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Sisyphus: Episode 5

A difference of opinion causes our protagonists to clash as they fail to understand the other’s goal. While our warrior from the future knows the danger that will fall upon the city and wants to stop it at all cost, our genius engineer isn’t as willing to sacrifice his life dream for some uncertain future. However, our two leads find themselves drawn to each other, and with so many enemies out for their heads, they’ll have to stick together in order to survive.

 
EPISODE 5 RECAP

Tae-sool drags Seo-hae out of the river and administers CPR until she spits up water. Once she starts breathing again, he piggybacks her to Seo-jin’s officer where he silently thanks his friend for allowing him access to her clinic. While he digs around for medical supplies, Seo-jin arrives and is appalled by the scene before her.

She grabs the phone to call the police, but Tae-sool stops her. He apologizes and promises to explain everything to her after she treats Seo-hae’s wound, but Seo-jing balks at his request. She yells at him for not notifying anyone of his whereabouts and breaks down crying since she thought he had died.

Against her better judgement, Seo-jin helps Seo-hae, and Tae-sool fidgets by her side. His imagination runs wild as he thinks of all the deadly possibilities, but Seo-jin stares him in the eyes and replies, “She’s malnourished.” Pfft.

While Seo-hae rests, Tae-sool informs Seo-jin of everything he knows including the time machine and Sigma. She understandably calls it crazy and suggests he be hospitalized. Brushing aside her advice, Tae-sool warns her about the Control Bureau and how they appear everywhere.

She tells him that he sounds like Tae-san, but Tae-sool ignores the implications, pointing out his very real injury as well as Bong-sun’s condition. Seo-jin gives up on talking to him and tells him to leave her office by the morning. As she goes, he asks for her credit card, and she drops it on the ground and repeats her warning.

Tae-sool dries Seo-hae’s diary and considers reading it since he did pay for it after all. However, he stops himself since it feels wrong to peek. His attention turns to Seo-hae when she cries for her mom, and he watches over her with concern.

When Seo-hae wakes up, she sees Tae-sool standing over her in the morning. She gruffly asks for her stuff, and he hands over what he managed to salvage (her gun, diary, and locket). He assures her that he didn’t read her diary and tells her to eat since he got them food.

As Seo-hae chows down on the healthy diet of pizza, chicken, and burgers, Tae-sool asks about the future and what she meant about stopping him build the uploader. She tells him about the war and the nuke that will fall on Seoul, killing everyone.

She claims that saving him will stop the war, but Tae-sool wants to know who told her. The alarm behind them blares, and Seo-hae avoids answering. She asks instead if he still plans to go to the address despite the risks, and he nods his head.

After they eat, Tae-sool takes Seo-hae to a convenience store and clarifies their situation. Since he is the one in danger, she’ll be in trouble as long as she sticks with him. Though he is grateful for her help, he thinks that it’s time for them to part and hands her a wad of cash to help her start anew in this world.

Seo-hae reiterates her mission to stop the war, but Tae-sool says that he doesn’t like having a bodyguard around. He asks again why she thinks saving him will stop the war, and Seo-hae finally tells him about the diary.

Tae-sool points out that he would have met his brother at Busan if not for her meddling, and asks if she would do the same thing again if a similar situation occurs in the future. She confirms it, and her answer settles the matter for him. She calls him selfish for risking everyone’s life for his own goals, and she stares out at the people walking by, completely unaware of their doomed future.

Seo-hae changes tactics and begs Tae-sool to let her help him because he’s the only person she knows. She asks if he understands what it’s like to be all alone, and Tae-sool tells her that he prefers it that way. When he doesn’t budge, Seo-hae tells him that there’s a lot of cash in the future since they use it as kindling, and she chucks his money into the trash.

Hyun-gi pounds on his cell door and screams at his captors to let him at least call his mom. From the monitoring room, Officer Choi asks if they should follow protocol, but Officer Hwang has other ideas. While Hyun-gi looks around his cell and spots a message about the end coming soon, Officer Hwang enters and escorts him out.

As he takes in his surroundings, Hyun-gi stares in shock at the shadows locked in the various rooms, and Officer Hwang describes this place as the Control Bureau, which is in charge of handling illegal entrants. Hyun-gi asks where all these people are from, but Officer Hwang corrects him since when is the more important question.

Officer Hwang tells Hyun-gi that in the past, everyone knew everybody in their neighborhood, but now people don’t even know who lives next door. However, their present world is filled with uninvited guests, and that’s where the Control Bureau comes in.

After noting Hyun-gi’s file and his excellent sharpshooting skills, Officer Hwang informs him about the uploader. Hyun-gi laughs at the ridiculous tale of time travel, arguing that everyone would win the lottery then. Officer Hwang smiles at him since that is exactly why the Control Bureau created the lottery commission in the beginning.

When Hyun-gi still doubts the story, Officer Hwang tells him that his mom died while he was detained. He blames Seo-hae for the murder and calls all illegal entrants selfish. Hyun-gi returns to his destroyed home, and seeing the outline on the floor, he weeps for his mom.

