ricdesan

This starts as one of the grandest shows on sport and humanity and a poignant reminder on fortitude. Hee-do played by an awe inspiring Kim Tae-ri is the heart of this story in so many ways. We journey with her through the world of Olympic fencing in one of the best sport based shows every done.

This spitfire leads us through all the facets of being a young gifted athlete and human with aspirations in everything she does and everyone she knows and is close to. Its warm, funny and a high energy story that reels so sweetly through the memory of everyone who has been young and matured to recall it so fondly. We fall in love with her just like Nam Joo-hyuk as Baek Yi-jin does and treasure all that entails.

As Hee-do evolves with all the ups and downs that are a part of that process, the show runners spin a near perfect tale of courage and fortitude at every turn. The great supporting cast is a huge part of this and they all bring their own bravery to the fore. Hope is never lost.

But in that hope, is where this slice of inspiration goes south. As each of the two main leads here are tested in believable ways and the bonds of caring are stressed is where the show sours. It sours in such a way as to almost compromise its integrity.

Throughout these lives of courage one character becomes an uncharacteristic coward. Having watched more than 100 Kdramas I am unable to recall any that jump the shark quite this bad at the end. I grieve for what should have been and seemed naturally likely. I write this insight only after the third time watching the show. Perhaps that says more than enough in that I love the first three quarters of this SO much that I would be willing to be crushed so heavily at the end.

Yes the resolution is a real life like betrayal, but could have been better done in a myriad of ways.

From the most inept show title ever, comes a simple and uplifting reverie of redemption! It is the king of 'if I could only have' - just one last chance - to say and show all that has ever needed to be said or show to those we lost.

Though the premise is unique and perceived as many with a suspicious eye to the age of the reincarnated 10 year old in the series, it's the instant wholesomeness that only a Japanese-like fairytale could impart, that pulls you in right from the first episode in delightful ways and with joyful humor amidst the complete disbelief that this could be real.

Immediately you know its only the actors that can make us believe. Particularly the awe inspiring work of the the young Maida Nono as Takae/Marika brings this show to life! Her range and nuance and depth of such onscreen emotion is marvelous to see. The rest of the cast are also wonderful in such a strong ensemble that breath further life into the story.

The ups and downs of this journey are always so very heartfelt and uplifting while being equal parts sad and sorrowful. Of the hundreds of amazing Asian and US TV I have seen in more than 5 decades this ranks so very high in its ability to bring me humbly along on this same journey totally suspending belief while reminding me ever so gently and surely to honor those lost and to live in celebration for those that may no longer be able to be here at all.

It was beautifully told fairy tale that everyone can draw inspiration from and should not be forgotten so that it reminds us to always be grateful.

My ardor for Black Mirror has never wavered in the 6 years of its existence, until unlucky number 7. I was 4 episodes in and was thinking that this may be the first time its brilliance does not transcend or augment humanity beyond itself.

When all was thought lost acting legend and character treasure Paul Giamatti took us to a place we all know so intimately and using the feather touch this series has always had - reminds us of the soul at the core of us that we never lose no matter how we might try and that the impact our existence measures against others can never be known but only hinted at.

That's what The Eulogy episode does. It takes the mystery of our forgotten paths and foibles and show us a way through the ever present technology around every corner and gives our existence precious meaning. Paul's heart on his sleeve in this can only spin remorse and melancholy but that is the gift that is given us and we must through all that pain treasure it none the less.

His deeply personal story rings through nearly all who would see this and in such exquisite storytelling the legend of Black Mirror continues and The Eulogy has set the mark high.