REVIEW: ‘Trolley,’ Episodes 1-2 “Prelude” and “The Accident”

Despite being the wife of an Assembly Man, Kim Hye-Ju has always kept her life private and out of the political world in which her husband lives. But when a tragedy occurs that shines a light on her family, she begins to be seen by the world as she attempts to come to terms with the series of events that have been set in motion in Trolley Episodes 1-2.

The biggest takeaway I have from the first two chapters of this 16-episode season is that Trolley is setting up a slow-burn story that viewers need to be ready to commit to. That’s not to say that I found Trolley Episodes 1-2 boring, far from it. But these opening chapters take their time establishing characters more than advancing the plot. While I can see likely avenues for some of the introduced elements to play out, much about what is going on, as well as the overall direction of the series, is still a mystery. It is this mystery that has me most interested to continue following along with the show’s story.

The reason for the mystery accounting for so much of the pull Trolley Episodes 1-2 has on me is due largely to how reserved these early chapters are with its cast. While key members of the cast are able to make some measure of an impression, they mostly feel like they are being held back in a deliberate attempt to draw the viewer in. Little hints and cracks in some facades make me suspect that we will get much more from these personalities as the narrative continues to unravel. As with all such mysteries, though, we have to wait and see if the big reveals will be worth the time investment.

Given how much of Trolley Episodes 1-2‘s potential is built on the mystery and growing uncertainty surrounding Hye-Jun’s family, it’s a good thing that the visual side of the presentation builds up these themes splendidly. The lighting, camera work, and subtle musical accompaniments all help build the tension and drama of these episodes’ key moments.

Despite the aforementioned reserved nature of it, the acting is excellent at delivering the characters and their early reactions to the growing situations they face. Kim Hyun-joo in her role as lead Hye-Ju, does a great job of establishing who her character is before things begin to fall apart, while also managing to show the escalating situation’s impact on her in a measured way that leaves plenty of room for her character to grow as the situation worsens.

When I take it all in, Trolley Episodes 1-2 does a great job of establishing the tone and characters of its tale. While little feels set in stone yet of where the tale will ultimately lead, the presentation and acting have managed to get its hooks in me to the degree that I will definitely be returning next week when the next pair of episodes drops.

Trolley Episodes 1-2 are streaming now on Netflix with new episodes airing on Mondays and Tuesdays.