Kan Cicekleri episode 173

 Episode #173 A Little Roadside Stop

Quick synopsis: Firat is tempted, twice. Kader gives us a scare. Dilan and Baran camp out.

The meeting with Maya left doubts whether Baran was the mystery man in Gulsah's life. After their happy afternoon, Dilan becomes cautious. When he notices something is wrong she says it's just a sudden headache. Can they go home now? Baran agrees but heaves a sigh and shakes his head. (It's so overstated.) He opens her door for her but won't look at her. (Drama much, FrownyBaran?) Tiny teeth-suck. Why won't she trust him?

Havin has followed them and also stops by Maya's table. Sabiha wants to know, are Dilan and Baran together in this? Have they teamed up to do the investigating? What lies has he told her? Is the same thing happening to Dilan as happened to Gulsah? She's a little panicky, is our Sabiha.

Firat starts to interfere with Gul and Silah's conversation but it's Kudret's voice in his head that stops him. He is taking time to think when Sabiha calls. She wants to meet. He agrees but is skeptical.

Dilan takes a round about way of going after answers. Who were his friends at school? Who did he hang out with? Her segue way is rocky though. Why does she want to know now? Oh, you know, looking at the photo album... He sighs. Fine, he'll play along. Until she asks about after graduation. A girlfriend perhaps? He pulls off to the side of the road. Whatever it is, just ask. No more beating around the bush.

Argh. He nudges her chin up again so she has to look him in the eye. (I'm really not a fan.) The words are less controlling than the gesture. We're not leaving until you ask me whatever it is you're after. Talk to me. Why these questions?

He's intuitive, she replies, and this distrust he has of Sabiha, she trusts his judgement. She wanted to investigate too. His distrust of Sabiha is exactly why he doesn't want her involved.

He says again: I don't know Gulsah.

Derya is back. And she's got it in for Gul something fierce. But Gul knows how to take the high road. Her admonishment to Derya: Lower your voice and choose your words carefully or you'll disturb the household. Derya pulls rank. Kader hears them and pulls Mama Bear rank.

Baran takes Dilan's arms in his hands. Please talk to me. She agrees, if he promises not to put himself in danger. What more could a guy ask for? Showing concern for his welfare? Hells yeah! He can make that promise. He runs his hands down her arms and takes her hands in his. 

Sabiha pitches the investment idea to Firat. She talks him up. He puffs up a little bit under the false praise. Don't do it, Firat, don't be her toadie... He says he'll think about it.

Baran drives for a bit and then turns off the road again. He knows an idyllic place. Dilan is reminded of going camping with her family, how nature rejuvenates you. Baran brings out  camping chairs and they sit, enjoying each other's company and the scenery near the small lakeshore. He promises they'll come back often.

You'll be grumpy, she says, and places like this won't be on your agenda. 

His grumpiness or her stubbornness, which is worse? he asks.

If our kids are as grumpy as you, I'll be devastated. I'll leave you all with Azade and she'll whip you into shape. Then we'll see who's boss.

They flirt and then get self conscious. But the time away gives them some peace and perspective.  And then Oh! A flat tire. And no spare. And, lemme guess, no cell service?  No, there is cell service, but wait, what's this? SneakyBaran fakes it and says he can't reach anyone! (What a stinker.) Well, if we're stuck, let's not starve, he offers.

All that farmer's market food, remember?

Now this is a right, proper, romance set-up. And she seems quite happy about it too. A chance to unplug and be alone together? Who wouldn't be?

Kader has some serious heart palpitations. Not a heart attack, but scary stuff.* It sets Gul up for worrying about her mom in this house and this job.

Derya continues complaining to Azade and Hasan on the patio. They talk up the Karabey legacy in front of Gul as she passes through. Firat comes out; Azade and Hasan go in. Firat and Derya face off. 

Her: It's a business deal, nothing more. 

Him: Regardless of what he's doing, she has no room to talk. (Attempted Murderess, remember?)

Later Derya approaches Fiat by the pool to apologize. All of her reasons for pushing are the opposite of everything marriage is supposed to be. And then--oh this is good--she lies again, about how he is defending a girl who chose money over love. 

As Gul walks by behind them.

Baran keeps pulling stuff out of the truck.** He's grilling. She critiques. She burns her finger. He is very gentle. And doesn't let go of her hand right away. She's cutting garlic. Now he's the critic. They are flirting again. And grinning. Hugely.

But then Dilan is struck by the memory of the awful things she said to him under Sabiha's threats. He sees her tears and is instantly alarmed. She blames it on onions. He knows better and holds her hand. They trade food prep jobs anyway. 

Dinner's done, coffee drunk, now what? Look at the stars?

They are laying on a blanket on the beach, noses about 2 inches from each other, gazing at each other instead. And then they do look at the stars some. A shooting star goes by.*** They must make a wish. It's the same one for both of them, to always be together like this. 

Sabiha is watching them. Just bald-faced and standing tall behind some trees. This is pretty dang freaky. Like, what the hell, you weird, no boundaries lady? This is crazy person behavior. Totally suss.

Culturisms:
*There's that oil again. What is that stuff?

Yelling at the tv:
1. Firat doesn't have a Karabey family fancy ring. What gives?

2. The first time lapse ever happens in this episode. Not that it doesn't make sense but it seems like an odd choice so far in at # 173.

**There is a lot of camping gear in the bed of that truck.

***Haven't I said that, since like, episode # 2? I Can't Hold Back by Survivor is a perfect song for them. Right down to the line, "Another shooting star goes by...". Someone, please, for the love of god, make me a montage: Baran staring off poolside, the times they brush against each other ("I can feel you tremble when we touch"), that funny little suave thing he does in the hallway when she's hiding his mother's dress to repair it. Help me out here.

Teaser 174:

Dilan is just out of the shower and brushing her hair. Baran walks in. "Let me do it," he says. This is what I mean by since they got married this stuff has gotten way more intimate. Yowza. Some intimate confessions too. Ayten's scarf comes back out.

Kan Cicekleri episode 172

 Episode #172 Lovey Dovey

Quick synopsis: Morsels offered, so lovey dovey. A meeting with a friend. A confession of love.

Dilan is sneaking out to meet Maya when Baran comes up behind her in the doorway. He has a good idea; he'll go with her. No, no, there's no need. And...we have a new kind of teeth-suck! Something softer, more in the middle of the mouth, like a tsk. More of a no-can-do teeth-suck, or a not-gonna-happen-my-friend. Sorry babe, can't send you out alone. Ok, on 1 condition: you trust me now and no more questions. Agreed.

Poor Gul is trying to figure out what the heck kind of love this is. Firat wants to talk. No way. He's embarrassed her twice now: fighting with Silah and now declaring his love in front of everyone, while engaged to Bridezilla. He's going to have to do something big to get out of this hole, I think. Gul's scolding is the worst yet. As it should be if he still really cares. And he does. 

As they drive to meet Maya, their song--we'll call it Keen Say--comes on the radio. Baran is going to change it but she asks him not to. Turns out Maya will be a couple hours late. They'll grab food while they wait. Baran knows a place. It looks like a petting zoo. It's a farm-to-table place. Also, a quick call to Kerem, check out this Maya person Dilan is going to meet. The lady who runs the place comments on how Dilan ordered all the things he likes without taking her eyes off him when he was off calling Kerem. They are so mooney over each other.

Kader would like a word with Firat. And that word is 'stay away from my daughter'. She was against him at first but was persuaded in the end. Now he's betrayed them both. Don't mess with her anymore, yah?

Dilan gets so antsy she starts dropping things again. He offers her a morsel, running his thumb over her fingers when she takes it. He's convinced everything after the wedding was her acting and not how she really felt. He vows to always remember that. 

Ima hold you to that NotFrownyBaran.

The food is just the way he likes it. He puts some on her plate, a gesture we know shows special attention between a couple.

Sabiha is looking to exploit Firat now.

Gul had been waiting for Firat to snap out of it and come around, but now she's lost hope.

Silah is sticking to his guns and won't retract the complaint against him, doesn't want money for damages, won't settle. Kerem tried but no dice.

Azade will have Gul talk to him*; Firat will stay away.

Kudret chides his mother, leave the kids alone.

Gul heads out. Firat was going to follow her until Azade whispers his name like a threat.

They are standing up to leave when the proprietress brings Dilan and Baran coffee. You're so in love you communicate with your eyes. Well sure. Now. But ok, fine, the nice lady has a point and gave them the coffee on the house. Sit back down ya love birds.

Dilan is intent on getting to the meeting though. She needs to know Baran will be safe before she can truly enjoy this revival between them. And the only way to do that is to find out what Sabiha's problem with him is. On the way out they stop at the farm market stand and he buys her a bandana for her hair. He puts it on and caresses her hair, gently blows in her eye when she gets something stuck in it. Are you ok? She's good. Very good. He's so glad she's very good. Very good. 

OMG you two.

They decide to pick out fresh food for Kader. He picks out unripe figs. She takes over. Both of their hands are in the same bin, noses almost touching. He holds other things up for her approval. Like black sheep, they leave with three bags full. 

Silah will drop the complaint, but only because Gul asked him to. We're about to have a repeat though, Firat having followed her anyway. He is behind a tree, scowling, all in black. Firat...don't be a toad....

Silah confesses his love for Gul. Has loved her since they were kids. Lost hope of finding her again. Please, all he asks is, get to know him again.

Baran and Dilan arrive at the meeting spot. He sends her in; he'll wait outside. He checks in with Kerem. No news yet.

Maya reveals that Gulsah changed near graduation, became introverted, pulled away from even Maya. It was all because of a mysterious man. Maya never met him but Gulsah showed her presents he'd bought.

Dilan is starting to get nervous.

Gulsah fell hard for this guy, constantly being around only him. The last time Maya talked to her, they were still together and very happy.

Kerem calls with tepid news: Maya was a friend of Gulsah's and attended the same school they both did. Neither of them remember Maya either.

Maya's mysterious man has made an impression on Dilan though. It's warring with Baran's earnest refusal about knowing her.

Yelling at the tv:

 *Gul will do exactly as Azade says or, and I quote, "this gong show ain't gonna end". What the what?!? The GONG show? Like from the 70's? In the US? This has to be an idiom. It's hilarious though. I wasn't sure I saw that right. But yep--gong---there it was.

Hagia Sofias chanted: zip

Teaser 173:

Baran brought camp chairs. (Did I mention we're back to using the pick-up instead of cars?) They sit by a lake. They are both thinking how they find peace in being with each other and reflecting on how nature rejuvenates you. Baran vows they will come back often.

"You'll be a grump when you're old," she tells him. (When he's old? How 'bout now?) She's flirting.

"It's nothing to your stubbornness." Oh! He's flirting too.

"I hope our children aren't grumpy like you. I'll leave you all with Azade. She'll keep you in line. Then we'll see who's in charge." 

They are LAUGHING. Ope, no. We totally weren't. Nothing to see here.

Kan Cicekleri episode 171

 Episode #171 All About Gul

Quick synopsis: An altercation goes viral. Every word a metaphor. Firat makes a declaration.

So now what? Baran doesn't know a Gulsah. Again, ask me anything, paired with holding her chin* so he can look her directly in the eye. For realz, then. He's in earnest. He leaves her in the study where he found her snooping; the promise of trust was not in vain.

Oh man. Gul and Firat had to go to the police station because of him. Gul gives him what for and tells him he can take his protection and use it for himself against Derya. Then stomps off, in heels, over cobblestones, like a boss.

Baran relays to Kerem how Dilan was asking about Gulsah. 

"You mean Gulsah, Sabiha's daughter?"

Ok, hold up. 'You mean Gulsah' as in, when we investigated Sabiha and we found out about her? Or 'you mean Gulsah' as in, the one we both know from school and you just lied to Dilan?

It has to be the former, though, right? Gang?

To get the truth from Dilan, Baran vows to make her feel safe, take away her motive for being scared and secretive.

Gul and Dilan trade notes. They look up Gulsah on social media. They find her and a friend, Maya. They message Maya.

Sabiha commiserates with Hasan. It's "classic Baran", backing out of the deal like that. Hasan, you rat. Or rather, maybe it is classic Baran, in the same way that Elizabeth Bennett tells Wickham that, in essentials, Darcy is unchanged. Classic indeed.

Hasan will straighten this out, he tells her. But will the boys go along? Oh sure. He's the elder; of course they'll listen. The look on Sabiha's face says she's as skeptical as we are. Which is to say, nuh-uh.

Baran is texted a photo of their meeting. Hasan, you traitorous rat. Kerem purses his lips in disapproval. This seems like a great moment for a teeth-suck, but neither of them do it.**

Cihan receives a video of this guy beating a dude up. Oh! It's Firat and his "lover's quarrel ends at police station" moment. 

Enter Firat. Oof. He didn't know it was being filmed.

Enter Baran. No one told him. This is how he finds out.

Kudret grimaces. All his work with Firat and he goes and does this.

Enter Gul and Dilan. Shit hits the fan. Dilan steps in. Baran, can we talk? She continues to be his foil, talk him down, be the voice of a different perspective. Gul didn't want to bother you. You know what bothers him? Someone not being open and honest with him. (And I quote: There's a double meaning in that.)

This situation feels like a pile-on after what he's already going through. What hurts people are things they don't know, he says. And we've seen this, when Dilan has done something without realizing he's already on it or laid some groundwork that she undoes. Or when she sees something he's blinded to. 