Back at the Control Bureau, Officer Hwang tells Hyun-gi that ordinary people like them can never succeed on luck because people from the future have taken that opportunity away. He asks if Hyun-gi wants to fix it, and the bereaved officer clenches his fist.

After parting ways, Tae-sool walks down the sidwalk and spots Tae-san coming towards him. He grabs his brother, but he reels back when Tae-san turns out to be a random stranger. As Tae-sool keeps walking, he starts seeing Tae-san everywhere, and the noise from the streets overwhelms him. He falls to his knees and struggles to control his breathing.

Meanwhile, Seo-hae notices the families playing in the park and remembers calling everyone dumb for laughing when they’re about to die. Her chest tightens, and Seo-hae starts running while avoiding eye contact. She rushes into oncoming traffic and causes a jam in the middle of the intersection. As the cars honk at her, she can only hear her breathing pounding in her ears until Tae-sool grabs her and pulls her back to her senses.

Tae-sool admits to lying before since he knows what it feels like to be alone. His brother used to say the same thing he told her—about finding happiness—and comments on how Tae-san expected him to be happy while hiding his own pain and eventually dying.

He tells Seo-hae that he needs to find his brother, and if she promises to not stop him like last time, then he wants her to protect him and save the world. She agrees to this compromise, and they shake on it in the middle of the road.

Back in the Control Bureau, Officer Hwang hands Hyun-gi a gun and tells him that their organization allows their officers to kill on sight. Hyun-gi accepts the weapon and aims it at the projection of Seo-hae on the wall.

In the future, Seo-hae scouts an area with her dad (who is also Hyun-gi’s old partner in the present). She sighs when she sees a family of mannequins and continues her collection of any salvageable goods. She hits the jackpot when she finds a BTS album and next to it is a magazine with Tae-sool’s face on it. She flips through it and takes the magazine when she finds an interview of BTS inside.

While Seo-hae complains about the lack of canned fruit, she hears something fall in the distance and takes cover. With her gun drawn, she checks their surroundings but finds nothing. As she lets down her guard, bullets start raining down on them, and Seo-hae whips out a bigger weapon.

After checking to make sure the coast is clear, she steps out of her hiding place to face their attacker, but still, the aisle is empty. She hears something crunching on the ground, and looks down at the uncrewed vehicle pointing its gun at her.

Dad tackles her out of the way just in time, and their attackers reveal themselves, shooting their guns wildly into the air. They act as if hunting their prey is a game, and Seo-hae runs away with her dad. They find shelter behind a shelf, and Seo-hae curses under her breath much to her dad’s disapproval.

They topple over the shelf, taking out the vehicle in the process, and shoot down their attackers. However, the rest of the gang comes out to hunt them, so Dad tells Seo-hae to escape without their items.

When the leader yells at them to come out, Seo-hae shouts back at him to come get her. Her taunt irks him, and she splits up with Dad as the enemy divides their forces to chase after her. Though outnumbered, Dad hits all his targets, and Seo-hae takes down a few as well before tripping. Fortunately, Dad comes to the rescue, and they take cover behind a pillar.

While they catch their breath, Dad hands Seo-hae a can of fruit he snatched, and she smiles at the rare find. Their moment of victory is short-lived, though, as more enemies storm into the room. Giving Seo-hae a look, Dad pushes her out of the way and charges towards their attackers.

Using the distraction, Seo-hae runs to a different part of the building and finds the backroom where the drone pilot is standing unguarded. He spots her too late and throws up his arms to surrender. She hesitates to shoot when she sees that it’s only a teenager, but as she lowers her gun, the boy reaches for his own weapon.

When he goes to draw it, he gets shot in the chest, and Dad comes out from the shadows. He berates Seo-hae for hesitating, and she spits back that the boy was going to die regardless. He scolds her for acting weak, but she stops arguing when she notices his wounds. They hear footsteps approaching and escape.

They find shelter in a rundown sauna, and Dad tells her about the past. As they come across a food court, Seo-hae asks him about the menu and wonders what he could choose. Dad tells her that he wants bulgogi which was one of her mom’s specialties. Seo-hae chooses tteokbokki, and like Dad, it’s because she still remembers the one Mom made her. She asks her dad what he would do if he could go back to the past, and he stares at her for a long time.

Returning to the present timeline, Seo-hae tries out a sauna for the first time and tells Tae-sool that the water tastes great. He looks at her incredulously for drinking the bath water but says nothing more. He complains about being in a crowded place, but she tells him that it’s safe.

He catches her looking at the cafeteria and treats her to a meal. She chooses bulgogi—the item her dad wanted—and is lost in thought when the food arrives. While they eat, Tae-sool hands her a cellphone and tells her to save his number. He hands her a new diary as well since her old one was ruined, and Seo-hae looks surprised, mumbling to herself that he was the one who bought it for her.

Remembering the brokers, Seo-hae asks about the key and the safe’s content, and Tae-sool tells her that it’s just research notes. As he describes it, he realizes that it might be the uploader and changes their plans: they need to get back to his house pronto.

