Following the huge popularity of Squid Game, I thought this might be the next big thing. Though Single’s Inferno (a reality dating show) seemed to take the cake, The Silent Sea was still a great watch and here’s why (spoilers ahead).
Plot: The plot is compelling from the very first episode, and was easy to understand. The earth is losing water, humans are having to ration, and we need a solution! Go to the moon’s space station, they said…all the people there died five years ago but it’s okay now, they said. The tension was there from the start.
I also like that this show doesn’t oversaturate the plot. It adds more information with every episode. The water, the spy, the alien girl, why the captain was so calm going to the station–it peeled back the layers but left enough questions that I had to watch episodes back-to-back.
The core mysteries were all answered before the end of the show, allowing viewers to feel a sense of satisfaction, whilst still allowing room for a possible season 2. Plot: 9/10
Setting: Being locked into any building adds tension to a story, so the fact that they are trapped on a space station is great material. I found the aesthetic of the station to be pleasing to watch, too. From the clean cut corridors and bright control room, to the overgrowth of the sample storage centers and the alien girl’s bedroom. The station itself held a piece of the puzzle with the drawings of eyes everywhere and the little hints it left behind of the danger it contained inside its walls. Setting: 8/10
Characters: Dr.Song was a great main character, as she had personal interest in the mission to the moon. We also get to see her humanity (giving the cat water, how she views the world compassionately, and the questioning of the captain). She is inspirational and relatable all at once, and the perfect match to deal with Luna 073.
The Captain, Han Yun-jae, being kept a bit of a mystery helped propel the pacing. Eventually, we learn the heartbreaking story of his daughter and see that he is not a cruel man but rather motivated by saving his child. This backstory brought an entire new light to his character and was perfectly timed.
The major spy, Lieutenant Ryu Tae-Suk, was built up as the villain. But in the end, we come to find he was a tormented soul after having to trap and kill the scientists on the station five years prior. His motivation was not fully driven by money, but by revenge and justice. This final revelation to his character makes me want to rewatch the entire show. Characters: 8/10
Theme: Themes of survival penetrate most of the show. First, the motivating factor of personal survival. With the promise of a high-ranking card to get water for you and your family, it’s enough to make anyone want to go to the moon. Then comes the survival of one’s country–with access to water, it really is a race to see who would have this resource to distribute/sell. I really liked when the Captain found out the secret of lunar water, he said that the information belonged to the world. It’s not hard to imagine this being a real situation on our planet and a country wanting to profit from human needs.
Luna 073 brought a whole new element to the show, as it made the cast and viewers question ethics. Is the child a monster or human? Is cloning okay if it means helping the entire human race? Can we do intense human testing on a clone? What gives a human being value, is it intrinsic or something that society decides? I enjoyed pondering these questions as the show continued to unveil new moral dilemmas. Theme: 8/10
Final:
Here are the things I’m wondering for the next season: What will the government do with Luna? Will they silence Dr.Song, the Captain, and Dr. Hong Ga-young? Will the Captain’s daughter be saved or will they use her as a means to keep her father silent? Has information about lunar water been told to any other nation? If there isn’t a second season, I’m not going to riot but I do think there’s a lot of room for this story to keep going.
Overall, I really enjoyed this show. I actually watched it all in one sitting (gotta love those short episodes). It has a solid plot, character base, and intrigue. The perfect combo for an action thriller! Final: 8/10
—-E. Boyd
User Review
( votes)Related Articles

Relatable ‘Turning Red’ Fun, Nostalgia-Filled Imperfection
Post contains spoilers Turning Red, a film about a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian girl Meilin Lee (Rosalie Chiang), is a groundbreaking film on many levels. It’s the first time a woman solo-directed a film in Pixar’s history woman (Domee... Read More
There And Back Again: A Review of Eric Nam’s Reflective Album
Eric Nam just keeps getting better and better! His latest album, There And Back Again, is a lovely culmination of Eric’s sheer talent and musical expertise. He is no stranger to the pop world but is especially making waves as he is... Read More
Woosung’s Incredible First Full-Length Album “Genre”
As one of the lead singers for The Rose, Woosung is an incredible vocalist. With a unique and recognizable sound, he has made waves with his first solo full-length album. I first encountered him on the Itaewon Class OST for his track, “You... Read More
ATEEZ ZERO:FEVER EPILOGUE Album Review
One thing I know about ATEEZ is that they deliver. ZERO: FEVER EPILOGUE gives listeners an album full of the classic ATEEZ sound. They really only continue to get better and better. Turbulence: 8/10 This song is one you can easily feel... Read More
Monsta X The Dreaming Album Review
This all-English album is full of groovy tunes, amazing vocals, and memorable melodies. With some retro bops, Monsta X prove their musical abilities and how quickly they can get me dancing! Here’s how the album ranked. One Day: 10/10... Read More
Gaho “Fireworks” Album Review
Gaho is an incredible Korean soloist. He is well-known for his work on Korean Drama OSTs, such as Itaewon Class and Start-Up. His vocal range is out of this world, as well as his songwriting abilities. This debut full-length album has been... Read More
SF9 “Rumination” Album Review
Known to many for their hit, “Teardrop,” SF9 is back with an amazing mini album. This is full of their classic EDM but also mixes in some R&B and calming ballads. Trauma: 8/10 SF9 opens this album strong! “Trauma” has a... Read More
TWICE “Formula of Love:O+T=<3” Album Review
TWICE is no stranger to big pop hits and this album has plenty. Some songs give a vintage 80s vibe, and others stay true to the modern TWICE sound. Let’s dive into the best and worst. SCIENTIST: 7/10 “SCIENTIST” is a soft opening... Read More
CL “ALPHA” Album Review
CL has a long history in the Korean music industry. Part of former girl group 2NE1 and now a solo artist, CL is here to prove why she is a force to be reckoned with. Her debut solo album, “ALPHA,” does just that. From her classic sound to... Read More
Leave a Reply