7
3
This review may contain spoilers
Why? Just why?
Edit after 9 eps: That's it. I'm done. I have given this series a fair go. I am satisfied that this show is pointless and has few redeeming features. I might come back and watch ep.18 just to see if my prediction comes true. ;)
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Dear readers, this is not a proper review. More a collection of my thoughts. I do apologise.
After 6 eps I think I have an inkling of what is the theme of this "drama".
Mayhaps, the writer-san wants to explore the notion that Japanese people don't take vacations and if they do, they don't know what to do with themselves.
Hence, our ensemble cast is so inept and takes everything to the extreme. Being drunk and acting silly seems to be a daily goal.
However, this is a bit threadbare for 4.5 hours runtime. Hence the introduction of the supernatural angle. If you think this is a quick fix then you will be disappointed. If anything, it opens up a Pandora's Box.
To wit, their version of the Grim Reaper acts like a spaced out goth country bumpkin(?!). How can he be the Angel of Death?! While every member of the ensemble is in the hyperactive, overacting mode, he is a metaphysical sloth. Why is Chae Jong Hyeop involved with this "drama"? Did he read the script?
If that is not enough, they also added a Sea God in EP.6. He spend all day fishing. Do all the demi-gods come here for a vacay?
Is this someone's vanity project? So much of the plots are like a potpourri of ideas. Random subplots just pops up and then disappears.
It would help if there is a throughline, but I saw none. I'm getting a headache just from trying to decipher if subplots are nonsense or something relevant.
This series could work if it is a total farce, but it isn't. It is more like a collection of unrelated sketches. Moment to moment, can be mildly entertaining. Most of the time it is just cringey or awkward.
Don't get me wrong. Japanese are masters at exploring mundane and quirky situations. Usually, they have an well crafted backdrop where engaging characters live and breathe. Just think of Studio Ghibli productions. This show is the opposite.
I don't want to dismiss this just yet. Netflix knows what they are buying, right? Right?! Here lies the conundrum. A show must hold your attention, otherwise any promise of wonderful things to come will ring hollow. It is not working for this show.
I'm hanging in there, just. I shall watch up to ep.9 and pray to all the drama gods for deliverance. I think I'll need a hug. Peace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear readers, this is not a proper review. More a collection of my thoughts. I do apologise.
After 6 eps I think I have an inkling of what is the theme of this "drama".
Mayhaps, the writer-san wants to explore the notion that Japanese people don't take vacations and if they do, they don't know what to do with themselves.
Hence, our ensemble cast is so inept and takes everything to the extreme. Being drunk and acting silly seems to be a daily goal.
However, this is a bit threadbare for 4.5 hours runtime. Hence the introduction of the supernatural angle. If you think this is a quick fix then you will be disappointed. If anything, it opens up a Pandora's Box.
To wit, their version of the Grim Reaper acts like a spaced out goth country bumpkin(?!). How can he be the Angel of Death?! While every member of the ensemble is in the hyperactive, overacting mode, he is a metaphysical sloth. Why is Chae Jong Hyeop involved with this "drama"? Did he read the script?
If that is not enough, they also added a Sea God in EP.6. He spend all day fishing. Do all the demi-gods come here for a vacay?
Is this someone's vanity project? So much of the plots are like a potpourri of ideas. Random subplots just pops up and then disappears.
It would help if there is a throughline, but I saw none. I'm getting a headache just from trying to decipher if subplots are nonsense or something relevant.
This series could work if it is a total farce, but it isn't. It is more like a collection of unrelated sketches. Moment to moment, can be mildly entertaining. Most of the time it is just cringey or awkward.
Don't get me wrong. Japanese are masters at exploring mundane and quirky situations. Usually, they have an well crafted backdrop where engaging characters live and breathe. Just think of Studio Ghibli productions. This show is the opposite.
I don't want to dismiss this just yet. Netflix knows what they are buying, right? Right?! Here lies the conundrum. A show must hold your attention, otherwise any promise of wonderful things to come will ring hollow. It is not working for this show.
I'm hanging in there, just. I shall watch up to ep.9 and pray to all the drama gods for deliverance. I think I'll need a hug. Peace.
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