Outside Tae-sool’s house, Seo-hae grumbles at him for leaving behind the key, and he tells her that he hid it in a safe place. Once they break in, Seo-hae looks around his messy office and thinks someone beat them to it. Tae-sool defends his organized mess and goes to his drawer of keys to fetch what they’re looking for.

After retrieving the key, they head out, but Seo-hae stops him when they hear footsteps approaching. The front door unlocks, and Seung-bok (who goes by Eddy Kim for most others) enters the room with security. While the guards search the living room, Seung-bok enters the bedroom and heads towards the closet where Tae-sool and Seo-hae are hiding.

Right before he opens it, he receives a call from the chairman. Seung-bok updates him on the search for Tae-sool and says that he’s prepared to let go of the case as well. The security guard tells Seung-bok that nothing is amiss, but he tells them to increase security until the morning. Once they leave, Tae-sool steps out of the closet looking shocked, and Seo-hae looks over at him in concern.

Seo-jin finds her office empty and calls the police as promised. However, she remembers Tae-sool’s warning and decides to not inform the authorities. At her desk, she takes out her files on Tae-san and listens to a recording. Just as Tae-sool told her the night before, Tae-san mentioned Sigma and how they were out to kill his brother.

Mr. Park yells at the other brokers for failing to capture Tae-sool and Seo-hae, demanding them to bring the targets back to him no matter what. Bingbing defends the brothers, telling Mr. Park to find them himself, and he barks back at her since he’s joining the search as well.

Seo-hae stares out the window at the guards crawling around the premises, and the two of them are stuck inside until the morning. As Tae-sool inches towards the window to look, Seo-hae tells him to get away since they’ll spot him, and he grumbles about her standing there this entire time.

Though they go to bed, neither of them can fall asleep. Seeing her new cell phone, Seo-hae remembers her birthday when her parents got her a phone, and Mom told her to call her whenever she was in trouble. In the present, Seo-hae enters her mom’s phone number but stops herself.

Tae-sool grabs a beer from the fridge and notices Seo-hae staring out the window. He comes over and hands her a can, and Seo-hae takes her first sip of alcohol. While they look out at the city together, Seo-hae marvels at what Seoul was supposed to look like, and she tells Tae-sool that there’s nothing in the future.

He asks if she contacted her family, and she shakes her head since meeting them could put them in danger. She sees his family photo, and Tae-sool shares about his childhood, pointing out his old house where he lived with his brother.

He tells her about Tae-san and how he worked all over the country fixing train, which he bitterly notes must be why he hides so well. Wanting to change the topic, he asks if she wants to go somewhere, and she tells him that she hopes to visit the amusement park and ride the Viking.

He scoffs at her dream and suggests hotter places where you can flirt with others, but Seo-hae shakes her head. She explains how she went to the amusement park with her mom and couldn’t ride the Viking because of the height requirements. They promised to come next year, but then the war broke out.

Tae-sool tells her that the Viking isn’t a big deal, though his aversion is due to his own personal trauma. He tells her that he once worked at an amusement park with his brother, but while on maintenance duty, vomit fell from the sky and landed on him. As Tae-sool describes the horrifying moment, Seo-hae falls asleep on his shoulder, and he looks over at her and stays still.

Hyun-gi visits his mom’s ashes, and Officer Hwang comes to pay his respects. He hands Hyun-gi money to help with the costs and informs him of his missing person status. Having figured out their targets’ next move, Officer Hwang offers Hyun-gi a chance to get revenge, and he readily accepts. While Hyun-gi prepares his sniper rifle, Seo-hae sleeps soundly on the couch, and Tae-sool stays up to work on another project.

 
COMMENTS

Despite the world-shaking disaster looming over our protagonists’ future, the show still lacks a certain tension and sense of urgency. The problem for me is that the time travelers and Control Bureau make no sense if a nuclear fallout is supposed to happen next year. Why would anyone travel back in time just to experience utter annihilation again? Why don’t the time travelers go back much further than the twenty-first century? Sure, modern-day technology is great, but these things are worth nothing when the world becomes a wasteland in less than twenty years. Also, the Control Bureau’s priorities seem absurd when taking in the wider context. They must realize that a war is coming since they already know about the lack of fresh air, yet their main concern is stopping these “illegal” entrants from coming back. And for what, to stop them from profiting off the lottery and stock market? Because “ordinary” folks can no longer rely on luck to change their fortunes? Is the government so childish that they care more about these missed opportunities than the fact that almost half of South Korea’s population will disappear in a matter of months? It just doesn’t make sense, and it’s much too big an issue for me to simply overlook. It sucks the tension right out from the show, and though I know the future is bleak, it does make me side with Tae-sool when he asks if this upcoming war is even real.

