Once upon a time in dramaland, I stumbled upon a TV series called Penthouse that left me utterly perplexed. It was a unique experience, unlike anything I had encountered before. This show was a full-blown makjang extravaganza, a genre known for its over-the-top and exaggerated elements. It was faithful to its roots, almost grotesque in its execution. Though it may not be to everyone's taste, it definitely catered to my preferences.
From the very beginning, it became clear that the writers had no intention of taking...
it easy on their audience. The plot was filled with unexpected twists and turns, exaggerated acting, absurd scenes, and resolutions that bordered on hilarious. There was an undeniable layer of irony and overall over-the-topness that permeated every aspect of the show. Classical music played in the background as characters flung red wine across the table and slapped each other. It was a combination that could either make you recoil in disgust or draw you in, embracing the madness on screen.
Beneath the surface glamour and gore, the show had a deeper message. It told a well-known tale about the destructive nature of greed and served as a satire on classism and the seemingly invincible reign of the ultra-rich. At the forefront of this corrupt social hierarchy was Joo Dan Tae, a character more of an embodiment of evil than an actual person. He ruled over Hera Palace, a grand and opulent residential building that towered above the city. Symbolically, it represented both the ultimate desire and the heart of darkness. As residents entered its gates, they were devoured by its insidious machinery, transforming into greedy and inhumane versions of themselves. Every character in the show was deeply flawed, and yet we found ourselves relishing in our disgust for them. From the calculating mastermind Dan Tae to the witch-like Seo Jin and her tragic descent into madness, no one was spared. Even the seemingly innocent Su Ryeon, who captured the hearts of the audience, had her flaws exposed.
The sad conclusion that awaited us at the end of the series was a sobering one. There was no escape from the all-consuming evilness that ran rampant throughout the story. One could fight and resist, but in the end, the scales would always tip in favor of the wealthy and powerful. The show left us with a lingering question: How long could this injustice persist? The answer, it seemed, would only be revealed in the upcoming seasons.
What truly captured my admiration for Penthouse were the unexpected moments of comedic brilliance scattered throughout. These scenes were delightfully surreal and brought much-needed levity to an otherwise intense and dramatic narrative. One particular favorite of mine was the lucha libre kidnapping, a hilarious and random occurrence that somehow managed to fit perfectly into the overall mood of the show. It served as a reminder that Penthouse was not to be taken completely seriously, that it was okay to revel in its over-the-top nature. We were being treated to a self-aware makjang, and it was a blast.
However, there was one aspect of the show that bothered me—the subplot involving the children. While they played a crucial role in the overarching plot, serving as catalysts for tragedy and reflections of their flawed parents, their interactions felt somewhat disjointed from the main storyline. It almost seemed like a separate tale altogether. The writing for this particular aspect of the show was weak, making it difficult to fully invest in these characters and their struggles.
Speaking of writing, the overall pacing of the show felt uneven. The beginning was fantastic, with events flowing seamlessly and logical consequences and reactions from the characters. However, as the series reached its conclusion, the plot began to lose its momentum. The ending felt somewhat flat, and important information was crammed into the final moments, resulting in convenient resolutions that did not do justice to the story that had been crafted. Additionally, I couldn't help but feel that some of the actors went a bit overboard with their exaggerated performances. While it suited the nature of the show, there were moments when it felt like they relied too heavily on screams, evil smirks, and wide-eyed expressions. Even the most masterful transitions between these emotional states began to lose their impact with repetition.
All in all, Penthouse was an incredibly enjoyable and entertaining series. It demanded that we suspend our disbelief and fully embrace the madness unfolding on screen. If you can set aside logic and dive headfirst into the world of this drama, it promises to be a captivating and addictive experience. Just be warned, once you enter the penthouse, it's hard to escape its clutches.