Ep 5. The Third Force

The episode titled "The Third Force" is the fifth installation of season 2 for the historical drama TV series, Kingdom. Set in feudal Korea, the show revolves around a prince who fights to save his kingdom from a plague that turns people into zombies.

As the episode title suggests, "The Third Force" introduces a new group of characters, who pose a threat to the two existing factions - the infected and the survivors. The protagonists of the series, Prince Chang and Physician Lee, are on their way to find the root cause of the plague, which they believe lies with the foreign merchants and their mysterious plant. Along the way, they encounter a group of soldiers who are not infected but have a dark past.

The episode begins with the soldiers attacking a group of survivors who have taken refuge in an abandoned village. They loot food and supplies and kill anyone who resists. The audience is introduced to the leader of the group, Captain Cho, who is a ruthless and ambitious man. He believes that the plague has created an opportunity for him to amass power and wealth.

Meanwhile, Prince Chang and Physician Lee are taking a detour through the mountains to avoid detection by the army. They stumble upon a village that has been ravaged by both the infected and the soldiers. They find a lone survivor, a young girl who tells them about the soldiers' brutality. The prince decides to help the survivors, and they head to the nearest town to gather reinforcements.

In the town, they encounter Captain Cho and his men, who are recruiting soldiers for their cause. The prince and physician disguise themselves as refugees and enter the recruitment center to gather information. While there, they witness the brutal testing that the candidates have to undergo. Captain Cho rejects most of the candidates, but he takes notice of a few soldiers who show bravery and resilience.

The audience also gets a glimpse of Captain Cho's past, which reveals his inclination towards violence and power. He was once a nobleman who lost everything to corruption and greed. He joined the army to seek revenge and to rise to power. His motivation offers a new perspective on the show's theme of power and corruption.

As the episode progresses, the prince and physician learn about Captain Cho's plan to attack the nearest town, which is also where the third faction, the infected, resides. Captain Cho believes that by taking control of the town, he can negotiate with the infected and use them as his weapon against the surviving army.

The episode's climax is a battle between the three factions - the survivors, the infected, and Captain Cho's army. The battle scene is intense and well-choreographed, showcasing the show's prowess in combining historical drama with horror and action. The prince and physician join the survivors in the fight while Captain Cho and his men use their advanced weapons to overpower both factions.

The episode ends with a cliffhanger, teasing the audience about what Prince Chang and Physician Lee will uncover next in their hunt for the root cause of the plague. It also leaves the viewers in suspense about Captain Cho's next move and his potential to become a major antagonist in the series.

Overall, "The Third Force" is a well-executed episode that introduces new characters and themes while progressing the plot. The show's ability to blend different genres seamlessly is impressive, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas, horror, and action.