On that note, Tae-sool’s doubts about Seo-hae—despite all the crazy things that have happened—fall in line with his character. He can no longer deny the existence of time travel, especially now that the science is starting to click for him, but that doesn’t mean he can trust everything Seo-hae tells him. She looks suspicious when she avoids answering his questions, and then when she tells him the truth (my diary told me), it sounds ridiculous. However, ignoring all his misgivings, Tae-sool ends up joining hands with Seo-hae because he understands her pain. He knows what it feels like to be left alone, and it destroys him to do the same thing his brother did. Though I wish the show explored their internal conflict a bit more in that moment, I understand the need to keep our leads together. There’s still plenty of time for the show to delve deeper into these characters, and I’m sure this brewing strife between Tae-sool’s and Seo-hae’s objective will cause more problems in the future.

One of my main gripes with this show is its execution. The production is fine (clearly the producers threw a lot of money at this show), so that isn’t the problem. My issue is that the show has some thoughtful characterizations and interesting worldbuilding, but not all the pieces fit together well. As a result, something feels flat, and ultimately, I have a hard time caring about the characters. For example, I thought the explanation about the Control Bureau using the lottery to find time travelers was a smart setup, yet they aren’t intelligent enough to capture Seo-hae when she’s outnumbered and under-resourced. Also, Officer Hwang gives Hyun-gi permission to kill because their organization operates differently from the police department, but this supposedly menacing statement feels bland because we’ve seen how well the officers shoot so far. In theory, Officer Hwang is a dangerous man in power with a twisted ideology on immigration who knows how to manipulate people, but in reality, he is a simpleminded man who cannot utilize this wealth of knowledge in front of him to its full potential. If he’s so angry about time travelers using their foresight to benefit themselves, then he should use them to help himself and the country. Why make these time travelers his enemy when he could be manipulating them to join their side, instead? There is potential for the Control Bureau to be a scary entity, but the show doesn’t capitalize on its own characters.

In a similar vein, the future scenes are visually haunting, but the actual action that happens on screen does not convey that same sense of foreboding. The wild and reckless gang attacking Seo-hae and her dad was supposed to represent the lawlessness of the future. Since society has crumbled, people have resorted to violence to assert dominance, and killing people for sport has become the norm. Alas, instead of setting up this world ruled by fear and juxtaposing it to Seo-hae’s humanity, the fighting scenes meander, and once again, it goes back to this issue of tension. For some reason, the attackers never notice Seo-hae and her dad sneaking around and miss all their shots. The gang’s lack of ability wouldn’t be so terrible except for the fact that Dad is a beast in comparison to them. I almost feel bad for them as Dad takes down more than half of their numbers in mere seconds, and in the end, the two of them miraculously escape even though they are hopelessly outnumbered. The other issue besides tension is the lack of introspection. Seo-hae has a minor spat with her dad when he shoots the teenager, but instead of wrestling with these questions, the scene changes, and the two of them are back to reminiscing about the past and food. The show raises interesting dilemmas both in the future and the present timeline, but it never mulls on them long enough to actually be impactful. I especially want the show to explore Seo-hae’s character outside of her fish-out-of-water moments because she can bring much more to the story. She harbors a lot of internal conflict that has been barely touched, and it’s these aspects of her character that will help the audience connect with her and care about her mission.

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I'm still lost. What year is the future? 🥲

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2035: Future. So Judgement day is 15 yrs from now.

2020: Is where our show is set in the present. Sep 15 is the events that's happening rn.

Someone said this is a time loop. Hoping this gets answered soon before it gets more convoluted.

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I believe they are in a loop.
Present is 2020, and considering SeoHae must be 9 or 10 in 2020 (according to the photo in her collar), future must be 2035-2040.

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So this does mean that all their struggles/works are a nuisance? If that's the case, what's the solution? How does Tae-sul fit into this equation? I wonder how many loops they been stuck on, and how Seo-hae doesn't recount her marrying Tae-sul, and him as well. I guess b/c Seo-hae is the only one that's lived through it, altho some of her memory is a bit hazy w/ the details. I need to look more into time loops!

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More likely because in this current loop it never happened and the one before her never told her those details in the diary she left so for this Seo-hae is everything a first...
Quite curious if they will end it in a loop or truly get out of it...
The only thing to make that even possible is that the one before her actually told her more than the one told her in her journey because if not they basically repet the same stuff as she would do the same stuff her previous one did...

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I guess this is exactly the show implying, @miky88, and that's why the show is sucks.

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@Miky Thanks! If it ends on a downer, then what was the purpose of this show then lol? They also haven't used the blue light travel gate yet. I want to see something time related so I can see if this time travel or time loop. Also, the rules for that universe haven't been told or established to us yet? Confused.

@imperialtitus Lol.

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@miky88 @imperialtitus and @@soulsearch12 also think about this (this is experience from watching sci-fi shows for years):if she's in a loop, she remembers everything, so that's why she can anticipate certain things, but then one thing fails, she or TaeSul dies and the loop restarts, and that's how she learns she can't do / tell certain things, because they will lead to the loop to restart.
Well, once again if they are really in a loop...

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Usually, the point in time loop stories is how one breaks the loop. Also there are lops, and loop like things traveling parallel to the time stream...

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How can this get more convoluted? I don't want to think too much while watching all the weird things happening.