And to boot, this is not just about the beating Firat gave Silah. He's upset about the whole love affair and engagement. Which he also didn't know about. He's left speechless. His mouth sorta moves and he's literally speechless.

Firat beat a guy as a show of force, when being out of control actually shows your weakness; now he led on Gul, who is like a sister; made a promise to her and broke it. His bravery points are nill. And he refuses to explain.

Enter Azade. Why is Gul crying? What's going on?

Kudret and Cihan look at each other like, who's gonna tell her?

Baran has learned lessons from his father, and by being head of the family, that Firat hasn't yet. He's careful about how he uses the power he has. His point is that 1 moment of anger can destroy all that work. (I'm torn. This is all true, and yet his schtick is being a somewhat volatile crabcake.) And when some detail comes out later, rather than being out in the open from the beginning--and it always will-- it's more harmful than what you think you are doing, keeping it from him to protect him.

And now we see it's not just about the love affair and engagement. It's also about them, her secret, him trying to get her to understand why he wants to know so badly what she won't tell him.

Dilan consoles Gul. She feels like crap. She disappointed someone she esteems (Baran); Firat behaved like a thug over his feelings for her, a woman he dumped (in a rather cruel display, if you'll remember), all while engaged to another woman. Dilan is so lucky, she says, your guy never gave up on you (weeeeeellll) and that's what true love must be like. 

There are several people wishing Firat were more like Baran in this moment. I get it, Firat, it's a tall shadow to live under. Especially when you make a dumb mistake and disappoint everybody, including yourself. 

There's a lot of parallels happening here: between the guys, the women, the love stories, dedication to family being the same as to a lover, the things the main lovers have been fighting against...It's an every-moment-is-poignant conversation. Every word is a metaphor. Plus the flashbacks. 

Baran: You don't abandon someone you love. (Gul, Dilan) Does she still love him? (same)

Dilan: When you truly love, it ever goes away. (Firat, Baran)

(They both remember the hateful things she said in the cabin after he rescued her from Sabiha.***)

Dilan: Love makes you do crazy stuff. (Firat, herself) If you can't risk it all for the one you love, what does it even mean? (same)

Convincing Baran of Firat's feelings is having a similar effect on him. He's realizing that even when she appeared angry and hateful, she hadn't given up on their marriage.

In contrast, Hasan's anger at Firat stems from him humiliating himself for a girl. Just the opposite of Baran's ire. Luckily Kudret steps in, pulling Firat away and leaving Hasan behind. He basically gives Firat the same spiel Gul did: If you love her, own up to it. (Open the door and walk through or close it.) And also, what is Derya promising you? Will this make you more ashamed? Firat told his father he didn't care what people thought of him, he just didn't want Gul to suffer his consequences. It's exactly what Kudret is talking about. It's obvious (to us anyway) which woman he'd stand up for and which will make him feel worse about himself.

Azade-doom is in full cane-stomping glory, raking Gul over the coals. Dilan steps in. This only exacerbates her temper. 

Enter Firat. Who went viral no less. The doom level ratchets even higher. Do you even love this girl or did you do it all in vain?

I do! I love Gul!!

(Big finish!) Because what can top that declaration? The look on Azade's face, that's what.

Gul can't believe it. If he loves her, then why...all the things?

Derya (on the phone from Paris) is of course worried only about how this will make her look. Firat makes hhhrrrr noises and fakes a bad connection. (Ha!) Firat, you lovely toad!

A message from Maya comes through. She's willing to meet. Will Dilan go? She can't tell Baran. (She could.) She is sneaking out when Baran comes up behind her in the doorway.

Culturalisms:

*I am not a fan of this new chin holding habit. I realize it's meant as a sign of sincerity, to look in someone's eyes, but the controlling part of the gesture grates.

Yelling at the tv:

**Why doesn't Kerem get a teeth-suck? Does the right hand man never get frustrated? Is it only a head boss thing?

***I miss FuzzyBaran.

OK, new theory: Gulsah was in love with Baran, but like Serap, didn't tell him and all Sabiha knows is her daughter loved the man and now she's dead. Maybe her accident didn't even have anything to do with him but Sabiha made an assumption. How wild would it be if this detail neither of them knew ends up hurting them both? Or instead of Baran taking her daughter from her, he's actually the instrument of bringing her other daughter back to her? And that daughter helps her understand the truth and gives her real peace? It's totally on brand for Dilan.
1 Hagia Sofia chanted.

Teaser 172:

They are at an outdoor cafe, all smiles, offering morsels, fingers caressing.

Kan Cicekleri episode 170

Episode #170 The Million Dollar Question

Quick synopsis: Baran finally just asks. Firat has an altercation. Dilan finally just asks.

Baran is emphatic: No one hurts Dilan. Not even his new business partner, Sabiha. And he tells her, with his back to Dilan, like it has been since he walked up, to tell Havin*, who is standing in the bushes behind Dilan, to lower her gun. How does he do it! How did he know! Frownybaran has mad skills**, that's how. True heropanti.

Dilan is completely surprised though and immediately starts trying to deescalate the situation through appeasing Sabiha. She is trying to draw attention away from Sabiha being guilty of threats. He sees it, now that he's hyper aware of her reactions around Sabiha.

Havin looks worried. I wonder, will she eventually go to Baran for help when she sees this revenge consume Sabiha?

Firat is mooning over photos of Gul on his phone. Azade wants to have a heart to heart, just the 2 of them for a change. He feels seen. She brings out an old toy of his. To hand down to his kids when he gets married. He's touched and surprised. Oh, and she knows about Gul. She understands he's hung up, but it can't happen. She's not Karabey material. (Yah-huh she is.) And he made a promise to Derya. Karabeys keep their promises. (Like the one to Gul maybe...) What's funny is, I feel like Kudret would have this same convo and talk about how Gul is the type of person that lives up to the Karabey name. Kudret doesn't throw it around like Hasan and even Azade sometimes do, and it shows he has a better understanding of the magnitude and legacy.

Firat still can't delete the photos though. And reflected in the now dark phone, he sees Gul behind him. He turns but she bolts.

Baran finally asks Dilan the million dollar question: What did she threaten you with?

But she won't confirm his suspicions about Sabiha's threats and continues to protect her. Even though she won't do her bidding anymore, Sabiha is still a threat to Baran. As evidenced by Havin that evening. He keeps pushing until he realizes she's absolutely panicked, frantic to escape the conversation, full panic attack mode. He holds her fast, whispering and caressing her hair. He will gain her trust rather than use force. 

He mostly wants to get to the bottom of things so she doesn't suffer anymore. And that is a big change from before. We see him more curious than condemning. Supportive, wanting to be in her good graces by being more understanding. He pulls her into his arms as they sleep.

And he needs another favor from Kerem.

Gul apologizes to Silah for Firat throwing him out. Firat was listening around the corner.

Dilan helps Baran put on his shirt. Their hands caress each other, accidentally, constantly.

When he leaves, Dilan and Gul have a chat. Gul agrees; he totally loves you. Also, she has been sleuthing about Gulsah. Baran and Gulsah went to the same school. They plan to pull out his photo book.

Hasan still has a bone to pick with Baran about the Sabiha-lab business meeting. Ooooh, teeth-suck, Hasan. You got a teeth-suck. A very dismissive one.

Firat has a lot going on. Derya calls him with wedding requests. He is watching Gul leave for a date. He has to put on a show of Happy Groom for his grandma. He has to tail Gul to her date.

Baran catches Dilan in his study (looking for the school photo album) but to his credit, keeps his promise and doesn't get mad. Kerem has popped by. He sees and approves.

On their date, Silah squeezes Gul's hand as they sit in the park. Firat loses it. He rushes up to them. If you touch her, I'll break your hand. People are starting to watch the commotion and film it on their phones. Gul and Silah make to walk away from his threats but Firat hauls off and head-butts him. And starts beating on him. (!) He stops only when Gul grabs his arm. She's lucky she didn't catch an elbow in the face the way he's going after Silah. Poor guy. Firat, my dude. You toad.

Baran has withdrawn his investment proposal with Sabiha. It's ruined her plans.

The Karabey boys all come out to the patio in a pack. Baran is trusting his dad and brother with his suspicions: There's a hidden enemy to the Karabey family. Going all the way back to Dilan being shot, Siar's murder. I think it's basically all the times we see someone watching in secret. (Is it Hasan, is he the enemy?) They need a guy they can trust but who also stays below the radar (so not Kerem). Kudret has a guy.

Dilan found the photo book. She has it in her hands. Oh! He's right behind her. He leads her by the hand to the couch. Is this what she was looking for? Uh-huh. Shall we look at it together? Uh-huh. Their fingers overlap as they hold the book. Gulsah's not in there. 

She does it! She asks him!

He has said she can ask anything and he will answer truthfully. 

But no, he doesn't know Sabiha's daughter Gulsah. He doesn't know anyone named Gulsah. 

"I would never lie to you." He's looking right into her eyes when he says it and we know the importance of that.

But where does that leave us then?

Culturisms:

* I guess it's Havin consistently now. Was it always when they spoke but I wasn't hearing the name because I was reading the text? Subtitle mistake that's been corrected?

The actors who play Dilan and Baran are the Turkish version of Emily Blunt and John Kranski. Or they are the English versions of the Turkish actors. At any rate, see for yourself. There are times they are dead ringers for each other. Especially lately when Baran is less angular in the shots, more cheeks and jowls than frown. Early Dilan was a better ringer than current Dilan's look.

Yelling at the tv:

**Dilan he can't figure out. But anything else, as a gangsta (I've been convinced) he has all the angles.

1. I wonder if Baran's investigating and pushing will bring back Dilan to Sabiha the way Dilan's pushing brought back Kudret to Baran's family. That would be an interesting reciprocal plot line.

2. Some close-up shots of the pool made me think someone was going to go swimming.

Teaser 171:

Baran has heard about Firat's altercation. Dilan continues to run interference for Gul and foil for Baran. But also they discuss being kept in the dark. Gul wishes she had the understanding and connection of Baran and Dilan.

Kan Cicekleri episode 169

 Episode #169 A Business Proposal

Quick synopsis: Sabiha wants a lab partner. Ahmet is lovely, per usj. Baran gets lovey dovey.

Baran is looking at Dilan anew in the morning, having deciphered her code and seeing that she wrote in secret about how she longed for him. He doesn't say anything though, keeping his discovery to himself.

But he's wearing the white shirt that she likes.

Why doesn't Dilan tell him what she learned from the nurse at Sabiha's hospital? I dunna know. She's telling Gul instead.

Ok, so Baran has made it this far in his deductions:

1. She is lying about having run away.

2. The book proves this; she still loves him.

3. Then why do all this? Why say those things? What was the point?

4. The answer is in the connection between Sabiha and Dilan. That's what he says he has to figure out now.

We're with you, Baran. 

He has a plan and he needs Kerem's help. Kerem, who hides a smile because he can see Baran is still a smitten kitten.

Firat stands with him during his trouble. He's the one heading up finding Turgut. Hand on shoulder; family, like brothers. Kudret is glad to see Hasan hasn't corrupted Firat entirely.

Baran has a guest coming. And he wants Dilan there for the guest as well. Why? He has his reasons. What he says is, because I wish it. Could be controlling, could be a sign of wanting her near. But he bought her new clothes. Clothes befitting his wife. He moves in a little closer. His. Wife.

Oh, that kind of 'I wish it'. 

Salih shows up at the mansion with supplies for Kader. It's an excuse to see Gul but Kader is impressed. Enter Firat, trying to intimidate Silah. Gul is ticked. They basically have a standoff. That Azade overhears.

Baran comes to check on Dilan's progress with getting ready. We can see he's just as in love as ever. She asks his opinion, meeting his stare. He just keeps staring. And not saying anything. To the point of being weird. But no, not weird, wired. Rediscovering. So glad to be able to gaze at her like this again.

She wears the 1/2 medallion. 

The guest is Sabiha.

The medallion chain breaks just as she is walking out to the patio. Dilan keeps it clasped tightly in her hand. Sabiha is standing right there but she can't see it. Kader takes it back into the house for her.

Baran proposes to partner with Sabiha on a health project she has been trying to get off the ground. He thinks the proximity will force Dilan to talk, to tell him her secret.

Hasan finds out Sabiha is there. He will just stop in to say hello. Kader tells him Baran asked not to be disturbed. So he dials her number incessantly instead, like a stalker. And he's mad. That Baran, he's going rogue again!  Under Dilan's influence. That girl who betrayed us all with Turgut. What's his place in this house after all? Kudret tells him to step off. Azade-doom bangs her cane.*

The project is a state of the art lab. Dilan can work on her thesis work. Well gosh! Look how lucky that is. She says no thanks. She doesn't want to work. Baran takes note. 

She also continues to try to find reasons the investment is a bad idea. 

Nope. Baran is undeterred. We're going to be a big, business family. (Yeah we are.)

She goes on the offensive instead, using the partnership to her advantage. If we're going to be partners, you should tell us about your family, Sabiha. SneakyDilan.

Later. Now about that partnership paperwork....

It's clear Dilan doesn't want it and Baran is seeing things play out just as he thought. He's more convinced than ever; Dilan and Sabiha's relationship isn't like she said.

He follows up with Kerem: I made the offer. Dilan was not thrilled about it. (Understatement.)

He is reviewing the proposal back in their room. She keeps protesting.

Ok, so, I have to point out something really funny. She tells him she knows he doesn't let people he doesn't like into his life. So this partnership is weird because he doesn't like Sabiha.

