This review may contain spoilers
Thoroughly enjoyable 1st season
From the very first episode, Alchemy of Souls had me hooked. The intricate lore, the unique world-building, and the promise of an epic hero’s journey immediately piqued my interest. Jang Uk’s path, riddled with obstacles and destiny-driven struggles, was something I was excited to watch unfold.
One of the standout elements for me was the relationship between Jang Uk and Mu-deok. Right from the start, their dynamic was refreshing—built on trust, understanding, and an easy camaraderie. The scene where Jang Uk falls sick after receiving an immense energy boost and Mu-deok tends to him was particularly striking. Up until that point, there hadn’t been any explicitly intimate moments between them, yet this scene carried an unspoken depth, making it feel as if they had known each other forever. Their relationship was a highlight, and I only wish the series had given them even more screen time together.
Apart from Jang Uk and Mu-deok, I also enjoyed Mu-deok’s interactions with the Crown Prince. Their witty banter added a layer of charm to the show. On the other hand, I felt that some of the relationships between the younger characters took up more screen time than necessary. While I thoroughly enjoyed the older couples’ scenes, I would have preferred a greater focus on the main leads.
The hero’s journey aspect, which was the biggest draw for me, felt somewhat underwhelming by the end. While Jang Uk’s rise was satisfying to watch, I wished there had been more of his personal growth throughout the series. Similarly, Mu-deok’s character, despite being immensely powerful in her past life, was often relegated to the role of a mere maid. It would have been more fulfilling to see her take on a more active role in shaping events.
For the most part, the show felt like a breeze to watch, especially up until the first 15 episodes. The pacing was engaging, and the mix of action, humor, and romance kept me invested. However, the last few episodes were not as enjoyable. The storytelling felt a bit rushed, and some plot developments were not as satisfying as the earlier parts of the series.
That being said, the show excelled in many areas. The actors delivered stellar performances, the cinematography was stunning, and the visual effects—especially in the action sequences—were quite impressive. The humor was well-placed, providing a balance to the intense moments. However, I personally would have liked to see more romantic moments between Jang Uk and Mu-deok.
The ending left me with mixed feelings. Jang Uk’s literal rise from the ashes was one of the coolest moments in the entire season, and it was a fitting culmination of his struggles. However, Mu-deok’s abrupt downfall felt unfair, especially since she wasn’t fully conscious during those final moments. I wish the show had dedicated more time to her and Jang Uk in that critical scene where she stabbed him—it felt rushed considering their journey together.
Overall, Alchemy of Souls Season 1 was an engaging and visually captivating show with strong performances and a fascinating world. While some elements could have been developed further, it still delivered a compelling story. Now, as I move on to Season 2, I’m eager to see how the story unfolds from here.
One of the standout elements for me was the relationship between Jang Uk and Mu-deok. Right from the start, their dynamic was refreshing—built on trust, understanding, and an easy camaraderie. The scene where Jang Uk falls sick after receiving an immense energy boost and Mu-deok tends to him was particularly striking. Up until that point, there hadn’t been any explicitly intimate moments between them, yet this scene carried an unspoken depth, making it feel as if they had known each other forever. Their relationship was a highlight, and I only wish the series had given them even more screen time together.
Apart from Jang Uk and Mu-deok, I also enjoyed Mu-deok’s interactions with the Crown Prince. Their witty banter added a layer of charm to the show. On the other hand, I felt that some of the relationships between the younger characters took up more screen time than necessary. While I thoroughly enjoyed the older couples’ scenes, I would have preferred a greater focus on the main leads.
The hero’s journey aspect, which was the biggest draw for me, felt somewhat underwhelming by the end. While Jang Uk’s rise was satisfying to watch, I wished there had been more of his personal growth throughout the series. Similarly, Mu-deok’s character, despite being immensely powerful in her past life, was often relegated to the role of a mere maid. It would have been more fulfilling to see her take on a more active role in shaping events.
For the most part, the show felt like a breeze to watch, especially up until the first 15 episodes. The pacing was engaging, and the mix of action, humor, and romance kept me invested. However, the last few episodes were not as enjoyable. The storytelling felt a bit rushed, and some plot developments were not as satisfying as the earlier parts of the series.
That being said, the show excelled in many areas. The actors delivered stellar performances, the cinematography was stunning, and the visual effects—especially in the action sequences—were quite impressive. The humor was well-placed, providing a balance to the intense moments. However, I personally would have liked to see more romantic moments between Jang Uk and Mu-deok.
The ending left me with mixed feelings. Jang Uk’s literal rise from the ashes was one of the coolest moments in the entire season, and it was a fitting culmination of his struggles. However, Mu-deok’s abrupt downfall felt unfair, especially since she wasn’t fully conscious during those final moments. I wish the show had dedicated more time to her and Jang Uk in that critical scene where she stabbed him—it felt rushed considering their journey together.
Overall, Alchemy of Souls Season 1 was an engaging and visually captivating show with strong performances and a fascinating world. While some elements could have been developed further, it still delivered a compelling story. Now, as I move on to Season 2, I’m eager to see how the story unfolds from here.
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