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By making her 9 yo and he's 40 in the same timelineeeee 🥲

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I'm really glad this shows being recapped, sci-fi whether it works or not always has my head spinning lol. Thanks @lovepark for the reviews!

"Is the government so childish that they care more about these missed opportunities than the fact that almost half of South Korea’s population will disappear in a matter of months?" The Leftovers did half the population disappearing but better lol.

Last weeks episodes (Ep 3/4) just dove into the action w/o much concrete information on the mythology/characters. I felt while fun watching it, a bit un-enthused. This week, however, finally I felt the plot was gearing up for a more jammed packed 2nd half. Lots of $$ is on here, so no one wants an egg on their face.

The aspects that I've been liking are Tae-sul/Seo-hae's relationship. Its quite obvious they're setting us up for a romance here, but I hope its in the subtle camp. He actually respects her, & didn't read her diary even tho he wanted to. He's rather sweet to her, in a not creepy way which is nice. I also like how she guards him, and cares for him. Altho she broke all her father's rules lol. They keep saying not to meet him, b/c he created the Uploader or b/c of something else?

I like Tae-sul a lot, I've read some critiques if CSW was mis-cast here. I like that he's not playing this off as a typical macho/playboy type, but in the geeky/awkward camp? Seo-hae's mission we know, but PSH's default expressions (Sorta make her one note). I would like to know more about Seo-hae/thoughts outside of saving Tae-sul. Rn, she's coming across as a female Terminator w/o the charisma of Arnold in the role.

The lack of tension I put on the editing team, but also the PD. He's not who I would choose to direct a Sci-Fi Thriller/Mystery show at all. If the PD of Sweet Home or if they got a PD whose a film director in those genres, this show could've benefited. At the same time, the non-linear/a bit clunky script doesn't help either. The actors for all their worth are trying. I think its meant to confuse us, so I think it'll be interesting how this ends, and seeing Ep 1-16 to see the larger picture.

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Agree with you on CSW. He portrays the geeky engineer role in a very likeable way.

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Yeah, I think he could've played it in a more suave way but perhaps he wanted to not box himself in w/ just wearing suits all the time? His past few roles in dramas were all suit wearing/proper dude, and I think he wanted to do something more expressive again? That for me, its great to see him in a role like this again!

I think he's one of the few leading man who can seem like he can be protected (stature?), but also believable as a MacGyver guy too. If a lesser actor was in it, perhaps the character wouldn't be as likable. (Altho I've read a few dissenters which is fine since diff. p.o.v.s). I appreciate a dorky/vulnerable ML, since I feel they could've gone a more typical route.

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This is my 1st CSW drama. Taesul doesn't need to wear suits all the time but I wish he was suave and witty. Taesul is currently so cartoony and I don't really know if it's the writing or his interpretation of the character.

And I see the drama is trying to push Soohae and Taesul together. I can't join the ship because she's 9 and he's like 40 in 2020! Hahahaha

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I think you really need to watch CSW's past shows, @katakwasabi, especially Life and Forest of Secrets/Stranger, the shows are thoughtful, reflecting some very deep topics (like the balance of saving lives and profitting in the former, and the judiciary power struggle between prosecutors and police in the letter). They are way better then this one.

All of them are on Netflix.

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He's most known for the show listed below! But I think his earlier roles are better (no offense!). The Classic, Marathon, & Tazza for ex. show why this guy was one of the best young actors of his generation.

I hear complaints regarding that. The writer written the character as born in 1988 and 6'0. When they got CSW, they changed it to 1982 and the height to adjust him. Perhaps that's why? The writer originally had a much younger actor in mind. I also take it as, he's learning a lot of new things/traumatized so he's acting more vulnerable than cool guy. He's cartoony, but it fits the weird/ridiculous set up/tone of this show. I think he's the only one whose aware of the tone lol.

On your second point, um when you put that way, does that the Seo-hae that marries Tae-sul is a Seo-hae of a diff. time loop? 9 and 40, what?! That's illegal :O

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Cho Seung-woo's love is musical. He was well known as a stage and film actor   way before he even starred in a drama.
He is one of those  few actors that goes back and forth between films, musicals and dramas successfully. Jo Jung-suk is another one of those actors. Sometimes they'd take turns playing Hedwig in the theatre.

Anyway, he is a talented guy. I hope you'll get to check out his earlier works.
His very first film "Chunhyang" was a critical success. The director is Im Kwon-taek, well known as the father of Korean cinema.

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Have you seen any of his movies? The Classic is a classic and worth every minute. He’s young, green, and I couldn’t keep my eyes off of him.

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@ally-le I can't believe he was 22/23 filming the film?! Son Ye-jin was also the same age. Younger actors were given more older parts (heavy/dramatic fare). Some actors just have the IT factor or something about them that you know they're going to be here for a long time.

@kiara I'm amazed at how he can balance all 3 mediums, and successfully too?! Funny story on Chunhyang: Back in college, he auditioned for the film but he came across as un-enthused in the audition and his audition pic was basic. But ironically that attitude was what gave him the role. But he said that film gave him a lot of burden (Cannes/etc), so he went further to his 1st love (musicals). Viola the rest is history!

