Abyss Television Show
The core concept of the Abyss television show revolves around a mystical orb called the Abyss. This orb possesses the power to resurrect the dead, albeit with a physical transformation reflective of their inner soul. The story begins when Cha Min, the male lead, is accidentally killed and subsequently revived by grim reapers using the Abyss. His appearance dramatically changes from what society deems “ugly” to model-status handsome.
Cha Min’s newfound power leads to the unintentional resurrection of a serial killer, setting off a chain of events that drives the plot. The Abyss grants a second chance to Go Se-yeon, the female lead, a prosecutor murdered in her apartment. Her resurrection, however, results in a more ordinary appearance, leading her to impersonate a coworker for a significant portion of the series. Interestingly, the powerful Abyss orb vanishes after the serial killer’s revival, remaining largely absent from the narrative until a crucial character’s death, but even then, it remains unused.
The initial momentum of Abyss is captivating. The first half, leading up to the supposed capture of the serial killer, is filled with suspense and intrigue. The writing is sharp, and the mystery surrounding the Abyss and its powers keeps viewers engaged. The disappearance of Go Se-yeon’s body from her grave further complicates the investigation, shifting the focus from the killer to the missing corpse. Unfortunately, this compelling storyline is never resolved, leaving a loose end in the narrative.
The series loses its footing as the plot progresses. Cha Min’s new identity is readily accepted, and the search for the serial killer’s accomplice becomes convoluted. Family dynamics and the unexpected return of the woman Se-yeon impersonated, now with plastic surgery, further muddle the narrative. While the romance between the leads is a slow burn, taking several episodes to develop, it offers compelling character development. However, the show’s handling of beauty standards, portraying Park Bo-young’s face as plain and Cha Min’s transformed appearance as ideal, draws criticism. The second villain’s reveal lacks suspense, as their identity becomes obvious early on, reducing the climax to a simple matter of capture.
Despite its flaws, Abyss showcases noteworthy performances. Interestingly, Han So-hee, known for her role in the controversial drama Nevertheless, plays Cha Min’s ex-fiance, a character adept at professional fraud. While Nevertheless romanticized toxic behavior, Abyss offers a different perspective on complex relationships and moral dilemmas. The series ultimately falls short of its initial promise, but its unique premise and intriguing characters still offer moments of captivating television.
