[Drama Review] 'Goblin' - Episode 3

'Goblin' continues to get better and better as episode 3 has nothing but action, suspense and an intense buildup in the entire plot. The episode ended with quite the unexpected cliffhanger, but everything beforehand was just as interesting.

#SloppyJalopy

Although there was a good amount of action this time around, say goodbye to all cinematography as the performance becomes more grounded in reality. Most visual effects are coming from when the characters teleporting or from the Grim Reaper (Lee Dong Wook) out of annoyance from the people around him - particularly Yoo Duk Hwa.�

Surely we can expect a ghoulish battle in the near future, right? It was amazing when they cut the car in half in order to save Ji Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun) but I was expecting them to send the kidnappers into some spiraling pit of hell. I guess that will be saved for another episode.

The pit of despair I was expecting.�

'Goblin' is crafting an excellent side story that is keeping me even more intrigued than the main plot itself. The scene where Sunny and the Grim Reaper meet brought me nothing but endless joy. Both characters are just so unbelievably good-looking and look good together.

Yet Big Red (the granny who turned into a sexy woman) built up a lot of suspicion in just one short scene. How on earth did she have the queen's jade ring and why did she use the mirror to blind the Grim Reaper? Was it just to draw his attention to the ring or perhaps hypnotize him? Also, why does she suddenly state that the meeting between Sunny and the Grim Reaper would bring them nothing but harm?

I feel like if you put a raisin under a microscope, this is the look you'd get.

I'm quite curious as to what purpose Big Red serves in the drama. Is she good or evil? Why does she help Ji Eun Tak? What exactly are her powers and purpose? Is she a spirit and that is the only reason other spirits are interacting with her? SO MANY QUESTIONS!

Although we are learning more about other unique characters, Ji Eun Tak is becoming more and more annoying. I'm not sure if it is just irrational teenage hormones, Kim Go Eun's acting, or simply the character's personality, but she seems so back and forth, emotionally unbalanced and bratty. I mean, her life isn't all bright and cheery despite her outward appearance saying otherwise more often than not, but she is a bit crass towards Kim Shin (Gong Yoo). Why is she whining one moment about how he saved her and offering no thanks to him and telling him to eat alone, then the next moment asking if he wants to eat with her, buy her dinner, and go on dates?

Every so often Kim Shin displays the same ambivalent behavior and I think the drama is simply trying to portray how, in relationships, the person may be saying one thing but meaning the other. Either way, they seem to both have a�deep curiosity about each other, what they are thinking, and why they do the things they do. Romance is tricky and 'Goblin' doesn't beat around the bush about that.

The plot is expanding nicely but continuing on in a slow and steady manner in comparison to the first episode. It is clear there are a lot of references to reincarnation and the acceptance of life and death in this drama. However, the plot is becoming more odd than refreshing at times.

I believe the plot will become clearer in later episodes, but for now, the often unexplained powers of Kim Shin (such as his telekinesis and crafting skills) and the reasons for the Grim Reaper tagging along now and again make me question their relationship. Is the Grim Reaper's purpose entirely to take away Ji Eun Tak or is he waiting for something else?

MY body is ready! Take me to the afterlife!!

One thing I feel people may take for granted is the soundtrack for this drama. The more I hear it, the more I am captivated by each scene because the music selection is so well done. I noticed they also utilized a lot of great English songs apart from the magical OST by EXO's Chanyeol and singer�Punch. Take a moment to appreciate these romantic bops, yo!

Finally, the drama ends with Ji Eun Tak revealing to us that she actually can see the sword - confirming she is the Goblin's Bride without a doubt! Yet I still have my suspicions as to whether or not someone told her - like when the Grim Reaper tried telepathically mentioning the sword to Ji Eun Tak at the restaurant.

For now, we simply know that they both love each other (it is quite obvious) and Ji Eun Tak is meant to pull the sword from Kim Shin's body - but will she be able to do it after discovering it will end his life? Until episode 4, let's hope Ji Eun Tak doesn't do more than just�point at the sword!

SCORE:

Plot........................8

Performance...7

Pacing...................7