Deaths Game : The Rise and Fall of 12 Lives in a Fast Paced Epic

The first 4 episodes were fast paced featuring fantastic action and moments of dark humor. The show carries a powerful message and the screenplay is engaging. Overall the first part was quite impressive.

My main concern is the 12 deaths meaning the main character is reincarnated 12 times. Unfortunately, many of these reincarnations don't get enough screen time, making it hard to connect with those characters. Only Lee Dohyun, Lee Jaewook and Kim Kanghoon's characters stand out as they receive appropriate screen space and their stories unfold at a well paced rhythm allowing for a more profound connection. Considering the 12 deaths allocating a full 45-55 minute episode to each reincarnation could have provided a more convincing portrayal of their stories.

Aside from this, the production quality and acting were exceptional. I especially enjoyed Seo In guk, Park Sodam, Lee Dohyun, Lee Jaewook, Yoo Insoo and Kim Kanghoon's performances.
The CGIs were acceptable though there was room for improvement.

Btw Go Younjung and Lee Dohyun have natural chemistry and i hope to see them together in the future.

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Cozy Blend of Education, Romance & Realism

I simply loved the whole episode. it felt incredibly natural, heartwarming and cozy. The most of focus was on the conflict between the high school teacher and the academy instructor along with Seo Hyejin's student raising an issue about a question with multiple answers yet the small moments and execution of the drama made it a very heartwarming and cozy experience for me.

I liked the issue they raised in ep 1 about multiple choice question having multiple answers. No matter how many times i see how korean schools and students are competitive, it always amazes me to see how they create issues out of small mistakes. I bet if it were my school, teachers would have given one extra mark to all those students who chose either of the two correct answers instead of retaking the exam. But korean schools take them to a whole new level of seriousness lol.

The cinematography lent a realistic touch to the episode with the atmosphere feeling warm and inviting. The interactions between characters were natural and genuine, avoiding any ott moments.

Although there wasnt much screen space for romance and the ML in ep 1 but leads first encounter after years to their meeting at the coffee shop, everything felt so smooth. Their chemistry was so natural, it didnt feel like they were acting but more like they were actually those characters.
I also loved how easygoing the SFL character was. At the instructor's exam hall, her interaction with another fellowmate was really smooth. She was very likable with only one scene in the whole episode. Would like to see her more.

I hope the drama continues to address the various challenges students & instructors face in korea's competitive society while maintaining a balance between romance and educational issues.

Also i loved how the drama gave me vibes of some of my favorite workplace dramas like Misaeng & Black Dog.

Overall ep 1 left me thoroughly satisfied and im excited for what's to come.

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Intriguing Start

Wow, the show is off to a strong start. Ep 1 was intriguing and engaging from beginning to end.

Each character is captivating, but the mother in law definitely stands out as the most interesting. Actress Lee Hye Young steals the first episode along with Kim Hee Sun. I loved Kim Hee Sun's shocked expression at the end while watching the mother in law's dance.

Lee Sena is another character to watch. Her entry scene reminded me of the first meeting between FL and the mistress in TWOTM at the hospital. The revelation of her affair was shocking.
There were several surprising twists and events that made the episode worth watching. Overall they did an excellent job with the first episode.

Besides the acting, i also loved the execution, cinematography and set design. It was perfect for this kind of mystery thriller.

This was one of MBC's upcoming shows that i was most excited about and the first episode did not disappoint. I look forward to the upcoming episodes.

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