum leader is currently overseeing the installation of pipes into the slums, something that Lin had a large hand in starting. Qasim accepts that Lin always had the slum dwellers’ best interests at heart and they end things amicably with a handshake.
Prabhu shows off his new set of wheels, explaining that he will be a taxi driver by night to help pay his way. Lin suggests they take a trip to Prabhu’s parent’s village, but he thinks it’s all just bad timing. Prabhu’s parents are old-fashioned and could ruin his engagement with Parvati. Lin has his own relationship to deal with and knocks on Karla’s door. They organize a final date for that very night, Lin stating that he is still in love with Karla and wants to say goodbye in style.
As predicted, Maurizio is furious with Modena’s betrayal and he targets Lisa first. Lisa is completely unaware of Modena’s bold plans but tries to hide her boyfriend’s passports from Maurizio. The drug dealer takes the paperwork for safekeeping anyway. Modena meets with Lisa in the crowded streets to explain himself later that day. He wants to run away with her, but Maurizio didn’t want her to tag along. Lisa refuses to leave with Modena and storms off. Maurizio has his own problems to deal with, Raheem wants his product. Maurizio lies about a supply issue and says Lin is the suspicious supplier. The dealer is kept hostage, while Raheem searches for Lin.
Lin has been pushing Maurizio for a while now and something like this was always bound to happen, yet he doesn’t know that he’s been set up. He heads to Reynaldo’s to meet with Didier and retrieve his passports, but the criminal hasn’t been spotted for a while. Lin finds Didier in his apartment, where he’s living as a hermit, scared of the outside world. Didier hasn’t stepped foot outside since his arrest and therefore has no passport for Lin. Later, Didier finds the courage to socialize once again and he is queried by Raheem.
Karla’s scheme to blackmail Minister Pandey steps up a gear. The Minister is finally persuaded to meet with Sunita at the Palace, where he talks with his mistress in private. Their conversation is photographed and recorded in secret by Abdullah. In this chat, Sunita mentions Pandey’s deal with Walid and their affair. Pandey worries that Walid will kill Sunita and he believes this arrangement is the safest option for her. Sunita disagrees, practically begging Pandey to free her from these shackles. Karla informs the minister of the incriminating evidence they have on him, demanding the Minister sides with Khader instead of Walid. Pandey fears death but accepts the terms.
Both Lin and Prabhu prepare for their dates, they are extremely nervous. Lin plans to ask Karla to run away with him. Whilst Prabhu is dating Parvati in public for the very first time, no more sneaking around. Lin’s date goes well, they have a laugh and a flirt, but Karla leaves when he mentions his love for her. Karla kisses Lin before leaving, but it feels very final. Lin heads to the bar to drown his sorrows, where a paranoid Didier tries to drag him home, strongly hinting that they are in trouble, but he won’t expand upon the statement any further.
Shantaram season 1, episode 9 ending
Back in Australia, Detective Wally Nightingale has landed a promising lead. They believe Charlie Pendergast to be the one who shot and killed the officer. They surround his house and a shootout ensues. Charlie surrenders and steps outside, dropping his gun to the ground. The gun accidentally fires and a nervous cop shoots back in retaliation. Wally rushes over to the dying man and asks if Charlie is their culprit. Charlie confesses, but won’t give away Lin’s location. Back at the station, Wally discovers a fax of Lin’s mug. Kavita and Nishant have finally made contact with the police.
While all this action takes place, Karla heads to Kavita’s to try and diffuse the situation. She won’t admit it, but she doesn’t want Lin to leave Bombay. She asks Kavita to not run the story, offering a far juicier tale instead. Karla is willing to sell out Khader and her allies for Lin. She presents Kavita with a story of Bombay gangsters, death, and corruption. An intrigued Kavita asks her to step inside.
The episode ends with Didier and Lin running down darkened streets, clocking every suspicious glance as they flee. Lin realizes that they are been followed and then headlights flash before them. Prabhu steps out of the car, wondering what is going on and Lin is eager to know as well.
What did you think of Shantaram season 1, episode 9? Comment below.