He replies that he can keep his private and business life separate. And here's the funny part: he tells her, if I listened to you, I'd never do business with anyone. i. e. I don't like anybody and by your logic, would never find someone to do business with. 

Truer words, FrownyBaran, truer words.

But his plan didn't quite pan out since she is still denying there's anything weird about her relationship with Sabiha, and there's no reason she's totally against this partnership.

He is out by the pool, thinking things over and here comes Ahmet. Yay! 

His advice is similar to Kudret's advice to Firat: if it's an outside something that's troubling you, don't chase it. Open yourself up to it instead. (Riddlers, these men. Like wise men of old.) Ahmet suggests an impasse is the key. If a person is so in love, what would drive them to this? Sacrificing themselves to protect their lover. Baran turns to ask a question, but like a mage, he gone. Poof.

Dilan has a weird plan. She's going to give Baran's file on Sabiha to her, to earn her trust, and maybe find out more about her daughter. The weirdness is that it's going to be another betrayal to Baran, like with Turgut. I do not think this plan will go well.

Wait. There's an element of subterfuge to her plan. Maybe it's better than I thought.

Dilan sees an adult photo of Gulsah.

Baran followed her (so didn't 'go out' like he said, although technically, I guess maybe yeah) and he shows up just as Sabiha is angrily tossing Dilan out the door.

Havin / Viran has a gun trained on him from the bushes.

A few things are now out in the open: 

1. Baran has accused Sabiha of threatening his wife.

2. Nobody gets to do that.

3. He's her champion again.

4. He doesn't believe Sabiha's veneer anymore, and she knows it.

Yelling at the tv:

*It must be exhausting being Azade and still having to referee these boys. I bet she's been doing it since they were little and must be about sick of it by now.

Ooooh, they have an old fashioned hammock. Nice.

Havin / Viran, Sabiha, both with hair down; Dilan has sympathy for Sabiha. Related? Softer look to soften us up?

Dilan has some kind of braid-bun when she's dressed for the meeting. Very cool. Well done make-up and hair dept.

It's not lost on me that the Yagmur / Cevriye plot is the same Gulsha / Dilan / Sabiha story played out but in a healthier way.

2 Hagia Sofias and 1 Hagia Sofaraway chanted.

Culturisms:

The purple jumpsuit Dilan wears has some serious padding on the shoulders. Not just shoulder pads but like a folded foam or something. It harkens me back to the futuristic stylings of Rufus. 

Teaser 170: 

Sleeping snuggled up together. He's come around to understanding that she's actually been suffering all this time too. He pulls her in close, wrapping and arm around her. "I will support the woman I love." (Now we're talkin'!) "You will trust me again." 

You go, Baran.

Kan Cicekleri episode 168

Episode #168 The Secret Code

Quick synopsis: Dilan skips an argument. None of your beeswax, Firat. A secret code revealed.

Cihan found out Baran went to meet with Turgut and he is anxious. Dilan tries to calm him down, again. Zumrut is in touch with info on a nurse named Gulten; Dilan should talk to her. Someone else gets to Turgut first. He misses his meeting with Baran.

Firat is playing she-loves-me, she-loves-me-not with a stick. Kudret sees him and (hand on shoulder) checks in. His advice is to think on what he might have done wrong in love. But, what if he didn't do the wrong and it was done to him? 

"Ah, son..." (bring it Kudret) "That's what I mean. The mistake is never one-sided." Don't think about the wrong done to you. You can't do anything about it anyway.* Think about your own actions. He continues to build him up, offering encouragement. Basically, teaching him how to be a well-adjusted adult.

Dilan is reading the book when Baran returns from his hijacked meet-up. Rather than fight again, she feigns sleep. She fakes being asleep! Like, we see her make the decision to just...nah, no thanks. It's beautiful. He comes in hot-tempered and yelling but is disarmed by her asleep *wink wink* in the chair. He tries to take the book but she holds fast.

Are you faking it?

One eye opens. I don't want to argue, she replies.

Disarmed again.

He starts in again about not doing anything without asking him first, blah blah blah. And she retorts, oh yes, Baran knows best. And (this is great) that's all well and good but you should remember that now you're dealing with Dilan Karabey (with echo effect). She takes that and throws it right back at him, and rightfully so. And you can see in his face, he's thinking, "Oh really?" but he's damned impressed, in spite of himself.

She literally breaks free of his hold on her arm and faces off with him. And her reasons are sound: she doesn't want their family to be hurt or sad. 

Disarmed yet again.

He insists, more mildly now, that she consult with him at least. This marks a change in his approach, an invitation to be a part of, rather than governed by, the plan he has. It implies trust that she will come to him and a willingness to listen.

Hasan (the rat) rats her out to the family. It was her, she let Turgut go. She admits it. Baran stands by her. Sort of. He's not mad now but she should have consulted him. Even as he tried to mediate the transgression in front of everyone, it's still damning in the eyes of the family. Kudret stands up for her though. They don't have all the facts.

Sabiha, meanwhile, tells Turgut to disappear. It was her guys that nabbed him. Leave his family, leave everything behind.

Gul and Dilan decide to try to figure out Sabiha's next move.

Baran insists to Azade-doom that Dilan was right in her actions.

Cihan thinks prison would have been an ok price to pay. My dude, think of your family without you.

Dilan wants to see what Baran has on Sabiha so she is searching the study when Baran walks in. She breaks from his grip again. (Seriously, FrownyBaran, enough with the arm-wielding.) Neither will give an inch.

Baran: Don't you get sick of being questioned?

Dilan: Of constantly being accused of everything? Don't you get sick of accusing?

Baran: No! Because whatever it is she's hiding, he'll find it. "I'm so close." (He really is.)

Seyit found out about Gulsah being in a traffic accident. It's just that, but he relays it to Dilan anyway.

Kudret takes Cihan out for target practice. Bottles? No problem. A bird? Nope, can't do that. Taking a life is not so easy, yah?

Well played, Baba, well played.

Firat overhears a call between Gul and Silah. He demands to know what's going on. None of your beeswax, Firat. Don't be a toad.

It's bedtime and Dilan is reading the book but stops and puts it away when he comes in. It bugs him. What's in that book?

She's asleep but he is most definitely not. He just can't let the thought of that book go. NosyBaran. And really, isn't this what we've been waiting for him to do?

He takes the book to the study, for privacy. SneakyBaran.

It's a code! SneakyDilan.

She's circled letters and he writes each one down, in order, in a separate notebook. He works on it all night. And discovers it's her love letter to him. When she was kept from him. Kept from. And he figures it out. It's similar to the dream sequence they shared at Cihan's play.

He goes back up to their room, rejuvenated. Hair caressing, forehead kiss.

Yelling at the tv:
I swear, I'm going to start counting teeth-sucks rather than Hagia Sofias.

Culturisms:

*I often get the feeling the advice from Kudret and Ahmet is a lot like the life lessons from Little Women. Here's a life circumstance, here's how to work through it. I take issue with some of the show's controlling behavior, but the advice is *chef's kiss*.

It took me a long time to figure out what that fence by the pool is. It keeps people from walking out onto a garage roof and taking a tumble.

Teaser 169: 

Guests are coming to the mansion. Party?

Firat is with you, Baran. He's got your back. They are united as a family. 

Baran hasn't let on that he knows about the secret message in the book, but he bought new clothes for her. Clothes befitting his wife. He moves in a little closer and repeats. His. Wife.

Kan Cicekleri episode 167

 Episode #167 Dilan Did It

Quick synopsis: Baran betrayed. Rare event alert. Cihan is not a killer.

Cihan kicks in the door of the shed and Turgut is gone. He's escaped and Baran is convinced someone helped him. Cihan wonders if they have a mole. Baran does not like that thought. Even Kudret is mad. Baran calls Okan. Azade just wants someone to explain what is going on. Baran is yelling at the guards. Dilan steps forward. It was her. He has her by the arm* and off they go.

He's astounded. Why? How?

She was afraid Cihan would kill the guy. Baran disagrees; he wouldn't have. He knows his brother. She insists. He wasn't seeing it, how out of control Cihan was. He's not convinced. She should have told him, warned him about things he didn't see.

Eh-hem. She did FrownyBaran.

To him though, it's still a betrayal. She took away his chance to find out who was behind it all, masterminding their demise. He's angry because he fears for his family, the threat this poses, and how something new could happen at any time, all over again. She counters, but we saved your brother today. He won't become a killer.

Gul goes out with Silah. Firat spies on them, like a toad. He jumps to conclusions, from several feet away. He is practically feral with jealousy.

Salih is pretty into Gul.

Saving Cihan is not a sufficient explanation. Back in their room he goes a little overboard, forbidding her from thinking about anything for anyone in this house. (Sure, ok, that's rational.) In fact, nothing here concerns her. (Again, mmm-kay.) All that matters to him is that she went behind his back. Everything through the filter of Baran Betrayed. He lays down the law: nothing happens anymore without his direct knowledge.

So we're back to being super mad, then cooling down, then being all lovey dovey. cool, cool.**

Rare event alert: Kudret and Ahmet have a heart-to-heart! It's like watching Gandalf and Yoda have a conversation. They toss wise proverbs back and forth in an almost sub-dialect kind of speech, a la Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra. I love it.

Sabiha's hair is partially down again. She receives the call that Dilan set Turgut free. Her trust is misplaced though. She doesn't know the real reason Dilan did it. 

Baran takes Cihan's gun away. It was for protection, not aggression. He holds the gun between them as a symbol; we'll be smarter than our enemy, he insists. (Careful. You're kinda pointing the gun at Cihan's face there, Baran.) And Cihan won't need this anymore. They will find Turgut again. He reminds him about his studies, offering another path forward. Leave the enemy to him (Baran). He will take that burden back.

Sabiha calls Dilan out to the edge of the property again. Baran follows her and watches. Dilan tells Sabiha she had her own reasons for freeing Turgut. And she's not scared of her threats. Now get the hell out. Sabiha leaves and FrownyBaran takes her place. Oh! Hello there...

He doesn't let on that he saw them talking. But he also didn't hear what they were saying. He did, however, see Dilan break free of Sabiha's grip. He confides in Kerem. And it's not just his suspicions or frustrations anymore. It's solid problem solving they can do together. What he saw, it doesn't jive with the story about protecting Dilan and her wanting time away from the mansion. Kerem asks, did he hear the conversation? Teeth-suck. No.

Kerem hits the nail on the head: So was she hiding something from the start, or did something change later? 

Baran has seen the progression of Dilan's reactions. You would not behave around someone who saved you as she does around that woman.

*fist pump* There you go fellas! Now we're getting somewhere.

Dilan texted Zumret (who is a nurse, remember?) to see if she could find out anything from friends who work at Sabiha's hospital. Baran walks in. She hides the phone. He reaches for it. Instant nose-to-nose, arm around her (to get the phone). A call on his cell interrupts them. It's Turgut of all people. He'll tell Baran everything but he has to promise to protect his family. 

Deal.

Culturisms:

*What is with always dragging her around by the arm? Seriously. Step off, fella. Asian dramas do the same thing. Eastern culture thing? Probs.

Yelling at the tv:

**It's not cool. It's a little like gaslighting, or an abusive relationship where the transgressor flares, then is apologetic, only to repeat the pattern. We are also within the bounds of a trope, so grain of salt, people. We know better; we engage in suspended disbelief.

0 Hagia Sophias chanted. 

Teaser 168:

Baran insists, don't do anything unless you ask me first. Dilan purses her lips. Baran knows best, huh? Well, remember, you are dealing with Dilan Karabey now, boyo. He is impressed in spite of himself. 

Kan Cicekleri episode 166

Episode #166 The Patsy Escapes

Quick synopsis: Cihan is plagued by fear. Hasan is Plan B. A family debate about guns.

Sabiha insists Dilan free Turgut. It will be the last thing she asks of her. Baran has watched the whole exchange. And he heard Sabiha say there's one more thing she wants Dilan to do. I know what he's thinking: what were the other things?

Bingo.

Firat makes a concerted effort to engage Gul in conversation. She shuts him down.

The box* Sabiha gave Dilan had the hairclip in it that Baran made and it reminds her of when she received it and what has been destroyed since, like their wedding photo. Baran wants to know what's in it. She tells him just jewelry but he's not buying it and notes where she puts it.

He's alone in the room. Will he look in it? He totally does. And without even a little hesitation. How is this treading lightly, Baran? (Like he told Kerem he would.) He sees the hairclip, same memory. And his mother's ring. After he puts it back they run into each other in the door again. You know, crashed into one another, holding onto each other to steady themselves. So, so close. And the we're-so-close moments post marriage are, well, closer, a bit more insistent, almost kissing, heavy with never having had a wedding night.

Dilan confides in Gul about Sabiha's final request. But also that she won't do it. She's broken Sabiha's hold over her. She doesn't believe anymore that this is the only way to protect Baran. Way to take your power back, D! She's also become more interested in why specifically Sabiha hates Baran so fiercely.

Cihan is out for blood with Turgut.

Dilan calls her dad for help getting info on Sabiha.

Sabiha has a plan B. Oh no! 

Hasan is her plan B. Oh nevermind.

Dilan brings the box to Baran. "I don't need these things anymore." But she doesn't know he's seen what's inside. So he's shocked she would give it back to him. The music says so. We were wrong; it's not Snow White's heart in the box--it's Baran's. As he takes the box though, he deliberately covers her fingers with his own. When he opens it, he sees that she kept the hair clip. And the book.**

Hasan makes his gambit for Turgut but Firat stops him. Hasan surprises Firat by telling him Turgut is being held at the mansion, right there, if he'd just let him pass. No go. But now Firat knows he was out of the loop and it doesn't sit well with him. Kudret reassures him. Didn't he take him with him to see Kanan? (Way back, for info on Sabiha.) Kudret wonders now though, if Hasan was snooping around again, how much does he know? This was Karabey Trio news only, i.e. Hasan not included.

Kudret's words and hand on the shoulder are (again) more than Firat gets from his own father. This is a neat way to play it too, because it puts Firat on more even footing with Baran, both of them having Kudret's sincere esteem. That could serve to negate the jealousy Firat has for him and end his machinations for ousting Baran. It's like he's inherited his own private vendetta from Hasan. But real affection from Kudret could simply fizzle that away. For Kudret, simply being a Karabey = trust and inclusion. You have to work to lose it, not gain it. Firat doesn't need to prove anything to partake of that status.

The book is SUPER important. Again, left on the dresser. Again he...doesn't look? I bet his name is on every page or something, the way they are playing this up.

Kudret confronts Hasan about Turgut.

Cihan remains fixated. And he still has his gun. Which he is now loading with bullets.

Dilan tries to calm him down. Trust your brother. She gives him the same advice Baran did. But oh, she is not happy with Baran.

Their argument about pro / con guns goes like this:

Baran: raided our wedding

Dilan: my dad had a gun

B: protection 

D: gun + anger = bad

Azade-doom (Bam the stick) Don't you compare your father to a Karabey! 

Baran takes it outside.

They come back into their room and she tries to start a conciliatory, calm conversation. He won't budge. His house, his rules. His family, his right to protect. Well, then, she doesn't want this kind of protection, thankyouverymuch.

"What makes you think I'm protecting you?"

Whoa.

This from the man who had an absolute months long fit, pure rage tantrum, because he couldn't protect his wife. Even when she was newly arrived, he was dedicated to making sure she didn't die or get injured. And came down heavy-handed any time he knew someone hurt her. This is the ultimate cut-direct. And I suppose that's the point.

Not cool, FrownyBaran.

This is not treading lightly, my friend.

Later, he sees her asleep and cradling the hairclip.*** Lots of jabbing my finger in accusation. Which Dilan is real? Are you kidding me right now? You, who claim to know her so well?

Damn. He rolled up his sleeves. They're like Kryptonite, I tell you, good forearms.

Enter Ahmet. Trust what your heart tells you, my boy. Words and actions can cover up the truth. He floats the idea of trying to protect the ones you love. (Hint, hint.) Feel the truth with your heart, young Padawan. Ahmet is like Yoda, right down to the walking stick.

Baran goes to bed too. Dilan rolls over and throws her arm over him in her sleep. He gets cranky. What are you doing? But rolls over and realizes she's doing it in her sleep. So he settles into it with an arm over her too. Then she wakes up and gets cranky. What are you doing?

Goofballs.

Cihan has a bloody nightmare.

The book is under Dlian's pillow when Baran wakes up. He picks it up, turns it over, but doesn't look inside. We find out she's made notes in it. Maybe parts that would give away her true feelings if he reads them. (So that's going to happen for sure.) Their fingers touch again when she takes the book back.

Gul is stepping out! And looking fine too. So of course, who should walk in. And he's jealous.

Cihan is going to Turgut with the gun. Dilan tells Baran. He runs out. Sabiha will sacrifice the mole, asking him to nab Turgut since Hasan failed. Baran and Cihan argue. Kudret and Azade rush out. Cihan breaks down the door. Turgut is gone!

Dilan rushes into the doorway.

Yelling at the tv:
*What an ugly box Sabiha gives her. Like a funeral. I think it has Snow White's heart in it.

Sabiha is dressed like a Mayflower Pilgrim today. And her hair is partially down for the first time ever. A shift in villandry?  Edging her way toward redemption?

Firat must have been a cute little kid with those curls and big eyes.

** The book she keeps is Kor Bicaklar Savasi or Fight of Blind Knives.

***There! See? Frowny Stupid Mean FrownyBaran, you big jerk. I hope you feel awful. You deserve to.

1 Hagia Sophia chanted. It was so far away in the shot though. Let's call it 1 Hagia Sofaraway.

Culturisms:

Cihan looks just like Casey Afleck in The Assassination of Jesse James. Tell me I'm wrong.

Teaser 167:

Dilan was the one who let Turgut go. She did it to protect Cihan from becoming a killer. But with Turgut gone, that means Baran lost the chance to find out who is behind everything.

Kan Cicekleri episode 165 part 2

 Episode #165 Late Night Visit - Part 2

Quick synopsis: Kudret keeps trying. Dilan doesn't get hurt. Dilan's Goth box of mementos.

Hasan makes a play to free Turgut. The guard who's sweet on Gul says no. He slinks away and calls Sabiha.

Kudret keeps pushing to get those crazy kids together. Come here, he says. Sit in the gazebo, he says. Your postponed trip to Italy, maybe now? He suggests. You seem so worn out from the past few weeks. Sure, they both agree, under duress. Actually, Dilan adds, that would really be great, to take some time for just us. Baran is surprised. Stay here and chat, Kudret says. Then leaves.

Dilan asks about Baran's wound. He gets mad at the show of affection. His father is gone. She doesn't have to talk to him.

He can't understand her problem / secret so his scope is narrowed to seeing everything through that one filter. She walks off, but hears some rustling in the bushes.

She calls out for him, alarmed. Suddenly the secret doesn't matter and he is off like a shot. She's laying on the ground. She comes around as he pulls her up.

OMG. It's a cat. In a tree. You guys. Srsly. 

They feed the cat and she comments how they make a good team. Oops, ran up against that boundary again. Everything runs through the you're-keeping-something-from-me filter.

Kader saw an old classmate of Gul's at the market. Firat overhears about the notes the handsome and tall Salih passed her in class. Oooh, and Salih wants a date. Oh, Firat-bey. Did you want something? Head outside and I'll bring it, says Kader.

Sabiha brings over a box* of Dilan's things she "left". Dilan tells her to get lost. Was the knife not a clear enough sign for you? Get out of our lives. Baran sees her take the box (of her stuff, geez FrownyBaran, back off). Sabiha will leave but she has one last question.

Yelling at the tv:

* That box looks like a Goth dream. Who has a black lace box just laying around? Sabiha, you weirdo.

1 very close up, thus loud, Hagia Sophia chanted.

Baran's attitude has me a little miffed and confused. Where is the "I'll never stop loving you in a million years" Baran? The changed man Baran? I think that's what bugs me about his return to throwing things in a fit and getting all defensive again, telling her she can stop the act. He was supposed to have grown beyond that. After having grown up in the vendetta doom household atmosphere, loving Dilan changed him. 

