Summary
Like Flowers in Sand steps things up a little with a better episode, though the show still seems to be missing something.
While it would have been difficult for Episode 4 of Like Flowers in Sand to not feel like a step up from a rather sedate Episode 3, there’s still something that feels a little off about Season 1 thus far. I’m not sure what it is – perhaps the focus on a murder-mystery/match-fixing arc when it seems the more introspective character drama works better. Or maybe it’s the dragging out of certain obvious plot points, like Du-sik’s identity. Either way, one can only hope that the focus settles more on Baek-du, his past, his relationships, and his wrestling as it continues to move forward.
Like Flowers in Sand Season 1 Episode 4 Recap
The previous episode introduced Mi-suk, and this one provides a little flashback clarity in the early going, with young Baek-du and Du-sik watching her give a news interview. In the present day – Du-sik finds her waiting for her at home – she’s a police captain who reveals that Choi was captured arguing with someone on CCTV on the day he died. Mi-suk, Du-sik, and Hyeon-wook debate publicizing the information.
Baek-du, meanwhile, is left with a couple of dilemmas of his own. Du-sik is pushing him to be a coach for the team, but given he hasn’t won a single championship, he doesn’t know how to square that kind of responsibility. He also continues to ponder Du-sik’s intentions, trying to eavesdrop on her conversation with the other two cops outside her house when he’s on his way to meet her.
Some viewers will find all the crossed wires and misinterpretations between the leads cute; others will find it tedious. “Mileage may vary” is a bit of a cliché as a criticism, but it’s worth remembering that cliches are popularly used for a reason, and quite often they’re very true. Such is the case here.
Of course, Baek-du’s rival for the coaching position is Jin-su, and the rivalry – as such things tend to do in a small town – has become a matter of concern for seemingly everyone. Jin-su and Baek-du are formerly great friends, but their family and close friends have also grown into their rivalry – their mothers included. Local businesses are picking sides and will only render services to clientele who’re in agreement.
Of course, this is a competitive one-on-one sport, so it stands to reason that the best way to determine who is most suited to coaching it is simple – a match between the two.
Jin-su and Baek-su grapple for position
To this end, Jin-su challenges Baek-du in front of everyone. The latter reluctantly agrees though he regrets it later. The peer pressure, particularly Du-sik’s presence, pushes him to make a decision he might not have otherwise. Either way, though, the agreement is made and the contest will take place.
And Episode 4 picks up here. There’s something about the tension of live sporting competition that works in all film and TV, and that holds here. Jin-su gets the advantage early, tossing Baek-du bodily to the ground in the first round. Baek-du musters his strength in the second to bring things level. Anticipation for the deciding round reaches a fever pitch until the contest is interrupted by two police officers who take Baek-du away. For now, the rivalry remains unresolved.
Baek-du is, apparently, a suspect. He was the one recorded on CCTV in a scuffle with Choi, on the day he got very drunk and can’t remember anything. However, since Choi Chil-Seong – the reservoir victim, do keep up – was a wanted criminal involved in a very lucrative match-fixing scam, someone who participates in the matches that are being fixed is a likely accomplice or suspect.
However, Baek-du is of course innocent, and this becomes apparent in a silly enough way that he’s quickly released and the focus of the town chatter returns to the coaching debate.
How does Like Flowers in Sand Season 1 Episode 4 end?
After Baek-du is released, he spots Mi-suk with a police official and learns her name, recalling her from his childhood. He goes home to research her, eventually putting two and two together – if Du-sik is working with her, it stands to reason she’s also a police officer.
At the same time, Hyeon-wook expresses his concern to Mi-suk that Baek-du and Yu-gyeong know each other – remember, the latter is still being professionally cagey about her background – and that the relationship might jeopardize the investigation.
The episode ends with Baek-du confronting Du-sik on what he has learned, asking her outright if she’s a police offer – and, crucially, if she’s actually married.
What did you think of Like Flowers in Sand Season 1 Episode 4? Let us know in the comments.
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