Watching the F’Salib it-Toroq episode aired on March 1, I was left incredulous with a scene portraying a married couple on the verge of separating who ask their minor children to decide on whether they want to live with their father or their mother. The mother solemnly and sternly warns the children that their decision is going to be final and binding!

I truly wonder what inspired the scriptwriter to write this scene. Not only does it make a mockery of the real process that is followed to determine custody issues but it also shows a lack of basic research as to the legal safeguards ingrained in our law and in court judgments to ensure the best interests of the children in any decision involving custody during and after separation proceedings.

Moreover, such false portrayals demonstrate absolute insensitivity towards families who are living similar experiences.

I understand that drama is primarily meant to entertain and not to educate viewers but, incidentally, the same drama series also seems to assume the role of educator in other plots and stories, including a storyline which is obviously meant to educate viewers on the importance of breast screening.

I suggest the scriptwriter and the producers of this popular TV series do a bit of homework first before plunging ahead with sensational storylines portraying unrealistic scenarios that tend to misinform rather than educate and, in my humble opinion, with very little entertainment value.