We begin episode 8 in the past, back when Lin was working as a paramedic in Australia under the name Dale. He meets a young woman named Gemma, who is attending a protest outside the university when things escalate between protestors and police. His memory flickers between Gemma and Karla, as it’s revealed he was sentenced to 19 years in prison.
Back in the present day, Karla cares for Lin as he finally catches Cholera himself. She asks him who Gemma is, as he mentioned her name in his sleep – but he does not reply. After some time in Karla’s care, Lin recovers enough to eat, drink and talk. He asks what Karla meant when she spoke of salvation, and brings up Madame Zhou.
Sunita is not enjoying her time in Madame Zhou’s care, which is akin to prison as she is not allowed out of her room. She waits for her chance, attacks a maid and escapes, realizing all of the women just like her are also confined to their rooms. The staff chase after her, shouting as they catch her and drag her back to the confines of her room. I feel sorry for her, being traded around as if she’s someone’s property.
We haven’t seen Kavita for the past couple of episodes, but she makes her return here as she takes possession of some files that will see her gain more intel on Lin. Lin really needs to escape Bombay before his past catches up with him, as it’s edging ever closer.
Lin presses Karla for details on the bad blood between her and Madame Zhou. She reveals that Ahmed, a friend of hers, fell in love with one of Zhou’s women named Christina. Madame Zhou couldn’t let that stand, and had one of her men throw a jar of acid in Christina’s face – ouch! Zhou later killed Ahmed, and Karla still feels guilt that she could not save her friend. Ravi eavesdrops on the end of the story, which may become a problem later…
Lin informs Karla he needs to leave town as he knows Kavita is on his tail. He knows if he gets caught he’ll be headed back to jail, or worse. But one thing is holding him back: He confesses he’s in love with Karla. She is wary, and he says he’s not asking her to say it back. She encourages him to leave, confusing him. I know she’s telling him to go so he doesn’t get caught up in the Madame Zhou mess, but I still hope these two end up happy.
I’m so happy to see Parvati make a recovery! Prabhu would have been lost without her, with Lin set to go home. Prabhu has finally been accepted by Parvati’s mother, and is spending his morning helping set up their café when her mother officially gives him permission to court Parvati. Ecstatic, he runs off to tell Lin. As Lin steps outside to meet Prabhu, the villagers are thrilled to see he has recovered from his illness. Karla has disappeared.
As Lin walks through the village, Ravi shouts that he is a murderer. He tells Prabhu that he overheard Lin and Karla talking, that Lin set the fire that killed Ravi’s mother. Prabhu quickly drags him away before others can hear to tell him to stop spreading lies. Walid Shah’s men show up with the water trucks to inform the villagers there will be no more water from Khader. Lin tries to intervene as violence erupts and water bottles are smashed in the street. The village leader is furious with Lin, stating he has brought war to them, and it’s all his fault.
Karla enters Madame Zhou’s premises and visits Sunita. The girl asks if Karla is Madame Zhou, and she says no – but that she did ask for Sunita to be brought here. Sunita replies she has friends, important ones who will pay her debt as Madame Zhou stands in the shadows outside her room, eavesdropping on their conversation. Karla asks about her friend, warning the girl not to mention his name as she knows Zhou is listening. She informs Sunita all she has to do is call her “friend” tell him everything is fine, and invite him to visit. Sunita declines, refusing to give up Pandey.
Prabhu confronts Lin about starting the fire. Lin admits he “pretty much” did, and Prabhu is disappointed Lin kept the secret from him. Lin expresses he did all he could for the village to repay the debt, feeling awful about the fire. Prabhu tells him he is glad he stayed, otherwise Parvati may not have survived. “You are a good man and you think too much,” Prabhu says, before heading out.
Madame Zhou tells Karla she was listening in on her conversation with Sunita. “There are so many stories about you,” Karla says. “I came up with most of them myself,” says Zhou. I love the back and forth between these two, knowing they have history makes it even more fun. The two share some cigarettes and old stories, before Zhou gives Karla some advice to deal with Sunita. Karla asks if Madame Zhou is happy, and the woman says she is – as her position in life gives her power and control.
Sebastian and his friend discuss Abdullah’s threat while Lin goes to Khader for answers about the water. Khader explains Walid Shah took offence to him providing free water to the village, as Walid also wants the favor of the village people. Both are hoping to influence the votes of those in the village for their own gain, and Lin is disgusted that both want to take the villagers homes from them. He informs Khader he is done being the middleman.
Karla meets with Lisa. Lisa tries to tell Karla that Sebastian is a good guy, that he’s different and funny and sweet when it’s just the two of them – but she’s frustrated by him being weak. I enjoy the friendship between these two. Karla informs Lisa that she should leave while she can, worried Lisa is going to find herself in more trouble with the heroin deal. She gives Lisa a key and tells her there’s always a place here for her, but she should get out of Bombay.
Sebastian and his friend escalate their heroin dealing, delivering packages all over Bombay and collecting piles of cash. They score $300,000 in the end, and plan to run tonight before anyone gets suspicious. Sebastian wants to take Lisa with them, but his friend does not – so Sebastian grabs the cash and runs. Meanwhile, Kavita continues to sort through pages and pages of identity files. Lin is running out of time.
Lin meets with the village leader and brings him to a meeting with Khader. The two men discuss the best path forward for the village while Lin listens in. Khader tells the man he will lose his home, in the end. But it will be years before the land is developed and Khader promises to look after the village in that time. The man asks what happens when the time to develop the land comes, and Khader promises he will help find places for everyone to go – but the village is large, and people will be reluctant to leave.
Karla visits Sunita once more. She apologizes to the young woman, who then confesses her own mother sold her. She genuinely believes Pandey loves her, that he will leave his family for her. His job. Karla tries to tell her that it’s not true, he will choose is family and job over her. Sunita asks what it is Karla wants, and she promises to do no harm to Pandey if Sunita simply makes the call.
The water trucks return to the village once more. This time, the villagers – including Lin – are ready to fight. Ravi aims for Lin with a slingshot, but misses and accidentally takes out one of their own. Lin steps up and protects the man while fighting off others, and with the villagers help the battle for the water trucks is won. The village is a happy place once more, enjoying their fresh water and victory.
One of the strongest episodes of the series so far!
