In Treatment: Sunil: Week Seven (2010)
Season 3, Episode 26
8/10
Sunil's plight
1 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Paul, concerned of not having heard from Sunil, begins at calling his house. Since no one answers, he decides to contact Arun, his son. To his amazement, Dr. Weston finds out Sunil is being held at the men's detention center on Varick street. Thinking of the worst, he decides to go and talk with his patient.

Sunil is brought to the visitor's area dressed in prison garb. Paul is shocked when he sees the man on the other side of the window. In order to hear, inmate and visitor must communicate through the telephone intercom. Sunil looks calm, as though glad he is in this holding pattern.

As the two men begin to talk, it becomes apparent there was another incident that triggered the apprehension of Sunil. Deep down, Paul knows Sunil is not capable to cause harm to anyone. Sunil goes on to explain he is going to be deported back to India, based on his non compliance with the request to show his papers t the police.

The truth begins to come out. Sunil learned a trick during one of his sessions with his therapist as a way to leave his son's home for good. Sunil went on to create a situation at home that involved a situation with Julia. Paul Weston is visibly upset as Sunil tells him of his plan and the way he executed it. Paul feels used by this crafty man who shows an uncanny sense of finally getting his own way. At the end, Paul begins to see Sunil's actions as an escape from the world his son, with all his good intentions, decided for his father, much against the old man's wishes.

A final episode involving one of the three patients showcased on this season ends in a sour note for Paul, who recognizes Sunil's subtle way for his freedom back in Calcutta. When the time is up, Sunil is taken away to his cell as he chants an Indian song.

Paris Barclay directed with his usual precision. Adam Rapp wrote the screenplay, which in a way is not too clear on the legal aspects of Sunil's own status in the country. One wonders what legal cause the Immigration authorities had to deport this man, who, by all indications, was a legitimate resident of the United States having been brought by his own son. Other than that objection, the two actors, Gabriel Byrne and Irrfan Khan shine in this last time for them to be together.
4 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed