Black Knight (2023) Season 1 Review
Black Knight is a South Korean dystopian sci-fi action series that premiered on Netflix on May 12, 2023. Adapted from Lee Yun-kyun’s webtoon Delivery Knight, the six-episode season is set in a post-apocalyptic Korea in 2071, where air pollution has rendered the atmosphere nearly unbreathable, and society depends on elite deliverymen called Black Knights to transport oxygen and essentials. Directed by Cho Ui-seok, the series stars Kim Woo-bin as the legendary Knight 5-8, Kang You-seok as refugee Sa-wol, Esom as Major Seol-ah, and Song Seung-heon as the villainous Ryu Seok. Below is a comprehensive review of Season 1, covering its strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact, without spoilers unless noted.
Plot and Setting
In 2071, a comet’s impact has left Earth’s air toxic, reducing Korea’s population to 1% and creating a stratified society. The wealthy live in oxygenated dome cities controlled by the Cheonmyeong Group, while refugees and lower-class citizens scrape by in desolate wastelands. Black Knights, skilled and armed deliverymen, are humanity’s lifeline, braving rogue-infested deserts to deliver supplies. The story follows Knight 5-8, a near-invincible hero, as he mentors Sa-wol, a refugee dreaming of becoming a Knight, while uncovering a sinister plot by Cheonmyeong’s heir, Ryu Seok.
The premise is intriguing, blending Mad Max-style vehicular action with K-drama sensibilities and a critique of class disparity. However, the world-building is uneven. The idea of oxygen scarcity—despite oxygen being Earth’s most abundant element—feels scientifically shaky, and the show’s depiction of oxygen delivered in small bottles or through filter masks that don’t supply air is implausible. While the desolate Seoul setting and dusty aesthetic are visually striking, the series struggles to flesh out its dystopian rules, leaving plot holes like how society sustains itself or why oxygen isn’t generated more efficiently.
Strengths
- Action and Visuals
Black Knight shines in its action sequences, which are fast-paced, well-choreographed, and thrilling. From shootouts to hand-to-hand combat and high-stakes car chases, the show delivers kinetic energy reminiscent of Mad Max: Fury Road. Knight 5-8’s truck, equipped with electrified defenses and an arsenal of weapons, adds a gritty, almost cartoonish charm. The post-apocalyptic Seoul, with its barren deserts and crumbling infrastructure, is rendered with stunning CGI and practical effects, creating an immersive backdrop. - Cast and Performances
The ensemble is a highlight. Kim Woo-bin is perfectly cast as 5-8, exuding stoic toughness and quiet charisma, making him a compelling action hero. Kang You-seok brings youthful energy to Sa-wol, capturing his determination and vulnerability as a refugee chasing a dream. Esom’s Seol-ah is layered, balancing strength as a military officer with emotional depth. Song Seung-heon’s Ryu Seok is a standout, delivering a nuanced performance as a ruthless yet complex antagonist. The chemistry between 5-8 and Sa-wol anchors the mentor-mentee dynamic, though it’s underdeveloped. - Binge-ability
With only six episodes (45–60 minutes each), Black Knight is concise compared to typical K-dramas, making it easy to binge. Episodes often end on cliffhangers, keeping viewers hooked. The show’s straightforward narrative—pitting good against evil in a dystopian world—offers escapist fun, even if it leans on familiar tropes. - Thematic Ambition
The series tackles themes of class inequality, corporate greed, and environmental collapse, drawing parallels to real-world issues. It’s a parable about protecting the vulnerable, with Cheonmyeong’s exploitation of refugees mirroring systemic injustices. While heavy-handed, these themes add weight to the action.
Weaknesses
- Weak World-Building and Plot Holes
The dystopian setting lacks depth, with inconsistent rules and questionable logic (e.g., oxygen delivery logistics). The narrative crams too much into six episodes, rushing key plot points and character arcs. Subplots, like Sa-wol’s “mutant” backstory or 5-8’s origins, are introduced but barely explored, leaving the story feeling incomplete. Exposition is often clunky, delivered through awkward dialogue rather than organic storytelling. - Pacing Issues
Despite its short length, pacing is uneven. The first few episodes are slow, bogged down by setup, while the back half accelerates abruptly, cramming major developments into the finale. Some scenes linger unnecessarily, while others—like character backstories—are rushed or skipped, undermining emotional stakes. - Clichéd Storytelling
Black Knight leans heavily on dystopian tropes: the chosen-one hero, evil corporation, and class warfare. While executed with flair, the plot feels derivative, borrowing from Mad Max, Death Stranding, and even Squid Game without matching their originality or depth. The “rich vs. poor” conflict is simplistic, lacking the nuance of, say, Parasite. - Inconsistent Tone
The show struggles to balance gritty action, social commentary, and occasional humor. Some comedic moments, like slapstick gags, feel jarring in the brutal dystopian world, undercutting the stakes. The tone wavers between cartoonish (e.g., 5-8’s invincibility) and somber, creating a disjointed vibe. - Underdeveloped Characters
While the cast performs admirably, the script doesn’t give characters enough depth. 5-8 is a stoic archetype with little backstory, and Sa-wol’s arc feels rushed. Supporting characters, like Seol-ah or Ryu Seok, hint at complexity but lack screen time to fully develop. This makes it hard to invest emotionally, despite strong acting.
Critical and Audience Reception
Black Knight received mixed-to-positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 69% Tomatometer score (16 reviews) and a 75% audience score (100+ ratings). Metacritic reports a 73/100 critic score (generally favorable, based on 4 reviews) and a 5.6/10 user score (mixed, based on 9 ratings).
- Praise: Critics lauded the action, visuals, and cast. Collider compared it to Mad Max: Fury Road for its chaotic charm, while The Verge highlighted its thrilling set pieces and strong characters. Ready Steady Cut called it a digestible K-drama with relentless action.
- Criticism: Reviewers noted weak world-building and pacing. The Guardian called it “endearingly silly” but cartoonish, and Film Focus Online labeled it “largely forgettable” due to lazy writing and rehashed ideas. Some criticized the implausible premise and shallow characters.
Audience reactions on platforms like AsianWiki were polarized. Fans praised Kim Woo-bin’s comeback and the action, but others found the script lacking substance or Sa-wol’s character annoying.
Who Is It For?
Black Knight is best suited for fans of dystopian sci-fi, K-dramas, or action thrillers who prioritize spectacle over narrative depth. If you enjoyed Squid Game for its intensity or Mad Max for its post-apocalyptic chaos, this delivers similar vibes, albeit less polished. It’s a fun ride for casual viewers but may disappoint those seeking complex storytelling or airtight world-building.
Final Thoughts
Black Knight Season 1 is an ambitious, action-packed K-drama that delivers thrills but stumbles in execution. Its stunning visuals, gripping fight scenes, and strong cast make it a worthy binge for fans of the genre, but weak world-building, uneven pacing, and clichéd tropes keep it from reaching the heights of other top dystopian dramas like Squid Game or Hellbound. It’s a fun, escapist adventure with unrealized potential, but its flaws—rushed plotting, shallow characters, and a shaky premise—make it from being a must-watch.
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