As a long-time fan of Criminal Justice, I was genuinely looking forward to this new season, especially after how well the previous ones handled complex legal dramas and human emotions. The earlier seasons had a gripping narrative, and one of the most endearing aspects was Madhav Mishra's relationship with his wife. Their dynamic brought a touch of warmth and realism that balanced the intensity of the cases. It felt natural, relatable, and added emotional depth to the story.
Unfortunately, this new season completely loses that charm.
Rather than maintaining the organic chemistry between Madhav and his wife, the writers have now made her a part of the investigation team which is hard to digest !. Her involvement in the legal proceedings feels forced, and the dialogues between them lack the natural flow they once had. What used to be light-hearted banter and emotional support has now turned into awkward, overly scripted conversations that just don't land.
The magic is missing.
This season also struggles with pacing and engagement. The plot feels stretched, and the storytelling doesn't pack the same punch. There's a noticeable dip in both tension and entertainment value. Scenes that should be thrilling or thought-provoking end up feeling like filler.
And then there's the release strategy by Hotstar-honestly, it's ridiculous. Releasing one episode per week for a show that doesn't build weekly anticipation just ruins the viewing experience. It breaks the momentum and makes it hard to stay invested. This might work for some high-budget global series, but for a legal drama that thrives on tight storytelling and continuity, it just doesn't work.
In short, this season feels like a missed opportunity. What once was a strong and engaging legal drama now feels like it's trying too hard in all the wrong places. I hope future seasons bring back the grounded storytelling and character depth that made Criminal Justice so compelling in the first place.