GREY Ends On a Grey Note: Last Episode Review

Undoubtedly, “Grey” has emerged as a unique story since its very first episode, yet it’s a story we have heard and seen multiple times in real life, as it delves into pertinent real-life issues that resonate with our society. The storyline initially revolved around allegations of harassment, unraveling the evils of media scrutiny. As the story unfolded, “Grey” evolved beyond its initial focus, introducing a diverse array of characters, unfolding various storylines, and ultimately delivering a different message altogether.

Cast And Creatives Behind The Scenes

Let’s explore the unfolding events, assess the overall impact of the story and delve into the ethical dimensions it presents. The cast, featuring Sami Khan, Sabeena Farooq, Noreen Gulwani, Zoha Rehman, Paras Masroor and other talented actors, played vital roles in bringing this tale to life. Rida Bilal is the creative mind behind the story and Sohail Javed skillfully directed the production.

Life Beyond The Allegations

In the concluding episode, life has progressed beyond the tumultuous allegations. Bushra (Noreen Gulwani) has transitioned to the role of overseeing her own media publication, adhering to ethical standards. She knows her approach is dull yet grounded in facts. Having observed the Salaar-Imaan saga unfold, Bushra has found solace in her comfortable reality, specially following an insightful interview with Salaar (Sami Khan). Simultaneously, Salaar is in the process of rebuilding the fragments of his life. His father (Khaled Anem) has re-entered his life. Salaar finds emotional tranquility as all the pieces fall back into place save one – Zoya (Zoha Rehman). Zoya has already made the decision to part ways with Salaar, but a revelation comes to light: Zoya has discovered incriminating evidence suggesting a connection between Imaan and Salaar. Right when we see Imaan (Sabeena Farooq) embracing a blissful married life, Salaar’s marriage unravels.

Both Sami Khan and Sabeena Faroooq deserve credit for their seamless portrayal of their respective roles. Imaan, a resilient character raised to be strong, reveals a moment of vulnerability and self-reflection. Sabeena Farooq effortlessly embodies this distinct character, departing from her previous roles. Sami Khan excels as a performer, delivering a fabulous rendition of Salaar with shades of complexity for the audience to unravel.

Rafay is convinced that he can escape legal consequences through an insanity plea, yet Saleem Mairaj’s character, confined behind bars, opts to imbue purpose into his sentence by taking matters into his own hands and ending Rafay’s life. However, the question remains: does this act truly bring solace to Mahnoor’s grieving parents? The anguish of losing a life in senseless crimes is a formidable challenge to overcome, and witnessing this narrative unfold on our screens is as emotionally taxing as following the parallel real-life events in the media.

Ripples Of Trauma

The subplot involving the maid intensifies the emotional toll, particularly when Imaan, who had orchestrated Fauzia’s marriage to Anwar, ultimately encounters her on the streets, engaged in a disheartening profession as a night-worker. Imaan, who convinced Fauzia’s family on the idea of a hopeful future, now confronts the harsh consequences of her actions staring back at her. This storyline is undeniably heart-wrenching, depicting the tragic destruction of a young woman’s life at the hands of individuals in positions of power, notably Imaan.

The underlying message diverges from the conventional expectations. While it emphasizes the nuanced nature of life, steering away from absolutes, the final scene intricately underscored that Salaar’s convictions are not mere rhetoric. He genuinely believes in women’s rights. Nevertheless, a pivotal moment from an earlier episode highlighted by Mona, exposes the truth concealed by both Salaar and Imaan. In this concluding revelation, it becomes apparent that they did, indeed, share a consensual relationship. However, the complexity deepens when confronted with the aftermath of an affair between a married man and an unmarried woman. Will Salaar admit to it? What initially appeared as consensual turns into retaliation by a woman spurned – a narrative understood by Salaar’s wife Zoya.

Media’s Allure vs. Societal Concerns in Grey

Zoya, fully cognizant of her husband’s capabilities, makes the decision to distance herself immediately after the alllegations surface. While she remains to ensure the resolution of the harassment charge, her mental resolve to walk away is palpable. The conclusion is gratifying, providing closure to the story. However, it’s essential to note that this resolution doesn’t entirely depict the primary message of the show. In its culmination, the show’s essence revolves around the pitfalls of our engagement with media and journalism. It underscores how, as consumers of information, we often succumb to the allure of high-profile cases, inadvertently letting substantial, real issues slip through the cracks. The story of the drama draws inspiration from actual events and stories that have captured our attention over the years. It prompts us to question why a celebrity harassment case, even after five years, continues to dominate headlines, while a case of cold-blooded murder, involving an individual walking free, fades into obscurity. “Grey” serves as a stark portrayal of how our fixation on celebrity narratives often eclipses more pressing matters. It compels us to reflect on why we prioritize sensational stories over genuine societal concerns. Despite its somber tone, “Grey” has been a thought-provoking experience for viewers as it forces us to confront and reconsider our perspectives.

Let’s shift our focus from the show and talk about its singular drawback—the ethical considerations it raises. The incidents depicted in “Grey” are drawn from real-life situations, including the Ali Zafar and Meesha Shafi case and the more recent Noor Mukadam case. It’s crucial for our drama writers to discern the appropriateness of crafting narratives around such recent events. The memory of Noor Mukadam’s case remains vivid, especially for her loved ones, as the legal proceedings unfold. The release of “Hadsa,” featuring Hadiqa Kiani, stirred a sense of reliving the nightmare for the victim of the motorway case. There must be a careful consideration of the timing and context in which stories inspired by real-life events are brought to screen. These cases are inherently traumatic for those directly involved and a discussion and serious consideration by the drama industry would be appreciated.

A Captivating Watch

Setting ethical considerations aside, “Grey” has genuinely proven to be a captivating series that has retained our interest week after week. The drama has skillfully maintained suspense, leaving us in anticipation of identifying the responsible party until the very end. It immersed us in the emotional turmoil experienced by women facing harassment and assault across diverse backgrounds—whether as a maid, a journalist, or a highly educated individual from an affluent family. The exploration of the harassment issue in “Grey” is both significant and poignant. The story prompts us, as a society, to reflect on our conception of justice and recognize instances when we’ve allowed justice to falter. 

In case you still haven’t watched the last episode of Grey, click on this youtube link: