[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Save Me" Episode 4

When Sang-mi's family starts to rapidly fall apart, the cult of Guseonwon is right there to push them over the edge. "Save Me" continues to build the tragedy of the victims involved and things are about to reach a breaking point when we reunite with our characters three years later. A stronger, more determined and proactive Sang-mi will see to that.

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If it meows, it is probably not a dog and the holy water everyone is on has been meowing since day one. We have confirmation of its combined effects with the power of suggestion on a weakened mind and the series has established Im Joo-ho's (Jung Hae-kyun) weak mind thoroughly, before the added burden of losing a child and after it. The weaker he grows, however, the stronger Sang-mi (Seo Yea-ji) will get and the time jump makes that clear.

We can scratch Muism off the list of options for the Im family, as "Save Me" reminds us that all religions harm if the hands that wield them are dirty and the minds that twist them greedy. Some simply put on a better act. I am just not sure whether the fact that the trio of Guseonwon do not drop said act even when alone together means each member is trying to fool the others or whether they do it because they are so used to their facade.

People do not change easily and while Jeong-gi (Cho Seong-ha) may believe he has, which would make him even more dangerous, Jo Wan-tae (Jo Jae-yun) is clearly not buying it. His behavior is the boldest out of the three, because he knows through himself that "the habit does not make the priest", to use a Greek idiom disturbingly appropriate for this situation. He may even inadvertently aid in the cult's undoing later on, because he loves flaunting the power his oppressor role gives him.

He is not the only one who grows more powerful, however. Sang-mi finally has the will to fight and while I find the idea of putting a developmentally challenged child in danger to motivate a character a tad too manipulative, it would be unrealistic of the series to have Sang-mi fighting for people she believes stay there willingly. Additionally, Jeong-goo (Jung Joon-won) reminds her of her perceived failure to protect a loved one.

Jeong-goo is also not without agency and I feel his knowledge of the cult's underbelly will help a lot later on. I am curious to see what three years have done to everyone and particularly Dong-cheol (Woo Do-hwan), who hopefully has a healthier relationship with religion. If Sang-hwan's (Ok Taecyeon) father tried to kill him, this friendship will need a lot of work. They better get to it, because Sang-mi will not wait.

"Save Me" is directed by Kim Seong-soo, written by Jeong Sin-gyoo and Jeong I-do-I and features Ok Taecyeon, Seo Yea-ji, Cho Seong-ha and Woo Do-hwan.

Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'

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