Review of Hierarchy โ 2/5 Stars- spolier alert
Hierarchy began with immense potential, promising a gripping narrative centered around revenge and justice. However, as the series progressed, it deviated from this path, leaving me disappointed and frustrated.
The central plot revolves around Kang Ha, a scholarship student who transfers to the elite Jooshin High School with a mission to uncover the truth behind his brother In-han's deathโa supposed accident that reeks of foul play. This premise set the stage for a compelling exploration of class disparity, bullying, and the quest for justice. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat.
One of the most glaring issues was the portrayal of the antagonists. The students responsible for tormenting others, leading to tragic outcomes, were inexplicably humanized and their actions justified as the story unfolded. This narrative choice undermined the severity of their deeds and diluted the impact of the revenge arc. It felt as though the series was attempting to redeem characters who should have been held accountable, sending a troubling message about the consequences of bullying and abuse.
The romantic subplot further muddled the storyline. Kang Ha's developing feelings for Jung Jae-i, the school's "queen bee" and someone closely tied to his brother's demise, felt forced and unconvincing. This relationship dynamic detracted from the main narrative and made it challenging to empathize with Kang Ha's quest for justice. Instead of focusing on his mission, the plot became entangled in unnecessary romantic tensions that did little to advance the story.
Character development was another area where Hierarchy faltered. Despite glimpses into the tumultuous family lives of characters like Jae-i and Kim Ri-an, these insights felt superficial and failed to evoke genuine sympathy. The series missed an opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of its characters, resulting in a cast that felt one-dimensional and unrelatable.
In terms of production, the cinematography and initial setup were commendable, creating an atmosphere befitting an elite high school drama. However, these technical merits couldn't compensate for the weak storyline and character arcs.
In conclusion, Hierarchy started with a promising premise but quickly lost its way due to poor narrative choices, unjustified character redemption, and a distracting romantic subplot. I had high hopes for a series that would delve into deep-rooted chaos, heroism, and a satisfying journey of revenge. Instead, it delivered a disjointed and unsatisfying experience. I rate it 2 out of 5 starsโone star for its initial potential and another for its visual appeal. Unfortunately, the overall execution left much to be desired.