In the concluding chapter of The Impossible Heir, "Choice," the series attempts to tie up the intricately woven threads of its complex narrative. However, the finale leaves much to be desired, as it struggles to reconcile the tangled web of plotlines and character arcs that have unfolded over the season.
The episode begins on a somber note, with Tae-oh reflecting on his mother's life and death in the columbarium. Hye-won's presence and words of comfort provide a moment of solace, emphasizing the importance of moving forward. Tae-oh's return to his first home and the subsequent tearing down of his life's mission signify a turning point, not only for him but also for the narrative.
Seong-ju's sudden declaration of misery and his desire to break free from his mother's dreams feels out of character and inconsistent with his previous ambitions. This discrepancy highlights the show's struggle to provide a coherent and satisfying resolution to its characters' journeys.
The emergency stakeholder meeting intended to appoint In-ha as chairman is met with a dramatic arrest, only to be followed by another twist—Park Sa-jin's daughter revealing herself as the doctor who aided Tae-oh in prison. The series continues to introduce surprise elements with little to no buildup, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
The revelation that Mo Gi-jun is alive and the subsequent fallout from his attack on In-ha further complicate the narrative. While Gi-jun's survival may bring relief to some, it also raises questions about the show's consistency and the logic behind its plot twists.
In-ha's arrest and the ensuing raid on his department at Kang-oh office add to the mounting tension. The chairman's struggle to stay alive and In-ha's subsequent disownment by the family mark a significant shift in the power dynamics within the Kang family.
In-ha's life sentence for his crimes and his final interaction with Tae-oh in prison are meant to provide closure, yet they are overshadowed by the inconsistencies in the show's portrayal of justice. The unanswered questions regarding Gold H Investment and the sudden disappearance of characters like Boss Tak only add to the confusion.
The show's attempt to provide a heartwarming conclusion with Hee-ju and Seong-ju's newfound relationship and Hee-ju's long trip falls flat, given the lack of development and connection with the audience. Similarly, the revelation of In-ha's suicide feels abrupt and fails to elicit the emotional response it aims for.
Three years later, the completion of the chairman's ambitious city-wide project and the new roles assumed by the characters provide a glimpse into their future. Tae-oh's rise to the position of chairman and his visit to In-ha at the columbarium are meant to signify the realization of his dream, yet they ring hollow amidst the unresolved plotlines.
The show's finale is a testament to the importance of consistency and coherence in storytelling. The numerous plot loopholes and the introduction of surprise elements without proper context or development detract from the overall impact of the narrative. The Impossible Heir's journey from a promising start to a disappointing finish serves as a cautionary tale for the creators of serialized dramas, emphasizing the need for a well-crafted and satisfying conclusion to do justice to the story and its characters.