Devil Sister Episode 1
The Devil
Irin is a strong woman that everyone in the office is scared of, while Namcha is a vet in an animal hospital. One day, Namcha brought an injured snake to his hospital, which scared the female customer Ployjan so much that she fainted. Ployjan continued to annoyingly seduce Namcha as soon as she woke up. Namcha's sister called Irin over to help. Irin then successfully made Ployjan leave. In fact, Irin was previously in a relationship with Namcha when Namcha was still in high school. The two had a 7 year age gap. Back then, Irin thought Namcha was still a kid and decided to break up with him. But Namcha never forgot about her.
(Source: Viu)
- Aired: April 18, 2022
Devil Sister Recent Discussions
Title | Replies | Views | Latest Post | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Age Gap/ Legitimacy of Namcha's feels for Irin by Midnight_Blue | 7 | 0 | solariaum May 26, 2022 | |
Why is it called "Devil Sister" ? by Greek Irene | 6 | 0 | Macy Apr 30, 2022 | |
How do you feel about the story setup? by Greek Irene | 14 | 0 | Midnight_Blue Apr 26, 2022 | |
What's Inn's deal? by Greek Irene | 15 | 0 | Midnight_Blue Apr 26, 2022 |
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Overall it was a very well done introductory episode.
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In-Depth Analysis ([{SPOILER ALERT!}]):
In order to adequately critique an episode, it is vital to first understand the purpose of the episode. Subsequently, the details of the episode should then be examined to verify if it is aligned with the purpose of the episode as well as attest if the episode is appropriately presented to the audience.
As the first episode of a series, the purpose of this episode is primarily Introduction. This episode is expected to properly introduce the characters and set up for the plot of the series. As an additional bonus expectation, the first episode also serves to attract a diverse variety of viewers as well as garner the interest of the audience. However, expectations from the audience must be managed (e.g., audience should not have too high of an expectation as it sets them up to be disappointed while too low of an expectation indicates that one is being overly biased and watches at a superficial level which may lead to a lack of appreciation for finer as well as more intricate details of the series which is fine if you are simply watching to pass the time rather than fully enjoying the story that is told). Thus, with these criteria in mind as well as a cautionary advise of setting an appropriate level of expectation, the first episode will be assessed as follows:
1. Introduction of Characters (Maximum of 4 stars: Irin {1 star}, Namcha [1 star], Inn <1 star> Jin |1 star|)
~ Irin: Irin is described as a 'devil' based on how she treats people around her. However, beneath her devil facade resides a kindhearted and loving individual. The expectation of this role is one that incurs disdain while also still evoking empathy and understanding from the viewers. In this regard, Min has done an outstanding job with her acting and mannerisms in the first episode. She portrayed Irin as a straightforward as well as direct individual that does not stop until perfection is attained which is often interpreted in the workplace as devil-like (since afterall, the devil is in the details and it is important to scrutinize every minor detail!). However, we also see how well she portrays Irin's delicate and caring side with her gaze and actions around people she truly loves and cares about. Based on these expectations and how Min performed, a full 1 star is awarded!
~ Namcha: Namcha is described as a vet as well as a hopeless romantic whom loves Irin wholeheartedly and is not afraid of expressing it despite society judging badly on a relationship between an older woman and younger man. The expectation of this role is of an earnest man as well as a sweetheart. With respect to these expectation, Win has done an excellent job with his acting and expressions to give life to Namcha. He portrayed Namcha as a tender and diligent young adult whilst also showing his rebellious side of defying stereotypes. This can be seen in the first part where he cares for creatures that are disdained by others, striving to do his best at work in the second part, and an absolute dedication as well as loyalty to his love in the third and fourth parts. Win has definitely given life to Namcha based on his facial expressions and actions in the episode. Hence, Win's performance deserves a full 1 star!
- Inn: Inn is the younger sister of Irin and her hardwork as well as efforts are often neglected and disregarded due to her age. She is expected to be innocent and in the process of maturing. In this aspect, Piploy did a wonderful job in her speech that makes her sound gullible and innocent. Additionally, we also see how Piploy exemplifies that Inn is still in the process of maturing in the scene whereby she starts being petty around Namcha (whereas mature adults are expected to hide their emotions and shrug it off). Comparing expectation with reality, Piploy is awarded 1 star as well.
- Jin: Jin is a lawyer that handles the lives of Anon's family and is said to be very detailed and attentive besides being loyal to Anon's family. He is expected to be reliable and sensitive so as to be able to carry out his duties to the best of his abilities. In this aspect, Podd adequately showed Jin's characteristics by his subtle and responsive changes to the action of the family members. Furthermore, his loyalty is seen as he follows Anon's every order. With that in mind, Podd is awarded 1 star too.
2. Introduction of Plot (Maximum of 2 stars: 1 star for primary plot, 1 star for secondary plot)
With regards to assessing the introduction of plot, the criteria is largely on how clear the issue is shown as well as how seamless it is weaved into the story.
