The last two episodes of Qarz e Jaan left us with mixed feelings — a powerful story that, we felt, stumbled at the finish line. FUCHSIA review.
Sadly, the drama ended up showing what we thought the story will not show, justifying a criminal’s actions and creating sympathy for him among audiences. Where 30 episodes of Qarz e Jaan were a remarkable stroke of script, direction, performances, relatability, and much-needed conversations, the two final episodes were weak in almost every aspect and left us disappointed, questioning the real purpose of QJ?
We are glad that the drama showed Ammar deciding to divorce Nashwa and allow her to live her life. Nashwa, instead of making it an ego issue, makes Burhan realise that accepting Bakhtiyar’s offer was wrong, and Burhan admits that he shouldn’t have. However, Nashwa’s love and the chance of being with her made him say yes to the deal. It was a well-executed scene that won hearts. Every time Burhan who would take the initiative between them, but this time it was nice to see Nashwa owning her feelings for him and taking the first step.
Nashwa and Bisma’s conversation was wholesome. Bisma, always the strength for her daughter stood by her this time as well.
Some Misses
Funny thing was Ammar not knowing his nephew’s name, especially when he claimed Beenish was the most important person in his life. Even if it was meant to demonstrate that Ammar did not prioritize relationships, the dialogue appeared misplaced.
Beenish was initially crying uncontrollably, but in the next scene, she stood expressionless as Ammar was led out of the courtroom. Attention to such minor yet significant detail is crucial in order to keep the narrative impactful.
Sidra’s character disappointed majorly. Her sentence that “iss din kay liye Nashwa ko vakeel bunaya tha” seemed to be going against the growth we had seen in this character.
Parenting Flaws
We have appreciated the drama throughout for showing how society, parenting, and the people around us impact our personalities; how our actions can lead to someone becoming the worst version of his/her personality was beautifully communicated, making us reflect on the consequences of staying silent in the face of wrongdoing and crimes taking place around us. Also, that if we do not act at the right time, our silence can return to haunt us at a later stage. But then the story seemed to derail towards the end. We cannot lay the entire blame of a criminal’s wrongdoing on his parents. Ammar is a grown man, and committing rape or murder is a choice of which he was fully aware. Sympathy for his character cannot be created no matter what, especially not by making him apologise, and by solely holding his parents responsible for his actions. One confession and 15 minutes of realisation cannot absolve him from all the crimes he had committed.
Ammar’s Confession
There was absolutely no need to show that entire emotional sequence of Ammar crying and giving a sermon to his mother about telling dadi to change things, or in the courtroom accepting that Nashwa was right. Why did we need to see all this? Why did Ammar’s parents’ behaviour and his upbringing become a justification for his actions? Ammar could have just confessed, and the drama could have ended right there with Nashwa winning the case and ensuring Ammar gets a prison sentence.
The narrative, praised for its realistic portrayal so far, suddenly took a 180-degree turn. People like Ammar do not repent and change. They do not accept they were at fault. At least not so soon. They keep believing in the power of their family status, influence, and wealth.
An Apologetic Criminal
Dramas impact how we think, dramas influence our thought process. But unfortunately, our creators refuse to acknowledge or accept this responsibility. What QJ’s final episode did was to normalise the sight of a repenting, apologetic criminal who had committed heinous crimes like murder and rape. That is how mindsets shift gradually; resistance against or acceptance of a concept takes place. Tomorrow, this sympathy can make people accept a pardon for, and forgiving someone like Ammar.
The drama never showed Ammar or Bakhtiyar sharing a close bond with Beenish, so to now hear Ammar saying she is the most important person in his life, sounded strange and didn’t strike a chord.
On Courtroom Drama
Our drama creators, especially the script writers and director really need to conduct thorough research, consult people from the profession they are representing especially when it is lawyers, doctors, and therapists. The argument between Nashwa and Burhan seemed like two children playing lawyers. The lack of compelling arguments in the courtroom supported by research on the part of Nashwa also undermined her character immensely as well as her competence and professional journey as a lawyer. Considering Nashwa’s weak and emotional stance in court, if Ammar had not confessed himself, he would have been acquitted for sure. We watched the entire drama in the hope that we finally see Nashwa rising to the occasion and the drama showing a strong female character making an impact but sadly, that never happened. In fact, when we see a female character using an emotional and sentimental approach vs a male character who presents a rational argument like Burhan did in this case – the damage is done.
Throughout the final two episodes Nashwa states how she will raise her voice against injustice. The constant repetition makes one question what happened to her sense of justice when Maheen was raped and murdered, and in the face of Bakhtiyar’s constant wrongdoings. Instead of repeatedly proclaiming her sense of justice, if Nashwa had confessed that, “I have stayed silent till now but not anymore,” it would have made so much more sense. A person who agrees to marry a rapist to achieve her own goals, is not very convincing when she subsequently claims to uphold the rights of those wronged and fight for justice.
Super Performances
However, we appreciate a great effort from the entire cast. We witnessed some heart-warming and very emotional performances. Nameer Khan proved he is ready to take on any role, however challenging, and we are waiting for a good script so we can see more of his talent. Fajr Sheikh also proves her mettle. Yumna Zaidi and Usama Khan were absolutely brilliant. Sakina Samo, Tazeen Hussain, Deepak Perwani, Salma Zafar, Faisal Rehman, Ismat Zaidi, Daniyal Aamir, Anika Zulfikar and Tabbasum Arif, everyone just wowed us with their performances.
Tell us what your thoughts on the final episodes of Qarz e Jaan in comments below.
Catch Up On The Latest Drama Gup Here
Qarz e Jaan features actors Yumna Zaidi, Usama Khan, Nameer Khan, Anika Zulfikar, Faisal Rehman, Deepak Parwani, Tazeen Hussain, Daniyal Aamir, Sakina Samo, Salma Asim, Ismat Zaidi, Fajr Sheikh, Tabassum Arif, and Mubassir Khan. It is written by Rabia Razzak, directed by Saqib Khan, and produced by Momina Duraid. It airs on HUM TV on every Saturday
