The combination of Umera Ahmed as a strong female-oriented writer and Saba Qamar as a powerhouse of talent is enough to pique interest. Directed by Fahad Noor, “Serial Killer” also stars Faiza Gillani, Sabeena Farooq, Danial Raheel, Amna Malik, Fahad Hashmi and others in prominent roles.
As the episode opens, we’re immediately introduced to our serial killer, a woman who lures men in with flirtation and then poisons them while disguised under a burqa. The set-up as an opening scene is interesting and pulls in viewers, promising an exciting ride. Our first victim dies drinking juice and as the story unfolds, we are clued in to the fact that this is the fifth crime of this sort within a small time frame. Of course, the justice system is not clear-cut in any country and that’s true of the Pakistani police force as well. Saba Qamar’s introduction scene as Sarah Sikandar is a strong one, one which highlights the kind of harassment and judgement women face when in a lower position. Without recognizing Sarah’s position as their superior, the other officers heckle her, speak poorly of her within earshot and leave her waiting. However, circumstances change as soon as her identity is revealed as the new in-charge at the station. It’s admirable to see how Sarah maintains her cool throughout this scenario, but we would’ve loved to see these men properly taken to task for their attitudes.
A foreign educated and returned graduate, Sarah Sikandar has come back to serve her country and improve things, despite recognizing that things have not changed in her two years of absence. Still, she sets out to do her job – one made more difficult when a suitcase is purposely left behind at a bus station (by our mystery serial killer), a bomb-diffusing squad sent in and, essentially, unintentionally tampering with evidence. We rarely get to see the side of forensics in Pakistani dramas, so this is a new angle to explore – because quite honestly, why wouldn’t one send in a bomb squad for an unattended piece of luggage in Pakistan? Our serial killer isn’t an amateur though, leaving behind evidence in the form of a luggage tag……but is this a false scent?
The first episode does an effective job of setting the stage for what’s to come. Saba Qamar is a natural in her role, as always and it will be interesting to see a woman leading a story like this – in both aspects, as the inspector and as the serial killer. If “Serial Killer” maintains this pace with the rest of the episodes, Green Entertainment has another success on its hands.