Alchemy of Souls Season 1
Episode No 18 Recap And Review
Alchemy of Souls episode 18 begins with Park Jin pondering the real reason why Mu-deok decided to sacrifice himself. Now, as we know from the end of the last episode, Mu-Deok’s big discovery is that he is actually Bu-Yeon. This could tip the scales in Songrim’s favor. With tears streaming down his cheeks, Mu-Deok dies, but the ice stone moves forward and brings him back.
Gray clouds are gathering, storm clouds are thundering as lightning flashes across the sky. Jin-Mu urges the queen to do something to stop this, while Ho-Gyeong falls to his knees in shock. I understand that if Mu-Deok is brought back, his cover might explode, and he gets up and smashes the ice stone. With that, the stone disappears and the storm moves away from the palace.
In the courtyard, there is more drama when Jeongjinjak is discovered to have some sort of barrier around him. So I’m still alive, like I’m collapsed inside. Interestingly, this majority is inside the barrier, but various leaders and ministers are outside, still arguing over who can be held responsible.
Meanwhile, Mu-Deok contemplates exchanging souls with his enemies after taking control of the ice stone. Here’s a pretty funny montage of Jin-Moo and the King both laughing (as if Mu-Deok has switched with them) before getting to the heart of the matter.
This obstacle is a result of the ice boulder, as Mu-Deok tells Jang-Uk that they are actually inside the ice boulder. As the pair talk, they wonder what the future holds for both of them and whether or not they will be able to control the iceberg.
Yeom tries to quell the concerns of everyone in the Unanimous Assembly by lifting the barrier. However, there are those who seek power in the wake of chaos. As they all wait for the book Words of the Heart to come out, confirming Master Seo’s words, Jin-Mu tries to take advantage of the break.
Meanwhile, Ji-Ho (after feasting on the poor lady in the last episode) is out hunting, and he sets his sights on So-I. When Park Jin finds out, he realizes that he is using chaos and may be inside Conjinjak.
When he approaches So-I, she saves her skin, revealing that she is with Jin-Mu. When the magician shows up to check on him, he is unfortunately killed by Ji-Ho, who decides to spare him – but only if he brings more magicians. More wizards, including Yul, whom he holds a grudge against.
Unfortunately, this is something made even more difficult by the strength of the ice stone inside the barrier. It was quickly discovered that given the power on display, no magic could be used, nor could their swords be unsheathed.
Now, Mu-Deok has a big choice about his power. If it changes soul, it will also take energy for the people it passes through, killing them later.
Mu-Deok’s confrontation continues throughout it all, with some really nice dialogue – especially after he talks to Yul. As they discuss this, So-I approaches and asks Mu-Deok for help, asking for a new blanket.
Of course, we know Ji-Ho is waiting in the wings, ready to pounce on his latest victim. Unfortunately, he sends Yul instead. When So-I finds out, she is shocked and immediately walks away.
Meanwhile, Jang-Uk and the crown prince discuss the ice stone and what to do with it. Of course, the Prince is pretty open about his greed, but to Jang-Uk, he’s sticking to everything Master Seo says in his book. After realizing that the stones have passed through the barrier, Jang-Uk decides to pass a note asking for help.
Inside, chaos descends on Jeongjinjak when Ji-Ho attacks. Yul and the rest of the mages fight him, but it’s useless due to the barrier and the lack of usable magic, and Ji-Ho comes out on top. Not only that, but he drains several wizards in the process.
Jang-Uk stands up and tries to save the day by deciding to lure Ji-Ho into the secret room. By doing so, it also means that he will eventually sacrifice himself. This is something Mu-deok refuses to let happen, and he rushes to grab his sword.
Unsheathing his sword, he detonates the soul changer, knocking him to the ground.
Jang-wook is thankfully still alive, and he’s quick to point out that everyone’s fate is in his hands. Tossing the sword aside, he asks Jang-wook for another word. He doesn’t even need to say anything as he stands up and kisses her. As the episode ends, he kisses her back, his hands gripping her sword and the crook of her back.
Episode Review
It’s been a long time coming, but Alchemy of Souls finally put out a spicy kiss there! Mu-Deok and Jang-Wook have had great chemistry through this series, and seeing them together here, right at the end, cements where we’re headed in terms of romance.
Of course, this also kills the possibility of Mu-Deok being with the crown prince or Seo Yul, who both have their say here and come up short in the end.
Seeing Mu-Deok unsheathe his sword and take out Ji-Ho at the end is a nice payoff to what we’ve been waiting for for a while, and the barrier that keeps everyone inside Jeongjinjak gives us a good reason to slow down. in fact, it develops many of these characters.
Not only that, but it helps to see Jang Gang and Jin-Mu’s relationship in this brief flashback, with the crazy wizard vowing never to use spirit alchemy again.
The show has been a decent watch and this episode really works well to raise the stakes for many players. Heading into the final week, it looks like we’re on track for a cliffhanger ending, especially with a second season already confirmed. Everything here is left open for what could happen next and moving into the final week, it looks like we’re headed for a pretty dramatic finish!