"Twenty Again" Episode 4

Each episode feels like a fresh beginning in"Twenty Again"as the main characters experience new revelations that kickstart the hour. Newly armed with the (false) knowledge that No-ra is dying, Hyeon-seok decides to encourage and help her the way that she had done for him when he was a high schooler. No-ra, on the other hand, has a second chance at life with the realization that she does not have cancer and she's going to live. Ironically, the situation brings them closer because it softens Hyeon-seok and makes him more receptive to No-ra, while she opens up to the possibility of truly living her life.

It's a situation that brings them both back to their twenty-year-old selves, sweet, eager, full-of-life, and ready to get living. No-ra is living with her eyes wide open now and is grabbing life with both hands. The change shocks Woo-cheol and Min-soo, and I delight in the bafflement that registers on Woo-cheol's face. Why? He has single-handedly controlled his wife and son's lives, turning them into his drones without a thought for their feelings. She cooks and cleans, his son studies. There is no room for truly living and enjoying life in that equation. Woo-cheol's negative effects are seen in Min-soo's dating life and in the stress he suffers because of his father's pressure. This kind of pressure isn't unique to this family. It's pervasive in Korea, and it really isn't healthy. I'm glad this show is addressing it.

 Once forced out of his own pain and suffering by the realization that No-ra has suffered as well, Hyeon-seok becomes more considerate and giving while still retaining his characteristic brusqueness. He's a wonderfully defined character in that respect and played well byLee Sang-yoon. His interest in No-ra is as good for him as it is for her. It forces him out of his self-pity and will eventually force her to take a good look at herself. Such evaluative periods are important in life andChoi Ji-wooembodies No-ra's with lovely tenderness and naivete. This episode tests No-ra's dedication to her new path in life by throwing her into a difficult social situation that could endanger that very path and all that it stands for.

"Twenty Again"starts to take a closer look at No-ra's son, Min-soo, whose plot thread is rather inane. He spends most of his time in silly fights with his girlfriend. What this relationship does show is how deeply his father's rigid regime has penetrated Min-soo's life and behavior.

Another of No-ra's peers, Na Soon-name (No Yeong-hak) is starting to reevaluate how he sees No-ra as well. He relates to her youthful enthusiasm, desire to succeed, and the visible pain she suffers. The human connection between them defies age and I hope this friendship blossoms - it's beautiful.

The pace of"Twenty Again"is zippy and that's just what it needs. No-ra is barreling through life with new eyes and the show should move just as quickly with her.

Written by:Rainefrom 'Raine's Dichotomy'

"Twenty Again"is directed byKim Hyeong-sik, written bySo Hyeon-kyeong, and featuresChoi Ji-woo,Lee Sang-yoon,Choi Won-yeong, andKim Min-jae-I.