[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Assembly" Episode 4

Episode 4 of "Assembly" sees Sang-pil's first venture into politics. He gets involved with a financial committee whose policies and functions are beyond his knowledge and education. All around him people hope to use his ignorance to their advantage. It is only In-gyeong whose moral compass fights the political pressure. The others, including handsome Gyoo-hwan, believe Sang-pil to be a selfish pushover who betrayed his union mates and his cause. They believe him to be deserving of any suffering forced upon him.

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This belief does not exclude Sang-pil. He works to be worthy of his passed friend's faith in him and to do right by those who lost their union fight. This episode focuses on the fact that his ignorance can't just be overcome with a fist pump and a heartily shouted "fighting". He's dealing with people who are clever and armed with decades of political experience and mountains of money to buy power. It's an ages old political barrier, but one Sang-pil is unfamiliar with. What his impassioned inexperience does earn him is a spark of faith in him by In-gyeong, and perhaps Gyoo-hwan. Sang-pil's earnestness is hard to deny, and that will most definitely throw a wrench into Gyoo-hwan's revenge – either that or he'll use denial to fuel his revenge.

Gyoo-hwan is, as of now, sorely underdeveloped. He has a sad backstory and an emotionally charged revenge, but little else. Ok Taecyeon has slowly been growing as an actor. Perhaps the angst will help him grow further, but until the character is better developed, it will be hard to tell. Assemblyman Baek and In-gyeong, on the other hand, are full of wonderful nuance. The battle for power with their ever-waning consciences is constant. Baek's conscience is on the losing side as he is more than willing to throw Sang-pil to the dogs to further the Anti-Blue House's, his party's, financial agenda. They're pushing a financial scheme, trying to approve a bill that will help the Anti-Blue House party members in their districts. It's a game Sang-pil doesn't quite understand, but his instincts tell him it's wrong. Currently, that's all Sang-pil has: instincts, street smarts. In-gyeong sees that and takes the first step out of Baek's corrupt shadow to help a man she sees has pure intentions. Whether those intentions hold fast or not remains to be seen. Politics corrupts even the best of hearts who venture to change the political beast.

Obstacles for Sang-pil and his team come in droves, all part of plots to obtain and retain power. For now, Sang-pil studies to catch up as best he can, and he tries despite the lack of faith that everyone has in him. But perhaps he will catch a small break. Let's continue watching and see.

Written by: Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'

"Assembly" is directed by Hwang In-hyeok, written by Jeong Hyeon-min, and features Jung Jae-young, Song Yoon-ah, Ok Taecyeon, and Jang Hyun-sung.

 

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