Dabosil

There's still one more episode tonight (last episode), but adding up all the hours for each episode, by the time you finish that would have aired way past anyways, so, yep.

Not a spoiler for plot or anything*
Third post in a row

Anyone realize that in Ep 17 An Gi Seok says, 'Then use the ___ to beat Directors Kim Hui-won and Park Jae-Beom and become the president of our agency'

Cough Cough*

Director of Vincenzo: Kim Hui-won
Scriptwriter of Vincenzo: Park Jae-Beom

Can I, though? i did write down lots os spoilers.

Those parallels provided are really giving fmv creators so much content haha.
Probably the most I've ever seen in a show!

Also, after agonizing over it, I found out why Vincenzo's hairstyle is so much better in the latter half! They made it flatter and the hairline less on the edge, and they fit it to the top of his head shape. It looks less puffy and contrasting with his chin.

I am, unfortunately, a picky rater and I try to do it from every aspect. Though I can confidently tell you if I rate it with my enjoyment of watching it, I'll give it a 10. However, I can't ignore the bugging inconsistencies. Probably one of my favourite K-Dramas, though!

Tbh, analysis is only fun to me because it's sort of self-evidence that I can also critically, clear-headedly look at the drama.

Normally, I'd throw away all analysis and just watch it within the scope of logic of the drama.

If you aren't in Korea and watching the television, then it's out on Netflix in (from now) 10 hours and 35 minutes.

Don't read above if you like short posts, it did take me a while to write it, didn't expect it would go on so long. But I hope to have a fruitful discussion as it's the one episode before the finale.

Episode 19 Thoughts and the Entire Vincenzo Show (thus far) Reflection

*It seems that there are mixed opinions on the ending to Episode 19.
In fact, I loved this recent episode a lot. A LOT, comparably to the last two episodes. (However, halfway I was considering making a rant post, so the tides did turn)
To me, Episode 19 was very satisfying, but it relegates Episode 17 and 18 to slight fillers.
This is going to be a long post, so bear with me.

Subsections:
0. Themes and dear Writer-nim
1. Vincenzo, the 'Jangs', and the Villains
2. Hong Cha-Young

First, this episode's theme is desperation.
The desperation of villains, and the ending desperation of Vincenzo.
Very interesting, as the last time this happened was in Episode 16.

Secondly, I tried to order my thoughts, but structure is not my strongest point, so I vaguely looped several observations together.
* By the way, I'd recommend everyone to rewatch again. I always say I got hooked on episode 4, but I don't actually remember what happened beforehand. Rewatching the first few episodes, I realized I had forgotten about so many details and parallels which helped me understand the later episodes a lot better. I think this is a byproduct of waiting every week, with a bigger gap recently. I'll probably do a rewatch in one go again after it ends tonight.

0. Themes and dear Writer-nim
Originally, I had questioned the tag for 'dark comedy' because the drama mixes dark parts with slapstick comedy. I found myself asking, 'What is this drama trying to be?'
Our scriptwriter loves parallels, as you have all probably noted. There are maybe, even five, in episode 19. The parallels serve for characterization continuation and are also something I enjoy. The parts I always find myself questioning are the logical inconsistencies in the plot, but I can still always rationalize this with character motivations. Either way, I realized 'Vincenzo' is about its themes- corruption, revenge, and evil. In regards to these themes, I realized the show is mainly trying to be about its themes, which is delivered well, so I ended up being able to accept the flaws. The scriptwriter really did roast Korea hard with this show.
(I had a longer thought for this introduction, but I forgot what other points I had thought of, whoops)

1. Vincenzo, the 'Jangs', and the Villains
In regards to the ending, I was able to accept him going to save Hong Cha-Young first (to be honest, this didn't stick out to me so much until others mentioned it, because she was the closest to him). Firstly, I could understand everything relegating to a classic shoot-out. It never occurred to me that the drama was going to end in a simple courtroom, but with a stand-off. I also thought this was one of the most acceptable endings regarding the character of Jang Han-Seok and Jang Han-Seo.
I think every time there's a shootout, it's easy to find inconsistencies. I think that after watching so many shootouts in movies and tv shows, I just accepted it would relegate to standard procedure. not to say that relegating to tropes is a good thing, but I just felt indifferent, so I understand why people wouldn't like this, either. Additionally- I mean, Vincenzo did warn him beforehand, and he didn't listen (more on that later). Though this scene was probably a rationalization by the writer to show that Vincenzo isn't stupid.

The first thing to mention is as he says himself, Jang Han-Seok's use of pig blood and words (cat, rat) is again a parallel and also relegating the entire scene down to classy Mafia standards. If it wasn't so, I wouldn't be able to accept it. Previously I mentioned that I started to love Vincenzo when I realized the entire plot is set in Korea. I felt that it would be out-of-touch if it was mostly set in Italy and about the Mafia. Hence it not being comparable to The Godfather, because the Mafia is an eye-attracter for audiences as a foreign identity, but also as a foreign background for the character, and the writer is making use of a 'foreign' Korean to criticize Korea. Additionally, it hasn't perpetuated harmful stereotypes and constantly repeated itself over the ruthlessness of the Mafia. Hong Cha-Young also never tries to change him, and a big theme is about big evil vs lesser evil, which was very satisfactory. I still felt that there was no need to have him be in the Mafia, because he could also have been vaguely described as an international gangster who doesn't feel at home in Korea, and it's true-the Mafia is not as nice as Vincenzo (though he is very harsh already). I did do a little bit of 'hm-' when Vincenzo says he didn't kill women or children. However, 'Vincenzo' isn't about Italy or how Italy influenced him, but about Vincenzo's and other's personal morals. Apart from that, I think everyone realized that the show doesn't take itself seriously, other than the parts where it tells us about all the corruption (so I learnt not to really, to, except for characterization). Back to the ending, because it goes back onto the classy Mafia standards, I could see it as a parallel to Vincenzo's identity. I can rationalize the events happening.
After all, especially after this episode, I think we all understand the weight of the Guillotine File.
Hm. The Guillotine File.
Ah, yes. I always wondered why they did not really utilize the Guillotine File to a huge extent (Vincenzo only half rationalizes it with his slow-burn type of revenge), but we saw it in full use this time. My complaints previously was always about how Jang Han-Seok didn't kidnap his mother or Hong Cha-Young in exchange for the Guillotine File, but then I could also rationalize this because when his mother was killed, Choi Myung-Hee needed a good achievement to stay on Jang Han-Seok's good side, and Jang Han-Seok's personality and anger was directed at only Vincenzo. Admittedly, I did not like that so much, because a clear-headed villain is most charismatic (watchable). In the latter scene in Episode 19, Hong Cha-Young's exchange with Jang Han-Seok shows that Jang Han-Seok cared enough to not want to push things to the last step.
My only complaint about his exchange is that the strong word 'love' was so carelessly used- 'woman you love' etc, because I know he had an affection for her, but not, well, love.
Perhaps it's to show the weak understanding of love from Jang Han-Seok, because his parent's love and his upbringing did have a huge impact on him. That's the one thing I can't get- the characterisation of a psychopath. When he cares enough about people he won't go to the very end and he calls it love. At least, in the earlier part of the episode, when Choi Myung-Hee tells him she is putting charges against herself, he says 'You didn't have to do that', which is care.
My only rationalization of this comes in form of Jang Han-Seo.
I found that if you accept his characterization of needing to have someone by his side listening to him, it makes sense. Jang Han-Seok's biggest personality trait is his ego. In the earliest episodes, he thoroughly enjoys being 'God', and relishing the evil he brings and being able to control Jang Han-Seo, who is by his side. Prior to Hong Cha-Young leaving Wusang, he did really want her to stay (also because he doesn't want her to go against Babel). He wants to be the center of attention, too. I think this is also why he doesn't kill Han-Seo, because he does need to have people around him.

So you see, I can rationalize characterization, but I'd say the reason I have to think about it is because of plot loopholes. At least I am glad that characterization can make sense, but I've also accepted watching dramas with the thought that there will be loopholes.

Even before Vincenzo comes, Jang Han-Seok's goal was always to make Babel well-established and successful. That it is the end line and is his baby. Vincenzo comes and starts, originally only trying to gain Geumga Plaza. After teaming up with Hong Cha-Young, he starts putting halt to his project and exposing rampant corruption. After a long series of such actions, Jang Han-Seok's anger is directed towards ruining Vincenzo as Vincenzo is directly attacking Babel. He wants to ruin something like Babel for Vincenzo, so he kills his mother. Later, Vincenzo slaps on his Mafia hairstyle and takes things seriously, and he and the villains start losing tremendously.

- Ah, another thing I don't like is how it is said Vincenzo is just toying with him because the first few episodes of all this grueling work loses credibility. I can accept Vincenzo's slow burn tactics with the later part of the series, but, hm-nope.
- Definitely, the villains lose a lot of charisma in the last few episodes. This is why I liked this one so much. I desperately needed them to gain an upper hand, and I liked the theme of this episode regarding desperation.

