This is really inadequate compared to season one
I don’t think I am going to continue watching after episode 8 I am really bored and skipping through most scenes. It’s incredibly repetitive and there’s no noteworthy moments or additions to any character. The new counter is very annoying and so much time is spent with him sniffing it’s an obvious time filler and is very difficult to find comedy in after the 100th time.The new villains are not that scary they just seem like bad guys who like to fight which isn’t threatening enough to hold attention to be the main villains and they should have been gone the first few episodes and moved onto a bigger evil. I think I’m gonna keep it pushing as I’m not that interested in how it ends and the endless screaming from all the characters is doing my head in ??♀️
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This review may contain spoilers
Hit and miss in many aspects
I watched the first season last Year and loved it so I was very exited for the second one but it isn't that great as the first.Overall the actors did a really good job and portrait every emotion well. The story had many interesting elements and introduced us to new things in the world of the counters.
In this season we have clear antagonists since the beginning and the focus lies on that. They are interesting but sadly we don't dig that deep into their motivations and backstories.
They New counter has his lovely moments but is overall just there for laughs on his own costs. He is way to clumsy and goes always over the top.
This is more a personal matter but I was expecting that after season one we now would finally see Hana and Mun to start a relationship because of their insane chemistry. But instead the writers introduced an old flame from here and went on with it. Even when you could think he was of the table, they show us the possibility of them ending together rather than what most of the fans wanted. And still Mun and Hana have moments with each other so I was holding on to that hope till the end just to get disappointed.
On the other hand I really liked Mrs. Chu's backstory and the execution of it in the present.
The Counters really become a close family in this season and I loved watching that.
I don't know if there is going to be a 3rd season since there weren't any hints to it, but i am not sure if I would watch it, when the writing gets worse and Mun and Hana are still no option for the writers and they put her with the piano guy.
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Hugely disappointing writing & directing compared to S1
4 Sep 2023The last 2 episodes were the best of series 2.
The cast have, again, been brilliant and if not for them, I would never have finished this, as for me, the direction and writing have all but killed what was a fabulous series 1.
S1 saw great characters, who all grew with each episode. From So Moon, his grandparents and his 2 best friends, to the other Counters. We got background stories on all of them. We got support from and friction with, their Guides. We got a variety of possessed bad people, with the story(ies) of the souls they consumed and then their release, enabled by the extracting of the evil spirit, which was unmasked and sent to its swampy prison. The humour was genuinely funny, usually coming from natural interactions between characters.
We got next to nothing of that in S2 at all. Everything has focussed on one group of evil spirits, with extremely little about their history. The Counters aren't stronger, or better, but often disorganised and ill prepared.
Gelli's OTT cackling and unhinged personality, both became really irritating. Paired with Joo-sook's demon that was like a bad Gollam (Lord of the Rings) rip-off.... a long sigh.
The most awful character annihilation has to be that of Ga Mo-tak, who has gone from tough outside/soft inside, cheeky but serious about his 'work', strong and agile; to becoming a ridiculous, thick, clown-like figure, on too many occasions.
There were several shocking scenes, which were too often criminally smothered by inconsistent writing and woeful plot development.
The intrigues and arcs of S1 were all but forgotten... how So Moon was able to accept Wi Gen was never addressed. The aging effect Mae Ok's healing power has on her every time she has to exert herself to do it, suddenly just made her a little tired; and, no one avoided getting seriously hurt, to try and prevent her having to use it. We almost never see So Moon's friends (they were randomly reintroduced in what felt like an after thought) and have hardly any meaningful interactions with their Guides.
The humour, instead of being a natural response to deadly situations to lighten the story (which people actually do), or the previously mentioned banter between characters, is instead contrived, childish and often totally inappropriate...
For example, someone bizarrely sitting on a toilet having a pooh, whilst having a go at his lacky, who's stood outside the wide open door, holding his nose. YUCK! So out of place... like why include that?!
