PREVIOUS RECAPS: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three // Episode 4
At first of the episode, the Planet Ok and Planet C survivors had been revealed to one another through a dramatic falling curtain flourish. I don’t know how they received everybody located behind either side of the curtain with out one another noticing (although I’d guess good cash that they did discover and needed to faux shock). Gosh, the variety of Planet C boys regarded so small.
This primary efficiency spherical is made up of songs from artists who all received one of the best rookie award at MAMA, although a lot of the songs aren’t debut title tracks. We’ve received TVXQ’s Rising Solar in there, which along with being my second favourite Ok-pop track of all time is an… formidable alternative, to say the least. (And by “formidable,” I imply there’s no manner these guys are going to do it justice)
And predictably, MNET has structured the principles in order that we get an “Avengers staff” stuffed with all of the standout, top-ranked members. The producers LOVE this trope and refuse to let it go regardless of how predictable it’s change into. And naturally, the highest-ranking group will get to select their track first. The caste system is robust this season.
Anyway, this spherical is ready up in order that two groups carry out the identical track and problem one another for the win. It’s an actual “David & Goliath” idea, because the lower-ranked groups have an opportunity to win extra factors in the event that they problem the higher-ranked ones and win. A lot of technique, right here.
At one level, one of many teams was panicking, saying “we don’t have a primary singer!” I’m like… welcome to Ok-pop proper now, guys! “Predominant singers” aren’t in vogue, sadly. In actual fact, so many trainees had been avoiding the primary vocal place just like the plague. I suppose they don’t need that dreaded voice crack second that will get replayed again and again. In the meantime, rap and dance had been fashionable in each group. Le sigh.
At one level, a member was virtually compelled into the “sub-rapper” spot simply because he was the shortest! Not cool. I’m rooting for that shorty, now.
Additionally, we had been handled to a extremely horrible rendition of Rising Solar’s iconic excessive word over and over. Thanks, producers. I hate it.
In actual fact, that energy word grew to become a recurring drama all through the episode. You understand, in the event you deal with one thing an excessive amount of you’re sure to psyche your self out. However when you’ve got any doubts whether or not or not you may hit a giant word, you in all probability shouldn’t be trying it within the first place.
Okay, now it’s time to get this present on the highway. We received’t see all performances this week as a result of every comes with roughly two hours of behind-the-scenes footage (very slight exaggeration, there), however the first spherical kicks off this week. The efficiency order was determined by a sequence of foolish video games that’s principally simply an commercial for one of many present’s sponsors (Bibigo). It’s ALWAYS product placement with MNET.
S-Class (Stray Youngsters) Group 2
It is a “one star” staff, that means their ranks are all very low. They’re battling an “all star” staff, which is clearly not honest however creates good TV drama, I suppose. Although they’re “Group 2,” they’re performing first. Complicated.
This efficiency was an actual combined bag. Min Jae is sort of a robust performer and anchored the stage, however there have been additionally some downright terrible vocal moments from different members (Han Wen, principally) and it’s not like it is a vocally demanding track. Plus, it felt like they sort of misplaced the beat because the track went on. A number of the rap felt a bit aimless. I suppose that’s what you get with a “one star” staff, although.
S-Class (Stray Youngsters) Group 1
That is that aforementioned “all star” staff. Clearly, their efficiency is a lot better than that final one. Thanks for eliminating all pressure, MNET! They actually nailed the power, even when I don’t personally like this track or fashion of efficiency. It was very polished and debut-ready. Principally, although, I’m simply joyful I don’t have to listen to this track once more.
My Selection: Group 1
Voting Outcomes: Group 1 (as if it was ever in query)
Plot Twist (TWS) Group 1
I’ve mentioned this earlier than, however I really assume “refreshing” songs like this are lots tougher to drag off than the badass shouty numbers. You actually need to get the stability of persona and vocal expertise good. The massive story behind this staff is that among the members don’t match this idea due to their deep voices and “manly” presentation. They’re sort of bitter apples about it, too.
Anyway, I assumed this efficiency was fairly good. The vocals had been stable throughout the board and the power was shiny and buoyant. I appreciated the addition of a climactic excessive word, too. In fact, the power of the particular track does a number of heavy lifting too.
