‘Shantaram’ Recap: ‘Dead Man Walking’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Shantaram’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Thus far, the fascinating journey that we’ve been privy to in the Apple TV+ series, Shantaram, has been quite intimate and powerful in nature. Since we’ve been witness to every folly and poor choice that has led Lin to his new home and new life. But while that has indeed made for a stunning character study, one that has explored the power of change and our fears of it, there has been only one drawback to this journey. In that, it has yet to examine the fascinating world and time surrounding Lin. For India in 1982 is a place and a time that is foreign to so many of us. Since anyone that grew up during that era in America and the Western world… didn’t hear much about life in India. And anyone else, either wasn’t born during that time or was too young to even remotely be curious about it.

But actually exploring what life was like in that world and that time would make for moments as intriguing as Lin’s lamentations and expectations about his future and at long last… the show opted to take a moment to finally look at Bombay and life within the city in 1982. Which made ‘Dead Man Walking’, quite the fascinating tale. Since it explored a time when corruption ran rampant in this city and where people were extremely closed minded to those different than them and those who wished to not follow ancient traditions, as was the case with Prabhu and Parvati’s journey here. Since Parvati’s parents were adamant that their budding love go a supremely traditional route, giving us great insight into the values of that era and how change was on the horizon… since those lovebirds didn’t listen in the slightest. 

Speaking of severely outdated views as well… the notion of women being property in this era was also explored in detail since Lisa… could not escape the reality that Modena and Maurizio only saw her as such. Since Maurizio was quick to once again offer her up as a prize to line his pockets rather than provide her with agency and choice for her future. Granted, she found a way to gain some of that, but the fact remains that she was seen as a second-class citizen that had to compromise to find it. Something that stands in contrast to today… but not by much. Plus, we also came to really understand how conservative an era the 1980s were in general, as evidenced by the horrible journey that Didier went upon in this tale. For he fell in lust with a beautiful man at the bar and was caught in the middle of a tryst, which in turn brought forth the wrath of the police.

Who saw homosexuality as a crime, and punished Didier for being himself and of course, exposed how deep the corruption went. Since they threatened to bring more harm without payment in full of the fine, they so levied. Which in turn brought Lin into the fold with Vikram since he knew the ropes. Allowing for a good deed to come into play by getting Didier out and not a moment too soon. Because Kavita continued to inch closer and closer to the truth about Lin and his past… and it is only a matter of time before she exposes it, and Didier can get him the passport he needs. But what matters more here, is that this really was… a powerful look at Bombay in 1982 and we learned a great deal about how different that era was and how in some ways, we haven’t quite progressed as much as we would have liked. Since women are still fighting for agency and of course, there are those who see LGBTQIA+ individuals in a negative light. 

But that aside, you really cannot go wrong with a period piece digging into that period while also letting the other characters shine. Since they have, understandably, taken a back seat to Lin and his journey. But in the end, this was just a wonderful world-building tale. One that truly helped us to really see the complete Bombay in 1982 all while nudging the plot along and giving Lin new challenges to face. Since Kavita continues to slink toward the truth and because something foul is afoot in Sagar Wada. Since Parvati’s sudden illness and talk of others coming down with an ailment… speaks volumes to an outbreak of something nasty in Sagar Wada. Something that will force Lin to work hard since he is the only qualified medical professional that gives a damn about the people that live there. In the end however, this was just a great episode through and through. One that fleshed out this world wonderfully and set the stage for the next chapter in Lin’s journey in a smooth and dynamic manner. Until next time.

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