After struggling to find something I was actually interested in watching, I came across this new Korean Drama series The 8 Show. I was in the mood for something dark, so this was what I went with. It took me 2-3 days to finish this 8-episode series and I’m still trying to take it all in. I’m going to do my best to break down my likes and dislikes for this one, since it has been a while since I’ve discussed Streaming series like this.
“Eight individuals trapped in a mysterious 8-story building participate in a tempting but dangerous game show where they earn money as time passes.”
A Quick Synopsis
The contestants for The 8 Show all have one thing in common, a better reason to live and/ or a financial boost. Each contestant each is picked up by a limousine and dropped off to a mysterious location. Once inside, they are given rules and an opportunity to leave, if they choose not to participate. They are to choose a numbered card, which would later be their room number, and essentially determine how they earn money within the game.
My Favorite Things:
- The initial rules of the game and how it was meant to be played.
- When the participants figured things out and they worked together to help their time spent there, for a while (until things went off the rails).
- Classical music that was used for more intense moments. It was a welcome contrast to the dark backdrop.
- It was like Squid Game but less gore. So, it was easy, in my opinion, to follow the characters and focus more on what was going on.
- Numbers 2 and 3 were my favorites.
My Least Favorite Things:
- Started off very slow, not quite sure where things were going for a while.
- After getting to know the “main character” in episode 1. We don’t get any background information on any of the other characters until the last 2 episodes.
- The more sexual/ perverted parts came in at random, and it was difficult, for me, to see where they were coming from.
- The ending left a bit of a cliffhanger, and lots of questions. What happened to the other contestants?
BUT… If they decided to do a second season and go more in depth with the characters post The 8 Show, and maybe lead us to who was actually behind all of it, then I would be here for it. Or, even if they focus a bit more on number 7, and the script he was working on, I would be cool with that too. I’m just saying *shrugs*
Final Thoughts!
Overall, though, it is not one of my favorites. I may need to re-watch this series because I feel like I missed a lot of the deeper meaning(s) behind the overall plot and character dynamics. I let the things I didn’t like about the series, steer me from really paying attention. I’m still not quite sure who I would recommend this to or how, but I’m sure if you are into storylines that have deeper-rooted meaning about society, then this may be the one for you.
Also, if you’re a fan of Squid Game and shows (or manga/ webtoons) similar to that then you may enjoy it as well. And for those of you want to watch something like this, without the same amount of violence as Squid Game and Alice in Borderland, then definitely check this one out. There is violence but it’s not constant and they don’t show everything.
Check out my other K-Drama Reviews on Shows similar to this one below!
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