‘Family Karma’ Season 2 Episode 4 Recap: Halloween Harmony

After three weeks of drama, even if it’s just talking behind people’s backs, Family Karma Episode 4 (of Season 2) represented a calm, of sorts, as some of the season’s major quarrels were wrapped up.

Two of the dominating plots to date have been Vishal and Dillon’s altercation back in the season premiere, and Anisha and Monica’s ongoing feud that has carried over from season one. As far as storylines go, they’re not the most compelling to keep a Bravo reality series moving forward, and tonight’s episode seemed to wrap up both of the conflicts.

Prior to those conversations taking place at Amrit’s Halloween party slash housewarming, the episode’s set up involved check-ins with most of the gang. At Amrit’s house, his parents continue to circle around the idea of telling his nani about his sexuality, and the consensus is that Amrit’s mom should be the one to break the news. While I understand the idea behind this, I do think that his coming out should be <i>his</i> alone without family intervention. But I suppose moms do know best. It’s another week that teases this big moment for Amrit, but alas we have to hold off a little longer.

In Monica’s world, we get to hang out with her boyfriend Rishi and his family. They seem fun and modern, much like all of the families on the show. It’s clear that Monica yearns for a big family like this (she even says it in the episode) and I wouldn’t be surprised if the season ends with a ring on her finger. For what it’s worth, Rishi seems like a catch who is always in Monica’s corner, so I’m rooting for these crazy kids!

At the same time, Monica clearly has a lot of trauma from her parents’ divorce and in her mother’s first major appearance on the show, it makes sense why Monica has stated that she’s not as close with her. Her mom is more brash and forthcoming; Monica seems to hold things in and hold grudges past their expiration date. I appreciated that her mom had a certain amount of realness to her: in discussing her future, Monica was exasperated about not having a blueprint for what a happy, healthy marriage looks like. Her mom’s response? “Uncertainty is a part of life.” And it’s true for so many parents in that generation who endured arranged marriages and immigration–they had to learn how to roll with the punches, and can’t understand why we don’t feel equipped to do the same.

Meanwhile, Amrit and Dillon sit down to talk, one gay Indian man to another. They don’t seem to have a deep bond aside from that part of their identity, but I did think their conversation about the Vishal drama was pertinent. From Dillon’s point of view, those violent threats brought up years of traumatic experiences where he’s been targeted just for being who he is. Amrit argues that Dillon spreading rumors was harmful in itself: if someone was struggling with their sexuality, it’s not right of Dillon to potentially out them in that way. Eventually they both see each other’s sides and I think it was one of the more productive conversations we’ve seen on the show.

Finally the time comes for the Halloween party and everyone shows up in their face paint and tiny dresses. As I mentioned at the top, the party is a setting for the dust of the previous weeks’ drama to settle. Vishal pulls Dillon aside and apologizes, and even plants a big fat wet one on Dillon’s cheek. They cheers, call each other “brother” and move on. As simple as that.

Anisha and Monica’s make up wasn’t quite as smooth, but wasn’t really the blowout I would’ve expected either. Anisha takes ownership of her petty jokes and vows not to make similar comments in the future. Monica basically admits to her inability to let anything go. In the end, they walk away from each other without having really mended anything, but without the supercharged air between them. I’d be surprised if this is the final conversation between them, but for now, Family Karma seems more interested in playing up the potentially fake reconciliation.

Bravo hasn’t released the number of episodes in the season, but I’m assuming we’re about halfway through and I’m as eager as ever to see where the remaining episodes take us. With some of the big dramatic pieces off of the board and no real big blow up in the season so far, I really hope the producers have something big up their sleeves.

Other Observations:

• I don’t know when Bali became my favorite character but after a second week of barely any face time for my gal, I’m ready to protest!
• Brian playing peacekeeper at the party was really sweet, and he’s another character that has really grown on me. His admission around feeling inadequate in his relationship because he’s dating a doctor is very real in our community. It was nice to see his vulnerability, though I hope he doesn’t let that be a reason to let go of Monica 2.0.
• Speaking of Brian, I really related to him when he told his mom that he was hesitant to share more details about his dating life. It’s hard to let parents in because you don’t want them to have expectations or to let them down! But it was a really sweet scene between him and his mom and I hope for more of that in upcoming episodes.
• Next week: Diwali! Hopefully that means more time with the Aunties who were severely lacking from this week’s episode

Radhika Menon (@menonrad) is a TV-obsessed writer based in New York City. Her work has appeared on Paste Magazine, Teen Vogue, and Brown Girl Magazine. At any given moment, she can ruminate at length over Friday Night Lights, the University of Michigan, and the perfect slice of pizza. You may call her Rad.

Watch Family Karma Season 2 Episode 4 on Bravo