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[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Master - God of Noodles" Episode 5

This week "Master - God of Noodles" opens with a nicely timed detailed introduction to the character of Da-hae. Three years have passed and the present finds some of our characters as we left them and a few having made drastic changes. We are also introduced to new people on both sides of Gil-do's plans. Speaking of the Devil, life in Gangnam is sweet and he will let nothing and no one jeopardize it.

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I was discussing character connections in the series with a friend and she pointed out something my own mind skipped. The possibility that Tae-ha's (Lee Sang-yeob) father could be the killer of Yeo-gyeong's (Jung Yoo-mi) parents. I assumed his sacrifice was fueled by love. In retrospect, I should expect that a Korean drama would feature twists like this and now I am noticing a lot of possible connections. We know Da-hae's (Gong Seung-yeon) parents were also murdered, so perhaps Tae-ha's father and Do-kkoo (Jo Hee-bong) have killed plenty of folks for Gil-do (Cho Jae-hyun).

Choi and Gil-doJeong-tae and Soon-seok/Myeong

It makes sense that Myeong's (Chun Jung-myung) family would not be the only one Gil-do would need taken care of for him to climb to his current status. We have also witnessed his impatience quite a few times and using murder as a shortcut is typical of him. This makes me curious about Seol Mi-ja's (Seo Yi-sook) character as well. She has known Gil-do's father-in-law and his family for so long. Does she just want his business or more, and will she be an ally for our lead or look after her own interests?

Gil-do clearly rubs enough people the wrong way and like a good chameleon, he will use anyone to climb the ladder to success unnoticed. Which is why I am surprised he has not yet failed. The man has no inhibitions about marching into a politician's office and whacking him one with his own campaign merchandise. It also feels unwise to take on a mistress without having researched what she can contribute to his plans, but perhaps he did before joining her show.

Young Da-hae and Do-kkooDa-hae

Gil-do's pure wickedness is great, but I find myself drawn to Do-kkoo's neutral character a lot in this episode. He and Da-hae have a great relationship. He seems capable of great affection, even if it might be fueled by guilt. I am curious about how much he knows regarding her activities. Could he have his own plans to take Gil-do's empire down from within? The writing does not paint him as a villain.

Speaking of the writing, "Master - God of Noodles" skillfully uses senses as metaphors. The texture of dough or the smell of an ingredient are culinary elements, but they are also tokens. They are memories linked to love, security, family and trauma. Those associations change as our memories do and they become anchors for them. It is a surprisingly profound statement. I am very much looking forward to more revelations, more intrigue and more mouth-watering dishes.

"Master - God of Noodles" is directed by Kim Jong-yeon and Lim Se-joon, written by Chae Seung-dae and features Chun Jung-myung, Cho Jae-hyun, Jung Yoo-mi and Lee Sang-yeob.

Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'

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