After an introductory episode that brought some interesting names into the jail, Lock Upp Season 2 Episode 2 wastes no time in testing the contestants as they struggle to come to terms with their new life and the challenges that they face along the way. The first official task tests the contestants thoroughly – not just their physical and strategic side, but also makes them question their alliances on the show. The episode also laid the foundation for future alliances, betrayals and simmering resentment as a few fights break out that promise more drama in the future.
The challenge, however, is the least of anyone’s worries, as the friction that we see on screen can feel more frustrating and exhausting than entertaining.
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Who are the Contestants of Lock Upp Season 2?
Ram Kapoor, Shivangi Joshi, Sunita Ahuja, Dheeraj Dhoopar, Akanksha Chaudhary, Sufi Motiwala, Varun Yadav, Yogesh Rawat, Pamela Sarena, Shreya Kalra, Riyaz Aly, Shresta Iyer, Akanksha Chamola, Madhuri Jain Grover, Harshad Chopda
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Who are the Hosts of Lock Upp 2?
Ritesh Deshmukh, Farah Khan
Lock Upp Season 2 Episode 2 has a runtime of 89 minutes.
Lock Upp Season 2 Episode 2 Review
The First Task Cleverly Tests Strategy & Alliances
After the slower introductory episode 1, episode 2 dives right into the tasks as participants are given a paintball-type game where Harshad Chopda and Akanksha Chamola are given the opportunity to test their skills and decide on the fate of three contestants by giving them immunity. However, in a surprising twist for some of the others, the two choose to give it their all and “hunt” everyone down, stopping anyone from getting immunity. This also means that they hoard a lot of money for the next 5 days for their meals.
The first task is the most enjoyable part of the episode, as it gives us something to watch and root for. Both Chopda and Chamola are really great with their aims, although it also has to be mentioned that the others are equally bad at strategising and staying safe. The dilemma that the two go through is also interesting, as showing bias this early on can come back to bite them later on. Of course, this results in a small rift between them and Shreya Kalra, who is annoyed that she wasn’t chosen to be saved. It makes viewers question whether benefiting the house as a whole is worth putting a target on their backs.
The consequences are fun, as it creates a natural tension instead of manufacturing unnecessary drama.
Old Wounds Surface Through Heated Arguments
Speaking of unnecessary drama, the episode also showcased an unnecessary fight between Shreya Kalra, Akanksha Chaudhary and Yogesh Rawat, who continue to butt heads over Rawat and Chaudhary’s Splitsvilla stint and the circumstances surrounding their relationship. Although they refuse to label themselves and Chaudhary insists that the pair are just friends, Kalra refuses to stop calling Rawat a cheater, which eventually escalates to the two women fighting. Pulling in drama surrounding Kalra’s podcast and Kalra calling Chaudhary a liar for saying that they were once poor, the section is a tough watch as it leaves you confused.
One of the reasons this is confusing, personally, is why digging up old skeletons is such an important thing in a new show. While sure, the entire point of Chaudhary and Rawat being in the show is justifying and changing their past behaviour, the fight seemed completely silly and forced, with the things being said becoming moot and silly after a point.
This, however, highlights how quickly situations can escalate in the jail, as, with tensions already high, it only takes a little to blow things up.
The Human Side of Lock Upp Stands Out
One of the most interesting but obvious parts of the episodes is how much the contestants struggle to adjust to this demanding situation after coming from privileged backgrounds. The two people who suffer the most are Sufi Motiwala and Pamela Sarena, who seem not to understand the nature of the show. Both of them are unable to cope with their sleeping situations or the basic food being presented, and Motiwala almost has a panic attack during the task.
While it highlights how emotionally exhausting such a situation can be, it also makes viewers wary of contestants who are not ready to face the consequences of choosing to come to a reality show taking place in a jail setting. On the other hand, the food situation is both understandable and hilarious as Serena can’t fathom how palak paneer can be this runny. It remains to be seen whether they can eventually cope with their surroundings or choose to walk away.
Too Much Fighting, Too Little Progress
At the end of the episode, viewers will be able to feel how repetitive the situations become and the pacing drags because of it. At 89 minutes, there’s not enough happening to justify the runtime, and the unnecessary, overstretched fight mentioned previously hampers the flow, making viewers confused about the point. Reality shows thrive on conflict, but the contestants are interesting or relevant enough at this point for viewers to feel immersed in the silly fights.
Hopefully, the show focuses more on putting contestants into making difficult choices instead of focusing on petty disputes that don’t go anywhere.
Final Verdict
In the end, although the episode might feel a bit overstretched, it’s definitely entertaining and makes you want to keep watching. The series seems to be banking on fans’ interests right now in figuring out whether Chaudhary and Rawat are together or not, highlighting it in the preview for episode 3 quite distinctly, but overall, episode 2 promises more fights in the upcoming episodes as alliances are tested and new bonds are formed. However, mostly, here’s to hoping that the competitions get more entertaining and elaborate.
Watch episode 2 on Netflix. What are your thoughts on the recent episode of Lock Upp Season 2? Let us know in the comments below!
