The Exorcist's Meter 2.0 (2020)

Just Sit Next to a Box of Tissues

I binged this series in two days. That's how good it was.

Yes, there were sometimes when the storyline dragged (slight pacing problems) or felt rushed. I felt like they focused too much on Bei Bei's storyline. Although I get that she is a significant character in Ma Kwai's life and I like her character, they could've given more time to flesh out Ling's story (especially since her son is likely to be the next big boss if there is a season 3) and Thalassa's story (main villain). I also found it annoying sometimes how the characters don't communicate with each other, like shit has to hit the fan before they actually put two and two together. That was mainly directed at Ma Kwai, because although his character is supposed to be carefree, you'd think he would learn from his mistakes and be more observant in the future.

With my ranting aside, I really enjoyed the series. I fell in love with the first one and was worried that they'd mess up this sequel, but I actually ended up crying so much more this time around. Maybe because became so invested in the characters since the first season. I was crying pretty much every episode. Although sometimes it seems like they are milking the emotions from characters that died in the first season, they raised a lot of deeper questions about life and death that just made this season more heavy (i.e., the burden of survivor's guilt, what it means to be a hero, the harshness of reality vs the beauty of a lie, death vs eternal suffering).

This series made me become a fan of Hubert Wu. The OSTs for both seasons are by him. I liked the OST from the first season more, but the songs this time were still really good! I loved Shek Kan Dong in the first season, and I thought I would be annoyed with Ho Jai this season, but Ho Jai is honestly my favorite character this season. Both have such tragic endings. Ho Jai is literally the perfect kid and deserves everything wonderful in this world, but he was tricked by a sea demon as a kid and now suffers eternally. He has to feed off human souls to survive but he doesn't want to be a monster. However, he cannot die, so he just exists until the hunger inside him forces him to become a monster and kill people. Although he is a powerful demon now, deep down, he is just a scared little boy who longs for his mother and brother-- and every second he is able to spend with them and his own humanity is on borrowed time. In the end he chooses to have his brother kill him in order to set him free, his existence is just filled with so much suffering. I was sobbing at the end scene when they had to duel as brothers... Ma Kwai provokes the fight and lets Ho Jai win, telling him that the Demon Slayer finally wins (a roleplaying game they used to play as kids, where Ho Jai would purposely lose rock, paper, scissors every time and become the demon so that Ma Kwai could be the Demon Slayer).

I really hope there is a third season and we can finally get some closure about Ling's son, Dr. Jeung and Ma Kwai's relationship, as well as Shek Gam Dong and Ho Jai's fate (because the final scene left off on a cliff hanger).

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The lead up to the finale, The Exorcist's 3rd Meter!

I most likely get ripped with this review, but here it goes:

STORY
The Exorcist's 2nd Meter showcased unpredictability that the past two HK dramas Forensic Heroes IV and Airport Strikers definitely lacked. It continued where it left off from the previous instalment, The Exorcist's Meter, portraying Ma Gwai's road to being a true exorcist, which this definitely revolved around. One thing that hurt its potential, was the inconsistent pacing of the drama, patches of fast and slow builds of story development. Another fault, is Liz's revival, no explanation of her coming back alive, hopefully explained in the sequel, if she appears again. By the ending, it did leave interest for the supposed finale, with the Kwok and Ling's son appearing, most likely coming for Ma Gwai and most likely the return of Shek Kam Dong.

CAST
Kenneth Ma's role as Ma Gwai was definitely present, as each episode was featured quite prominently, always shows great humour, that did overshadow the female lead, Mandy Wong's Dr. Chong, who by no means was non-existent, but would've liked to be shown more for character development, however, it definitely leaves the prospect for more of her in the upcoming finale. Ho Zhai was definitely hard to read at times, but Hubert Wu, portrayed the dark character well and succeeded. The chemistry that Kenneth has with Mandy, Hubert and Moon is strong, and it showed here. Moon Lau as Pui Pui Na may be the making of her as an actress, her charm was pure and towards her farewell, was heartbreaking. C Kwan as the Wind Lion God was humorous. Props to Julian Gaertner as Billy, definitely comedy relief when he pops up. Zoie Tsam as Thalassa doesn't have that killer look to resemble the villain as her intentions was confusing but does enough.

MUSIC
Hubert Wu's music is always touching but the hum song by Kayee Tam was always playing in my head. Kudos to the OST track listing!

REWATCH
Only rewatch if connecting the pieces together with the prequel, The Exorcist's Meter and the supposed upcoming finale, The Exorcist's 3rd Meter.

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