Don't even get me started on the new recruit, Jeok Bong... very little help at all, weak, stupid, childish; basically made to act like a stereotypical country bumpkin, who smells-out evil spirits in such an obvious and clumsy way. Absolutely dreadful. His Guide is as bad, another character that stereotypes, this time gay/effeminate people, as shouty, bitchy and flouncy.
I am so utterly disappointed in all this, especially after having waited so long. I've never before gotten so upset when a S2 can't quite equal a brilliant S1.
However, S1 was one of my most favourite dramas and the stark contrast between the two, is just too great. The director and writer should be apologising to the cast, crew and fans of S1 that are as disappointed as I am.
Where was Treasure in the end? What on earth did the scene in Germany have to do with anything of relevance to any part of S2 and so what was the point?
I really missed S1 after it finished, but whilst I love the actors, I won't miss S2 at all.
If I had never seen S1, then as a stand alone drama, maybe I would not have criticised this one so harshly. However, S1 does exist and is SO much better.
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If you can overlook the silly slapstick elements it is season 2 enhanced
10 is my rating. This is a 2023 South Korean Supernatural Action Drama with 12, 61-74 minute episodes.First I provide a Unique Synopsis then Review
Synopsis
This is everything season one was but with more intensity. While they defeated the evil spirits in season one as was sinisterly predicted by the level three they extracted, evil is back but even stronger. Ga Mo tak (Yoo Jun-sang) returns and is now back on the police force so arresting the host after the evil spirit is removed is easier. Do Ha na’s (Kim Se-jeong) ability to to sense the evil spirits is no longer as useful as the evil spirits have learned to see the territory and avoid it. Choo Maeok’s (Yeom Hye-ran) ability to heal makes her an emphasized target for the evil spirits who have also absorbed the ability to heal and understand the importance. So Mun’s (Jo Byung Gyu) abilities have now far surpassed that of any other counter. There is a new counter Na ro bong (Yoo In Soo) who is clumsy and oafish but has the ability to “sniff out” evil spirits. The evil spirits in the second season have the ability to absorb counter’s special abilities especially Hwang Pi kwang (Kang Ki young) who has psychokineses on par with Mun and absorbs the abilities of those counters he consumes. Gelli Choi (Kim Hieora) is his right hand evil henchwoman who is a third level with a spike globe that enhances her physical damage by causing britally deep gouges and cuts in her victims. Like Ha na, Gelli can read and erase memories. Their third evil spirit team member is Wong Li Qiang (Kim Hyun Wook) who absorbed the ability to heal but takes psychotic delight in brutalizing his victims.
A third-level evil spirit specializing in speed who scratches, stabs, cuts, and kills. She can also read and erase memories. Mun struggles with concepts of good and evil when someone he greatly admires, Ma Joo seok (Jin Seon kyu) turns evil after his wife and unborn child are murdered. With evil spirits more powerful than ever, and the lines between good and evil blurred, can the counters prevail against seemingly insurmountable odds?
Review
Could you skip two and just watch season one? About the only thing you might miss is Mun becomng even more amazing. But they are fighting new evil so it is a little bit stand alone. In my opinion it is better than season one just in terms of how much stronger and more powerful both sides have beocome. But, the silly slapstick elements incorporated in season two were a huge detractor made some determine they could do without it. It ends well and everything is resolved yet there are onvious openings for additional season(s).
Spoilers*.
I like Yoo In Soo and was happy to know he was going to be in the 2nd season.That is until they introduced Na Ro bong and his character was ridiculous. The whole dung and potty humour was too much. Ok we get it you worked with cows. And his ability to smell evil? That could have been interesting I am thinking of “The Girl Who Sees Smells” but they made it so he would put his head out the window like a dog. And he wasn’t even that great at it. He would lose track and misdirect. He was useless in the physical fights and, if anything, put the others in danger. He had the mentality of a young child. If they had left that character out the show would have been better.
