Connect

Just finished the show. Originally, I was looking forward to watching this as the cast of this one is really promising. The fact that it's a Disney+ original added another alluring feel to it.

However, it was a disappointment.

The acting was okay, but the storyline felt lackluster and incomplete; it had potential but something was definitely missing. The visuals were great though, some of the scenes were mesmerizing. But the lack of depth and character development was glaring. I wish the writers had done a better job with the plot.

They could have added more twists and turns and made it more interesting. It felt like the story was barely touched upon in the time given and could have been a lot more enjoyable if the writers had gone a little bit deeper into the characters and the story. All in all, it was okay, but nothing extraordinary.

I didn't have a high expectation for this show, but based on the trailers and the big names, I thought this would be an interesting show. However, It was actually more than what I was expecting. First, CGI is surprisingly well done. CGI on TV shows in general has a certain generic quality, but this show certainly surpassed the bar, and has convincing quality. The story is also very unique and well scripted. It shows more complicated story with deeper layers.

The downside is as some pointed out, it looks like it's rushed, or shorten the overall story. I felt there are at least two episodes missing. One between episode 3 and 4 and another one between 5 and 6. Also special effects have a wide room for improvement. They seemed to have focused on CGI a lot, but focused less on props such as severed limbs and blood.

I think people are giving this show lower ratings because of its gory scenes. I know not everyone has a stomach for it, but in my opinion, we actually saw less of Takashi Miike and more of Kdrama. Hope I can see more of Takashi Miike on season 2 if there is.

I watched Connect on Hulu in one sitting, as I had planned to - it was a much awaited Jung Hae In series.

Jung Hae In's acting as an isolated and bullied humanoid, who still retains hope and innocence was excellent, to the point of heartbreaking in some scenes. The way he controlled that one eye, and his body to show loss of perspective made me think - "so, this is how one eyed pirates of Hollywood should have played it." The slanting slouch that he assumed to convey his lowly stature in society was remarkable - contrast it with how Lim Soo Hoo of Snowdrop carries himself, or the lilting, half dancing step of Jun Hee in SITR . The utter loneliness and invisibility of the urban outsider, is clearly a main theme that both the director and Jung Hae In want us to see and take away.

What surprised me though was how the overall graphic novel like aesthetics and color palette, invites the viewer in, and makes even the most gruesome scenes watchable. It somehow conveys that the director is somewhere close by, and we needn't be too scared. All kudoes to Director Miike who takes us to the brink of the macabre and then quickly pulls us back to the everyday world.

While the story pits Ha Dong Soo who resists using his super power against a pathetic Oh Jin Seopp who craves to be immortalized, there are other contrasts that are delicately presented. Yi Rang and Dong Soo are Connect, but they are not really alike. Yi Rang, the Connect is in some ways similar to the human Jin Seopp, in that both believe in their own superiority. Dong Soo on the other hand is akin to Detective Choi who understands him, and his vulnerability. His art is healing, and endears him to the musician Z. It seems to me that these are Director Miike's metaphors for contradictions in today's polarized world. Like the red tendrils that are the motif of the show, these interplays run through each episode and foreshadow further development in Season 2.

Kim Hye Joon plays the role of the confident Lee Yi Rang impressively - she is strong, smart and ambitious, and unfettered. And, she does it without overshadowing Ha Dong So who is outwardly diffident. Go Kyung Pyo is an actor I like a lot from Reply 1988 and Strongest Delivery Man. But the way he played the psychopath didn't strike any fear in me, must be because the previous images are still strong in my mind.

Choices that didn't work for me: 1. Too much air time for the organ hunters trope. Time that could have been used to strengthen the backstory and depth of the main characters, or to introduce the pharma company- they would have added menace, and more intrigue for Season 2.

2. It is logical and biological for I Rang and Dong Soo to reach for each other. However, the whole scene seemed half-hearted on the part of the director, and the actors.

3. I honestly did not understand the point of Gideun. He may well be a Season 2 foreshadow.

All these are minor issues. So my overall rating is 9/10.

It's worth watching this series for two things. Firstly the special effects and unusual powers are fascinating and different - he can heal and won't die but isn't extra strong. Secondly the usually sweet Jung Hae In in such a horror sci fi setting does a great job. Can feel his pain. The villain played by Go Kyung Pyo is quite effective as well. There are a few faults. The violence could have been toned down - it's a bit sickening. Secondly it's not over yet. When is Season 2? Thirdly it actually seems rushed in that some connecting explanatory scenes seem to be lacking. This is one of the few series that should have been longer. I felt I had to guess what happend sometimes. But at least it wasn't draggy.

While the story sounds extremely intriguing, something about the execution of this show didn't work out for me. After a couple episodes, it was sometimes a drag to keep watching. It's not a bad show at all, but it definitely did not leave me longing for more. It's good quality but of the recent K-Dramas I've watched, this one is certainly the weakest.

That's all I wanted to say, but I have to stretch it out a little more since the required characters are not filled yet. I am glad this show was made, as it has quite a few nice touches and unique elements. I do not regret watching it, neither would I easily recommend it.