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CSW and PSH together is the thing I like most about the drama and I love the way TaeSul and SeoHae's relationship is being built.

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I thought about this, and wanted to hear a different perspective on this. But if the apocalypse occurred when Seo-hae was 9, then she skipped out on a lot of things/character building/life. In comparison to Tae-sul who has dated around/had more life experiences/got to live out his adult life before he died.

My qualm with that is on paper, its a bit of a power imbalance? So I don't know how to feel tbh, b/c while the actors are selling it. Looking at the roles/experiences, is a relationship built on that healthy? As partners trying to find a solution, I'm here for them as a pair. I just hope the romance doesn't overtake the 2nd half, & we see hints/shades to their attraction b/c I'm trying to imagine a kiss between the two, & I'm wondering if it won't come across as awkward lol :3

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The execution is the weakest part of this drama. In a hands of a better PD and an editing team, it would have been much better. The director said he started working on it 4 years ago. Sounds like he knew/worked with the writers before it was picked up by any production teams or network. I think it was the problem. if the script was accepted by a reputable production (like Studio Dragon) they would have picked the right director based on the genres/story, not the other way around. I am not a fan of this director styles, to much glitz and lack of real depth and intensity. I had the same problem when watching his previous work LOTBS. I agree with Knetizen comment that the directing of this drama feels "old"
I understand why CSW chose this project though especially after watching Ep 6.

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Hey! I was wondering where you were since our last discussion!

I think we're all in agreement here about the execution (PD/Editing/OST) feeling out of sync at times. The moments that the PD knows how to direct are the fish out of water aspects with Seo-hae, and the romantic elements. But when it comes to tension and action, not so much. I really feel like b/c this was originally SBS's child that the PD (Who does SBS dramas)/Studio S (SBS Studio Dragon) came as a package when it left for JTBC. If Studio Dragon was the studio, I would've liked to see a well verse PD in the sci-fi/thriller genre handle this.

It feels like outside of the actors, the writers were desperate for anybody to pick up this show since they spent 4-5 yrs working on it. So they got lucky having PSH/CSW pick it up, or else this would've fallen through into development hell. Oh yea, those comments by K-netizens were brutally honest. They said the major points were CSW's acting/cheesy yet familiar feel to why some would stick around.

"I understand why CSW chose this project though especially after watching Ep 6." Care to elaborate? Surely not for the romance aspects lmao? Looking at Ep 1-6 (Which is why he signed on for this), I can see why he wanted to stretch his acting talents out from his uber serious roles, altho Gods Gift (Didn't see that) was also a sci-fi thriller.

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English is not my first language so I prefer lurking here :))
HTS is very different from CSW previous roles, expressive, emotional and borderline crazy due to his hallucination and his weak mind. He could show a range of emotions here. EP 6 is an example and I think he would go darker in the second half. Some might think he is cartoony by acting so childish??? His character is indeed a selfish child, being taken cared by his brother, friend all his life, and now protected by SH. He is far from our typical Kdrama hero.
I could tell the deeper message from the story(regrets of the past, issues about immigrant, choices and consequences, uncertainty about the future...), more than romance or even brother relationship. I doubt CSW picked this just because of the romance. A better director could have elevated the script. Unfortunately, the execution is off and we now have people criticising CSW for over acting. CSW of all the actors!!! Sigh...

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Hey! No need to worry, your English is great! I understand all that you wanted to convey!

HTS shows all of the emotions he prob. repressed in the last few yrs lol. He said the brother storyline was a big reason why he signed on. He is cartoony in the show ngl at times. That Ep 3 gliding scene, I felt 2nd hand cringe for him. But in the emotional scenes, he nails it. Let's be real, the script isn't calling for Oscar winning lol. Good actors can't elevate shoddy lines. I do like that he's wimpy, dorky, and not perfect (which ML's all have to be?) so that's been nice.

There are some interesting messages as you said, but it seems to not be delved into & instead we've action. Seems like they wanted the mystery but forgot the basics lol. On over acting, I do have to laugh when newbies critique acting veterans, I mean (Ex. KNG being below CEW lmao) or CSW being a bad actor (due to this show) is just funny. I wonder if CSW regrets signing on now lol?

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I do think this is a time loop but how its a time loop and if TS and SH actually remember is what I am unclear about. I love the chemistry of TS and SH and I am enjoying this drama.

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Thanks for the recap. So far I really like this show, especially the chemistry between TS and SH. It's nice to see them having some quiet time and getting to know/trust each other better in this episode.

I found the logo of Control Bureau looks familiar. I wonder if it is similar looking to the Sigma logo?

Bea

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I love CSW's acting. His character is so different from Stranger. He was great there and great here. PSH is good too.

I just am enjoying the drama. I trying not to question too many things. Things will be unraveled one by one. The plot is moving along faster in episodes 5 & 6. I like that. The only real problem I have with this show is the incompetence of Control Bureau and the police. There must be a better way to do the action/chase scenes.

