Early Access: Happiness E5 (Patreon)

E5. I realize that even though I can pick out logic stretches within this show, I'm taken enough, with the themes and ideas that Show's serving up, to actually not care so much, about the nitty-gritty details.

For example, this episode, it doesn't make sense to me that Building 101's gone unsecured for so long, especially since the outbreak has been so visible, on the grounds of the apartment complex. Also, it doesn't really make sense to me that the girl at the minimart would be able to stay unscathed, just crouching behind the cashier counter like that. After all, the zombie are extremely thirsty and desperate, and she's really extremely vulnerable, in that place, where there are zombies legit lurking within the minimart.

However, this all feels inconsequential, in comparison to the thematic stuff that Show is doing.

I find Show to be a pretty fascinating study of human nature, for one thing. The way people behave, when in danger, is definitely one of the more interesting parts of this show.

Like the way most people are all talk and no action. That old dude insisting that the doors be opened, suddenly quieting down and shuffling away, the moment Sae Bom opens the doors and says that whomever wants to leave, can do so.

Like the way some people are taking the opportunity to advance their own interests. The lawyer dude is one, and the doctor-murderer dude is another.

The plan that doctor-murderer hatches, in order to get Sae Bom and Hyun out of the building, in hopes that they'd get infected, so that there'd be nobody left to arrest him for the murder of his wife, is completely repulsive, for how low he's willing to go (he literally pays people so that he can use them as bait!), but it's also completely understandable, because I can see how a person would be desperate to preserve their own lives.

Like the way many people won't believe the worst, until they see it for themselves.

Like how many people become selfish, when push comes to shove. Only two people offer the stranded cleaners food and water to tide them over, because with the minimart already raided and the food supplies not forthcoming, there's no guarantee that there will be enough food to tide them over.

And also, like how some people can be incredibly stupid because of their greed. Like that live-streamer dude (whom I really can't stand right now), who follows the trail of blood at the minimart, knowing full well that it's dangerous, all because he can't pass up the opportunity to get exclusive content for his channel, which he believes will help him make it big. Facepalm. I honestly thought he was a goner, when he came upon those zombies.

On that note, I do find it interesting that this is the first time in the show, that we're being shown the points of view of the zombies. The narrow, distorted vision fits perfectly with the tiny pupils of their eyes.

On top of this, there's also a fair bit of social commentary that Show is serving up, comparing the perspectives of those trying to manage the situation for everyone, versus regular folks, who only see as far as their personal situations allow.

LTC Han's approach, of providing false information and therefore false hope, in order to manage the government's treatment of the patients, is very thought-provoking too. 1, it makes me wonder what kind of false information we might have been given, as governments struggle to manage the pandemic, and 2, while it seems wrong to lie so blatantly, LTC Han's rationale, that the lie prevents the government from slaughtering patients, makes for pretty strong justification.

But again, on the other hand, how safe is it, to preserve the lives of these patients, is there is no foreseeable cure, ever?

That scene at the end, where, after we've seen for ourselves the extent of the zombie outbreak, we also see people adamantly protesting the quarantine, and demanding compensation from the government, really hits home. That's exactly what continues to go on today, isn't it, as far as COVID-19 goes?

Most regular people can't see beyond their own circumstances, and there are protests around the world, against lockdowns and mask mandates. And in the meantime, governments are grappling with surge after surge of the virus. I feel so rueful, at this comparison.

I can see why LTC Han would tell Ji Soo to allow that patient loose. It's only when the people get a glimpse of the reality of the situation, that they would - hopefully - start to cooperate with the government in the most critical ways.

I'm still happily lapping up all the nuggets of OTP goodness that Show manages to serve up, in between all of the social commentary.

I love how supportive Hyun is of Sae Bom, in the sense that he never dissuades her from doing anything, even the dangerous things. It tells me that he has complete confidence in her ability to kick ass, while taking care of herself. When she tells him to cover her, as they get ready to leave the stairwell, he stops her, not to dissuade her from wanting to go first, but only to suggest that they switch weapons, because he thinks he'll handle the bat better. Hee.

Also, I do think that he wants her to have the gun, because it's better protection, but he won't say so, so that he doesn't appear to diminish her in any way. That's sweet.

And then there's the way Sae Bom won't let Hyun go out there on his own. Even though she tries to stop him from going outside, when she realizes that he's going anyway, she suits up and joins him. Ahhh. The loyalty and solidarity!

I have to admit, I kinda love how Hyun goes after doctor-murderer and smears that blood all over his face, as payback for his attempt at locking the recce group out of the building. That really must be one of doctor-murderer's worst nightmares come true.

And, when Hyun apologizes for getting carried away, I love how Sae Bom doesn't get judgey at all. Instead, she tells him that it hadn't been for him, everyone in their group would have gotten infected. That's so validating. I love even more, how she then gently hugs him and tells him that he's done well.

That's so comforting and assuring, honestly. If you ever had reason to find yourself in a zombie outbreak, this is the kind of partnership that you'd want to be a part of, to help you weather it all.

Next episode notes will be out on: Monday, 10 Jan 2022!