Indian Summers 2016 Episode 6 Review/Catch-up – Explosive victories and defeats

April 22 2016

A powerful episode with some scores being settled quite violently and major revelations continuing to tumble…

By Tasha Mathur

*MAJOR SPOILER ALERTS*

DID WE SAY LAST week was a rollercoaster of emotions…? It was nothing compared to this week’s heart-stopping episode! And we’re afraid we do mean that quite literally.

In true “Indian Summers” fashion, it all revolves around a big party. “Good grief…another damned party?” – Yes Lord Viceroy (Patrick Malahide), our sentiment exactly.

However, little does everybody know that their lives are in danger as nationalist/terrorist Naresh Banerjee (Arjun Mathur) can’t resist wreaking havoc.

Naresh (Arjun Mathur)

Consumed with power, a heavily wounded Naresh finds himself compelled to rely on Aafrin (Nikesh Patel) being his only way in to King George’s celebrations – and where he intends to let off the dynamite. But when he intentionally misinforms Aafrin about where the bomb is (which we grudgingly admit was actually quite clever) and finds he’s betrayed, Naresh must find another means of executing his master plan.

Did it have to be the adorable Akshay (Kabir Raj Singh Singh Randhawa)?! Indian Summers couldn’t have found a cuter boy to ultimately send to his death. Throughout the episode, we’re reminded that there is a little boy dragging along – what we later find out – is a LIT bomb.

Meanwhile, Aafrin finds himself equally cornered after the unsuccessful bomb search forces him to show his hand and reveal all to Ralph (Henry Lloyd-Hughes). Poor Ralphie is being letting down by everyone…Cynthia (Julie Walters), the Maharajah (Art Malik) and now his bestie, Aafrin. Although it’s hard to feel sorry for him when he pushes Aafrin to the wall while asking, ‘Have I ever been hard on you?’ This scene reminds us of how much Aafrin been manipulated by Ralph – what a relief to finally let it all out!’

Our hearts have been palpitating at the thought of Naresh hurting Aafrin’s Dad, Baapi (Roshan Seth), for a few episodes so we didn

Sooni (Aysha Kala)

’t expect Sooni (Aysha Kala) to be in the line of fire.

True to her defiant nature, she defends her family and ultimately takes the stabbing for Aafrin’s messy involvements. But what we noticed most, was the obvious connection between her and Ian (Alexander Cobb) – as did Sooni’s mother (Lillete Dubey). First Alice (Jemima West) and Aafrin, now Sooni and Ian…every Asian parents’ dream! Definitely more to come here…

While we breathed a sigh of relief at Akshay surviving the bomb blast, our hearts wept for Dougie’s (Craig Parkinson) death and so soon after we rejoiced at the birth of his son. Why is it always the good ones? There goes our dream of Dougie rescuing Leena (Amber Rose Revah)…

With the bomb detonated and Naresh killed, we’re hoping to delve more deeply into the personal relationships between the characters. We still have Cynthia’s revelation to Ralph, the Alice, Aafrin and Charlie (Blake Ritson) love triangle and were reminded again of Cynthia’s obsession with Sirene (Rachel Griffiths) aka Phyliss. So have no fear fans, there’s still lots more to come!

Hero of the episode: We should have known that Ian would be the ultimate hero of ‘IndIAN’ Summers…the clue is in the title! Yet of all the people who could have saved the day, Ian was definitely not on our radar. But Ian’s love for Sooni brought out the macho side of this gentle Scotsman to not only save her but also catch most-wanted terrorist Naresh Banerjee! The things we do for love eh? Could Sooni and Ian be the new Aafrin and Alice?

Villain of the episode: Making adorable Akshay drag along a lit bomb, dropping Aafrin in it before the cyanide pills kicked in, stabbing Sooni and probably intending to hurt Aafrin’s whole family – you can’t get a more villainous villain than Naresh Banerjee. But Naresh committing suicide has now paved the way for many others to take top spot…ahem…Charlie?

Quote of the episode: “One does feel rather invaded!” – We’re sorry Lord Viceroy…YOU feel invaded?? This quote reeks of irony as the Viceroy complains about visitors attending King George’s party and definitely got the fans’ attention on Twitter.

Best scene: After weeks of building tension, we’re finally treated to the much-anticipated showdown as Ralph discovers where Aafrin’s loyalties really lie. Henry Lloyd-Hughes plays Ralph’s anguish perfectly as a broken man after being betrayed by Cynthia and now Aafrin. And he doesn’t even know of Aafrin and Alice’s hot and heavy affair yet…(Ed: Really?)

Storyline to watch: Something is brewing between Ian and Sooni (subtle wink in front of Sooni’s Mum, Ian) and let’s not forget that Ralph is still staying well away from Cynthia. Will he tell Alice the truth about their father?

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Indian Summers continues every Sunday on Channel 4, 9pm (UK only).
Catch-up (UK only)
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/indian-summers