In the gripping season finale of The Vigilante, the narrative unfolds with the mysterious disappearance of Choi Mi-Ryeo, following her abduction by Mr. Bang, whose identity remains concealed until the episode’s beginning.
Mysterious Disappearance of Choi Mi-Ryeo
Bang subjects Mi-Ryeo to brutal torture, seeking the identity of the Vigilante, unaware that she is equally in the dark about his true persona. Kang-Ok, upon learning of Mi-Ryeo’s prolonged absence, discovers her apartment in disarray and promptly informs Ji-Yong, setting off on a desperate mission to rescue her.
Ji-Yong initially targets Sam-Doo’s men, coercing Sam-Doo into a deal to bring Mi-Ryeo to the World Cup Stadium Concert Hall. It’s later revealed that Ji-Yong had always known Mr. Bang was the true kidnapper.
He approaches Sam-Doo, offering a crypto wallet in exchange for Mi-Ryeo’s safety. Sam-Doo, seizing the opportunity, proposes a higher bid to Mr. Bang, promising him a chance to eliminate the Vigilante. Meanwhile, Sam-Doo plots to eradicate all parties involved in the exchange to save himself.
Concurrently, Seon-Wook confronts Ji-Yong about his absenteeism from classes, urging him to focus on his goal of becoming a police officer. Despite feeling conflicted, Ji-Yong is left speechless.
Showdown at the World Cup Stadium
The climax intensifies at the World Cup Stadium, coinciding with the Seoul EDM Festival. Attendees, dressed in Vigilante-inspired attire, create the perfect camouflage for Ji-Yong and Kang-Ok. Unbeknownst to Ji-Yong, Seon-Wook is also in pursuit. As the various factions converge, Kang-Ok initially distracts Sam-Doo’s men, allowing Ji-Yong to secure Mi-Ryeo’s safety. They then orchestrate a live broadcast of the event, drawing the attention of Cho-Heon and Eom Jae-Hyub.
The situation escalates rapidly. Cho-Heon, upon viewing the broadcast, rushes to the scene. In a chaotic turn of events, Sam-Doo captures Ji-Yong, and in the ensuing struggle, Seon-Wook is gravely injured while saving Ji-Yong. A violent confrontation ensues, with Eom Jae-Hyub unexpectedly shooting Sam-Doo and triggering a flood in the tunnels. Cho-Heon assists Ji-Yong in escaping, leading to a tense standoff with Jae-Hyub. Despite Jae-Hyub’s insistence, Cho-Heon refuses to kill the Vigilante, opting for legal justice instead.
The finale reaches its zenith as Bang re-emerges, attacking Ji-Yong. In a dramatic twist, Ji-Yong and Heon, despite their initial reluctance, join forces to overcome their adversaries, emerging bloodied but victorious.
Aftermath and Interrogation
In the aftermath, Mi-Ryeo faces interrogation, where she reveals the Vigilante to be a National Police University student, but protects Ji-Yong by naming the deceased Seon-Wook instead. The politician overseeing the interrogation releases her, yet plots to manipulate the police’s tarnished image.
Mi-Ryeo confesses to Cho-Heon her motivation for supporting the Vigilante, rooted in her father’s tragic past as a wrongfully accused civil servant. This revelation creates a shared bond between her and Cho-Heon.
Ji-Yong, devastated by his friend’s death and the political machinations that absolve Eom Jae-Hyub posthumously, is left disillusioned. The finale’s poignant moment occurs during the National Police University’s swearing-in ceremony, where Seon-Wook is posthumously honoured as valedictorian. As the students take their oath, Ji-Yong refrains, under the watchful eye of Professor Jun-Yeop, hinting at deeper layers of regret and unspoken truths.
Oppa’s Thoughts
Vigilante is an exhilarating journey, culminating in a gripping finale. The narrative skillfully builds up with each episode … Building towards an intense five-way showdown involving key characters Ji-Yong, Cho-Heon, Mr. Bang, Sam-Doo, and Jae-Hyub. This climax is both satisfying and thrilling, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
The series concludes with several intriguing unresolved plot points, setting the stage for a potential second season, which would undoubtedly be a high-energy continuation if Disney+ chooses to invest in it.
Overall, Vigilante stands out as another Korean success story for the streaming channel, following the remarkable series Moving. For those in search of a binge-worthy action thriller, Vigilante is highly recommended, offering a blend of suspense, action, and compelling storytelling.
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