Kizil Goncalar, Episode 31 Review

The episode's epigraph is a quote from Bertrand Russell. The hardest thing to learn in the world is to know which bridge to burn and which bridge to cross. Russell's words describe a conundrum that is faced by many characters in the thirty-first episode. In order for Meryem, Zeynep, Sadi, Cuneyd, Levent, Seckin, Hande, Arif and Birgul to proceed, they must have the knowledge, the insight and the strength which will help them choose the right bridge. The decision will inevitably be fraught with an internal struggle and in some cases with a conflict against another person. Sadi must fight his own conscience, the Unknown Foe, Zeynep and Cuneyd. Meryem alienates Zeynep and Levent through her strict, unbending adherence to her code. Zeynep must stand against her mother, Sadi and to some extent, Cuneyd himself in order to protect the spiritual bond and growing love she is experiencing and the principles which she holds dear.

To achieve their aims in each episode, the writers have made use of an interesting device to portray the conflict and demonstrate the themes. A framing device, as done with the chess game in a previous episode, is made use of once again. Whilst Levent's driving lessons serve to teach Meryem this new skill which represent her further departure from her old life, with each session there is a new practical and philosophical lesson on how to steer in her new life. Although the lessons are directly intended for Meryem, ironically, the device is set up in such a way by the writers that there is always another beneficiary of these driving lessons in the scene or scenes directly following each respective lesson. The driving lessons result from Meryem's desire to transport the girls, especially Zeynep, to school so they don't “deviate” from going to school. Meryem's need to control Zeynep's life and activities brings mother and daughter into direct conflict as never before. During breakfast, Meryem notices the signs that Zeynep is worried. Zeynep tells Meryem that she will go to the Tariqa after school. Meryem wants to know in what capacity she will be going. Zeynep tells her that people at the Lodge still know her as Cuneyd’s wife and she must show up from time to time. Meryem chooses to remind Zeynep of her path: school, study, home. Zeynep stands up to Meryem and reminds her that although Meryem may have left, she is still devoted to the Lodge. Moreover, she accuses Meryem of wanting her to constantly be in front of her eyes. Zeynep is tired of these restrictions. Levent, to prevent the escalation of the argument and relieve tension, takes Meryem on her first driving lesson.

The driving lessons not only represent a turning point in Meryem's new life, but they also reveal how Levent inadvertently proves the degree to which he is attuned to Meryem. Moreover, this time together provides them both the opportunity to get to know each other better and come closer together. In the car, he tells Meryem that he knows she is still thinking about Zeynep and their morning disagreement. Meryem expresses her surprise by wanting to know how Levent seems to understand always what is on her mind before she gives off any signs of her thoughts or worries. She tells him that Zeynep's insistence in going to the Lodge is just to see Cuneyd. Levent realistically informs her that they must not ignore that Zeynep is a young girl with normal feelings. They must not forget that Zeynep has experienced very frightening events of late and she is genuinely worried and afraid for Cuneyd’s well being. Meryem answers rather dismissively and pragmatically that everyone became frightened with the recent events; that Zeynep is not a guardian for Cuneyd. Levent's perfectly insightful response explains to Meryem that children don't listen to their parents but they do tend to emulate them. Zeynep is only imitating her. Meryem is challenging all men for her daughter. Levent shows her how to adjust the car to her: the seat, the mirrors. She must be able to look not just in front but also behind and to the sides. When driving, as in life, danger doesn't always come from the front. Sometimes it comes from the rear, or a side. By the end of the episode, Meryem will see that danger does not always confront you face on.

As noted in the introduction, Levent is not just teaching Meryem. The writers intend for his lessons to have a carry on effect. The didactic may benefit or pertain to another character and his or her conflicts within the plot. It is significant to note that whenever the driving lessons are ending, Levent’s narration continues into the next scene as though meant also to instruct and forewarn another person or persons within the plot. As driving lesson one fades, Sadi is seen messaging on the laptop with Vahit's superiors. He is playing a dangerous game. How can he trust them or Vahit? How can he trust himself? Will Cuneyd believe him that he is supporting the wishes of Vahit's old bosses for the good of the Mortals and not for his own ego and power if he were to find out? Is he prudent in giving in to their insistence that the girls not go to school and not integrate with uncovered young people in Turkish society. This writing device is effective because it dramatically equips the audience for the danger Sadi is in. As Sadi cannot hear Levent, and more than likely would not listen even if he could hear, suspense is increased and the theme of knowing which bridge to burn and which to cross is reinforced and demonstrated. For all his wisdom, Sadi is being blind sided by his personal beliefs which are more traditional and rigid; even short sighted. His feeling of responsibility towards the Brotherhood and his fear for Cuneyd’s life have made him steer down a precarious road. The driving lessons which Levent teaches all apply to him.

Early in the episode, Vahit and Sadi speak. Vahit begins by calling Sadi a traitor and an ingrate. He threatens to tell Cuneyd what treachery Sadi has been up to behind his back such as possession of the laptop, knowledge of the bomb and that Sadi was present when Vahit was stabbed. Sadi tells Vahit that he will no longer allow him to plant doubts in Cuneyd’s mind. Vahit understands that his superiors have given Sadi a task. Sadi claims that his face is not turned towards discord as Vahit's was. Vahit tries to warn Sadi that when he is no longer of use, he will be in a similar position as Vahit is in. Sadi cannot openly confront them. Sadi insists that he is not a tool nor does he use tools. Vahit threatens that unless Sadi convinces the superiors to get him out of jail so he can disappear, he will tell Cuneyd everything that has transpired between Sadi and the organization behind Vahit. Based on Sadi's past actions regarding the position of Murshid, Vahit is confident that Cuneyd will believe him regarding Sadi. Sadi agrees to try to convince the superiors to get him out of prison, but when Vahit becomes impatient and he calls Cuneyd to the prison, the order is given for Vahit to be killed.