‘Shantaram’ Recap: ‘The Sin in the Crime’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Shantaram’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked a lot about the nature of change when it comes to the Apple TV+ series, Shantaram. Simply because this show has focused heavily on that concept, and it has explored in great detail how difficult change in our lives can be and how we fear it and avoid it in the name of faster solutions regarding the ills that a lack of dedication to the concept of change can bring about. But while it has been fascinating to learn how tough it can be and how it scares the living daylights out of so many… at some point… we have to embrace it some form or fashion whether we like it or not. 
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Because the status quo is never sustainable, and change is either forced upon us in a negative manner through our complacency or… we finally begin to embrace it and start a long journey forward. One that popular media rarely explores for reasons that make sense. For entertainment is just that, and at its most fundamental, should move fast rather than show us the slow moments that lay down the foundation for change. But this series doesn’t subscribe to the faster is better edict. It wants us to learn the process right and that is why we saw the bare beginnings of Lin embracing change in this week’s tale. A feat that ‘The Sin in the Crime’ accomplished by giving Lin some fascinating perspective on his journey thus far.

For when we caught up with him, here, he was riding atop cloud nine. Because things were going well in Sagar Wada. After all, he was respected and adored in that part of town and receiving gifts and sharing in the joy of being a member of a community and that truly put him over the moon. Not to mention, Mister Khan was kind enough to have Abdullah supply him with a motorcycle to help Lin get those all-important medications for the community and he even saw Lisa thriving. Making him realize that he was actually making an impact by committing to good deeds and finding fulfillment in the process, and that helped him to realize, that if he could stay this course and begin to work on himself… he could bring about change in this life at last and find happiness. 

Which in turn pushed him to be honest with himself and his situation. And that in turn, helped him to realize that he cuts corners a lot and isn’t honest with others enough. Which prompted him to finally cut ties with Khan regarding the meds and pay his own way since money was coming together from the community to get them. All so, he could run an honest operation. One that he and the community would feel good about and that wasn’t the only steps toward change he took part in here, regarding honesty, since he was also honest about his feelings with Karla and last and well… it’s best we leave it at that when it comes to that particular storyline. Since what came next would be cruel to spoil because of its importance to the future of this story.

But what matters more here, is that Lin finally indulged in honesty through and through, and really did make strides toward being a better person at last and took those all-important baby steps toward impactful change. Something he’s been struggling with since we met him. But make no mistake about it, he has a long way to go, and his lack of humility here… and not committing to change there, could come back to haunt him. How exactly we shan’t spoil here, instead we will just celebrate one wonderful tale. One that truly offered growth to Lin and others, and it will be fascinating to see if he continues to stay dedicated to change, regardless of the hardships and challenges he will encounter along the way. Until next time.

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