Universe League Episode 2 Review

I know I skipped episode 1, but I have talked about it on Telegram. I haven't touched this website in a long while, so I wanna make use of it.

This post contains spoilers. Unless you don't really care, I suggest you watch the episode before stuff hits the fan.

Anyways, here we go!

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So about the first half of the episode...

I got second hand-embarrassment from it. I'm sorry, but seeing each unpicked players performing for certain directors was rather cringey, especially with no audio. I'm glad everyone got selected to all the teams, but they are sadly benched.

So like the general sports, there are yellow cards, and getting two means you're OUT! In this case, this only applies if the player is in the bench team.

Based on what is said, teams will be ranked from 1st to 3rd. There will be 2 sub groups per team (starter and bench). Both groups' points will be added together for the overall score, and the team with the overall highest score wins.

If any teams are not first, yellow cards will be represented to those teams. 2 yellow cards will be given to the selected player on the bench, and 6 cards will be given for the team that is last. So basically, if no one wants to go home, they better perform well, and that scares me, considering how good a lot of these contestants are.

(NOTE: When writing this, I realized the yellow cards may apply to anyone, bench or not. I don't know why I said that it only applies to bench LOL!)

Now let's talk about the performances of each starting groups of their team.

Rhythm Team - Give Me That (Originally by WayV)

Let me say, I initially thought the performance was rather underwhelming, but watching it several times, I realize I underestimated myself. There are a lot of things that I find the performances charming. The vocals are clean and on point, and the dance was well done. There are some parts where more energy could be used, like Sirin's last solo, but overall, this performance was well done!

Admittedly, I wish Royce had more parts, because he seems to be just there, but he did a good job too.

Some points:

• The intro was really cool and how everyone did this part quickly. It was well timed.

• Daisuke still has that cute image even though this was a rather cool concept, but it didn't come off as cringey. If anything, it added to the unique personality of his without standing out from his group.

• You can tell JL really led this group, hence why everyone did well, especially for vocals.

• Zhang Shuaibo's part where he had the rose really sold me, and his stage presence really added to that.

  • In addition, I think from this performance and Love Shot compared to his performances on Boys Planet, his improvements have been significant, and I am happy how well he performed. His vocals are great too.

• Juwon and Daisuke's rap was really good and I dig their dance solo too. They seem to have good chemistry together.

  • Not only that, I really like that nasty tone of Daisuke's when he does his rap in the middle. It was a nice touch.

• Sirin's solo really stood out to me during the middle of the song. It was kind of uncomfortable to see him pull his shirt slightly up (bro is 16), but he really delivered his part extremely well. I really love his vocals for this one overall. Sure he could have used the same energy from his other parts, but this was a vast improvement from S-Class.

• I am glad Juwon got the MVP. He really did a fantastic job with his rap and seemed to deliver the performance well.

• I was really hoping Steven would shine on this one considering this concept suits him, but if I had to compare, other members outshined him. Sorry Steven. :(

• I really hoped to see how Royce performed. I think he did good, but he had less screentime and lines, which sucks.

The MVP I have mentioned is Park Juwon, and although I think JL should be one, I believe Juwon really stood out in this performance.

To rank each member for this performance and why:

1. Park Juwon - It was either gonna be him or JL. In the end, I chose Juwon not because he is the MVP of the group, but his charm and charisma really took the stage, and there were parts where he stood out compared to JL. Juwon really did a good job with his performance.

2. JL - Everyone shined in this performance, but it's easy to tell that JL did a lot for this one. There were some parts where I wish he could empasize more on, especially the high note, which by the way, he delivered it well. Still, it was the reason why I didn't place him first. Regardless, it didn't change the fact that JL did a spectacular job with his performance and really helped the group as well.

3. Zhang Shuaibo - He actually did so well with his parts. As I mentioned before, the part where he had the rose really sold me, and he was able to show his style without standing out from the group. His vocals also has been improved, and that is saying a lot. I am impressed with his performance.

4. Sirin - It was really nice to see him shine more, and he actually did so well for this one. I do hope he continues to have more energy and make use of his facial expressions, but he overall did great. I like his solos the best and I hope more people could recognize him.

5. Daisuke - He is adorable and I think he did a great job on his parts. Really love the nasty tone of one of his parts of the rap and really did a great job with the dance.

6. Steven - I wish he shined more on this performance. He did a pretty decent job overall, but he didn't really stand out on this one.

7. Royce - He did decent in this performance too. I saw some glimpse of him and he had some decent stage presence. Unfortunately he didn't stood out either because he didn't have enough lines, which sucks because I want to see more of him.

