Episode Guide
Episode 1 – 4/5 Episode 2 – 3.5/5 Episode 3 – 3.5/5 Episode 4 – 4/5 Episode 5 – 4/5 Episode 6 – 3.5/5 Episode 7 – 4/5
Since the pandemic has hit, we’ve seen a number of different broadcasters clamber over themselves to try and shove COVID into their storylines. From Grey’s Anatomy to This Is Us, the west has been particularly virulent (no pun intended) with depicting this. Inconsistent mask wearing, on-the-nose dialogue and patronizing characterization that’s only worked to show who the real talented scriptwriters are. Han Sang-Woon is a name you should probably remember going forward. Since the pandemic has hit, we’ve seen a number of different broadcasters clamber over themselves to try and shove COVID into their storylines. From Grey’s Anatomy to This Is Us, the west has been particularly virulent (no pun intended) with depicting this. Inconsistent mask wearing, on-the-nose dialogue and patronizing characterization that’s only worked to show who the real talented scriptwriters are. Han Sang-Woon is one writer you should definitely remember going forward because he consistently depicts COVID in an accurate and interesting way. ..
Happiness is a well-crafted horror/drama hybrid that perfectly captures the human condition during a pandemic. It’s an excellent example of our heightened paranoia, distrust and fear of others. You should definitely give this film a chance. ..
As the world awaits the results of a COVID study that has been ongoing for months, Koreans are left to worry about what the future holds. With so many unknowns, it’s hard to know who to trust and who to avoid.
The virus spreads through bites and scratches, as well as taking the pills. It’s quite straight forward in truth, although Happiness does take a while to explain how all of this works. To its credit, this actually makes Happiness that much more unpredictable.
Netflix’s “Sweet Home” is set in a complex, Seyang Forest Le Ciel, which is populated by a whole bunch of other characters whom we learn more about as the season progresses.
The story of this block is interesting because it shows the different reactions of the people who live there. Sae-Bom and Yi-Hyun are trying to find a vaccine, but the real story is about the different people who live in this block and how they are reacting to the news. ..
The show’s main focus is on the characters and their struggles, but it also provides a unique perspective on the city. Each episode is packed with action and revelations, making for an exciting and engaging read.
The lockdown is announced and Min-Ji can’t find her way out. She’s worried her husband will find out and kill her. Sang-Hee comes out from under the bed and tells Min-Ji that she’s the one who called the lockdown. The doctor then comes in and they all go back to their beds.
The “pretty” mistress winds up becoming the ugliest character of the trio while Joo-Hyeong becomes ever-more pathetic as the season progresses - a far cry from the confident and opportunistic crook he begins as. ..
The Building Rep, Yeon-Ok, and her religious husband Woo-Chang have their own story to tell. Seo-Yoon and her infected mother Eun-Ji have a more sentimental edge. I won’t go into specifics but part of the joy here is seeing how all these residents interact and deal with the outbreak together – or against one another. ..
The finale of “Stranger Things” feels rushed and incomplete. The show is only 12 episodes long, so the final chapter feels like it’s rushed to a finish. All the big storylines are wrapped up in a neat bow, but the ending feels too hurried.
Happiness is a well-made, underrated K-drama that is easily one of the best examples of the human condition and how one deals with a high-pressure situation like an outbreak. For that alone, it’s worth checking out. ..