The primary plot of this series is expectations or specifically, the stereotype of age. Age simply means how long an individual has lived for and the stereotype for each age group arises from the expectations of individuals belonging in a certain age group. As an additional layer in this series, the interaction between different age groups also serves as the story conflict for this series. With respect to the series, the requirements of the clarity of the main issue as well as a seamless presentation of the issue has been met. The issue of stereotypes of age is clearly shown throughout the series:
= Inn's opinions being disregarded as immature during the meeting (stereotype that young people don't know the reality of life as they have not experienced much in life and thus their opinions hold no substance)
= Irin being told to get married and have children during the dinner (stereotype that woman of a certain age have to get married and have children early)
= Namcha being advised to leave the surgery room during the surgery (stereotype of a fresh graduate that has not accumulated sufficient experience to handle cases)
= Societal pressure for younger people to respect and obey their seniors during the family interaction between Irin, Inn, and their Grandfather, Anon. As well as the romantic interaction between Namcha and Irin.
However, this is done in a way that is subtle and does not appear to be in the face of audiences and is consistent throughout the episode. Hence, 1 star is awarded!
The secondary plot of this series is the pressure that arises from these expectations and how the individual responds which leads to their own character development. In this episode, we are able to identify the expectations and empathize with the pressure that arises from the different expectations on the different individuals. Additionally, we also see how the individuals respond to the pressures.
> Inn faces the pressure of being seen as incompetent, naive, and soft. She responds to this by trying her best to voice out her thoughts and show that deep consideration has been done. When it comes to what she desires, she would not hesitate to do all she can to get what she wants.
> Irin faces the pressure of being the one that can shoulder all the responsibilities of the family and also to fulfill the role of a woman which is to get married and have children. She responds by doing everything she can and tries to change the mind if she really does not want to do it. Despite voicing her disagreement, she is actually still very obedient and accepts her fate.
> Namcha faces the pressure of being seen as immature and lacking in experience. He responds by standing his ground and doing his absolute best to prove that he is not like those of his age group and is in fact, very mature, diligent and intelligent. Despite being underestimated, he does not behave in a petty manner, instead, he behaves like a mature adult and gives in. All he needs is just a chance to prove himself.
Once again, this secondary plot is flashed out in a way that is subtle and not overtly obvious. Additionally, a secondary plot must never overshadow the primary plot and this secondary plot does not flash out too much in a way that places it in the spotlight instead of the primary plot. Thus, it is a job well done and 1 star is awarded!
Therefore, 2 full stars are awarded!
3. Garnering Interest (Maximum of 1 star)
Garnering interest can be done in a variety of ways:
+ Cast
A star-studded cast comprising of popular celebrities (Win, Min, Piploy, Podd, Ploi, Ticha, Ployphach, and Charlotte) as well as veteran actors (Nhing, Um, and Tom).
+ Acting
Amazing acting by all, believable behaviors of the moment, charming cliches, dynamic delivery of lines, excellent expressions of emotions!
+ Comedic Scenes
Appropriate use of comedic scenes that is not over the top and still sufficiently funny which does not disrupt the momentum when serious events are happening.
+ Fan Service
Adequate amount of fan service! <3
Overall, 1 star is awarded here.
4. Love Story (Maximum of 1 star)
It is a romantic-comedy after all, hence, the chemistry between the leads and actors are very important. The chemistry between Irin and Namcha is obvious and charming. There is also harmony between the interaction of Namcha and Inn. Additionally, the rivalry between Namcha and Jin can be observed. Thus, 1 star is awarded here.
5. Videography (Maximum of 1 star)
- Flow
The flow of events was coherent and smooth. A flashback is clearly a flash back and does not leave the viewers grasping to understand what happened. Neither is there a jump in the sequence of events.
- Angle
The camera angles appropriately captured the intended feeling that the director and producer wanted the audience to experience.
- Music
The music was appropriately played at the right timing and fit the mood.
- Editing
The edit is great since sufficient filter is added to illustrate certain atmosphere (for example, Namcha riding down a sunny path or Irin reminiscing the past or even Inn having her manipulative moments).
- Scenes
The scenes should show and not tell. Alot of parallelism can be observed as well as minor but important details such as actions, mannerisms, speech, tone, intonation, amplitude, and many more.
Overall, 1 star is awarded here.
6. Sponsors (Maximum of 1 star)
This is where it is important for the products by sponsors is sufficiently flashed out but not too obvious that it is clearly disrupting the show. For the sharp eyed viewers, the 'Hercules' dog food brand was in the background of the veterinary clinic that Namcha and Namtan worked at. It can clearly be seen but it does not disrupt the beautiful setting nor does it disrupt the story. This leaves sufficient subliminal impression that Hercules is a trusted dog food brand. The brand would be proud!
Overall, 1 star is awarded here.
In conclusion, based on these strict and stringent criteria, Devil Sister Episode 1 deserves and is awarded the full 10 stars! (Note: this is an additive scoring where stars are awarded if they meet the requirement. Others may use a subtractive scoring where they subtract points from 10 stars!)
Thanks for reading all the way here! Have a lovely and awesome day! <3
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