LV999の村人

Simbiat

Episode 2:

That "you don't know how the world works" at the end of 1st episode was intriguing. Not just the words, but also the facial expression. Suggested that there is something darker behind the humor we've seen so far. I hoped this would be leaned into in the 2nd episode, but was disappointed. It was not utterly bad, it's clearly still "cooking", just... Have not seen anything else particularly interesting, and motivation for "the journey" is kind of "meh". Giving a chance with 3rd episode, but my expectations are pretty low at this point.

Simbiat

Episode 3:

In this episode the show tried to show how propaganda works. Or rather how rational people try to fight propaganda. It was sad to watch. Not because it was bad, but because that felt too real. That said, it lacks "teeth". Or "punch". Too optimistic, too light. Nothing was built on that sad stare from the end of the 1st episode besides the attempt to to show what lack of critical thinking looks like.

It clearly has potential to be like Helck, where I felt complete aversion to the first episode due to how goofy it was. But while I found earlier Helck annoying, it started with showing some "darkness" early on, I think in episode 2, and it was layering the plot heavy enough, that once I got over the initial "hump", it became of the best series I ever watched. Maybe The Villager will become better in 4th episode, too, but I do not think so, because it already established MC as "I just want everyone to be friends" kind of guy. While Helck is, ultimately, a similar type of character, his position was way more complex, contradictory, nuanced and even changed slightly through-out the show.

So.... Yeah. Go watch Helck.