Part of the villains' charisma comes from their attitude. In the last few episodes, we mostly saw Jang Han-Seok's lip curl and everyone around him, including himself, raging mad. This created an atmosphere of a petulant child's tantrums. So when Vincenzo came and spoke to him, I never really felt that 'cool' moment, because it was expected. Because halfway through the episode, I had only seen Jang Han-Seok bite someone's ear, I was thinking about complaining. Shots of his push-ups didn't make me scared of him; it's when your nemesis is sane that you should be scared. I was waiting for Choi Myung-Hee to make a comeback. They all spoke in very levelled voices and had a determined eye towards the end, and I loved that aspect, because I did get scared. CHpi Myung-Hee was confident, and she was singing Italian Opera and doing her yoga.
Jang Han-Seok, when approaching Jang Han-Seo, spoke calmly.
He started 'joking' when he talked to his hostages.
Confidence is very important.

Additionally, I ended up liking the ear-biting scene because the episode demonstrated the different sides to Jang Han-Seok, and served as a continuation of the 'monster' theme this episode- which is continued by Vincenzo's and Hong Cha-Young's conversation. I loved those aspects too. I used to be worried his escape would be too random. To be honest, I still dislike the pacing of the last two episodes because of the centralized efforts of keeping him in prison and seeing the villains simply go mad. However, his escape had a purpose and was not a further escape. This also worked well as a continuation of his characterization and was also a bit of my theory. I always felt that Jang Han-Seok was most menacing when he was not revealed to Vincenzo and Cha-Young because there was always the looming threat of a surprise attack. Not knowing something is one of the craziest anticipations for viewers. He also seemed more confident behind the scenes, and as he said because he didn't have to worry about his safety. This was his biggest downfall because even if Vincenzo can't directly get your company, he can get at you easily. That was also an interesting concept to me because corruption isn't about an individual, but the entire system and Jang Han-Seok was also one of the people controlling it and being controlled by it. When Vincenzo was going after an individual, his tactics were also part of the corruption. Anyways, Jang Han-Seok works best in the darkness, and seeing him come out in secret was thrilling.

To the second 'Jang', Jang Han-Seo. I quite like his characterization, except for the fact that the man really can't become an undercover agent. ALSO, the details. I like how his hairstyle in the recent hairstyles isn't stiff and gelled, and he looks more carefree. Plus, his collars stopped being high, which means he isn't suffocating. This production team does put a lot of emphasis on character growth and actions with the costuming, haha. I can also understand his reliance on Vincenzo in the last few episodes, but it still made me slightly bothered because we had seen his scenes where you see a touch of his evil lying underneath too-he holds a huge grudge and resentment, and when you see him meeting up with Seung-Hyuk secretly you feel that vibe. He only showed his inner self to Vincenzo, which is one where he needs family. That was touching to me but always made me feel that there was more to him. In the end, I liked how he had to make that decision, because in the restaurant Vincenzo had warned him, and he had said no. When he said that, I really felt this burden on him, of a weariness in life, which was a newer side. I had seen his resentment towards Jang Han-Seok, but at the same time there was still intense loneliness and exhaustion from what he had endured, and what he wanted to be, and what he didn't want to be. When he had a gun to his head as he was working in his office, I felt touched by him working. When the gun was to his head I again felt that same exhaustion, and moreover, his entire attitude of acceptance of being killed and Jang Han-Seok coming to get him. This was also partly why I could understand him refusing to have any help. He himself is a burden, too. He went from fearing for his life because of Jang Han-Seok, going through a period of prolonged resentment when he gained Seung-Hyuk on his side because it was overdue, and he ended up trying to face him, but in the end, he still wallowed into acceptance even as he tried to face him.

A quick mention of the other villains. I liked Choi Myung-Hee immensely in this episode because he understood her losses. She knew the power of the Guillotine File was too big to try to fight against it. Again, the power of the file made sense in this episode, and her actions as well. I do like her as a villain immensely. At first, I did feel a bit of a 'hm-' again when she said only 'Chairman Jang Han-Seok can stop him (Vincenzo)', but as I said, confidence is key. I was not counting on a tantrum, but I wanted seething confidence. Why was the ending of episode 16 so good? That underlying seething confidence and anger Vincenzo had. As for Seung-Hyuk-I'd say he's out of the equation. I liked that Jang Han-Seo pushed him away this episode, and he is the characterization of all those who follow corruption, Throughout the entire series, he really just went to different places and started begging. He did do evil things, but to me, he was never a villain (because he isn't smart enough to be one) but also because he was a characterization for me. Also, I realized that when it comes to scenes where important people become threatened, 'Vincenzo' always goes back to comedy. As you see when he begs to stay with Han-Seo, it is done in a slightly comedic exchange. I guess this is its essence of dark comedy- comedy with corruption.