One thing this show has always done really well is to not make the back and forth about nothing. Any flipflopping of viewpoints or feelings inherent in these kinds of shows--necessary really--has always been a careful ministration of interlocking events. We love when one person comes around only to find the other one has just uncovered a truth to change their mind to the opposite. But this show, while using all the normal devices like eavesdropping and partial info, has always done this dance really well. And it's like they just said, meh, he's just mean sometimes again.

Maybe I've forgotten the whiplash from earlier in the show. But I'm not seeing the motivation for the mood swings anymore. Maybe witnessing Dilan exit through Sabha's gate affected him more than I realized? It's a strange piece in an already incongruous puzzle. And it has all the trappings of falling on the side of traitorous and damning rather than innocent and driven to desperation. Especially after all the lies she's told him, then recanted. Now maybe they were actually true? I guess I get it. 

His words to Cihan about not acting impulsively come ringing back. And that would make sense. He wants to gather more intel before passing judgement. He hates when he doesn't understand the motive. He can forgive lots of weird and damning behavior for pure motives. But he doesn't know on which side this action falls, and it's eating him up. 

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but is this a set-up where Dilan gets hurt again and that's how he finally finds out the truth? And he is so distraught that she's been the victim and how she was trying to save him--all the things--and that's how he rededicates himself to her? I'm all for the change of heart, but can we not have this rely on hurting the girl being the only answer to their problems?

Kan Cicekleri episode 165 part 1

 Episode #165 Late Night Visit - Part 1

Quick synopsis: Dilan makes a move. A more intimate change of the bandage. The Karabey boys might have a problem.

Dilan has. A knife. To Sabiha's throat. She is laser focused on one thing: Sabiha will never touch Baran again. Viran comes in, gun drawn. I really think Dilan is going to cut her. She has that crazy look about her and she really has nothing to lose at this point. After a lot of criticizing from Dilan, and a promise to leave her the heck alone, she relents and takes the knife away.

Sabiha's 1/2 of the medallion falls out of her shirt as she's catching her breath. It hangs down but she clamps her hand over it just as Dilan glances at her. Perfectly choreographed, gang!

Viran hasn't let up and Dilan stares her down, forehead to the gun barrel a la Baran.* Viran relents and Dilan walks out.

But someone in a hoodie is watching her leave Sabiha's house.

Sabiha is shook up. She is struck again by the similarity to Dilan and Gulsah, her 2nd daughter. Who was, I guess, similar to Dilan in many ways: innocent, guileless...and also in love with Baran? This whole Gulsah backstory is strange to me still. She's feeling guilty about pushing Dilan this way. Dilan was not even nervous about what she was doing; her hands never shook. Creating another tragedy isn't what she wanted. She'll just focus on Baran from now on. (Great. What a relief that is.)

Gul is cleaning the kitchen, remembering her encounter with a regretful Firat, and squeezing the life out of a washcloth. That's right Gul. Squeeze his cold, black heart. He, meanwhile, has kept the earrings she gave back.

Dilan sneaks back into bed and falls asleep, Baran none the wiser. 

Wanna bet?

Baran is awake! And it was him in the hoodie! A teeth-suck. He's vexed. He vows to find out what secret she is hiding. Very Soon. #trap?

Viran's hair is down! Y'all. She looks like a completely different person.

Dilan has a nightmare that Baran is dead. She wakes up yelling, "Don't leave me!" and he's confounded but also worried. And...grateful? But's she's really shaken, clinging to him again. She sobs that's she's so sorry. He uses a breathing trick his mom did for him when he had nightmares. He holds her hands in his as they sit facing each other on the bed.

And now, the good part from the teaser. Yowza.

He can't change his bandage by himself in the bathroom. She's upset with him. Why didn't he wait, and darn it, she's coming in, so look out. She peels off the bandage he used and dabs at the wound (which still looks terrible) all the while barely even inches between them, sometimes foreheads resting on each other. They want so desperately to be close to one another. He smells her hair. Gulps a little. Remembers her apology. Small teeth-suck. Not quite willing to trust her again. Another little gulp. He was totally going to lean in. Their mouths are so close...

Buttoning up the shirt again, this time from the top down...

It has an effect. 3rd little gulp. Shuddering breath.

But he just can't let it go. FrownyBaran asks, "Where do you go last night?"

Ohhhh, that...

Because if she's visiting Sabiha, he doesn't trust this revived concern and tenderness. It's a reverse of what he thought was the case. He's had to reevaluate so many times. She was kidnapped; she left. He rescued her; she played him. Option #1: Thought she was kidnapped / tricked you for revenge vs. Option #2: Is she in cahoots / or she loves you still. Still too many mixed signals for him to be sure.

Dilan and Gul confab. Dilan is so tired of all the deception. They compare their situations and how they are so similar. Love the guy, can't tell him (still not sure why in Dilan's case). They continue to grow onto more common, cousinly, ground.

Baran storms into the study smacking things around and breaking shit again. Dude. No grown man should have that many regular tantrums. Kerem confronts him. Why you trippin', bro? It's her (it's always her) whom he trusts and loves--nope, didn't almost say that out loud.

Kerem: Have you tried talking to her?

And this, this is why I love Kerem. That's basically always his advice. We're the same, he and I. And class, what do we know about Baran taking Kerem's advice? Nope. Nada. No-go. In fact, he'll do exactly the...anyone? Anyone? Buehler? Opposite. He'll do the opposite.

For now, more investigating: all her company's investments. On his desk asap. (Why? You're just going to throw it off again.)

We see Dilan in full religious attire with just her face and hands showing. It's the most religious we've seen her. Aside from the yearly memorial for Ayten, we haven't seen too much. Just the occasional prayer for guidance. And while those aren't without weight, this noticeably stands out. It seems set up to contrast the wild-eyed, out-of-character Dilan who almost knifed Sabiha. A return to what that character is known for: truth, humility, forgiveness.  There could also be some honor your husband stuff in there too, I'm not sure. And if her late night visit with the knife put the audience off, this seems meant to rehabilitate that opinion.

The Karabey boys are having a confab too. Dilan brings them tea to the study and overhears that Turgut is just the patsy taking the blame. Cihan is jumpy, chomping at the bit. Baran says wait. They need Turgut nervous. Acting impulsively will only trip them up. It gets heated when Cihan insists. Baran doesn't like yelling at his little brother. Kudret is worried too, though. They'll keep an eye on him.

Culturisms:

* Is putting your forehead on the gun barrel a common move in love gangster dizi? Or just this one?

Why do they fold their hands like that when they sleep? Ditto love dizi?

Yelling at the tv:

How do they sleep with all the lights on all the time? Have I mentioned this? Or is it just a production thing and needing light to shoot the scene?

Their new bed comforter looks like they are sleeping under rocks. It's like an Elvish cloak concealing them.