In Pachinko Season 2 Episode 6, the show shows the problems of living in a society ruled by men. Sunja (Minha Kim) tries to meet society’s expectations. Solomon (Jin Ha) struggles to succeed in finance.
All the characters feel trapped in a system that does not help them. Sunja’s family has a hard time surviving during World War II. This war is a result of conflicts created by men.
In this episode, many male characters show toxic masculinity. They manipulate those around them and sometimes use violence to get what they want.
While this might be human nature, the most tragic part is that the female characters, especially Sunja and Naomi (Anna Sawai), suffer because of the men’s actions.
The episode starts with the 1989 Sunja (Youn Yuh-jung) on a date with Kato (Jun Kunimura) at a Mexican restaurant.
Sunja tries a margarita for the first time and learns what salsa is. It is clear that Sunja and Kato have met several times since she contacted him in Episode 4.
Then, the story shifts back to 1950. In this earlier timeline, Sunja works hard selling noodles in the market, which is different from her future self enjoying a meal. The family waits anxiously to see if Noa (Kim Kang-hoon) has passed his entrance exam for Waseda University.
In 1950, Mr. Kim (Kim Sungkyu) goes to a rally where Koreans protest against their rights being taken away in Japan. Their schools are closing, and all Koreans must sign a public registry. This forces them to feel isolated from the Japanese people.
Still from the show (Apple TV+)
The Koreans argue that they are fighting for their survival, even though the war is over. Mr. Kim does not seem excited about the rally and looks very worried. He has lost the hope he once had while living in the countryside during the war.
Later in the episode, Mr. Kim acts on Hansu’s orders. He beats one of Hansu’s workers and uses intimidation tactics for Hansu (Lee Min-ho). Hansu questions a worker who claims there are rumors about him pulling out of the black market.
Mr. Kim holds the man until he admits that someone named Yoshii Isamu wants to take over the black market. This sets up a future conflict for Hansu. Hansu knows Mr. Kim wants to leave his job.
He tells him, “You won’t just be my fists for much longer.” These violent actions go against Mr. Kim’s gentle nature. He wonders how much longer he can live this way. He still lives with Kyunghee (Jung Eun-chae), whom he loves, while her husband, Yoseb (Han Joon-Woo), watches their stolen glances. There is a lot of tension in Mr. Kim’s life, and something will eventually explode.
The story shifts to Solomon, who plans to open a golf club on some land. However, his life changes when a work associate tells him that his business partner, Yoshii-san, has a message. The associate gives Solomon pictures of Naomi with another man, looking very close. Solomon tries to say the man is just an old boyfriend, but the associate insists the pictures were taken recently.
He warns Solomon that Yoshii-san will do anything necessary to get the business deal, saying fighting for what you want is just “called human nature.” If Yoshii-san doubts Solomon, he will cut him off and may harm him. Now, Solomon must find a way to secure the deal.
Solomon follows Naomi and sees her having dinner with the man in the pictures. He realizes she might be cheating on him. When Naomi comes to his apartment later, she explains that the man is someone she has known since childhood, and their parents want them to marry.
She feels trapped by her parents’ expectations and should have told Solomon earlier. He tries to save their relationship by asking, “Can you promise me you’ll never look away again?” Naomi responds with, “I want to try.” Solomon understands that this weak answer means their relationship may not last.
Still from the show (Apple TV+)
Before letting Naomi leave, Solomon makes one last request. He asks her to call in Abe-san’s loan so he can finish his project and prove his worth. He says, “I need everyone to know that I’m here.” But Naomi knows that this will harm her career and give her a bad reputation.
In a heartbreaking moment, Solomon says, “Then I’ll find a way, you know I will.” Naomi responds angrily, “And I will have no choice but to stop you.”
We have not seen adult Mozasu (Soji Arai) in a few episodes. He is not the hero in Episode 6. He struggles with debt from his pachinko parlor but instead of focusing on it, he worries about his mother’s happiness. When Sunja tells him about her outing with Kato, he questions who she is spending time with.
Solomon receives a phone call from Tom Andrews (Jimmi Simpson), who confirms that Naomi will not give up. Solomon says, “We have to get rid of her then.”
He tells Tom that they will frame Naomi for financial misconduct in her current business deal with Yotsuba Finance. Solomon is now willing to do anything, even ruin Naomi’s career, to get what he wants.
In 1950, Noa gets accepted to Waseda University. The family feels excited about Noa’s bright future until he learns about extra fees of 2,400 yen.
Sunja reassures Noa that they will find the money without asking Hansu for help. She stays up late making candies to sell, putting her dreams of opening a restaurant aside until Noa finishes school. She will not ask Hansu for help.
Hansu also deals with family issues. He meets with his father-in-law, who tells him he has arranged for Hansu’s daughter to marry. Hansu feels hesitant but his father-in-law warns him, saying he has never mentioned Hansu’s secret son or hidden life.
He firmly states, “I have never touched that family. Do not make me consider otherwise.” This is a clear threat to Hansu to stay in his place and follow the arrangements made.
