The third episode of Deli Boys Season 2 takes an already chaotic situation and takes it further. Raj is in the slammer and his friends are running around trying to save him and their business interests. What begins as a courtroom clash quickly turns into a social media circus, proving that public sentiment can be just as potent as the courts.# Raj Gets into Big Trouble
The episode begins with Raj settling into prison life and still acting like he’s got the place to himself. Lucky and Mir approach him, and Raj tells them that he is innocent. Lucky remains hopeful of getting him out on bail, but Mir is more concerned about the effect the arrest will have on their operations.
Outside the prison walls the situation is causing problems for everyone connected to Raj. Sugar has to set her plans aside while trying to find a way to help. Raj’s girlfriend Nandika unexpectedly turns up and the whole nature of the case changes.# Raj Becomes an Internet Sensation with Nandika’s Help
Nandika draws a leaf from social media campaigns and looks at Raj’s arrest rather than just legal options. His mugshots start to go viral online, catching the attention of thousands of people who become quickly invested in his story.
Sugar is counting on public opinion to swing the balance, online support is some encouragement. Meanwhile, Lucky and Mir attempt to reassure their business associates that everything is still under control. Unfortunately, not everyone is willing to wait around while Raj’s future is uncertain.# Courtroom Mayhem Makes Things Worse
Viewers meet defense attorney Danyal Khan at Raj’s bail hearing. Danyal is obviously talented, but his personality is distracting, especially when he and Lucky begin to hit it off.
The prosecution is trying to prove evidence that Raj is a dangerous person. Here’s a string of bizarre courtroom exchanges that don’t help Raj’s case one bit. Despite Danyal’s efforts, the judge denies bail and orders Raj to stay in federal custody until trial.
This decision frustrates everyone and forces the group to find other ways to free Raj.# Old relationships flare up
The episode explores Lucky’s history with Danyal, away from the courtroom drama. Sugar is surprised by their shared history and begins to feel uneasy with the rising tension between the two exes.
What starts out as innocent curiosity soon turns into full-blown competition. The obsessive drive to prove themselves by Danyal and Sugar creates some of the funniest moments of the episode. Their rivalry is just another layer of chaos to an already complicated situation.# More Prison Problems for Raj
Life inside the prison is becoming tougher and tougher for Raj. He tries to blend in but can’t, then sees the unexpected sight of Zubair, whom he knows from past events.
The reunion gives Raj some potentially useful information on his case. Prison life gets more complicated, however, when another inmate develops resentment toward him because of his growing online popularity.
Raj is becoming an internet star and his fan base is growing. He gets arrested and becomes an unlikely celebrity, with a following and media buzz.# Mir’s Balancing Act Between Business and Friendship
Mir is torn throughout the episode between his loyalty to his friend and his concern for the future of the deli. Raj does need support but the business is in serious trouble and clients are starting to doubt their partnership.
Mir’s priorities create tension within the group and eventually one of the episode’s biggest confrontations. He finds it difficult to cope with the stress of managing both personal and professional responsibilities.# A Last Minute Victory
Danyal tries to explore various options to help Raj with his bail appeal and tries to find a legal loophole. Ultimately, the plan pays off and Raj walks out a free man as supporters rally to celebrate his release.
The win should come as a relief but tensions remain within the group. Emotions run high in a clash between Raj and Mir, but before the celebration gets out of hand, Lucky arrives to break it up.
Raj is out of prison by the end of the episode, but the relationships surrounding him are more complicated than ever.## Review
The third episode is a successful mix of legal drama, comedy and social commentary. The story of the case shows how fast social media can shape public opinion and turn a run-of-the-mill criminal case into a viral sensation in a matter of days.
Nandika turns out to be one of the more entertaining additions to the episode. Much of the plot involves her tireless efforts to promote Raj on the internet and many memorable moments.
The real find, however, is Danyal Khan. His charm, confidence and complicated backstory with Lucky injects a fresh energy to the season. The character feels like a welcome immediate addition to the show’s ensemble and helps elevate several of the episode’s strongest scenes.
There are plenty of laughs in the prison storyline but the episode’s greatest strength is its examination of internet culture and modern celebrity. By the time the credits roll, Deli Boys proves once again that it can use absurd humor to make surprisingly relevant social commentary.
Rating: 4 out of 5