They put way too much slapstick comedy style throughout the series. Reapers are a serious thing in all the other South Korean shows I have watched. The “counters” were serious bad asses in the first season. This season they trivialized their role by making it over the top silly. I mean, the main counters were still serious, but they interacted with Na Ro bong, and he was so silly that it made everything silly.
Once again Netflix deviated from the elements of South Korean drama that most fans love. Repeat after us Netflix kdramas should be one season with 16 episodes. Supernatural beings are serious characters.
One well written plot twist was when Gelli Choi discovered she could see by reading their minds when and how the counters first got their abilities. I thought “big deal what can she do with that?” Then she was fighting with Mun and realized the only way to defeat him was to steal his memory of gaining his power. She did that and it took Mun out for a significant portion of time. I did not see that coming.
From season one I really wanted to see Mun and Ha na become a couple. If anything in season two they mive farther from that. Ha na even has a side romance. The romantic in me still hopes for a season three and they finally get together.
#UncannyCounter2 #YooJungSang #KimJeSeong #SungJiRoo #JoByungGyu
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"All that glitters is not gold"- a subtle difference between season 1 and 2.
Well yes season 1 is untouchable, but season 2 has a charm of its own. While season 1 set the base, was kind of episodic with the counters defecting and summoning every different kinds of spirits, meanwhile unfolding their respective back stories and expanding their powers, Season 2 on the other hand served as a sub plot to the first season, exploring different aspects and powers of the counters and the evil similar and serving visuals at its best.Comparing:
Season 1 had one of the most outstanding, brilliant and a strong plot, and Season 2 wasn't much behind it. In Season 1 while the evil spirits desires were based on *childhood/youth traumas*, in Season 2 the engulfing evil spirits fed solely of *pure greed and rage*, both leading to wanting of revenge. Season 1 showed how trauma and misbehaviour had a strong psychological effect on everyone and can lead them to darkness. Season 2 on the other hand, showcased how even the 'good' can be driven towards the same darkness or even more powerful through wounds, lies and manipulation. (This reminds me of what i once came across. It said something along the line that if bad turns evil it can be made right, but when a wronged good turns evil, it disastrous.) Season 2 literary balanced out the sympath the viewers felt towards Ji Cheong Sin in season 1.
Meanwhile the counters in season 2 experinced what they hadnt in the previous season. So Mun learned that he doesn't have to protect only the good people but he also has a responsibility to turn the evil into good. And along with him learned his teammates. They learnt that their opinions may clash but they need to stick together to fight their way. Season 2 showed not that So Mun is the only Uncanny Counter there, but every other member was uncanny in their way. All 6 of them realised that they were capable enough to protect themselves and the others; So Mun sure was the most powerful, but the others were powerful enough to protect each other and even the former. While Season 1 showcased how the counters bonded with each other through their adventures and how the related/empathised with each others' past, Season 2 depicted how the same counters learnt no matter what how they would stick together, protecting, respecting, understanding and loving each other as a family (friends) and finally learnt to let go of the past and move forward.
Despite the dissimilarities, Season 2 in no way inferior to the previous season. This season unfolded its plot in the best way it could and served just right: the increased power of the counters, the fight against the absolute evil, the familial bond between the teammates, the Iconic Visuals and cinematography they served, Ha Na and So Mun's increased physical intimacy (delulu is the new solulu), So Mun's determination and belief in the good among evil, and the banter and support the counters shared. No debate, but the comedy of this series was carried by Na Jong Beok and his interactions with others. (TT) Damn Jang Mul and Ms. Chu gave me serious sugar daddy and sugar mommy issues!!!! And fuck every shit, good or bad, all through the 6 weeks of 12 episodes, i was about nothing but So Mun and Ha Na!!!!!!!!! *(the number of times i rewinded and rewatched their scenes, the number of edits i watched and went through different comment sections was so honestly... so~ unhealthy)* Ga Mo Tak in this season was a little (a very very tiny bit) irritating, and it was because he felt inferior to the others. Mo Tak is one of the best and adorable ajusshi out there but he induldged in self pity (though maybe just once). However, all in all The Counters this time made the best team of the year until next time.
