‘Shantaram’ Recap: ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Shantaram’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that the Apple TV+ series, Shantaram, is an outright masterpiece series when it comes to storytelling. For not only does this show whisk us away to a time period that few of us know about, but it is also a magnificent character study. One that gives proper screen time and attention to the people that surround Lin Ford in Bombay in 1980 and the wonder of this show doesn’t end there. Because it is also filled to the brim with commentary and musings on the nature and the power of change, and how we cannot deny it agency when it comes calling and this week’s episode of the show, offered up a new addition to this already rich tapestry. 
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In that, ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’, took the time to remind us of how our lives are deeply intertwined with the people we encounter, whether we like to acknowledge it or not, and how those delicate ties can bring forth wondrous or ugly consequences depending upon what we brought to the table when that relationship was forged. A feat that this story accomplished by putting those wonders and horrors on display. For instance, the good that Lin forged with Didier came back to help both men in this tale. Since Didier was still struggling to find direction forward after being seen as a monster. And Lin’s kindness and honesty, and the trust he built with Didier, helped him to push forward and find life again, giving rise to wonderful consequences for coming to know another.

Not to mention, at long last… Lin made headway with Karla as well, regarding their relationship and her actions in this life. Because Lin is genuinely good at the core of his soul and his purity and love for her, and the expression of that… caught her off guard and left her wondering if there was more for her in this life that just being Khan’s blunt tool to forward his means. In fact, Lin’s attempts to woo her here and be honest about the joy she brought him, combined with Khan once again playing games with lives… only fueled that further. Informing us of how love and gentleness can change perspectives and lives. Which were two plot paths that could have made this, a true feel-good episode for certain, had this story not bothered to ponder upon, the ugly consequences.

Which in Lin’s case, all related to his past and some of his more negative actions. Because when Maurizio was faced with his own end for not having the money his boss expected him to have… he made Lin his patsy. All in the hopes of being free from trouble and to bring hell upon Lin, all because of the bad blood between them and the needling that Lin sent his way. Giving rise to new trouble since a price was put upon Lin’s head. Not to mention, denying Kavita truth and escaping the clutches of a horribly determined cop, brought forth more ugly consequences as well. Since Kavita had her team reach out anyone and everyone about Lin, and to top it off… Nightingale got wind of the search, after coming within inches of finding out about Lin’s whereabouts in the first place. 

That means… that the wheels are now in motion for Nightingale to arrive in Bombay, despite the fact that Kavita called off the article since Karla’s good vibes, and the offer to expose Khader Khan instead, came into play. Setting the stage for a showdown for the ages, through an utterly brilliant episode. One that was subtle in nature early on, but quickly grew into so much more and kept our attention through the actions of these wonderfully written characters. But what matters more, is that the past and change are once again about to take the center stage. Because of the trouble that is brewing now and because of the fact that Nightingale plans to have his man regardless of the confession that he received and that is going to make the wait for next week’s episode quite painful in nature, since you know Nightingale won’t waste any time in resuming the hunt for the one that got away. Until next time.

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