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Critic’s Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
3.5
Episode 7 of Pachinko Season 2 delivered a whirlwind of plot developments, sparking significant shifts for nearly every character involved.
The pacing of the episode created a sensation of disorientation, as viewers were rapidly whisked between various storylines and time periods.
While this fast-paced structure may have been essential for covering the substantial content within an hour, at times it felt more like a highlight reel rather than a fully fleshed-out chapter in the overarching narrative.
(Apple TV+)
Noa’s Off To College
The community gathered in celebration to bid farewell to Noa before he embarks on his college journey. A touching detail emerged as Sunja’s mother unabashedly enjoyed a generous amount of sake, humorously contrasting her earlier attempts at restraint. It’s been a long time coming for her to revel in this moment.
Mozasu delivered a humorous callback, quipping, “Today, I get to be served first!” His stylish outfit, reminiscent of a ’50s aesthetic, earned him recognition for his fashion choices as well.
Yet, the gathering was not entirely joyous. Koh materialized in style, presenting Noa with a gold watch he had previously gifted Sunja—a relic that haplessly appears during moments of despair.
Despite the festivities, a fleeting connection between Sunja and Koh caught Noa’s attention. His expression remained stoic, but his eyes revealed that he had taken note of the moment, hinting at an awareness of undercurrents that might warrant further exploration.
Naomi’s Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
In a poignant scene at Naomi’s workplace, the complexities of her character were artfully unveiled.
The audience witnessed her meticulous attention to detail as she verified figures on a business deal, emphasizing the diligence she upholds as both a professional and a woman navigating a challenging corporate landscape.
This foundational quality made the claim against her for disclosing confidential client details even more heart-wrenching, despite its validity in this instance.
Amidst her employer and Tom outlining their takeover of her project, Naomi managed to maintain her composure while rebuffing the narrative that she was a poor employee and a negative example for her female colleagues.
While defending herself, she articulated the impossibility of maintaining perfection indefinitely, mirroring a previous conversation with Solomon about her struggles between duty and personal desire.
Naomi expressed frustration at her boss’s refusal to allow her a chance at redemption, particularly when other colleagues had been afforded second chances.
Ultimately dismissed, her retort, “For whom?” resonated powerfully, marking a moment of defiance.
You go, girl (just remember to clear your desk before leaving)!
Mozasu’s Truly Excellent Evening
Amidst a backdrop of resilience among the characters, Mozasu’s unexpected outburst aimed at his uncle provided one of the episode’s most striking moments.
The family hosted a more subdued farewell gathering for Noa, which unfolded pleasantly until Yoseb interrupted with his typical complaints, bypassing even commendations for Kyunghee’s cooking.
Mozasu’s declaration, “How long are we all going to live like this?” acted as a catalyst for change, highlighting his impatience with a stagnant situation overshadowed by his uncle’s negativity.
Notably, Mozasu articulated his self-assuredness in distinguishing himself from Noa, free from jealousy or defensiveness, a trait that evokes admiration.
Encouraging his uncle to join an outing, Mozasu facilitated a rare outing for Yoseb, marking a pivotal moment of liberation as they attended a baseball game together.
Yoseb’s engagement with the game offered a glimpse of new beginnings, showcasing a shift in his long-standing reclusive tendencies.
This episode highlighted Mozasu’s depth beyond comic relief; he reclaimed his value within the family dynamic.
Mr. Kim’s Rollercoaster Of An Afternoon
Koh confronted Mr. Kim’s resolve to leave his life in Osaka for the cause in Korea, a reality that unsettled Koh yet was accepted after one last request from him.
At home, Mr. Kim revealed his intentions to join the fight. To Yoseb’s shock, he astonishingly offered Mr. Kim his blessing to pursue a romantic relationship with Kyunghee.
This revelation triggered an internal conflict for Mr. Kim, as he faced the dilemma of aligning his life’s purpose with a personal desire he had silently cherished.
Yet, when Mr. Kim approached Kyunghee, her refusal came as a disappointment, overshadowed by the complexities stemming from their past encounters and her commitments.
Her reaction felt somewhat dramatic given the character evolutions witnessed thus far, complicating their destinies in a rather unusual manner.
The lighting during their encounter added a layer of intrigue, evoking questions about its symbolic significance.
All That And More
Despite the abundance of events, the episode cleverly integrated several unexpected developments.
Koh’s shocking involvement in his father-in-law’s death, along with the emerging ties with previously believed rivals, turned the narrative on its head.
Furthermore, Sunja grappled with revelations regarding Kato’s wartime actions, leading to a confrontation with Mozasu over perceived double standards in their relationships.
The episode successfully maneuvered numerous narrative complexities, raising questions about upcoming resolutions with only a single hour remaining in the series.
What were your thoughts on the intricate twists in this episode? How do you foresee the conclusion unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Source
www.tvfanatic.com