‘Family Karma’ Season 2 Episode 9 Recap: Engagement 2.0

Well, folks. We made it to the end of the second season of Family Karma, and got two proposals out of it! Yup, that’s right — Vishal and Richa finally got their engagement back on track after Vishal planned an elaborate string of dates to remind Richa how much fun they have together. The duo are adventurous, with the show highlighting a previous surprise date in which they went skydiving. This time, Vishal is saying “I love you” with a romantic swim with alligators. I don’t know about you but that would be automatic grounds for a breakup, but Richa seems charmed by the whole thing.

Aside from reminding her that they have fun together, Vishal also had to step up to the plate and make some big adult decisions. Most notably, he finally took the plunge of moving out of his parents’ house and signing a lease for an apartment that he and Richa can share whenever she’s in town. I’m still a little murky on the logistical details of how their long-distance engagement works, but I’m glad that Vishal finally made an adult step that shows Richa he’s in this for the long haul and that he’s listening to the requests she’s making to move their relationship forward.

Speaking of moving relationships forward, Vishal’s mom Reshma Aunty and Richa’s mom Lopa Aunty finally sat down to air their grievances. Their disagreements have been yet another black cloud hanging over Vishal and Richa’s engagement, as well as the community at large. Brian’s mom Dharma Aunty orchestrated a lunchtime chat in which Reshma Aunty and Lopa Aunty said their piece.

Look, I don’t know the actual details of what happened here aside from the fact that Lopa Aunty was mad about something that happened at Vishal’s brother’s wedding and Reshma Aunty was mad about what Lopa Aunty said about Vishal in retaliation. Whatever it is, as adults who are on the verge of being family, it’s high time they set their differences aside and move forward for the sake of their kids. This is the sentiment that every other aunty has expressed throughout the season, and finally it seems like Reshma Aunty and Lopa Aunty have landed on that same page. After Lopa Aunty shares some of her past hardships with Reshma Aunty, the soon-to-be in-laws agreed to let the past remain in the past and to move forward; I wouldn’t be surprised if this animosity may pick up again if there is a season three, but all we can hope for is growth!

In the final party of the season, we get a two-for-one. The children and the aunties throw competing Christmas-themed parties, and both parties seem pretty lit. There was still a little uneasiness in the air at the aunty party given Lopa and Reshma Aunty’s recent reconciliation, but there’s no overdone drama or arguments to report on. They chat frankly about menopause and periods and lament about how their upbringing in India didn’t emphasize education about women’s reproductive health, before turning the conversation to gossip about their children. It would’ve been fun to see some of the aunties get really rowdy, but the party seems to be quite a tame affair aside from Dharma Aunty’s potty mouth.

Over at the kid’s party, Vishal and Amrit debut their new underwear line, Underwear Party with half-naked models and lots of champagne. With their new line and Anisha’s news about her clothing line being picked up at a major retailer, it feels like there’s only good things on the horizon for this crew.

As we close out the season, it’s a good time to reflect. The second season of Family Karma moved forward major conversations in Indian culture, most notably about LGBTQ+ identity and coming out to family members that may not be immediately accepting. There was also frank discussion around stereotypical Indian jobs and what happens when people enter a relationship with an agenda and a checklist instead of letting love and trust guide you.

There’s still a lot more that can be explored through the lens of reality TV, and I sincerely hope we get a third season to continue evolving the diaspora conversations. (Do you hear me Bravo?!)

Other Observations:

• Dillon gets some small scenes this week, including a look into his dating life. He and his brother Shaan both took a backseat this season even as their mom continued to be present. Hope to see more of them in season 3 (I’m willing this into existence)
• Lopa Aunty calls it like she sees it, and notes that Vishal is still a little “babyish,” and that ALL boys are this way. I see no lies.
• Not much Brian this week, but it was really cute seeing his parents getting emotional about his future. Those two are parent goals — they sincerely just want to see him happy
• Lavina Aunty, Amrit’s mom, is scandalized by Dharma Aunty’s foul language. Lavina Aunty admits that she doesn’t let her own kids use the F-word in the house, which is the exact same as my parents (as a side note, I’ve been watching Succession with my family and their biggest takeaway is about how terrible the language is).

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 9 ("One Last Proposal") on Bravo