Expectations vs. Reality

Will Madhav Mishra finally cut corners to win a case? Would he ever lose a case? What if he is forced to give up on a case as unsolvable? I played these scenarios in my head and amused myself when I watched the trailer of Criminal Justice S4 this past summer. 

I have been a fan of this series right from S1 that released way back in 2019 (anything that predates COVID is legacy in my opinion). However, I've been rather dispirited with whatever was dished and plated out as a 'A Family Matter'.

Shift in Story Focus

Firstly, Criminal Justice is an anthology series - you can watch any season in any order as you please. That being said, seasons 1-3 had set the bar really high in making the criminal case at hand the real HERO of the story. 

This is where S4 falls way short and rather morphs into an onscreen tribute to the main character - the famed Adv. Madhav Mishra (Pankaj Tripathi). But this show never used to be all about him.

The Case at Hand

About the plot - Dr. Raj Nagpal (Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub) is a celebrated surgeon who lives with his teenage daughter, Ira, who has special needs. He's ably 'assisted' by his ex-wife Anju (Surveen Chawla) who weirdly lives in the apartment next door. 

Raj's got some lovey-dovey stuff going on with Ira's caregiver, Roshni (Asha Negi) - I get it Raj , you are rich, and single pushing 50 so why not? He is accused of a murder and how Adv. Mishra defends him at his trial is the backbone of this season.

Performances

Zeeshan is natural across scenes throughout the series - he demonstrates poise and conviction as a failed lover, a jerk ex-husband and a caring yet helpless father. Surveen with a meatier role also plays her part well. 

Asha is not compelling though - she's made to doll up  in a saree and look pretty but barring that her casting feels out-of-place in the overall context.

But worryingly, the rustic innocence and charming simplicity that defined Madhav Mishra are missing. Unlike previous seasons, he willfully steers clear of internalizing his client's circumstances and pain. 

A possible reason could be that the story arc has matured and he is a more prominent lawyer now versus what he was two seasons ago - thus explaining the need to act strictly 'professional'?

Supporting Cast & Verdict

Now let's look at the supporting cast - Shweta Basu Prasad reprises her role as public prosecutor Lekha Agastya from S3. Although Madhav's adversary,  she fails to give off any ball-buster vibes that her character demands and is hard done by weak screen presence. 

Mita Vashisht makes a comeback to the show after a season and is as poker-faced as a seasoned lawyer battling orthopedic problems would be.

API Gauri Karmakar (Kalyanee Mulay) is relaxed in her role as a police enforcer second season running. Khushboo Atre continues as Ratna (Madhav's wife) - although it's defies logic as to why she continues to get involved in her husband's case. 

Barkha Singh is introduced this season as a nepo kid who's trying to make her mark in the law business and appears as a deer caught in the headlights.

Unlike Harvey Specter, it was never only about winning the case for Madhav ji, was it? His being the defense counsel felt real because he showed empathy - but do not expect it this season if you have been a legacy watcher. 

If I were a first-time watcher of this show, I would perhaps choose to start with the previous seasons.