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This review may contain spoilers
A Disappointing Descent into Sadism; Wish I could put rewatch value to zero
This series unfortunately falls short of delivering a compelling viewing experience. With so many Major plotholes, this show offers nothing new in terms of plot or character development, instead relying heavily on graphic depictions of torture and the sadistic tendencies of its characters. Some plot twist is there but overall it is based on cruelty and unjustice, based on recycling tropes that we have seen countless times before.
One of the most troubling aspects of "The 8 Show" is its relentless focus on human suffering, much like the "Saw" series. I never actually completed the 'Saw' series as it was wholly based on torture from the very beginning, but this series was a trap. It started with a curious plot but ended up being total nonsense. Only sadistic people can find it enjoyable. When those problematic scenes started, I had to fast-forward to find the end result. That's how I finished the whole series in one day.
A Familiar Game, Played Without Originality
The core plot offers no surprises. We've seen desperate characters pitted against each other in deadly challenges before. The show relies heavily on these well-trodden tropes, neglecting to develop a unique identity.
Major Plot holes
Why didn't they buy food from the main door during the time when the eighth girl stopped giving them food. At the very least, they could have bought drinks. They could have snatched her card in the first place and overruled her throne? i think they were not even aware of all the rules at that time! That was the dumbest plot.
The show could explore a wider range of strategies characters use to survive; For example, the 1st guy's situation highlights a problem. While a life-or-death situation can make people desperate and ruthless, it seems a bit absurd. Why wouldn't he try to buy some precious jewels from the 8th girl's account and sell them later after getting out? He could have at least tried switching floors with himself using the 8th girl's money 🤣😂. By then, it was clear there weren't any rules stopping anyone from doing whatever they wanted. I also think they could have shit in that common room one by one rather than doing it in their own room 🤣 . They could have also make 1st floor as common toilet and share other room together at the first place when there was no such clear conflict. They could have just find out solutions one by one sitting together and I am sure such discussion could also earn them time😖. As people also equally find it amuzing when a group of people try to find solutions to a problem. They used their brain for making soju but not making basic level of comfortness! Totally illogical smh🤦♀️🤦♂️. Furthermore, without proper hygiene maintenance, people could have gotten seriously sick or smelly. Even sitting next to each other would have been a nightmare🤮😶🌫️. Anyone could have bought water and a bathtub with her money, then transferred them to the next three larger floors for everyone to take proper showers (again, lol). At the very least, they should have used her money to make everyone more comfortable. Later time, for self-defense, buying weapons for everyone wouldn't have been a bad idea either🧐. Why they didnt even buy a pair of fresh cloths, I wonder. This much brutality was not necessary when running through stairs can give you extra time, lol🤭. You only had to bring some creativity to extend the stay. And its illogical when normal people finds brutality as creativity 😤😩. Does this drama simply portray a collection of dumb poor people? 🧐🤔😖😠😤The hypocritical fifth lady was weird. She was too soft until episode 6 and then suddenly became ruthless in later episodes. The blind baseball bat beating scene was completely illogical, as anyone could have died even though no deaths were allowed to complete the game. Also, people seemed to heal too quickly without any proper treatment after so much beating. How did the cruel sixth guy even stand up and overcome all the others after being tied up for days with wounded feet🤯?
Character Development Takes a Backseat to Brutality
This overwhelming emphasis on brutality overshadows any potential for meaningful character development or emotional depth. Instead of fleshing out the contestants and their motivations, the show throws them into a gauntlet of violence. The focus on graphic torture and sadistic behavior becomes tiresome quickly. While some may find shock value in the bloodshed, it ultimately feels gratuitous and detracts from any potential character depth. Moreover, the characters themselves are largely one-dimensional, defined primarily by their capacity for cruelty or their roles as victims. This lack of complexity makes it difficult for viewers to form any genuine connection with them. Instead of being invested in their fates, audiences are left feeling alienated and disinterested.
A Disappointing Experience
Unless you're solely interested in graphic violence, "The 8 Show" offers little to recommend itself. The derivative plot and underdeveloped characters fail to captivate, leaving viewers with a hollow and unpleasant experience. I also hated the fact that the totally insane eighth girl got too lucky, while almost everyone else had their fair share of torture, that makes this series more disappointing.
Dark side
Even more troubling is the show's reinforcement of a real-world dynamic: the power of wealth. By constantly placing the characters in situations where ruthlessness is rewarded, 'The 8 Show' implies that those with money and power can bully their way to the top. This reinforces existing societal imbalances where the wealthy and powerful can exploit the less fortunate. The show offers no challenge to this status quo, instead reveling in the humiliation and suffering of those without power. This glorification of bullying tactics can have a negative impact on viewers, potentially desensitizing them to real-world power struggles and the plight of those who are bullied.
Summary
The series seems obsessed with exploring the darkest sides of human nature, often in a gratuitous and sensationalized manner. Scenes of torture and sadistic behavior are not only frequent but are depicted with a level of detail that borders on the voyeuristic.
In a landscape abundant with innovative and heartfelt Korean dramas, "The 8 Show" stands out for all the wrong reasons. Its reliance on shock value and a stale, uninspired plot makes it a tedious and unpleasant watch. For viewers seeking a series with depth, originality, and a compelling storyline, this is not the show to invest your time in. "The 8 Show" serves as a grim reminder that sensationalism without substance rarely results in good entertainment.