The scene reminds viewers that there are always people in power above you, even if Hansu seems to control others.
After thinking about the financial impact on his family, Noa decides not to attend Waseda University. He tells Sunja that he does not want to go to school at the cost of her dreams.
She encourages him, saying the restaurant idea is a “fool’s gamble.” Noa feels he must take care of everyone as the eldest son. Sunja reminds him that a better future will benefit the whole family.
Still from the show (Apple TV+)
Noa still refuses, so Sunja swallows her pride and asks Hansu to help convince him. Hansu insists it is not an option for Noa to skip school. He tells Sunja to “pry his eyes open.
Make him see what the world really looks like.” In the spirit of all the threats happening in this episode, he adds, “If you can’t convince him, I will.” Sunja does not want Hansu near Noa, so she tries one last time to change his mind.
Sunja takes Noa to eat tofu at the shop where his crush works. She opens up to Noa, saying she never thought she would stay in Japan so long.
She explains that she came because Isak asked her to. She did not understand how the world worked or Isak’s faith until he talked to her about heaven.
She tells Noa that when she thinks of heaven, she pictures her home in Korea. Sunja reminds Noa that they have faced painful experiences in Japan, saying, “If you stay here…the memories will burn in your soul.” She admits that she promised Isak to help Noa and Mozasu succeed, and she wants to keep that promise.
The girl at the shop praises Noa for leaving to attend university. Noa tells the girl, “When I’m there, I know I’ll miss this.” It seems Sunja’s heartfelt speech finally worked, and there is a touching moment where Sunja feels she has done something to help Noa find his future.
It shows her compassion and that she can win Noa over without anger or violence. She speaks from the heart to achieve her goal. Despite the damage done by patriarchy, Sunja is determined to lead her life with kindness and love.
Episode 6 sets the stage for future conflicts, but it seems the discrimination and violence linked to patriarchy will continue to affect these characters for a long time. New episodes of Pachinko Season 2 come out every Friday on Apple TV+ in the U.S.
In addition to Sunja’s heartfelt conversation with Noa, the episode hints at deeper family tensions simmering under the surface.
Solomon’s ruthless decision to sabotage Naomi’s career, and Mozasu’s growing distrust of Kato, reveal how far-reaching the consequences of male dominance are, affecting every aspect of their relationships and ambitions.
These characters are constantly weighed down by personal and societal expectations, creating an emotional atmosphere of both love and betrayal.
In the third episode of Season 2 of The Old Man, Dan Chase (Jeff Bridges), Harold Harper (John Lithgow), and Emily Chase (Alia Shawkat) find themselves in a complicated situation.
The threat from the Taliban against Faraz Hamzad’s (Navid Negahban) village has lessened, but their mission is more difficult than they expected. This leaves them with many questions.
The episode begins not with Chase, Harper, or Emily, but with Khadija (Jacqueline Antarmian) watching her brother undergo surgery to remove a bullet from his stomach.
Her son Tarik (Amir Malaklou) tries to explain to the Ministry that he does not believe Omar (Artur Zai Barrera) acted on their behalf.
Although Omar likely acted for the Taliban, Tarik provides an excuse to save face. However, the Ministry is not interested, and they hang up on him.
Things get worse when Khadija learns that her brother’s injuries are too severe. He seems to know this too, as he asks Khadija and Tarik to bring Emily to him.
He tells them he would not be alive without her. Tarik finds Emily in the room where they keep Faruza’s (Sara Seyed) body, comforting Farouk (Michael Sifain), who does not want to leave his mother’s side. Tarik then informs the family that they have about 72 hours to leave the village before the Taliban arrive.
Meanwhile, Chase and Harper wait by the helicopter for Emily to join them. Harper tries to persuade a nervous pilot to wait a little longer.
He worries that the soldiers will leave without them, but Chase believes Emily understands how urgent their situation is and will arrive in time. After Emily arrives, she surprises them by saying she is staying behind.
She explains that the government is putting pressure on them because their resources have run out. She asks both men to speak to Morgan Bote (Joel Grey) and persuade him to remove the village from the sanctions list.
They think this is impossible, but Emily reminds them of their true nature, and they agree to try.
Still from the episode (Hulu)
In this chaotic episode, there is a moment for the three characters to connect emotionally. This scene shows their complex relationships and how much they care for one another.
Although Shawkat speaks passionately, Bridges and Lithgow convey their emotions without words.
Each character has a complicated past with one another, and this scene highlights how well they understand each other and their willingness to support one another.
Once they are safely at a military base in Uzbekistan, Chase and Harper reflect on their last conversation with Emily.
Chase notices that Emily has changed after killing Omar, not out of necessity but out of love for those he threatened. He worries about how deeply Emily has become involved in the situation.
Harper jokes about Emily’s new traditional clothing, saying no one would want to wear such clothes in the desert.
Chase feels that a part of Emily is gone, replaced by a new part, but he cannot predict where this change will lead. Harper reassures him that he should not mourn these changes, as they are not all negative.
