Hellbound season 2 review: The power-game in Yoon Ah-in’s thriller-horror K-Drama is a gateway to living hell

3.5/5

Story:

Not just Park Jung-ja, Jung Jin-soo is also resurrected from hell. Meanwhile, New Truth, Arrowhead and Sodo battle it out when it comes to those who received a decree. Each cult has an intention with those who have received a decree, or are resurrected and this season delves further into that while making some startling revelations in the process.

Review:

Hellbound seaosn 2 does not commence from season 1 ended - with Park Jung-ja (Kim Shin-rok) being resurrected. Instead, we are taken to the past, to the moment when Yoon Ah-in's Jung Jin-soo died. Jin-soo's devious laugh sets the tone for season 2. While he was the best part in season 1, Ah-in shines in this season too. His provocation scene, in particular, is so twisted that it touches your senses. Him taking back power is above everything in this season.

The second season deals with the concept of parallel universe. Jung Jin-soo navigates through various lives, all of which are happy places with hidden mysteries. The twist is, your past, present and future selves are in the same place but sometimes you cannot meet each other and the other times, they are a part of your family. After going through hell in the other lives, Jin-soo is resurrected.

Once the New Truth was exposed after the baby survived, Arrowhead grew stronger. They still take on sinners but have grown more powerful than the OG organization itself, mainly after the Arrowhead streamer died after receiving the decree. Their cult has grown so strong that people are willing to sacrifice themselves along with others who received a decree and want a demonstration under Arrowhead.

The thrill in season 2 is set from episode 1 itself. There isn't a moment that is dragged, and there's no conclusion to why the deaths take place, but they still do.

While Arrowhead is powerful, Sodo is just as powerful, and Min Hye-jin (Kim Hyun-joo)'s return is the prime example of it. As always, it is a fight among the cults to survive, and one member joining Arrowhead proves just how important this cult has become.

Miss Sunshine (Moon Geun-young), originally Jiwon, has a story to take you through. Her determination is what took Arrowhead to a whole new level. Geun-young in the role is a powerhouse.

The thrill in the series is constant and satisfying. The most pleasing is watching Pastor Kim Jeong-chil (Lee Dong-hee) in danger and trying everything to save himself.

As the season comes to an end, the makers attempt to explain what exactly is going on, but the mystery behind it is very much kept alive. The last episode is the most impactful for various reasons. It unfolds some mystery and gives you many moments to ponder upon.

There's a big revelation about the only surviving baby in the last five minutes of this season, and that is bound to shake your world. With that, the series hints at Min Hye-jin's life being in danger for more reason than one.

Verdict:

Hellbound season 2’s biggest strong point is that it keeps the vibe from season 1 intact and adds more to it. There was not a moment you wanted to miss in season 1, and something similar happens in season 2. In fact this time around, you would not want to miss a single moment because that ends up being the most important aspect of the season. The story unfolds so beautifully that you already know who will be in focus in the coming season. That is what a good series does to you, leaves behind a mystery for you to hold on to. Full points for the mystery elements in this season.