The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection (2024)

Where it is particularly dark, even a tiny little bit of light appears immensely bright...

I ended my review about the first seasons with the conclusion: "I only recommend "The Escape of the Seven" if the mood is right - one that demands unfathomable beastliness down to the blood. If we get involved in this KDrama, then we will uncompromisingly be catapulted into a world in which a search for the good guys could very well be in vain..."

And obviously, things can always get even worse. At the same time, a wink of a conscience is actually making itself known here and there… very quietly, though. Regret and shame become concepts that are though stumbling trying to make themselves be heard. It's evidently not that easy, but maybe, who knows, it might not be impossible…

Still, the Seven can't easily get out of their skin. It´s way too serious what they had done and must be held accountable for. Even if they all go through their own processes and would perhaps like to choose a new path in some way (fortunately, people have the potential for healing and transformation), they can neither run away nor undo what has happened. In addition, they have made a pact with the devil... No matter which devil you get involved with, it rarely goes well...

The second season cleverly manages to build on the first one with fresh dynamics, while still giving the emotional rollercoaster ride a new direction. Sophisticated dramaturgical twists included. It's amazing to notice ourselves suddenly sympathizing with one or the other of the loathsome Seven...

In addition, the KDrama is vividly displaying the frighteningly diabolical (not too distant) future scenarios of our increasingly digitally depending information society, that in the worst case scenario, could become completely helpless in its interconnectedness...

Overall, I think “Escape of the Seven” is even winning with its second season. It offers a special KDrama experience that has it all - for all those who don't shy away from the abysm of the human species. And as is well known, where it is particularly dark, even a tiny little bit of light appears immensely bright...

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Fake news, questionable morality, and troublesome technology

"The Escape of the Seven" was an organized mess. It had all the "charm" of a sinking ship. There were plenty of moments that threatened to send me scrambling for the nearest escape route (the poor character development, repetitive conflict, pseudo-romantic encounters, rushed redemption arc), and plenty of others that managed to serve up food for thought on the human condition

One moment of revelation was the ill-fated character "K," who was swapped at birth and brought up in a wealthy household. After discovering his origins, he was discarded by his once-doting family. K's words, "noone can be family unless you're related by blood" (episode 12, 32:34) and "since I was young, I was the one to entertain and serve Father, why am I the fake son?" (episode 12, 39:25), invite us to question society's obsession with "biological lineage." Far too often, adoptive families or children are seen as "less worthy." The pursuit of a biological "mini-me" takes precedence, as if blood were the determinant of familial bonds. This skewed perception belittles the love, commitment, and joy found in adoptive families

Another moment was the dichotomy between "the real and the fake" (episode 12, 39:00). The drama reminds us that no matter how convincingly something mimics reality, there will always be a distinction. Even if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it might not be a duck

Finally, the dangers of technology wielded by those ignorant of its potential. "The Escape of the Seven" considers our unhealthy relationship with technology and the ramifications of unchecked technological advancements. It draws attention to humanity's "vulnerability" to the influence of fake news (episode 12, 15:16), a significant issue in the modern, tech-driven society

In conclusion, "The Escape of the Seven" was a blend of misguided, cringe-worthy storytelling and surprising insight. It had both irredeemable and redeeming qualities

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