As the iconic show Hum Sab Umeed Say Hain rolls on after Dr.Butt relinquished its command, many subtle and not-so-subtle changes can be observed in each episode.

Notwithstanding the more than interesting addition of Mathira to the show’s ranks, who murders more urdu expressions than one can count during each episode, the standard of the satire this show was once famous for seem to be going down; and going down fast.

The quality of the humor this show once guaranteed now barely sparks here and there during each episode. This time there were many puns that elicited no more than half hearted chuckles and some off key renditions of Indian songs that didn’t quite gel with the theme.

It is easy to see through the humor in most places, and Hum Sab Umeed Hain now faces inevitable competition on several other private channels like Dunya TV.

At a time when it should be bringing their A-game, Hum Sab Umeed Say Hain seems to have cut down on the quality of the script and is trying to stay mainstream by refusing to innovate.

This is not to say that there weren’t any funny parts at all; the closing number where music, misery and Mathira came together to belt out “It’s the Time To Khisko” for our serving parliament was genuinely entertaining.

But the fact remains, we have all seen Hum Sab Umeed Say Hain do so much better throughout the years, steam rolling everyone from Musharraf to Bush to Zardari.

The expectations attached to each episode are testament to how relevant, entertaining and critical this show has been all this while.