The inaugural episode of Maharani's third series presents what one might charitably describe as a bold narrative gambit - a complete reconfiguration of the power dynamics that had been so carefully established in preceding seasons. The story picks up with Rani Bharti imprisoned for three years after she was arrested at the end of Season 2.
Huma Qureshi continues to deliver a performance of considerable gravitas, though one cannot help but notice that the episode suffers from certain structural deficiencies - most notably a rather languid pace that suggests the series may be losing some of its earlier verve and political acuity.
The writing, whilst ambitious in scope, occasionally feels rather ponderous, lacking the sharp political wit that distinguished the programme's earlier offerings.
The episode does succeed admirably in establishing the season's central tensions, weaving together themes of retribution and political machination with the sort of brooding intensity one expects from quality subcontinental drama.
However, the transition between seasons feels somewhat precipitous - one rather wishes the writers had afforded themselves more breathing room to justify the dramatic shift in circumstances.
The episode functions adequately as a scene-setter, establishing new conflicts whilst carrying the considerable burden of recalibrating audience expectations after such a dramatic change of fortune.
