Summary
“The Link” focuses on the romantic elements of the series instead of the show’s more dramatic competitive storyline, which accounts for the lower grading. This installment continues to be excellently written, offering snippets of humor and emotional depth.
We recap the Apple TV+ series Drops of God Season 1 Episode 5, “The Link,” which contains spoilers.
After the last installment’s elongated flashback sequences and that episode’s shocking twist ending, “The Link” returns the show’s focus back to the competition.
Camille (Fleur Geffrier) and Issei (Tomohisa Yamashita) are informed of the second challenge and get to work on solving this new puzzle. Meanwhile, Issei searches for his father, and Camille is offered a tremendous new job.
Drops of God Season 1 Episode 5 Recap
What is the second test?
The second test is laid out right away. The competitors are shown a painting, the very same one that Alexandre used in one of his university lectures. They are given one clue, the word’ link.’ Now they have two weeks to find the correct wine that matches the painting.
Issei’s grandfather, Noboru Tomine, the CEO of Tomine Diamonds, hosts a press conference to weigh in on his grandson’s competition. In private, Noboru has been horrid to Issei, forcing him to drop out of the competition. Yet, in the public eye, Noboru is extremely supportive, wishing Issei well.
What is the painting?
The two competitors get to work researching the painting. It is a still life painting called ‘A Glass Compote with Peaches, Jasmine Flowers, Quinces and a Grasshopper’ by Fede Galizia. Luca believes the wine they are after will be Italian, possibly from Milan or Lombardy. The aromas they should search for are those from the painting: peach, jasmine, and quince.
Honoka finally relents and shows Issei the package containing Hirokazu’s belongings. Issei reads the note his father has left; it reads: Don’t search for me. Issei is shocked to hear that his father has gone missing. He wants to tell the police, but his mother demands that he does nothing. She asks what he said to Hirokazu the last time they spoke. Issei is ashamed of what he said.
Issei collects a photograph from Hirokazu’s office of the father and son together. He bumps into Noboru in the lift on the way out.
In private, his grandfather speaks more honestly. Issei is no longer welcome in the family. He has been disowned by his own family for his betrayal.
Defying his family once again, Issei goes to the police, but they refuse to get involved in Hirokazu’s voluntary disappearance. Issei decides to contact Yurika Katase, the journalist, instead. He offers her an exclusive interview if she will investigate the disappearance herself.
What job is Camille offered?
Meanwhile, Camille tries all the wine she can muster before vomiting. The next day, she meets with Luca. He wants her to take over Alexandre’s wine guide business. That night, Camille and Thomas go out drinking. Thomas reveals that he has been with Juliette for seven years, and she has proposed to him. Later, Camille attempts to kiss Thomas, but he rejects her.
Issei conducts his own investigation. He visits his parents’ old university and asks about their courses. The wine expert is informed that Alexandre taught for a few months in 1991 and that his parents took the course. Issei is given the contact details of Alexandre’s interpreter.
Following up on Yurika’s investigation, the journalist has found CCTV footage of Hirokazu at the train station. In return for this vital information, Issei agrees to be interviewed on live TV.
Camille and Luca meet with the publisher Jacques Fusier. He offers her Alexandre’s old job. The daughter seems excited to take on her father’s legacy.
Thomas thinks it’s a bad idea, though Camille is inexperienced and unprepared for this prestigious role. After the attempted kiss and this argument, Thomas decides to leave Tokyo for good.
During the interview, Issei is questioned about the second challenge, his relationship with Alexandre and his family. Yurika asks if Issei will be taking over the diamond business. Issei says he will not. To end the interview, Issei thanks his father. Hirokazu is then seen watching the interview in a diner. He is alive!
Drops of God Season 1 Episode 5 Ending Explained
Who is Yoko Sawaguchi?
“The Link” ends with Issei traveling to meet Alexandre’s translator Yoko Sawaguchi. She passes Issei a box of files and then discusses her memories of those three months working with Alexandre. Yoko remembers Honoka as an intense and demanding individual, while Hirokazu was impulsive and besotted by his future wife.
As the conversation progresses, Yoko finally reveals the truth of those integral months. Hirokazu’s jealousy led to Alexandre being fired, and Honoka was clearly in love with Alexandre. Issei’s greatest fears have come true, making him question his own parents.
Back in the car, he considers calling Camille but then changes his mind. They have much to discuss in the future, but Issei isn’t ready for that conversation yet.
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