'Tehran' Episode 8 Review: Iran sets Israel up in thrilling finale as Faraz's fate hangs in the balance
The premiere of 'Tehran' was delightfully sharp and anxiety-inducing. You could constantly feel the tension building like an itch that you just cannot reach. The thrill plateaued by the third episode but was still exciting none the less. 'Tehran' was becoming unpredictable with its twists and turns as Tamar Rabinyan (Niv Sultan) struggled to balance her love life as well as a dangerous mission that could get her killed in an instant if she stumbled. After Episode 5, the storytelling felt rather jerky, though the surprise elements continued to prevail with a vengeance, so to speak. However, the finale felt distinctly dissatisfactory, despite the much-awaited Israeli planes launching an attack and rather shocking betrayals. Suddenly, the show felt rather bland, even though Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger.
In Episode 8, the finale of 'Tehran', things build up to a climax as Tamar gathers all the wits and courage she possesses to keep Milad (Shervin Alenabi) alive. Much to Kadoshe's chagrin, she insists that they still need Milad, as his hacking abilities are much necessary for them to carry out their mission. At the military base, Tamar tells Milad to escape. In her poker-faced manner, she apologizes to him for everything and that she didn't mean for him to get entrapped in the dealings of the Mossad agents.
Milad warns her that something is off and that it had been too easy for them to infiltrate the military base. It turns out that it was a set-up and that it was one of the Mossad agents who was the traitor. With barely time to grapple with this revelation, Tamar has to face Faraz Kamali (Shaun Toub), who had finally caught up to her. It has been rather disappointing to watch Faraz's fire fizzle in the last episode because earlier, his frustration and desperation were coming clearly through. While he lies wounded with Tamar pointing the gun at him, he recalls how he was in the same position the other day, with her father.
The last episode made it look like the show could have done without him and his efforts. Nevertheless, 'Tehran' comes to an end with Milad and Tamar riding off into a rather bleak sunset together, as the Mossad agents realize that they are under attack. What happens between Israel and Iran? Who wins this battle?
Yet, the sad part is that the show seemed to skim through political rivalries. Fair enough, the showrunners wanted to entertain the viewers and avoid any political discussions, but did failed to dwell on any of the actual emotional aspects of a girl back in her hometown. 'Tehran' fell flat.
It's streaming on Apple TV.
