REVIEW: ‘Blood Free’ Episodes 1-2 Bring Action And Suspense

The current mentality behind meat alternatives continues to have its fair share of challenges. Even with statistics to back up how it can drastically alter our carbon footprint, it struggles to change our psychology. From taste to concerns about its ingredients, it defies the expectations we’ve always known and consumed since the dawn of time. In Hulu’s latest Kdrama Blood Free, written by Lee Soon-Yeon, shapes a narrative around the dilemmas of a cruelty-free world with politics and power struggles. 

Blood Free is a biotechnology company that has dominated the genetically modified meat market. BF CEO Yoon Ja-Yu (Han Hyo-Joo) has long campaigned for a world that isn’t dependent on destruction and slaughter for food. While her altruism and success place that reality closer for humankind, it also brings opposing hostility. Whether it’s Big Ag or cartels, she is a threat and a target for disrupting the order of things.

In Episode 1, we see Yoon Ja-Yu’s passion shine on stage at a conference announcing BF’s continuing efforts. That enthusiasm quickly escapes her face as she immediately exits after her compelling speech. Parting through a sea of supporters and protestors, we plunge into Yoon Ja-Yu’s life of continual opposition and attempts at her life. Her visibility and safety reach a new level of concern on Yoon Ja-Yu’s drive home, and the need for a bodyguard arises. Something larger is at play, however, as we are introduced to Woo Chae-Woon (Ju Ji-Hoon). 

Woo Chae-Woon is an elite former member of the Naval Intelligence Command seeking justice. Flashbacks of his time serving are focused on a particular moment when he and Yoon Ja-Yu have crossed paths. Woo Chae-Woon is working closely and discretely with the former President to uncover the culprits behind a traumatic event that took the lives of many several years ago. Through Woo Chae-Woon’s diligence and dedication, he places Yoon Ja-Yu and BF as primary suspects.

The tense air of Episode 1 continues to crescendo into Episode 2 as BF attempts to resolve a hacking. A well-known ransomware organization, CitizenX, has been holding their files hostage. Unable to operate without access to their systems, BF has been at a standstill. Woo Chae-Woon who has prior experience with CitizenX, appears at the right time and is hired as a bodyguard. Suspicions begin to form as he helps Yoon Ja-Yu conclude the ransomware might have been an inside source. Everyone is now a suspect as Yoon Ja-Yu begins to revisit her knowledge of her inner circle.

Han Hyo-Joo’s performance highlights the solitude within Yoon Ja-Yu. She often holds the same expression and is always deep in thought. Even as she is caught off guard and injured, she is unshaken. Her thoughts always circle back to BF while ruminating on the details. Briefly, she breaks this cold exterior when she disassociates or allows herself to access her feelings.

Meanwhile, Ju Ji-Hoon is on par with Woo Chae-Woon, who displays a mental state similar to that of Yoon Ja-Yu. Both are cerebral and excel in their solitude. Their shared analytical nature reflects their mutual pursuits of causes. Consequently, keeping others at arms distance.

Blood Free quickly builds intrigue and holds attention there as you begin to question everyone’s potential motives. As the first episode exposes you to the troubles and threats that plague Yoon Ja-Yu, it shows a little lightness in its second episode. Witty deadpan banter between characters helps balance the seriousness dominated by its two leads, Yoon Ja-Yu and Woo Chae-Woon. Both are driven by passion and a sense of good but haunted by their past. Woo Chae-Woon seeks justice for his comrades, while Yoon Ja-Yu seemingly wants a better future for humanity.

Blood Free shows promise as it begins to thread the perspectives held within our food supply chain coupled with action and suspense.

Blood Free Episodes 1-2 are available now on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ Internationally.