Summary
Chapter Two is just as skillfully crafted as the premiere. The filmmakers explore Sunja’s traumatic teenage years with dignity and compassion.
This recap of the Apple TV+ series Pachinko season 1, episode 2 contains spoilers.
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In the final moments of the premiere, we were introduced to a teenage version of Sunja as she spies the handsome Koh Hansu for the first time, becoming mesmerized by the new district fish broker. This marks the third time period of Pachinko. “Chapter Two” flits between this and the eighties timeline, exploring themes of loyalty and race.
Pachinko season 1, episode 2 recap
The locals gossip about this new merchant, saying he does the dirty work for a powerful man. The fish broker has been living in Japan for fourteen years now but has happily returned to his homeland of Korea as a much richer individual than the boy that departed it all those years ago. Koh Hansu takes a shine to Sunja and tries to win her affections by showering her with gifts. Sunja declines the presents having seen his aggressive actions, but is indebted to the man after a traumatic altercation. Pachinko doesn’t hold back on displaying the brutality of this cruel regime. The two begin a daily interaction at the stream where Sunja washes her laundry. Koh Hansu talks about his past and Sunja slowly comes around to liking this dangerous man, as she sees his gentler side.
Meanwhile, in the eighties, Solomon adjusts to his new life. He can’t seem to shake his heritage or upbringing. An old friend calls him the son of a Pachinko man, which visually angers Solomon. Then a boss asks what his blood type is, implying his race and questioning where his loyalties lie. These themes add another layer to the series, highlighting cultural issues that haven’t really been addressed in mainstream media before.
The ending
The American Tom Andrews (played by Westworld’s Jimmi Simpson) and his on-again off-again girlfriend Naomi (‘it’s complicated’) discuss the property owner’s history. Solomon is eager to make a name for himself and acquire the building on his first attempt. He uses his charm to gain an impromptu meeting with the owner. Solomon offers her a square watermelon gift and a bid of one billion yen for the property. They talk of suffering and the differences in their generations, however, he cannot sweet-talk her into a sale.
Chapter Two ends with two bitter-sweet scenes from the two distinct timelines, which overlap in a seamless fashion. Again, Pachinko explores traumatic events in a professional and almost poetic manner. Like the premiere, this is another beautifully shot episode that delves deeper into the family’s lives. Pachinko has the makings of a gripping drama, hopefully, audiences will not be put off by the language barrier and the complex plotting.
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