Welcome to what I would call a DESI Version Of The X-files!
Although Special Squad does not deal with the paranormal phenomenon, it is more involved with crime and cracking cases related to it, if analysed carefully the characteristics of it and the characters involved definitely does surely have an outline to The X-Files! Being an avid X-files fan for more than a decade now, I’d like to say that coming from a true blue fan it is surely a great compliment to Special Squad.
Simply, as if one is aware of the iconic status of X-files for Special Squad to be compared somewhat to that global phenomenon proves that it is indeed a well scripted show. Special Squad though not as masterful and technically brilliant as the X-files still can manage to hold its own ground in the acting and execution departments. The characters have a very humane touch to them, unlike normal serials where they all somehow seem to be Super humane super heroes. Special Squad is an elite team of criminal investigators who go all out to see that justice prevails in the society for common men like you and me.
Headed by the cool yet suave and brilliant Aryan who has an esteem record of solving all cases undertaken by him, except one-the murders of his wife and little daughter. It’s his this loss that actually drives him to the outmost need to redeem himself probably of the guilt of his family’s loss that makes him so focused and determined to solve crime! (Mulder opened the X files just to find his sister and redeem his guilt of not saving her).It seems fate has that it he always remain a loner inspite of the fact that his relationship with Shaina seems to be more than what catches the eye! He is also an avid golfer and one can see him putting through glasses(Mulder was into baseball)
In his team he has the Asst Investigator Shaina who is a confident and bindaas forensics specialist whose mantra is that ultimately justice must prevail. In her quest to punish those at fault she can go to any lengths and get it done by any means, even if it means either hacking into personal and judicial information or putting her own life at risk. Yet behind this bold and tough exterior is a vulnerable mother of a young son and a guilt of having a failed marriage! (Scully too was the toughie except when it came to her desire to be a mother) Her equation with Aryan although may seem like friendship borders on a deep bond of love and respect. (A definite shade of Mulder-scully relationship)
Aryan Nair (Mamu) also an Asst Investigator is a funny, Casanova who helps rub in a little bit of fun and humor into the otherwise high voltaged drama. He is always partnered with Boxer (Chachu) who unlike Aryan is more somber yet indulges Aryan with his humor. They both can be classically called as the Laurel and Hardy (though not with respect to physical appearance) pair. The two mostly do the outdoor work of finding information and getting the suspects to be questioned!
Neha who is the computer geek of the squad is a woman who along with fighting crimes also has to fight the inner demons of an abandoned father. She is a genius at getting any kind of information and at times it’s with her brilliance behind the keyboards that SS is able to solve major cases. She has fallen for the in house Romeo Aryan though their storyline is not much emphasized on!(Here again these two characters can be connected to Agent Reyes and Agent Doggett who appeared towards the end of X files)
Another important team member is Shotgun who performs the autopsy and is a medical expert. His father handed over the reigns to him and he helps to uncode the medical puzzles through which SS is able to take a track ultimately which leads them to the criminal.
In a supporting character we have Zubin who specializes in sketching and other related works.
Also roped in for a few episodes (likely to make a comeback) was ACP Deepika who was sent to provide a feedback on the efficiency of SS and make them work with a more legally accepted code of conduct! It seems that she shares a history with Aryan which is not as of yet revealed. (In X files too Mulder had Agent Diana who sacrificed herself ultimately to let Mulder pursue the X files)
So overall the SS team is well and fully equipped with a host of brilliant people who are able to read into a criminal’s mind!
The best aspect of the show is that the characters of the show are in no way super cops as they all have some or the other inner demons which they are up against yet they like all of us have a job to go about doing although in this case it is to protect the society! Another great aspect of SS is that one gets to learn a lot about forensic science and other legal matters. Where else can I know that a body decomposes due to the worms in our stomach and that if it’s buried in some hay dust within a moist environment the worms die and hence the body gets mummified or that benzene is used in dry cleaning but it smells like petrol!
So not only do u get your weekly dose of drama and try to get to be Sherlock homes for one hour it also gives u a lot of information and knowledge, though at times it can be taken as a concern that potential criminals can be born as they can get all the necessary tips and learn how to cover up (well that is taking it albeit a bit too far)
Also the chemistry between all the characters is simply amazing, whether it’s the great comrade between mamu and chachu or the feminine bond between Neha and Shaina, the entire cast of SS has woven itself into this wonderful family like unit! Also the subtle yet intense chemistry between Aryan and Shaina reminds you of the Mulder and Scully saga....These two characters can speak through their silence. The acting of Aryan (Bhanu Uday), Shaina (Kuljeet Randhawa) is what makes SS a treat to watch...a very realistic and powerful portrayal.
But overall the best aspect of SS at the end of the show is that it helps the viewer feel satisfied that his one hour was well spent watching the so called IDIOT box! I assure you there won’t be any guilt pangs! A drama that takes you through a rollercoaster of feelings- sitting at the edge of the seat, empathising with the victim, crying out at the pain, laughing along with mamu and chachu or indulging in a little bit of romance(very few rest assured) all within an hour flat!Inspite of all its technical shortcomings or an average props and special effects, Special Squad leaves you with that Special feeling at the end of the episode....A feeling that although ’’THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE’’ in this case ’’JUSTICE SHALL ALWAYS PREVAIL’’