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Don’t you feel like ep 6 kinda explains their incompetence? Maybe they need to be clearer about all the time traveling

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I have to say this episode was a total waste of time.
It was a filler and added nothing to the story.
I'm totally lost, and the one thing that keeps me watching is how good are CSW and PSH together. Whenever they are on screen I can't stop watching them.
But this episode, if you haven't watched it, skip it. You'll miss nothing.

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Honestly, this show has way too much filler at times. I remember in the teaser post on here, I said that while it was cool, K-dramas w/ Sci-fi seem to be like oil/water. I also recall your comment that while the images look intriguing, is that enough? I just hope b/c this is pre-produced, that it wraps up on a good note.

I know its suppose to confuse us, and I'm sure all the missing puzzle pieces will come together at the end. I think the pacing needs to be better, sometimes all we see are them being chased and running away lol. Still, I want to stick w/ this show, at least it doesn't have a tacked on creepy romance ahem.

Right, the aspect I'm enjoying the most are CSW/PSH's chemistry. Altho one of them is pulling the weight when it comes to gravitas ahem. I like how they been built up as a pair, and their interactions thus far. It feels gradual, like Ep 3 he said she wasn't his type & etc, and cut to Ep 5, he pulls her out of the waters to save her life. I like that Tae-sul is gentle/caring towards her, he could've read her diary but didn't, and fed her food too. It helps that CSW looks younger here (the lighting/hairstyle/styling) makes him look fresher! She also cares a lot about him as well, its a sweet/lovely thing they got going on.

I feel like the 2nd Half of this show is going to be a lot lol. I'm expecting things to ramp up by a notch or two.

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The drama is far too confusing. We're on episode 5 and we don't know where this is going. I mean, I've watched enough sci-fi shows to know when dealing when time travel not everything can be revealed, but this far we should know what to expect, tbh.
When I watched the teasers I said they looked random, and random is right now the word I would use to describe the show. We are shown random pieces of information in a supposedly clever way, but the real feel is different: nonsense.
It has nothing to do with the show being preproduced but with a very lazy writting (imo) and not the best directing and editing.

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It is confusing lol. I mean different show/quality wise but Stranger S2 felt non-linear from Ep 1-10, and then the puzzle pieces started to connect. Basically, I feel like its meant to be confusing so that the missing parts will come to fruition but the end.

I know the basic aspects like why Tae-sul has to be stopped/result that happens. But I feel like I've been waiting for them to travel through time or something to show the viewers if this is a time loop or parallel universe? I keep on waiting for them to use the cool looking blue travel device but nada. As I said, are there legit aliens they're hiding from us lol?

I'm actually a tad disappointed that my apprehension about this seems like it occurred. I still found the show enjoyable, but it does feel like the post about the FL/ML's casting on here (Oof) was like a bad foreshadowing for this show.

As for the pre-produced aspect, I heard this was 4-5 yrs in the making when SBS was attached. I guess, they tried it w/ TKEM lol. Makes me curious why JTBC chose this show as their 10 Yr Anniversary/esp. why they got 2 big names/etc, if the script wasn't to their liking hmm? There are interesting stuff, & I like the cast involved/set building. But it feels like on paper, it could've been more stronger given the cast/big budget/pre-produced/JTBC? A more better PD/Editing team could've jazzed this up a bit.

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You said it! There is similarity with TKEM. The plot is confusing. But Sisyphus narration is clear, when TKEM narration was confusing too. It's probably why I didn't liked TKEM and I like Sisyphus. I think also the plot has more focus, don't waste time, and is far more logic, already giving explanations. With hope they do like that until the end.

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This must be it CSW and PSH together, because when he started giving her cpr below her chest cavity, I said well......lol. Here I am still watching.

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I hated that.

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I assume its b/c he didn't want to place his hands on her chest? If that's the case, couldn't they just edit/cut so it seems like he did? Rofl, what is physics/technicalities in this show? Bollywood action makers must be so proud. Meanwhile, Issac Newton's prob. rolling around in his grave rn :D

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Lmao, yup.

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I don't understand anything in this drama... I'm just following the flow hoping at the end I will understand something :p

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Chingu!

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Why can’t people tell the ML what happens in the future already?!

I think the Control bureau is the way it is because every faction knows that everything is inevitable. But it doesn’t stop them from doing what they need to do anyway.

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This is a terrible drama that makes no sense. However I am still watching. I understand fully that it doesn't make any sense and just laugh.😂😂😭

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Twinsie!!

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Medical Tape LIVES! Thankfully replaced with a fresh version after Han River dunking, but off long enough to reveal a tiny scabbed gash on our hero's ear. The presence/absence of MT and scab will prove to be the only logical thread in the time loops that are bound to crop up in the coming eps. MT still visible at the end of ep 5, whew!
Meanwhile, Duct Tape has given up on plugging up the plot and is now attaching small bits of itself to each bullet aimed at our OTP, thus making every single one go wonky (a scientific term). Leftover DT scraps creatively used as blinders for the boat search teams who cast nary a glance at the nearby, thinly vegetated shore line because bodies never end up there, right?
Soulsearch12 got it right: SciFi + Kdrama = immiscible.
That darned key is probably duct taped under a table somewhere.

