I don’t think I have ever been so angry or upset over a TV series, as I am with Part 2 of Alchemy of Souls. What on earth were the famous sisters’ writing team thinking?

I will say that the special effects were top notch as usual. Of course, Part 1 was splendid in every way. So, why get a new female lead in - out of nowhere? Why? Removing the main female character played by Jung So-min, who was incredibly essential through out the entire first part … and who stole the show again and again with her fabulous acting, was simply abominable. Jung So-min’s character had wit, energy, determination, and great humour. Because So-Min is a fabulous actor., she stole every scene along with her co-partner Lee Jae Wook - and they played off each other perfectly. He was wonderful, of course, as always. They clicked. Chemistry.

You could tell they were really enjoying their roles. It was fabulous. The acting (of most of the cast members) was extremely good in Part 1 as well; the story was strong; the magical effects were amazing, and it had everything that was needed to be greatly entertained, and yet involved and, also, often touched by the passions, horrors, hatred and love in every way. I loved every second of Part 1.

When I heard that Jung So-min “might” not be returning in Part 2, I was immediately upset and irritated. A whole lot of “maybe, maybe not” nonsense came out, that was offensive to viewers and which was pitched again and again. What kind of games were the writers and producers playing with avid watchers of Part 1? Surely Jung SO-Min would be back!

Not so. Apparently they had decided that Nasku (played by a younger actress, Go Woon Jung) would take over the lead female role. Why on earth would they totally drop Jung So-min? They removed a fantastic actress and a fabulously written character right out of the story? Why? Except for weak hints in Part 2 … which I will not go into, as it might be seen as leaking information, nothing is really offered. It is as if Mu Deok had never existed in Part 1. Either way the wonderful actress as a main lead was gone.

And who did they add?

They added a character who meanders around after Uk, sulking, mooning about, and being very very dull. This young actor’s facial expressions are set mainly into a pursed lip of “wondering” and “unhappiness” or something vague that was incredibly irritating. Again … what were the writers thinking? No strong actress here. I wanted Mu Deok back immediately! I missed her completely.

I felt NO passion between these two leads in Part 2. None. Zip. Nada. Even Lee Jae Wook couldn’t show a pretended “love with deep passion” connection with his co-actor. At the end when they are trying very hard to look in “love,” it was cringemaking. Like wooden puppets. It was as awful as the goofy bizarre ending with a cat as big as an elephant suddenly appearing. But that is something else. Seriously...was that a hint of a part 3? Was that supposed to be a promise for more action in a Part 3?

I will not be watching Part 3 if the amazing Jung So-Min does not return, that’s for sure. This unjustified replacement of the wonderful character Mu Deok is so so frustrating. They chose an actress that looked a wee bit like Jung So Min. And younger. But not strong at all in the part. No passion. No intelligence and quick thinking. Little or weak humour. Dull.

A Bad Bad decision. Big Big Let Down.