Beebom Score
There’s a new show streaming on Netflix dubbed ‘The 8 Show’ and it seems a lot like Squid Game in the trailers, so if you are skeptical about whether you should watch it or skip it, this review might help you decide.
The 8 Show starts with the main protagonist, portrayed by Ryu Jeon Yeol, who is chased by the debt collectors day and night. Just when he is about to climb off a bridge, he receives a message on his mobile stating, “1,000,000 Won deposited the time that you have given up.” After that, he is taken to an unknown location in a white car. Reaching there, he learns he has been given a chance to participate in a game called ‘The 8 Show’ and earn millions of Won. However, he had no idea that his life would be a rollercoaster following this decision.
A Storyline That Could Have Been Utilized Better
The 8 Show started as an intriguing Netflix original series, but eventually, it made me feel that despite the gripping storyline, the creators failed to use the resources mindfully. The pacing is a bit odd, as since the start, the series has been marketed as a dark comedy show, but neither does it feel dark until the sixth episode, nor can it impress anyone with its low-key humor.
To be honest, someone who lacks patience cannot bear this Korean show for too long. The show lacks depth, and things don’t pick up until Episode 6. We see things getting brutal in the final act, but even then, it doesn’t make up for the boredom that I felt in the first five episodes. I honestly feel that a survival game show like this shouldn’t be low on brutality. Alice in Borderland and Squid Game are examples of a perfect survival game show. And even though The 8 Show makes you feel that it is following the same pattern as Squid Game, it is way different, or should I say, way boring.
Several scenes of violence don’t make any sense. For instance, after finding out that 1F was the one who attacked 4F and 6F at night to extend the time, 6F took out the gun to kill him. However, 8F attacks him with the taser gun. Well, that scene wasn’t needed at all, the silly girl didn’t have any reason for doing that; in fact, she does that just for the thrill.
Above all, what makes the audience watch a long TV series are the relatable characters. But The 8 Show didn’t allow us to connect to any character as it lacks emotional depth. Honestly, 1F’s motivation to turn greedy at the end made sense, but we didn’t get to connect with the character since the beginning, so his story failed to leave an impact on us.
The 8 Show Comes with the Dumbest Characters
Undoubtedly, the Netflix darkedy eight-episodic series features some of the most celebrated Korean personalities, including the gorgeous Chun Woo-Hee. However, the fictional characters these celebrities portray are way too dumb for the audience to handle. 3F doesn’t seem like the protagonist due to his weak personality throughout the series, and 8F (Chun Woo-Hee) never leaves an opportunity to irritate us with her annoying persona. Apart from them, 5F can be influenced by anyone within seconds, and 6F doesn’t take a thoughtful minute before reacting to anything.
However, where credit’s due, the amazing actors have brilliantly portrayed all the characters. There were times when I actually felt bad for the ones living in the lower rooms because of the torture they were going through. On the other hand, the players on the higher floors looked like real-life devils who should rot in hell. So, I would say I don’t have anything to crib on in terms of acting.
Should You Watch The 8 Show?
If you are someone who wants to watch a survival game series like Squid Game or Alice in Borderland without thinking too much, you can very well give The 8 Show a shot. That being said, if for someone who doesn’t get much free time and wants to utilize it on a show that is great, I’d say that it’s better to skip this one. Instead, spend your precious time watching another shows on the streaming platform that are worthy of your time.
Aparna Ukil
