A decent show

The Eighth Sense is a good BL series with convincing leads exuding enough chemistry to make them likeable, wonderful portrayal of raw emotions, great representation of all kinds of people you may bump into in real life, marvelous cinematography and feel-good music but lots of things are amiss, especially the first half. I feel like this show had two different screenwriters: One for the first 5 episodes and the second for the last half, who arguably does a much better job than the former.

The first 5 episodes are just terribly paced and awfully pieced together. Sometimes stuff just happens because of... conveniences. I know fans of the shows do not like negative aspects pointed out, but literally in just the first chapter, two main characters come together after endless coincidences, not because they actively seek one another to build a relationship. Their connection is practically handed to them on the faith platter, therefore I do not feel attached to them at first. As the two main protagonists form a bond, a crack in that bond also begins to show. Normally, some sort of icebreaker are presented to reconnect the two but nope. They are just back in each other's arm for no discernible reason. It's like you blink once and you suddenly miss an entire hidden episode of reconciliation. And have I mentioned the editing? Tons of horrible cuts both in terms of visual and audio that make you want to scratch your eyes out. It's just so frustrating to suffer through them.

Luckily, the final 5 episodes are a lot more enjoyable. Somewhere in the middle, there is a well delivered breaking point and from then on, all main and most side characters are more fleshed out, the banters between them sound much more witty and sensical with the stake of emotion is at a higher level than before. Character developments are on point, even the ones considered antagonistic get their redemption arcs as well. Remember the icebreaker I talked about earlier? A new conflict is raised and so is the icebreaker. It finally presents itself to make the story and the protagonist grow in a more positive light. Camera shots are far more stable, subtle in a good way compared to the first half of the show and more importantly, no more abruptly chopped up sequences. Story progression is smoother than ever and man, does it put a smile on me.

Mental illness is one of the main focus points in the show and I'm glad the film makers handle it well. It affects the connection between the two leads and it really shows how the past would continue to rot you from inside out if you keep letting it. Speaking of leads, they are simply great in displaying passionate affection and not being afraid of any kinds of judgment from people around them. When they are together, be it basking under the sunlight by the ocean, or cuddling on bed in the dark of night, they shine really bright as a couple. I also appreciate Korean actors for actually kissing instead of lips pecking, truly persuading the audience that they are in love. The show ends on a high note, in the most realistic way possible, that they do not promise to be with one another forever like in a fairy tale, but embrace the uncertainty and still march into the future together all the while cherishing every happy moment.

All in all, one of the better Korean series I have watched so far. The cast has great potential and I hope to see them again in future projects with more refined technical aspects.

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