Overall, team Rhythm did really well on this performance.

Beat Team - Girls Never Die (Originally by TripleS)

I will say I am pretty sad about this performance. I think it started off really great, and everyone did well, but it got messy at the end. Looking at the behind-the-scenes, it was rather abysmal, and I think Park Jihun kind of played a factor. I do feel bad for him because I get the feeling he seems discouraged. Still, I wish he did well in the performance. Jinho really tried his best to lead the team and even helped Jihun, but it didn't go the way it intended.

Regarding the performance, everyone was doing well in the first half. It was synced and the vocals were nice. After Jiang's sick dance break, the performance fell off, which is really unfortunate. Speaking of which, I think Woongki and Jiang carried the performance throughout the entire song.

As for the song changes itself, I don't really have a problem with it (as a woman myself). I do think it was a bit weird, but it's not a permanent change and it didn't seem to ruin the song as a lot of people have said. After all, El Captxin was the one who composed the song. I have finished watching the one with subs, and despite these changes, Woongki seems to relate to the song well even as a guy. Everyone has their opinions, but I don't think it's a big deal at the end of the day.

Some points:

• The intro is nice and delicate. Everyone sounds nice together.

• Woongki being a good idol as usual. His vocals are really nice.

• An Yul's solo is delicate and nice. He really did his part well.

• I did NOT expect Jiang Fan to take some of the vocalist parts. Honestly? He really delivered it. I kind of wish his high note was a bit longer, but then again, I haven't really listened to the original song (only read the lyrics). I do hope to hear more of his vocals. They are nice, especially with how nice he did that high note.

• As usual, Jiang delivered a good dance break. It was much cooler compared to Siren, although that one was really good.

• Jihun was out of pitch and his breathing is noticeable.

  • Speaking of which, he wasn't the only one who messed up. If anything, the last half of the performance fell off. One example would be where Jinho was ahead of the rest in terms of dancing.

• Overall, the performance was rather sad because it had a strong start, but it ended weak aside from Woongki's message at the end.

The MVP for this one is Woongki, and he really deserved it because he stood out among the 7, well, except for Jiang, who also carried this performance.

To rank each member for this performance and why:

1. Cha Woongki - He really delivered this performance and suited the concept the best. His vocals and stage precense delivered. Need to say more?

2. Jiang Fan - He was really good in this performance too. If anything, he and Woongki really carried this performance. As I mentioned before, Jiang did well in the dance break, but he also delivered the vocals well. Woongki's vocals are great, but Jiang is a lot more clean and sharp if that makes sense. I really hope he makes it far.

3. An Yul - I think he has a good performance and a good solo. He did well, but that is all. I think he got a little...lost at some point? I don't know.

4. Chih En - Visually, he looks stunning and did decent in the performance. His stage presence is lacking still, and his ending fairy is a bit...creepy haha.

5. Keum Jinho - He did a decent job at his performance. However, he sort of fell off near the end as he danced a bit too early among the others. Still, I'd give him credit for doing his best to lead the team and I hope he realizes he is not at fault here.

6. Kim Dongyun - I'm sorry, but he really didn't stood out to me on this one. No hate. If anything, he also did decent, but he needed more lines.

7. Park Jihun - He was okay at best, but he fell off when he did his solo. It's out of breath and pitchy. He was much better in his first performance, and it was really disappointing to see him at this state. I hope he improves on the next performance. I hate to see him along with the others go.

Overall, this was a rather abysmal performance. This is NOT because of them doing a girl's group song, but rather it fell off. It was GOOD on the first half, but sadly, Beat starting team could not maintain it at the end. I hope the players perform better on the next round.

Groove Team - Missing You (Originally by BTOB)

Admittedly, I never thought I find myself almost crying when watching this one. I am a sucker for good vocals, and I guess this group really hit me LOL! Regardless, this is a strong performance, and probably the best vocally, which is unsurprising, because Changsub is there.

The performance was beautifully executed, and I dig the harmonies. The dance was also good as well, although the ballad dance solo by Kyungho was a bit cringey. He did a good job, no lie, but I am not really into these classical dance solos (there has to be a better term than that), so maybe that is why I see it that way.

Speaking of which, you can tell Kyungho really led this team, and I am happy he did, as usual. Changsub's efforts also should not go unnoticed. He is a smart mentor, hence why the singing was amazing compared to the other two performances.

I really like Jeongwoo here. He seems to take it well and wants to learn despite not having the experience of singing and dancing compared to his teammates. I do not like to compare people, but you can see how he handles it compared to Jihun (no offense, sorry). I really hope he makes it far.

