Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow
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This review may contain spoilers
Eager start, underwhelming end
Watch with lower expectations for this second half. An enjoyable watch with great bromance, impressive animations and usual plot progression. It is not as filled with filler episodes as the first season.Now the following is my rant (spoiler), and warning to those who expect more out of Naksu's character in this season
I came into this second part ready to be equally impressed as the story went forth. The characters, the world, the plot was all laid out and I was excited for what it would bring.
I was also eager to see how the original Naksu actress would showcase the character we so enjoyed watching played by Jung Somin
...and I was disappointed. I feel like while we got the satisfying story end, and decent plot progression, the sole reason many, like myself, started this drama, namely Naksu's complex and strong character, just disappeared.
After 7 painstaking episodes, and telling myself it's because she lacks those memories, I received a Knight in Shining Armor trope and disappointing transiting to Naksu's character. The ending chaos or Part 1 was the last I would ever see of Naksu's character in action.
I loved learning about her outside of that assassin persona, but I yearned for her strength and courage to come forth. Alas....I got the same trope the writers of this drama use again and again with their previous works. To explain it, all I got was a short explanation at the end...sigh
I give it an 8 for the bickering I definitely enjoyed and its build up from its predecessor. But as for impressive...I think only Part 1 managed to charm me and keep me going :/
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GENERAL GIST:
Unlike King's Avatar and Love O2O, this drama surprisingly puts a realistic perspective to what happens behind the scenes in E-sports. In addition to its romantic aspect, it delves into the bonds and friendships in players of teams in this sport. Furthermore there is the focus on the hardships they face in being part of an industry that has grown over the years.
STORY:
There were a lot of shocks and I'd say the development wasn't complete in many instances. I was hoping for more development on some parts of the story which they tended to skip to instead. However overall, it builds well and ends well.
ACTING/CAST:
If you're someone that looks for good acting and good chemistry in the main couple as well as the side characters, you've come to the right drama. In addition to looking great, the characters worked well together. From the very matches in the games, the players communicating as they played, to the main leads building their relationship, it flows well in my opinion.
MUSIC:
I usually don't tend to focus much on music, and I think most times the C-dramas I watch don't focus much on this aspect. So in this case, its at a minimal and used when needed - doesn't interfere with too many important parts.
REWATCH VALUE:
I honestly don't know but I'd say I might rewatch this in the future? But its 35 episodes that are 40 minutes each. And they end on many suspenses. So personally I would take a full day of binging for this.
OVERALL:
I love a great chemistry in the Main couple. And I love ones that seem so natural you understand and relate, as well as understanding the story as a whole. The villains weren't too much, and for an overdramatic person like me this drama seemed perfect because I love going on about side characters and interference.
Nonetheless, I'd anyday recommend this drama, even if you're not an E-sports or video game kind of person. This drama makes life simpler for you and following through with what goes on is pretty easy too ^^
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Not only does it have 3 strong female leads, their individual relationships as well as the way their actions intertwine is absolutely amazing. You don't have things focused on one entire couple, nor do you have too much screen time on just the male leads.
You have three stories. Three empowering experiences.
The injustice, the tension in their conflicts, it all builds up and makes the watcher nervous themselves. I was amazed at how intricate and well filmed everything has been, and I applaud the chemistry that has evolved between all of the cast.
TB to their dissing moments, and I definitely recommend this drama, as in my opinion it showcases a different style, and different view to the world of work.
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