[After all the depictions i don't need to appricate the actors and their skills, or the OSTs, because come on, they are out of the world fan-freaking-tastic]
***Manifesting Season 3 as soon as possible (before i grow any more older) and manifesting (x100) a love line between So Mun and Ha Na as the freaking end game, pleasssssssseeeeee***
Ps. Another differnece between both the seasons is that the first one deals with corruption in the political sphere and the misuse of power and authority, while the second season deals with fraud and conning people and manipulation of public.
**this is what the title says it is**
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This review may contain spoilers
Binge-Worthy Bliss
I initially hesitated to watch this drama due to some negative comments, but my boredom led me to give it a chance. To my delight, I ended up binge-watching all 12 episodes.There was so much to appreciate in this drama, although the only downside was how abruptly they concluded Ha-Na's cute love story. However, it left room for hope that their feelings might rekindle in the end, which was a positive note.
The introduction of the new character, the counter, felt somewhat annoying and didn't significantly contribute to the storyline. Nevertheless, I appreciate that the drama managed to keep all its characters alive, which is a refreshing change.
I'd rate it 8.5/10. ?
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They should have stopped at season ep 12
Season TwoEveryone's acting was okay and some action scenes were cool but wasn't a fan of this one. Never been a fan of Kdramas having multiple seasons in my personal opinion it doesn't.
This was a difficult watch the writing was all over the place. This season was random and felt forced 100% a fan service season. Wish they would have made a movie instead or better yet left it with just one season.
Season One
The acting, chemistry, pacing, and writing amazing up to ep 12. Then they switched writers for the rest of the show and WOW YOU CAN TELL. The show ent down hill for me the writing wasn't great and it DRAGGED!!
They should have wrapped things up in ep 12 instead of doing 16 eps that were eachother well over an hour.
Episode 6,7 and 11 were my favorites and the ones that pulled emotions.
Last ep was a little to clean for my liking but it wrapped up. Season 2 100% was not needed and I feel this way about ALL Kdramas that get multiple seasons.
Rewatch? NOPE
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Not Good Enough
Korean Drama " The Uncanny Counter Season Two: Cunter Punch " is the second season of the popular supernatural action drama. And, unfortunately, it fails to deliver.The story feels too thinly spread, based only on trying to make the bad guys look more evil and their actions being shocking, rather than following the story of the counters and enhancing their strong bond. Sure, we get some background on some of them, but it just isn't enough to keep things interesting till the end. As the main thing, the world built, was already established, the drama needed an intriguing story to expand it, but that didn't happen. In the end, it was a lukewarm drama with an okay/predictable plot.
The performances, on the other hand, were all great and the CGI enjoyable.
So, overall, five out of ten.
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Season 2 lost the spark created by season 1.........
KDramas have a knack for delivering enchanting one-season tales, bringing together emotions, character moments, and a definite end. In contrast to many American shows that go into multiple seasons, KDramas often stumble when attempting a second act. The Uncanny Counters Season 2 falls victim to this trend, struggling to breathe new life into a narrative that had gracefully concluded. The letdown is noticeable, especially after the initial excitement fueled by promising teasers and promised cast. Season 2 stumbles in several aspects:The plot looped, tracing repetitive circles in a dragging pace, resulting in boredom. Poor writing is seen in this season. The plot follows older Counters confronting a new threat from evil spirits, but the shift in writing introduces an unsettling imbalance in themes. Attempts at humor feel forced, character developments suffer, villains lack depth, and pacing issues impede engagement. The dynamics between characters lost the gravity that lent Season 1 its impact. The Ma Ju Seok storyline, initially evoking sympathy, spirals into excessive prolongation, reaching a point of indifference. The once strong dynamic of the Counters' relationships, a highlight of Season 1, crumbles, with scenes feeling forced and cringeworthy.