Finally, Prosecutor Jung is the biggest problem with the episode, because, for me, there were about twenty minutes of utter nonsense. Knowing the power of the guillotine file, why would he try to postpone the trial? They literally talk about this afterward. I also think it's strange how he didn't heed Vincenzo's advice because he knows the power of Vincenzo. I didn't understand his motivations. We know he used to be a good prosecutor, but like everyone else, turned to corruption. Now he's after higher positions, but his way of showing it is weird- that he talks about how prosecutors can't be touched and whatnot-it felt very out of line. In a way, he seemed even more split-personalitied (is that a word) than Jang Han-Seok because of his outright pretense as a good' prosecutor, which he knew he was trying to portray. I didn't expect he would go to the full extent, so when he died, I mostly felt confusion, other than shock. The shock comes from Vincenzo. I felt shocked when he did kill the 'suicide-bomber' guy, but I felt it more here because we had seen scenes of his family, and this is where I felt the most morally gray, not because he shouldn't be killed, but because we'd seen Vincenzo go to his home, chat with his wife and daughter, and so forth. I loved this scene a lot, though. I really do enjoy the morally gray web that comprises everyone in this series. Additionally, greed isn't the big sin here, which is great.

The first sub-section is finished.

2. Hong Cha-Young
A short sub-section!
I felt she had less screen time these few episodes, but this isn't my complaint. I was only worried that her screentime would actually decharacterize (again, is this a word) her. I was so happy to see the office-slice-of-lie moments that took a break and made a valid continuation of the romance plot. I also loved the resolution to her relationship with Jang Han-Seok. One of the things I love about her is how she so adamantly and bluntly showed she was not interested or blurring the relationship when Jang Han-Seok (Jun-Woo) was interested in her in the first few episodes. She also trusted Vincenzo and abruptly broke ties with Jang Jun-Woo, and is very clearheaded. In this episode, it was great to see her cheery self heading to that reunion (because yes, this woman also has a life and other people she knows). I was worried because the last few episodes were so much darker and I missed her spunky parts.

In fact, her section is related to the Geumga Plaza. I always felt the highlight of the entire series was at Episode 8 and Episode 14, but episode 14 more so. This is because to me the humor in the series worked best when in relation to their work, not as separate scenes. They were a distraction, but sometimes the transition wasn't smooth enough. In Episode 14, the humor is part of their undercover mission and worked the best. Sometimes I find myself just agreeing with the Geumga Casts' words and smiling respectfully at their jokes, but on the most part, I'm not such a fan of slapstick. To me, episode 14 also was the point where Babel was a threat and they went out and investigated outside of their office, and the working relationship between the leads was satisfying. (Ah, I liked the fistbump in ep 19 because I missed the working relationship so much). Episode 8 was great as well save for the part where he's terrorized by 'zombies'- the humor in work is definitely a lot better to me. I also loved Choi Myung-Hee's twist in that episode.

Conclusion
I will say, I don't like rationalizing many things, because I know it's because I have to get an understanding based on plot inconsistency, but the biggest problem usually is that I can't rationalize anything. Vincenzo isn't the best show in the world, obviously. But I always think that watching a show as two aspects, the feeling of it and the logicality of it, and the feeling of watching this show is great. This is the same thing with different genres. I tend to rate completely romance/romantic-comedy centered shows lower because even though the feeling is great watching it, romance tends to have less plot because all plot is related to romance drama (this is why I believe it is best to serve as a side plot and not affect the main plot). When I finish watching, it's easy to forget this feeling because it hasn't left me with something to hold on to (other than good chemistry). In that sense, I like the way Vincenzo works. I appreciate the emphasis on the themes, and I appreciate the slow-burn of the romance, and character growth, and topics, but I dislike the plot inconsistencies sometimes.

I think I'll still stick to my rating of 8.5. Some shows you end up watching and you know it didn't deliver best when it comes to the logic, but you can't replace that feeling of watching it with say, another show, which although might be logical, doesn't give you the same excitement and anticipation.

Other Notes:
As for the ending, I still believe they shall fly off in a hot air balloon (our writer loves parallels and hints too much to not do this, look at the monks and alms).
No matter what, the show has not had a dramatic fallout, and I still enjoy it very much.
A few things I still agree on:
The first 3 episodes aren't very interesting, its highlight is from 4-14, and it's the most annoying at 17-18, save for the grieving.
Episode 19 was good for me! I hope it gives us a bam of episode 20.
No matter what, thanks for the script, writer-nim. If the delay was in changes in this episode, then I'm pretty happy with it.

