PREVIOUS RECAPS: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three // Episode Four
At the beginning of the episode, the Planet K and Planet C survivors were revealed to each other via a dramatic falling curtain flourish. I have no idea how they got everyone situated behind each side of the curtain without each other noticing (though I would bet good money that they did notice and had to fake shock). Gosh, the number of Planet C boys looked so small.
This first performance round is made up of songs from artists who all won the best rookie award at MAMA, though most of the songs aren’t debut title tracks. We’ve got TVXQ’s Rising Sun in there, which in addition to being my second favorite K-pop song of all time is an… ambitious choice, to say the least. (And by “ambitious,” I mean there’s no way these guys are going to do it justice)
And predictably, MNET has structured the rules so that we get an “Avengers team” filled with all the standout, top-ranked participants. The producers LOVE this trope and refuse to let it go despite how predictable it’s become. And of course, the highest-ranking group gets to pick their song first. The caste system is strong this season.
Anyway, this round is set up so that two teams perform the same song and challenge each other for the win. It’s a real “David & Goliath” concept, as the lower-ranked teams have a chance to win more points if they challenge the higher-ranked ones and win. Lots of strategy, here.
At one point, one of the groups was panicking, saying “we don’t have a main singer!” I’m like… welcome to K-pop right now, guys! “Main singers” aren’t in vogue, unfortunately. In fact, so many trainees were avoiding the main vocal position like the plague. I guess they don’t want that dreaded voice crack moment that gets replayed over and over. Meanwhile, rap and dance were popular in every group. Le sigh.
At one point, a member was almost forced into the “sub-rapper” spot just because he was the shortest! Not cool. I’m rooting for that shorty, now.
Also, we were treated to a really terrible rendition of Rising Sun’s iconic high note over and over again. Thank you, producers. I hate it.
In fact, that power note became a recurring drama throughout the episode. You know, if you focus on something too much you’re bound to psyche yourself out. But if you have any doubts whether or not you can hit a big note, you probably shouldn’t be attempting it in the first place.
Okay, now it’s time to get this show on the road. We won’t see all performances this week because each comes with approximately two hours of behind-the-scenes footage (very slight exaggeration, there), but the first round kicks off this week. The performance order was decided by a series of silly games that’s basically just an advertisement for one of the show’s sponsors (Bibigo). It’s ALWAYS product placement with MNET.
S-Class (Stray Kids) Team 2
This is a “one star” team, meaning their ranks are all very low. They’re battling an “all star” team, which is obviously not fair but creates good TV drama, I guess. Even though they’re “Team 2,” they’re performing first. Confusing.
This performance was a real mixed bag. Min Jae is quite a strong performer and anchored the stage, but there were also some downright awful vocal moments from other members (Han Wen, mostly) and it’s not like this is a vocally demanding song. Plus, it felt like they kind of lost the beat as the song went on. Some of the rap felt a bit aimless. I guess that’s what you get with a “one star” team, though.
S-Class (Stray Kids) Team 1
This is that aforementioned “all star” team. Obviously, their performance is much better than that last one. Thanks for eliminating all tension, MNET! They really nailed the energy, even if I don’t personally like this song or style of performance. It was very polished and debut-ready. Mostly, though, I’m just happy I don’t have to hear this song again.
My Choice: Team 1
Voting Results: Team 1 (as if it was ever in question)
Plot Twist (TWS) Team 1
I’ve said this before, but I actually think “refreshing” songs like this are a lot harder to pull off than the badass shouty numbers. You really have to get the balance of personality and vocal talent just right. The big story behind this team is that some of the members don’t fit this concept because of their deep voices and “manly” presentation. They’re kind of sour apples about it, too.
Anyway, I thought this performance was pretty good. The vocals were solid across the board and the energy was bright and buoyant. I liked the addition of a climactic high note, too. Of course, the strength of the actual song does a lot of heavy lifting too.