In essence, Season 2 stands as a testament to disappointment. It struggles to recapture the magic of its predecessor, leaving viewers yearning for the concise brilliance of a single-season narrative.
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dissapointing
It's getting quite boring.. and the new counter is annoying. -really?? why do they have to add another counter when the new counter has little to no use ?..They made it look like Mun is the strongest and the rest of the counters are weak. disappointing. I feel sorry for the character of Mo-tak'. He was supposed to be the strongest coz it's his character in season 1. but now he seems weak. so how does he differ now from other counters?
Please improve the storyline.. or a lot will be dropping this series.
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Something Wrong
First of all, I am addicted to the first season. Their power, their fight, So Moon's story, Ha Na's story, others' stories, Ha Na and So Moon's relationship.. . They were awesome. The action never stops. Especially Ha Na is very charismatic. I love her relationship with So Mun.Buuuut..... the second season is boring. I don't understand but something is missing or extra. I really love Yoo In Sok. He is very talented. He is a good actor and I think he has a lot of potential. But in this story he is extra. They try to put funny things, they add silly character. But it doesn't work. He doesn't have any story. They gave him unnecessary ability. Smell. Ha Na already has the ability. She can catch devils. In this season they put back Ha Na.
Also, in season 1 Ha Na and So Mun getting closer. But this season new character tries to get close to Ha Nan. Ha Na met a pianist guy. So Mun doesn't do anything. They even don't talk this season. What happens? What did we watch in season 1? Why?
This season is like a circle. They fight with evil, they sit in the table then go back, fight, came back, silly boy does unfunny something, turn back and fights with devil...
When I will finish the season (I hope I can do) I will rewrite my last opinion.
-o-
They are like an amigo team. So Mun always says ''I can do it''. Bro relax. Why are you saying it is like a shoe brand slogan? Others' power is nothing this season. Just So Mun is strong just So Mun can solve all problems.
And still So Mun and Ha Na don't get close. So Mun is very happy when Ha Na met the piano guy. We watched season for nothing.
try to watch this drama, really sorry. I have waited until after they announced season 2. But now I can't open it. Ha Na almost died, then So Mun almost died... like a line. Devil woman has more screen time in the drama and also the story. I am really sad.
------
I dropped this drama. I can't watch. Story is so wrong and boring. I saw So Mun's hair in the last episode in Instagram. So I decided to drop this drama. Maybe we should think about Korean series don't needs a second or third season.
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Lazy writing with great actors and wasted potential
I don't hate this season, but I have to admit that it lacks that COOL vibe and seems unnecessarily heavy compared to the previous one.We've been circling around the same villain since the beginning, and I kind of miss those exciting fights with small evil spirits. Most of the time is spent on fighting, Even though I love that part, the overall story is lacking which is needed to hold us to our seats. Even though the family of counters were established in S1, there's still room to explore and add new areas and directions for each character, after all, that's what any good writer is expected to do. Plus, the new counter is neither exciting nor useful at all and his background or powers don't add much to the story. Also, none of the counters matured much throughout the season. The villains introduced in this season were just plain evil & annoying, they don’t have any reason to be like that which is irritating, in S1 Even the villain had a back story which helped us connect to the drama. Leads aimlessly fighting the SAME evil spirits throughout the drama is boring and is an example of lazy writing.
This season they made "So Moon" as the lead and the rest were supposed to protect him and back him up most of the time??....Season 2 was supposed to proceed on the base laid in Season 1 where every counter was equally important and had their own essential part to play with their unique strengths.....Despite being an avid fan of "So Moon" I love the counters as a whole but unfortunately they were neglected from my pov.
Still, I would recommend watching it as you will enjoy it if you love action dramas but go without the expectations of season 1
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