As for the bromance, it's fine to me, but for some reason, these things never stick to me too much. I like that the romance had some air to develop (the question mark typing scene was very funny to me). Even though I didn't like episode 17-18 so much, I loved that the pace in getting to the final episode is controlled a lot better and that there was more space and time for the romance. Also, I do kind of like the feeling of half-liking half-not (I really don't expect them to go full-blown, it would feel weird). After all, the first happy ending and premise is the gold extracted and the revenge successful.

Another point: I like how he opened the ziploc bag, and how blood has been displayed this episode. Vincenzo very willingly touches blood and always does. Also, again, he has been making too many threats and not been hassled for two episodes, so...

One more thing: I did feel the music editing wasn't on point this episode. It jumped out to me and wasn't cool when it was cool and cut off randomly.

Even though I've written so much, I still have a lot I didn't cover.
What do you all think?

Perhaps it isn't your cup of tea. You may disagree with the plot and as a result, not want to watch/continue watching it, that's fine. The drama has flaws, but it hasn't perpetuated harmful stereotypes. I don't see how you have to insult the people watching it?

They're filming the third one now, actually-It's probably shot season by season because they have to see how ratings and viewership go.

The tailor is gay? Woah, I have to rewatch. Where was the picked up on? The Geumga Plaza past-gang member tailor, right?

I guess the point is not to call anyone a 'good person'.
The evil in this show are the 'evilest'.
And then everyone kind of fits into different shades of gray, filed in 'morally gray' areas. (And so are the villains, as we see ProsecutorJang highly cares about his family)
Idk, unless Jang Han-Seok?

For me personally, it would be too fairytale-like for him to survive, though. Plus our. writer likes these types of scattered hints beforehand.
And if he doesn't. die-then Jang Han-Seok really is just a threat-making psycho who has to rely on true strong people.
I would rather the villain still stand on his own characteristics proudly.
Still, I do like Han-Seo's character.

I think you're thinking too much into it, or maybe I didn't put enough though into it, because that never crossed my mind. I overall just found this a surprise as it was a satisfying and funny episode, and I thought that such diversity is not as usually seen in other K-Dramas. Plus the entire drama has all sorts of bad political figures. I think episode 8 is an episode for us to enjoy visuals, haha.
Maybe I'm missing something?

Almost every drama is overhyped on MDL, actually.
(And on Google, too)
Maybe IMDb? I'm pretty sure one has to just read a bunch of reviews anyways beforehand.
I gave it a 8.5 (unless the ending sucks, I'll probably stick to it).
This drama does have flaws. At the same time even though I rant about them the good stuff just keeps me going-argh, it's a conflict when this type of energy comes up. As long as most, and the obvious loose ends are tied up I'm down.

I can totally see it going up and down depending on those last two episodes, haha. I hope it stays around the same; it's sad to see ratings go down.

Tbh, I used to be super bothered about all sorts of logical loopholes, but now I try to just feel my way through a drama first-the critical stuff is good for discussions.

Ah, well, I'm only updated till ep.4 on Law School, but I'd say that I didn't feel romance from the cast so far (but maybe I'm so focused on the law parts I just didn't notice).
As for Vincenzo, it has a definite slight romantic plotline that is yet unresolved with more chemistry as it goes on.
Actually, I just realized...you didn't state a question. What am I answering.

Well, I didn't want romance in Vincenzo at first because I was very bothered about the change in ep. 1 from gritty Italy to SK humor, but then I realized 99% of the show is about Korea, and the character writing for Hong Cha-Young got better, and it worked.

If you're asking 'if you guys don't want romance in those drama then why....'
The scriptwriter has never written romance before. He has written similar dramas with male/female leads and cool moments, but this is the first time with romantic inclinations. 2 eps left but it hasn't (so far) affected the plotline yet.

If you can stick around for one more episode, maybe? For me, I dropped it at two, blasted through two more after (until 4), and for some reason it went uphill in a flash.
I think most people felt that, but anyways, look where we are.

I love Adrenaline. Is this Love, and I'm Always By Your Side practically equally. Still, I'd say Adrenaline because it came first and because of the beats in the start.

Oh, I didn't know that was happening. Why so?

I agree, SK Dramas should venture into historical-fantasy more, but I'd say that Wuxia and Xianxia are very Chinese concepts and mythology-better to create their own style and let that be known.