Recommendation:
If you're looking for a suspenseful survival drama, look elsewhere. This show might appeal to those who enjoy extreme violence, but for most viewers, it's a skippable entry in the genre.
One of the most troubling aspects of "The 8 Show" is its relentless focus on human suffering, much like the "Saw" series. I never actually completed the 'Saw' series as it was wholly based on torture from the very beginning, but this series was a trap. It started with a curious plot but ended up being total nonsense. Only sadistic people can find it enjoyable. When those problematic scenes started, I had to fast-forward to find the end result. That's how I finished the whole series in one day.
A Familiar Game, Played Without Originality
The core plot offers no surprises. We've seen desperate characters pitted against each other in deadly challenges before. The show relies heavily on these well-trodden tropes, neglecting to develop a unique identity.
Major Plot holes
Why didn't they buy food from the main door during the time when the eighth girl stopped giving them food. At the very least, they could have bought drinks. They could have snatched her card in the first place and overruled her throne? i think they were not even aware of all the rules at that time! That was the dumbest plot.
The show could explore a wider range of strategies characters use to survive; For example, the 1st guy's situation highlights a problem. While a life-or-death situation can make people desperate and ruthless, it seems a bit absurd. Why wouldn't he try to buy some precious jewels from the 8th girl's account and sell them later after getting out? He could have at least tried switching floors with himself using the 8th girl's money 🤣😂. By then, it was clear there weren't any rules stopping anyone from doing whatever they wanted. I also think they could have shit in that common room one by one rather than doing it in their own room 🤣 . They could have also make 1st floor as common toilet and share other room together at the first place when there was no such clear conflict. They could have just find out solutions one by one sitting together and I am sure such discussion could also earn them time😖. As people also equally find it amuzing when a group of people try to find solutions to a problem. They used their brain for making soju but not making basic level of comfortness! Totally illogical smh🤦♀️🤦♂️. Furthermore, without proper hygiene maintenance, people could have gotten seriously sick or smelly. Even sitting next to each other would have been a nightmare🤮😶🌫️. Anyone could have bought water and a bathtub with her money, then transferred them to the next three larger floors for everyone to take proper showers (again, lol). At the very least, they should have used her money to make everyone more comfortable. Later time, for self-defense, buying weapons for everyone wouldn't have been a bad idea either🧐. Why they didnt even buy a pair of fresh cloths, I wonder. This much brutality was not necessary when running through stairs can give you extra time, lol🤭. You only had to bring some creativity to extend the stay. And its illogical when normal people finds brutality as creativity 😤😩. Does this drama simply portray a collection of dumb poor people? 🧐🤔😖😠😤The hypocritical fifth lady was weird. She was too soft until episode 6 and then suddenly became ruthless in later episodes. The blind baseball bat beating scene was completely illogical, as anyone could have died even though no deaths were allowed to complete the game. Also, people seemed to heal too quickly without any proper treatment after so much beating. How did the cruel sixth guy even stand up and overcome all the others after being tied up for days with wounded feet🤯?
Character Development Takes a Backseat to Brutality
This overwhelming emphasis on brutality overshadows any potential for meaningful character development or emotional depth. Instead of fleshing out the contestants and their motivations, the show throws them into a gauntlet of violence. The focus on graphic torture and sadistic behavior becomes tiresome quickly. While some may find shock value in the bloodshed, it ultimately feels gratuitous and detracts from any potential character depth. Moreover, the characters themselves are largely one-dimensional, defined primarily by their capacity for cruelty or their roles as victims. This lack of complexity makes it difficult for viewers to form any genuine connection with them. Instead of being invested in their fates, audiences are left feeling alienated and disinterested.
A Disappointing Experience
Unless you're solely interested in graphic violence, "The 8 Show" offers little to recommend itself. The derivative plot and underdeveloped characters fail to captivate, leaving viewers with a hollow and unpleasant experience. I also hated the fact that the totally insane eighth girl got too lucky, while almost everyone else had their fair share of torture, that makes this series more disappointing.
Dark side
Even more troubling is the show's reinforcement of a real-world dynamic: the power of wealth. By constantly placing the characters in situations where ruthlessness is rewarded, 'The 8 Show' implies that those with money and power can bully their way to the top. This reinforces existing societal imbalances where the wealthy and powerful can exploit the less fortunate. The show offers no challenge to this status quo, instead reveling in the humiliation and suffering of those without power. This glorification of bullying tactics can have a negative impact on viewers, potentially desensitizing them to real-world power struggles and the plight of those who are bullied.
Summary
The series seems obsessed with exploring the darkest sides of human nature, often in a gratuitous and sensationalized manner. Scenes of torture and sadistic behavior are not only frequent but are depicted with a level of detail that borders on the voyeuristic.
In a landscape abundant with innovative and heartfelt Korean dramas, "The 8 Show" stands out for all the wrong reasons. Its reliance on shock value and a stale, uninspired plot makes it a tedious and unpleasant watch. For viewers seeking a series with depth, originality, and a compelling storyline, this is not the show to invest your time in. "The 8 Show" serves as a grim reminder that sensationalism without substance rarely results in good entertainment.
Recommendation:
If you're looking for a suspenseful survival drama, look elsewhere. This show might appeal to those who enjoy extreme violence, but for most viewers, it's a skippable entry in the genre.
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