Some points:

• I like the rearrangement of this song, and everyone's vocals really blends well with it.

• I am not a huge fan of Kenta, moreso on his vocal tone. However, his rapping was pretty good.

• As usual, Park Han's vocals delivered. If he doesn't debut, then there is something wrong with this show.

• Speaking of vocals, I really love how unique each of their voices are without standing out. Jooyoung's vocals were soft, yet beautiful. Park Han's is powerful and strong, and Zen Zen's vocals is between. It made me appreciate the perfromance more.

• Jooyoung's vocals hit me in the feels, and you can tell how much emotion he puts into them.

• Zen Zen and Jooyoung's harmonies at the last chorus really surprised me, but in a good way. It was powerful, and I dig it.

• I know James is known to be a rapper, but I really hoped he sang in this one. He's a good rapper, and the flow was good, but I really like his vocals, especially from his One and Only performance. Regardless, he did great.

• I did NOT expect Kyungho to rap. While I do prefer his vocals more, he did a decent job at rapping. The timing could be a bit better, but regardless, he did great.

• Jeongwoo's vocals are really delicate. It's cute, really, as he is himself hahaha. I mean that in a good way.

• The only thing I did not like about the performance are some of their outfits. Not Groove team's fault at all, but my goodness, Park Han's outfit is abysmal.

The MVP for this performance is Jeongwoo. While I think he did a great job and improved a lot, especially singing, I still think Park Han should've taken the MVP. Still, let's continue supporting Jeongwoo and hopefully he makes it far.

To rank each member for this performance and why:

1. Park Han - He delivered the song the best. His vocals are effortlessly clean and is on point. I can see why so many people like him to be the MVP.

2. Kim Jooyoung - I really love his voice in this song, and I will say his vocals hits me the hardest. He really suited this concept and I hope to hear his vocals more.

3. Zen Zen - It was really nice to hear his voice on this one. I know in one of the clips he wanted to be in team Beat, but Groove suited him more. If anything, he really delivered this performance, and I love his harmonies with Jooyoung at the last chorus as I mentioned before.

4. James - His flow is good, and did a great job at this performance. Need me to say more?

5. Seo Jeongwoo - His voice is adorable, and you can see his efforts did not go unnoticed. He did a really great job on this one, and his ending fairy is simple but nice.

6. Jang Kyungho - He really handle his situation well, and for him to rap the first time (I think?), he did a decent job. The dance isn't really my thing, but he did a good job at that one.

7. Kenta - Kenta improved a lot in this one compared to his first performance, but I hope he continues to improve overtime vocally. I know he didn't really sing, but like Ten said to Juwon during Rhythm team's behind-the-scenes, you may be placed in a spot where you have to sing. Regardless, I do hope he makes it far.

Overall, this performance is just gorgeous. <3

So now all starting teams have performed, and these are the results.

RHYTHM TEAM WON! YAY!

Congrats to team Rhythm for taking 1st place, for now. Even though most of them aren't Korean, they really deserved that place. I am really happy for them.

The battle isn't over yet lol. The bench teams are gonna perform, and let me say the previews makes me...dead inside. If anything, a bit heartbroken. Beat's bench might take the cake though, but we'll see hahaha.

My thoughts

I know people say this was disappointing, to me, it was quite an experience of enjoyment. Sure there was some bad moments, but we have to realize this is the 2nd mission, and it will get better. I think people say it was disappointing because of team Beat, but Rhythm and Groove delivered, and I am not disappointed myself. If anything, it was enjoyable to watch.

I was really torn between Rhythm and Groove, because they were good. However, I find myself watching Rhythm's performance more because of a lot of iconic moments, especially the middle part. And no, I am not talking about Sirin pulling his shirt slightly up while being a minor, because that is a no-no for me, though he REALLY delivered his parts well.

I can't wait to see benches' performances, but you know I will die inside.

Stay tuned!

One more thing, here is my ideal picks. I know the top rows are more than 7, and that is because it is really hard to choose who I want in the top hahahaha.

Credit to janie for this template!

I made some changes and additions. I know some of the people who I want are minors (Junhyuk for example), but I will give exception to those who are 17, as they will turn 18 next year. 16 year olds, maybe, but they wouldn't be in my ideal lineup. However, I only want adults in the group, and I made sure my ideal lineup doesn't contain any minors. Like I said, I do have minors somewhere in the middle, but I hope the adults are prioritized first.

Btw, this isn't in order.

Anyways, bye!