[Drama Review] 'Goblin' - Episode 2

Sungjae, Yoo In Na, Lee Dong Wook, Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun

While the first episode of 'Goblin' became more addicting with each and every scene, episode two offered a little less flair but still sparked our interest with entertaining dialogues and the introduction of some new characters.

Since episode one seals the deal in regards to whether or not viewers will continue watching it or not, I see why they went heavy on the cinematography. Episode two has little to no effects with only some supernatural details happening every so often. However, a few sudden thunderstorms and floating dinner wear aren't going to win me over.

Clearly they save all the best effects for his war-torn past.

Even when Ji Eun Tak meets with those bumbling ghosts or when the lights start exploding down the highway, I was amused but not impressed. I hope we can see more astonishing powers from the Grim Reaper or even Ji Eun Tak herself since the Goblin keeps questioning her abilities. It is building a natural curiosity about what exactly she is capable of since we all know she is the Goblin's Bride.

Many viewers still question if Kim Go Eun's (Ji Eun Tak) acting is great or rather cringeworthy. While she does have a few moments that come off as overwhelming due to her aegyo (like that Tinkerbell nonsense), I think it is just the natural flair of her character. To me, her acting is still fairly similar to her role in 'Cheese In The Trap' as a hardworking teen with an eccentric but cute charm who falls for a somewhat stern man. At least Gong Yoo is easier on the eyes.

However, Gong Yoo (Kim Shin) has yet to thoroughly impress me with his acting. It isn't bad, but there isn't much to talk about just yet. He is handsome and he has a great way of expressing his feelings for Ji Eun Tak in a quirky way but I'm waiting for him to create an impact on the audience through his character development - not just his storyline.

The romance between the two of them became weird and fast in my opinion. Without much progression, the two are just suddenly fated to be and developing huge interests in each other to the point that they seem love sick. While I do enjoy the humor of Gong Yoo trying to pick out the perfect outfit before he is summoned, why does he suddenly care and act so sensitive toward Ji Eun Tak one moment (such as pining for her or laying curled up in bed wondering if she is thinking about him), then disregard her the next?

If he truly believes she isn't the Goblin's Bride, he'd ditch her by now. Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) seems to be back and forth with his feelings which makes his character appear to be suffering an identity crisis, as well, but that's more on writing than acting.

Lee Dong Wook continues to impress me with his acting. His character is pretty mundane, simple, and has little emotion but it isn't necessarily easy to act that way. He has to maintain a rigid demeanor in order to accomplish the role of being the Grim Reaper but he does it so effortlessly.

Move over Edward Cullen, the Grim Reaper's crooked smile is where it is at!

I feel, just like certain other dramas intend to do, that the secondary characters also play a significant role to the story. I'm totally curious about the cool and sexy boss of Olive Chicken. She seems to also have a mysterious aura around her which makes me believe she is a ghost or comes from some sort of mystical background. Maybe she is just that cool?

Ji Eun Tak's aunt is becoming more and more ridiculous as time goes on but her acting is pretty believable as she makes it easy to despise her - especially when she suggests those thugs go after her own niece. It is just surprising to me that she can go from the sweet, tender housemaid in 'The K2' to a vile, grumpy old hag.

I still felt the pacing of the drama was fine, but it did take a rather large leap into their romance without much of a build up. Maybe because Ji Eun Tak so willing admits her "love" for him every so often the viewer is expected to just take it as "fate" and go along with it but I need some substance here.

For now I'm calling her Big Red (yes, like the gum)!

I'm just curious who Lee Dong Wook will be falling in love with because K-Dramas always have a second love story and I am smelling some romance regarding either the owner of Olive Chicken or the cabbage selling granny who suddenly becomes a sexy woman.

As expected, I am loving the character dynamics between the Grim Reaper and Kim Shin more than the romance. It is comical and filled with typical boyish behavior you can't help but look down on them and laugh. I just didn't understand that whole scene with the nursery rhyme involving underwear and Lee Dong Wook's sudden question suggesting if Kim Shin "was being manly." Like... is this a sexual undertone or is the fact that Lee Dong Wook is holding Gong Yoo's underwear making my brain malfunction?

I smell a spin-off fanfiction in the making!

Either way, I want to see more of a character development between the Grim Reaper and Ji Eun Tak. Although she must avoid him like the plague, I am curious how this "missing soul" label will affect her. Plus I sense some sort of friendship ready to blossom between them or why else would he be there to save her from those gruesome thugs in the end?

Episode two ended with a scary situation but not much of a cliffhanger I'd say. No matter what, I'm not concerned for Ji Eun Tak because with the Grim Reaper and the Goblin by her side, she will always be safe and definitely be living a dramatic but fun life. Now I'm just anticipating how they will beat up these thugs!

Until next week, let us wait, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!