Season 1 |
Episode Guide
Episode 1 -| Review Score – 3/5
Episode 2 -| Review Score – 3/5
Episode 3 -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 4 -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 5 -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 6 -| Review Score – 3/5
Black Knight is a science fiction series taking place in a futuristic world that is ruled by the oppressive, classist technological firm, Cheonmyeong. A webtoon by Lee Yun-kyun with an identical name served as the inspiration for this dystopian drama.
In the air-polluted post-apocalyptic world, residents must depend on deliveries of supplies such as oxygen to survive. The extremely classist society, ruled by a ruthless government, is navigated by celebrated deliveryman 5-8. He meets Sa-wol, a mutant refugee who strives to be exactly like 5-8, while on his quest for justice. Together with Major Seol-ah’s assistance, 5-8 and Sa-wol work to defend this dystopian world’s most fragile section of society.
In the show, an extremely hopeless, futuristic world is presented to us. The main plot is very straightforward, with the highly respected deliveryman 5-8 serving as a ray of hope for the destitute. Hence, it is an ideal setting for a show like this, which is filled with action and adventure.
The series has an intriguing premise but it fails to give the characters compelling motivations. Although the show explores justice and injustice, as well as good and bad, in great detail, the series’ characters frequently become one dimensional blocks of black or white. Furthermore, the series spends too much time on hidden identities and diseases, which takes the focus away from developing the primary characters.
Additionally, the drama struggles with its pacing. The show wastes too much time on unnecessary scenes and then tries to compensate for it by cramming important plot points throughout the last two episodes.
When strange and silly humor is introduced too, the series loses its appeal. Sarcasm, as well as other forms of comedy, could have been appropriate given the brutality of the dystopian show’s world. The silly humor that fits in Dumb and Dumber territory simply doesn’t work in this setting. Particularly considering that this makes a story that was already a bit slow grind down to a crawl.
The sci-fi drama does have some excellent special effects though and it certainly presents us with a plausible world. The fight, as well as chase sequences, are expertly choreographed and filmed, elevating the overall feel of this adrenaline-soaked storyline. Having said that, a brief sequence will be shown occasionally in the series that appears to be taken from a video game.
Kim Woo-bin plays the invincible hero 5-8 in the tale. He excels in his role and significantly improves the narrative. Sa-wol, a refugee played by Kang You-Seok, also stands out. Song Seung-heon plays Ryu Seok, the main antagonist and his acting is certainly appropriate for the role.
Black Knight’s futuristic setting checks off all the prerequisites for a Netflix Korean drama success. It features A-list actors, a complex world, and outstanding special effects. However, it suffers from poor writing and weak characters, despite some excellent performances. The drama’s falling action as well as stakes are not fresh, and it fails to present something noteworthy to allow it to compete with similar works in the genre.