REVIEW: ‘Like Flowers in Sand’ Episode 5-6

Like Flowers in Sand Episodes 5-6 grapple with a handful of storylines. Some make more headway than others. As has become more of an issue in recent dramas, it creates a lag in pacing in an already slow-feeling series. Thankfully, due to how likable Kim Baek-Du (Jang Dong-Yoon) is a protagonist, his reactions keep viewers invested, even when the story gets bogged down.

Throughout Like Flowers in Sand Episodes 5-6, we see the focus centered around three storylines. There is a mystery surrounding Oh Yu-Gyeong’s (Lee Joo-Myoung) past and how it may relate to what’s going on in Geosan County now. The expansion and development of Baek-Du’s re-entry into ssireum also takes focus. Baek-Du’s re-embrace of ssireum connects to the ongoing murder mystery at hand. Through Yu-Gyeong’s continued involvement in solving the case, we see Baek-Du’s and Yu-Gyeong’s progress.

Both episodes continue the trend of using flashbacks to peel back the curtain between Baek-Du and Yu-Gyeong. This also links what happens in the episode to the past. This comes into focus with the reveal of Yu-Gyeong/Du-Sik’s father potentially being involved in a match-fixing event 20 years prior. The connection explains her motivations behind being involved in the case. As more people find out her identity, suspicions are likely to center on her.

Baek-Du, meanwhile, doesn’t care about what past haunts Yu-Gyeong. Wearing his feelings on his sleeve, all he desires is to help Yu-Gyeong. This turns into an adorable moment later on in Like Flowers in Sand Episode 5. Rumors started spreading when it was revealed to the public that Coach Yeon (Heo Dong-Won) had died. This leads Yu-Gyeong to seek out wrestler Lim Dong-Seok (Kim Tae-Jung), culminating in unintentional cuteness onscreen. Baek-Du joyfully joins her, not reading the signs that Yu-Gyeong doesn’t want him there. But, across this journey, the two grow even closer.

While the two are busy with their investigation, junior detective Min Hyeon-Uk (Yun Jong-Seok) takes his investigation a bit more seriously. In Like Flowers in Sand Episodes 5-6, he searches for clues directing him to any break in the case. From finding the resident dog, Snowball, barking at something in the reservoir to physically searching for the deceased murder victim’s phone, he’s proactive. Alas, even Hyeon-Uk can’t resist the mysterious lure that is uncovering Du-Sik’s identity.

The elusive cafe owner, Joo Mi-Ran (Kim Bo-Ra), dangles the lure in front of Hyeon-Uk. She starts by pointing out that he is staying in Du-Sik’s old home. Later on in Episode 5, they discuss Du-Sik’s reputation. It is Mi-Ran that points out how Baek-Du was close to Du-Sik. She also reveals that everyone forgets that Du-Sik was a girl. With all the stories building up the reputation of the fierce Du-Sik, gender somehow got left out of the equation. It’s no wonder that by the end of Episode 6, Hyeon-Uk confronts Yu-Gyeong with the truth.

With all of these competing elements working to capture the audience’s attention, the strongest storyline centers around Baek-Du. Part of this is how wholesome the ssireum player is. Actor Jang Dong-Yoon imbues the character with such simplicity and authenticity that you can’t help but adore him. This adoration continues in Like Flowers in Sand Episodes 5-6 when he gets back into the groove in the ring.

New coach Kwak Jin-Su (Lee Jae-Joon) gives him a hard time. It’s still unclear in the series what his beef is with Baek-Du. But, he makes it a point to challenge Baek-Du however he can. This results in making the wrestler do 100+ laps after practice, humiliating him in front of the rest of the team for improper holds, and removing only him from a championship match because he thinks Baek-Du is not ready.

Baek-Du initially doesn’t say anything until challenged by Yu-Gyeong. After a conversation with her, Like Flowers in Sand Episode 6 ends with Baek-Du confronting Jin-Su publically and declaring that he wants to compete. This moment is the first time Baek-Du clearly asserts himself with someone other than Yu-Gyeong. Yu-Gyeong’s influence is wearing off on our favorite wrestler. It’ll be interesting to see how her influence will impact him in future episodes.

Like Flowers in Sand Episodes 5-6 lose focus with their multiple storylines. Some prove more distracting than others, dragging out the pace so the viewer loses interest if not careful. All this said, the story is pushing forward, getting closer to much-needed answers. At the core, though, is Baek-Du. Without his genuine goodness and purity, he continues to be the reason to tune into Like Flowers in Sand.

Like Flowers in Sand Episodes 1-6 are now available on Netflix, with new episodes airing on Wednesdays and Thursdays through January.