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The Tape Cult is rising!

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i really wish they decrease the action scene. i feel like there is no impact and its almost 100% the protagonists will safe.
i agree with you about the drama's lack of tension. i want to be hooked (like when i watch Circle) but somehow i cant? what a confusing drama

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Hello,
I read your recap and the associated commentary with interest.
You ask some questions that have already been answered. And others that I think will be answered later in the drama. So far, I'm taking this cautious approach, which for the moment is bearing fruit. Many elements detected at first glance as incongruities are not. The drama provides clues that allow us to guess. But fortunately, the drama also gives turnkey explanations later on as confirmation.
It would really be too long to answer on a case by case basis. But your article prompted me to put together in a single text the various scattered comments I had made about the time travel system. Your website being a serious reference on dramas, it made me decide to relay this information to you here.
The text being too long to be copied here, I am posting the link to the article on soompi. Hoping that it will be useful for you, and help you to better enjoy the drama.
https://forums.soompi.com/topic/441880-current-drama-2021-sisyphus-the-myth-%EC%8B%9C%EC%A7%80%ED%94%84%EC%8A%A4-the-myth-wed-thu-2100-kst/?do=findComment&comment=22154929

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Wow! I am amazed by your effort putting in to explain many aspects of this drama. It definitely helps me to understand the part about downloader and uploader. It makes sense why travellers can’t travel further than 2001 when the downloader was created. Thank you!

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If it helped you, that's a thank in itself. I made several other such points, including one that I thought was obvious. But it's easy to be wrong about what you know, and what others know. Somebody told me it was useful, so I made another point like that, not forgetting to include the basics (downloader, uploader), without trying to speculate on what people know or don't know.
The previous point was very resumed and simple, about enemies organizations in the drama, I didn't put the conference Sniper on it because I'm not sure he is from Sigma (well, I don't remember) or maybe future Control Bureau, or else :
https://forums.soompi.com/topic/441880-current-drama-2021-sisyphus-the-myth-%EC%8B%9C%EC%A7%80%ED%94%84%EC%8A%A4-the-myth-wed-thu-2100-kst/?do=findComment&comment=22154075
The drama is fair, it places mysteries that can be guessed, if you concentrate on details. But the action is easy to follow, and you can watch it easily without trying to think. Only, one will have to be patient to get the explanation long afterwards, and trust the writers until then, whether it is for the riddles, some counter-intuitive scenes or the development of the characters.
Unfortunately I could not stay long to discuss on dramabeans, because posting on the other forum already takes a lot of time. See you soon, bye.

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I totally missed that plausible explanation about the “coincidence” of the first person being downloaded to the past I’m 2001. I do think that everyone that goes back has a mission of finding the brothers and either killing them or saving them. (Would explain the picture that guy has.) But humans, being fallible, get there and just want to live without regrets until they die, and so may forego that part of their responsibility.

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Yes, we know that people go into the past, not to change time, but to ease their conscience about regret. No information is given about whether the uploader allows to choose or not the date of arrival. But since the Broker Park assistants arrived early (sequential number 10000), I made the assumption that the duration of the jump could be fixed. The smaller the sequential number (upload date close to 2021), the earlier the person arrives. The larger the sequential number is (sending date close to 2040), the later the person arrives (case of Seo Hae number 250811, arrived in 2020). There is no certainty about this.
There is also another possibility: the time jump sends the person at the moment when he needs to express his regrets, but in this case, it would be completely fantasy, with the same principle as TKEM (explained in a single line of dialogue, hum). This would be very disappointing for a drama such as Sisyphus, which shouts "science fiction" on all aspects, except for some badly arranged scenes (stunts on green screen), or others privileging narrative communication towards the spectator rather than strict reality (a bit like many scenes in other dramas, historical dramas in particular).
Perhaps I should add a few details about this in the explanation.

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So here are my two cents...they (PSH’s character and others) keep alluding that even though you can go back in time, you can’t really change big events of the future. You can go back and see loved ones, tell you love them one last time, make up for past regrets, maybe win the lottery, but the future is set in stone. How do we know that everyone that goes back tries to set the timeline straighter so that they don’t all go through the apocalypse, but it doesn’t work? How many hundreds or thousands of times have they tried? Maybe that’s why the control bureau isn’t too concerned with nuclear war. Maybe they stay in that time loop indefinitely. And I still have no idea what the so called “welcome committee” does. Are they good or bad? Are they stuck in that time loop as well? I’m using this show as my treadmill show right now—because I don’t really have to pay attention, or really want to—but with enough action to keep me engaged and not thinking about how I’m dying running—lol.

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"I’m using this show as my treadmill show right now—because I don’t really have to pay attention, or really want to—but with enough action to keep me engaged and not thinking about how I’m dying running."

Now I need to start doing this with all my esoteric shows is watch them while doing manual labor or exercising! Thanks for this brilliant idea lol!

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Well BTS is all over this drama. Are they gonna make a cameo for this?

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