The SBS drama “The Fiery Priest 2” aired its eleventh episode on December 20, featuring the characters Kim Hae-il (Kim Nam-gil), Park Kyung-sun (Lee Ha-nee) and Goo Dae- young (Kim Sung-kyun) revealing Nam Doo-heon’s (Seo Hyun-woo) secrets, setting the stage for a climactic finale. Since its premiere on November 8, the series has expanded its reach to Busan and depicted the Goo-vengers engaging in high-stakes missions.
However, as the series nears its conclusion, it has strayed far from the compelling balance of action, comedy and meaningful social commentary that made the first season a success. The latest episodes, full of absurd plot twists and over-the-top comedic elements, have left viewers scratching their heads.
Unrealistic developments break immersion
A great example was in episode 11, where Park Kyung-sun faced mortal danger. Just when Kim Hae-il was forced to make an impossible decision, unexpected allies Sister Kim (Baek Ji-won) and Father Han (Jeon Sung-woo) intervened using exaggerated cartoon-style abilities, such as sonic roar attacks and magician-like card flips.
While Sister Kim’s past as a legendary gambler was introduced in the first season, Father Han’s new skills felt jarring and out of place, undermining the series’ down-to-earth tone. The lack of a plausible accumulation of such moments only added to the frustration.
The comedy overshadows the narrative weight
The drama leaned heavily on slapstick humor, often to the detriment of a coherent narrative. From the police chief’s nonsensical musical numbers to the finger puppet show performed by a newly introduced narcotics squad leader, the tone seems increasingly out of sync with the high-stakes theme of dismantling a drug cartel.
Even crucial moments lack impact. For example, an airplane door inexplicably falls from the sky during a critical scene, leaving the characters to ponder justice in a clumsily imposed moral lesson.
Disappointing expectations
The first season masterfully balanced its quirky humor with meaningful commentary on social issues and a satisfying arc of prevailing justice. Instead, the second season traded depth for cheap laughs and contrived scenarios, diluting the essence of the series.
For fans who have waited six years, this season’s disjointed narrative and juvenile humor feel like a betrayal. What they wanted was the thoughtful storytelling and cathartic justice that defined the original. Instead, “The Fiery Priest 2” turned into an unrecognizable parody of itself, leaving viewers with little more than disappointment.
