After finishing the first part of "Death`s Game," I find myself with mixed feelings about the series. On one hand, it attempts to tackle profound themes of life, death, and redemption, but on the other, it falls short in several critical areas, making it hard to fully embrace its narrative.


Choi Yi-Jae`s journey is compelling in parts. His gradual realization of his past mistakes and attempts to rectify them provide some emotional depth. Each reincarnation offers a new perspective, adding layers to his character, which kept me somewhat engaged.


The show does not shy away from asking difficult questions about life and mortality. It makes you think about the value of life and the impact of one's choices, which is commendable. The philosophical undertones, though not always executed perfectly, add a layer of complexity to the narrative.


The visual elements are notable. The dark, moody aesthetic fits the show's themes well. The transitions between life and death scenes have a surreal quality that enhances the storytelling.


One of the most problematic aspects of "Death's Game" is its approach to the subject of suicide. The show seems to promote the harmful idea that one should feel guilty for contemplating suicide because it would hurt others. This rhetoric is not only oversimplified but also potentially damaging. It suggests that one's worth is tied to the pain their death would cause, rather than addressing the individual's mental health and intrinsic value.


While the show has its strong moments, it is often bogged down by plot twists that seem more for shock value than narrative coherence. The reincarnations, such as the baby and the prisoner, felt more like sensationalist elements rather than meaningful contributions to the story. These twists sometimes detract from the emotional impact rather than enhancing it.


Despite Choi Yi-Jae's character development, I found it difficult to connect emotionally with him or any other characters. The relationships, particularly between Yi-Jae and his girlfriend, felt generic and lacked depth. This emotional disconnect made it hard to invest in their journeys.


The special effects often looked cheap, and the dialogue occasionally bordered on the comic book-y. This detracted from the show's serious tone and made it difficult to take certain scenes seriously. While adaptations from webtoons can be challenging, the transition to live-action here felt clunky and unpolished.


The show's tone feels ungrounded and all over the place. At times it aims for deep, philosophical reflections, while at others, it resorts to sensational twists and melodrama. This inconsistency makes it hard to discern what the show truly wants to be.


The acting was another weak point. Despite the cast being visually appealing, their performances often fell flat. The emotional scenes, in particular, lacked the punch needed to make the audience feel connected to the characters' plights.


By the end of the first season, "Death's Game" left me with a sense of unfulfilled potential. It had the ingredients for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant series but failed to blend them effectively. The show tries to tackle deep themes but stumbles in its execution, resulting in a series that is neither as deep nor as engaging as it aims to be.

If you're looking for a show that challenges you to think deeply about life and death, "Death's Game" may offer some moments of reflection. However, its problematic approach to suicide, inconsistent tone, and lackluster execution make it a difficult recommendation. I give "Death's Game" a 5.5 out of 10, acknowledging its ambition but also its significant flaws.