PREVIOUS RECAPS: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three // Episode 4
At the start of the episode, the Planet Ok and Planet C survivors have been revealed to one another by way of a dramatic falling curtain flourish. I don’t know how they acquired everybody located behind either side of the curtain with out one another noticing (although I’d wager good cash that they did discover and needed to faux shock). Gosh, the variety of Planet C boys seemed so small.
This primary efficiency spherical is made up of songs from artists who all received the perfect rookie award at MAMA, although a lot of the songs aren’t debut title tracks. We’ve acquired TVXQ’s Rising Solar in there, which along with being my second favourite Ok-pop music of all time is an… formidable selection, 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 foundations in order that we get an “Avengers group” stuffed with all of the standout, top-ranked contributors. The producers LOVE this trope and refuse to let it go regardless of how predictable it’s turn out to be. And naturally, the highest-ranking group will get to choose their music first. The caste system is powerful this season.
Anyway, this spherical is about up in order that two groups carry out the identical music 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 important singer!” I’m like… welcome to Ok-pop proper now, guys! “Essential singers” aren’t in vogue, sadly. In actual fact, so many trainees have been avoiding the principle vocal place just like the plague. I assume they don’t need that dreaded voice crack second that will get replayed time and again. In the meantime, rap and dance have been standard in each group. Le sigh.
At one level, a member was nearly compelled into the “sub-rapper” spot simply because he was the shortest! Not cool. I’m rooting for that shorty, now.
Additionally, we have been handled to a very 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. , if you happen to concentrate on one thing an excessive amount of you’re sure to psyche your self out. However if in case you have any doubts whether or not or not you’ll be able to 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 street. 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 collection 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) Staff 2
This can be a “one star” group, which means their ranks are all very low. They’re battling an “all star” group, which is clearly not honest however creates good TV drama, I assume. Regardless that they’re “Staff 2,” they’re performing first. Complicated.
This efficiency was an actual combined bag. Min Jae is kind of a powerful performer and anchored the stage, however there have been additionally some downright terrible vocal moments from different members (Han Wen, largely) and it’s not like this can be a vocally demanding music. Plus, it felt like they form of misplaced the beat because the music went on. A few of the rap felt a bit aimless. I assume that’s what you get with a “one star” group, although.
S-Class (Stray Youngsters) Staff 1
That is that aforementioned “all star” group. Clearly, their efficiency is significantly better than that final one. Thanks for eliminating all pressure, MNET! They actually nailed the vitality, even when I don’t personally like this music or model of efficiency. It was very polished and debut-ready. Largely, although, I’m simply completely satisfied I don’t have to listen to this music once more.
My Alternative: Staff 1
Voting Outcomes: Staff 1 (as if it was ever in query)
Plot Twist (TWS) Staff 1
I’ve mentioned this earlier than, however I truly assume “refreshing” songs like this are lots more durable to tug off than the badass shouty numbers. You actually must get the steadiness of character and vocal expertise excellent. The large story behind this group is that a few of the members don’t match this idea due to their deep voices and “manly” presentation. They’re form of bitter apples about it, too.
Anyway, I believed this efficiency was fairly good. The vocals have been strong throughout the board and the vitality was shiny and buoyant. I preferred the addition of a climactic excessive word, too. In fact, the energy of the particular music does loads of heavy lifting too.
