The 8 Show

This drama blends the gameplay and brutality of the Korean show Squid Game, the Japanese series Kaiji, and the Spanish movie Platform. While Some Korean dramas have become somewhat predictable, often ending in forced emotional climaxes that evoke tears, I still found this show quite entertaining. It offers numerous lessons, delving into human psychology and nature, as well as philosophical ideas like democracy, communism, socialism, dictatorship, and utilitarianism. The watchers monitoring through CCTV cameras in the drama could represent the elite globalists at the top of the capitalist pyramid, or they could symbolize us. After all, most of us likely enjoyed the show as mere spectators rather than feeling disturbed by it. Still, I always like and want to support this style of drama. That's why I believe it deserves at least an 8 out of 10. This drama had too many of his monologues and it was a bit annoying, so I deducted 1 star.

P. S. While watching Squid Game, I couldn't help but notice the irony that the creators and investors of "The 8 Show," including Netflix, are likely not members of the ordinary working class. Yet, they seem to be fans of George Orwell's Animal Farm. They seem to know us very well, understanding that instead of resisting upon learning the truth, we tend to accept reality and even strive to climb higher within the system's pyramid.

The premise of the show might give Squid Game like impressions (Koreans playing money game for a big cash prize.) However, the 8 Show is nothing like Squid Game.

Instead, the show is more thought provoking and it is even more precise and harsher criticism on the society we live in, with much more humor than Squid Game. Each episode is filled with very interesting and brilliant ideas. The structure of the show is very thought-out. The acting is amazing. The cinematography and music are also perfect. However, the best part of the show is in the message. Behind its ruthless depiction of the the social structure, the show makes us question about our common misconception of "justice" and "fairness" in a very original way. After all, we are all born into random social classes just like the characters in the 8 show.

While the design and style of the new Korean Netflix series definitely seems inspired by squid game, the story itself is based on a Webtoon called "Pi Game".

Which was released throughout 2020~2021.

I'd say this is a Great, and even a Better adaptation of the original.

It has lots of Humor, Violence, and a sharp, deep insight in modern social structures...

Though it shares lots of similarities with Squid game, The platform, etc... The 8 show feels different and new. And clever.

While it does have some flaws, If you are a fan of survival game genre, This series is for you.

Enjoy the show.

It's a good idea / concept that starts really strong, but falls flat unless you drink the kool aid.

It attempts to provide some criticism and mockery of social hierarchy, along with some very "squid game" style presentation and theatrics.

But where it falls flat, is in the action of the characters themselves, you really need to have a strong suspension of disbelief to buy in to what the characters do, the way they act and their emotional responses.

All of them behave as cartoon characters, don't follow logic or reason and just do whatever the plot requires of them. The actors don't do a bad job, but are just given horrible dialogues and the script hurts them.

"The 8 Show" on Netflix starts off with great promise but ultimately disappoints. The first episode reels you into the realities of life with a compelling narrative that hooks you instantly. It sets a high bar, making you eager for more. The second episode builds on this by exploring a fantasy of immense wealth, sparking dreams of how such riches could solve one's problems. The third episode introduces the intricacies and wit of the characters, adding depth and complexity that keeps you engaged.

However, by the fourth episode, the show begins to falter. The characters start making irrational decisions that undermine the story's credibility. This shift is jarring, considering the initial promise of a smart, well-crafted narrative. Despite my growing frustration, I gave the fifth episode a chance, hoping it would redeem the show. Unfortunately, it didn't. The plot continued to unravel, and the characters' actions remained inconsistent and poorly justified.

I had high hopes for "The 8 Show" because the beginning hinted at a series with substantial wit and logical sense. The early episodes suggested a thought-provoking storyline with clever characters, but these elements quickly dissolved as the show progressed. The initial intrigue and promise faded, leaving behind a series that struggled to maintain its early momentum and coherence.

Ultimately, I decided it was not worth continuing. The potential for a great show was there, but it was squandered by a lack of consistent character development and logical storytelling. I wish the series had stayed true to the sharp wit and logical foundation it initially presented. While "The 8 Show" starts strong, it unfortunately loses its way, making it a frustrating watch for those looking for a series that maintains its quality throughout.