"Goblin" -- Melancholy, Touching, Funny
"Goblin" is an often funny show, which is something of a miracle given the dramatic backstory that informs it. A centuries-old immortal cursed to wander the earth until his bride can pull a sword from his chest isn't exactly light fare, but the series finds humor in the everyday absurdities of its supernatural premise.
What makes the show work are the charming character interactions. The bickering roommate dynamic between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper is delightful. The playful push and pull between the Goblin and his bride crackles with warmth. Even supporting characters like the restaurant owner add texture to the world. These relationships are the show's strongest asset, and the writers clearly know it.
The more relaxed approach to moving the plot forward, however, may be tough for some viewers. Extended episode runtimes only amplify this issue. There are stretches, particularly in the middle of the series, when it feels like little happens. The show lingers in moments of domestic calm or comedic banter when the narrative momentum could use a push forward.
A bigger issue I have with the show is the fuzziness of its magic system. The use of reincarnation can feel a little arbitrary at times. Characters return when the story needs them to, but the rules governing who gets reincarnated and why are unclear at times. This also flows into who retains their memories, as well as which memories they retain.
That said, I genuinely like the twists in the last five or six episodes. The revelations change the dynamic of the character relations in meaningful ways, adding weight to interactions that once felt purely comedic or romantic. The more dramatic second half often pays off the investment viewers made in the characters during the first half. Watching these relationships deepen and strain under the pressure of destiny is rewarding. I particularly enjoyed the darkness of the last episode, even if the ending is controversial for some viewers.
Despite its narrative unevenness, "Goblin" remains an emotionally impactful show, full of humor, heart, and pathos. If you can tolerate a slower pace and some hand-waving around the mythology, there's a lot to enjoy here. The show succeeds on the strength of its characters and their relationships, and that's ultimately what lingers after the credits roll.
What makes the show work are the charming character interactions. The bickering roommate dynamic between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper is delightful. The playful push and pull between the Goblin and his bride crackles with warmth. Even supporting characters like the restaurant owner add texture to the world. These relationships are the show's strongest asset, and the writers clearly know it.
The more relaxed approach to moving the plot forward, however, may be tough for some viewers. Extended episode runtimes only amplify this issue. There are stretches, particularly in the middle of the series, when it feels like little happens. The show lingers in moments of domestic calm or comedic banter when the narrative momentum could use a push forward.
A bigger issue I have with the show is the fuzziness of its magic system. The use of reincarnation can feel a little arbitrary at times. Characters return when the story needs them to, but the rules governing who gets reincarnated and why are unclear at times. This also flows into who retains their memories, as well as which memories they retain.
That said, I genuinely like the twists in the last five or six episodes. The revelations change the dynamic of the character relations in meaningful ways, adding weight to interactions that once felt purely comedic or romantic. The more dramatic second half often pays off the investment viewers made in the characters during the first half. Watching these relationships deepen and strain under the pressure of destiny is rewarding. I particularly enjoyed the darkness of the last episode, even if the ending is controversial for some viewers.
Despite its narrative unevenness, "Goblin" remains an emotionally impactful show, full of humor, heart, and pathos. If you can tolerate a slower pace and some hand-waving around the mythology, there's a lot to enjoy here. The show succeeds on the strength of its characters and their relationships, and that's ultimately what lingers after the credits roll.
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