India, July 17 -- When news broke that Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, arguably the mothership of Indian daily soaps, was returning to TV, the internet responded with a confused mix of nostalgia and irony. Some rejoiced. Some groaned. I fall firmly in the latter camp. But beyond the memes and deja vu, the return of Kyunki is a revealing moment, one that reflects where Indian television stands today. And the answer, unfortunately, is somewhere between stuck and scared. So, here are my thoughts (personal and mildly exasperated) on Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 and its teaser.

The comfort of familiarity There's no denying the cultural grip Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, featuring Smriti Irani in the lead role of Tulsi Virani, had in its...