Back in the village, Emily talks with Hamzad and informs him that Chase and Harper are on their way home. He tells her they are planning to evacuate most people but wants her to leave to support him in different ways.
When Tarik finally meets Emily, she introduces herself as Parwana. Hamzad has instructed her to return to the U.S. with Tarik, but this is really an excuse to get her out of the country. Tarik hopes Emily can persuade Hamzad to let him save his life.
Tarik shares his background, saying he was sent to the U.S. as a child for education. His family wanted him to have more opportunities than the village could provide. He reveals that his family sent him away because he reminded Hamzad of Parwana.
Despite the pressure, he found a purpose to help his family escape the village. Emily worries that they do not want to leave, but Tarik believes they would think differently if Emily encouraged them to go.
Emily feels conflicted about supporting their departure, but Tarik argues that the dead would have chosen safety if they had the chance.
Emily expresses her overwhelming need for comfort and security, while Tarik insists that their situations are different. He believes they have a chance to move somewhere safe, where their children can get an education. Their discussion highlights their differing viewpoints on leaving their roots behind.
Tarik speaks from a place of love, not wanting to separate from his home but understanding the dangers of staying.
Emily, having been taken from her roots, wants to fight for those who wish to remain. Their conversation is interrupted when Khadija arrives to tell them that Hamzad has died.
Tarik plans to leave the next morning after the burial. Khadija assures Emily that she is not responsible for Hamzad’s death, even if she was not completely honest about his injury. Emily’s decision to stay or leave will be addressed in the next episode.
Meanwhile, Chase and Harper continue to feel disappointed with their travel arrangements. They are flying home in an uncomfortable cargo plane, and they face a long journey ahead.
Harper is unimpressed with Chase’s wealthy persona, which Chase claims he has only adopted briefly. They focus on how to approach Bote when they arrive.
Still from the episode (Hulu)
Harper plans to do the talking, but he wonders about Bote’s real motives, as his reactions seem excessive. Chase agrees with Harper but makes a comment that worries him. Harper cannot believe that Chase would resort to violence against Bote, which would not help their cause. Harper’s concern about Chase’s temper shows the tension between them as they strategize how to help Emily.
Finally, they arrive at Bote’s house, looking disheveled and exhausted. Harper quickly updates Bote on what happened while they were on the ground but omits some details.
Bote already knows most of the story and states that he could have avoided this situation if he had known Emily’s identity earlier.
However, he refuses to unfreeze Hamzad’s assets, explaining that the situation is more complicated than they realize.
Chase becomes impatient, just as Harper asks for clarification, but they are interrupted by barking dogs. Chase’s two dogs enter, followed by Zoe McDonald (Amy Brenneman), who surprises Chase. He is angry that Bote involved her, but Bote argues that it is Chase’s fault she is there and that he is trying to fix things.
Zoe explains that she tried to return to her normal life after Morocco but could not forget. She reached out to Hamzad’s lawyer for help but only heard from Bote.
Bote reveals that he needs access to Hamzad’s lithium deposit due to its influence. He introduces Suleyman Pavlovich (Rade Serbedzija), a Soviet fighter Chase let go years ago, who is now a major player.
Bote mentions that Hamzad’s lawyer is the only one who can stop Suleyman. Zoe finally hears back from Hamzad’s lawyer, who wants to meet for lunch next week. Harper believes waiting that long is impossible given the urgent situation.
Chase insists he told Bote that Emily was not his daughter, at least not completely. He acknowledges that while Bote cannot fully take back his decisions, he should help the village temporarily.
Bote seems to respond to Chase’s plea and asks him to return the next day to see if he can come up with something else. Chase does not take this well and seems ready to react violently, but Zoe pulls him outside.
Chase urges Zoe to leave and stay out of this, but she insists it is too late for that. She believes Bote is more likely to help her than Chase. She tells Chase to let her handle the situation.
While Zoe’s character provided necessary context in Season 1, it is unclear what her role is now. It is challenging to return to a normal life after such intense experiences, but her motivations seem weak for staying involved.
Once Chase and Harper leave, Zoe returns inside to talk to Bote. He correctly guesses that she wants him to help them. It sounds like he might agree when there is an intruder in the hallway. Bote manages to shoot the intruder, but he is also shot and killed.
Still from the episode (Hulu)
As the gunman approaches Zoe, Chase arrives and commands his dogs to attack the intruder. Chase suspects Zoe and Bote got too close to Pavlovich’s plans. This is confirmed when someone sends Pavlovich a picture of Bote’s body.
Pavlovich expresses interest in Chase and Harper, viewing them as the “real” targets whose deaths will eliminate loose ends. The first four episodes of The Old Man Season 2 are now available. New episodes air on FX every Thursday and are available to stream on Hulu the next day.
With Hamzad’s death, Emily, Chase, and Harper must make quick decisions on their next steps. The episode leaves viewers in suspense, waiting to see if the characters can survive the mounting dangers and how their complicated relationships will grow.
Ultimately, Emily’s decision to remain behind highlights the deeper transformations happening within each character, setting the stage for more intense developments in the coming episodes.
