Lots of drama, same kind of tortured white guy trying to do right in the Western world's version of India. The late Patrick Swayze in "City of Joy" did it with a lot more class, and lots more emotion (and a lot less graphic torture scenes) and focused more on the ordinary struggles of the classist Indian culture. Something India refuses to change (the dowry system, the class system, etc.) The fatalistic ideals of most of the people in India's slums is mostly depressing. I'm sure the show writers meant that outlook to be uplifting, but unfortunately it's all tied to the almighty dollar (or rupee) and the emphasis on capitalism overwhelms the human story.
Review of Shantaram
