No Way Out: The Roulette Episode 3 Review: Everyone Is Pursuing Money for Their Own Motives

In the first two episodes of Disney+ Hotstar’s thriller, the series kicks off with a gripping premise: a psychopath is using a roulette wheel to select victims, turning the public into unwitting bounty targets. We are introduced to the police force and their new challenge—rescuing Kim Gukho, a criminal who has become the latest target. No Way Out: The Roulette Episode 3 continues by unveiling new characters and their motivations, revealing why they are driven to commit murder. The show masterfully delves into the complex reasons behind their actions, adding layers of intrigue and depth to the story.

–Contains Spoilers –

No Way Out: The Roulette Episode 3 Recap

Episode 3 begins by introducing Kim Mu-yeol’s character, Lee Sang-bong, a lawyer struggling financially. He needs funds for a construction project and seeks assistance from his boss. Although his boss agrees to help, Lee Sang-bong later sees on the news a disturbing story about Kim Gukho and an old lady who attempted to kill him. The news clip reveals that the masked man claims the old lady is the mother of a victim killed by Gukho, and that Gukho sent her 1 billion won, revealing his psychopathic nature.

Lee Sang-bong also watches news coverage of Ahn Myeong-ja, a politician using the situation to her advantage. He calls his boss, noting that Ahn Myeong-ja is leveraging Kim Gukho to gain votes. His boss suggests they stay close to her until the election is over and shake her up, promising to restore things for NCT in return. So he decides to be the lawyer for Kim Guk-ho and goes to his location to talk to him.

Meanwhile, Baek Joong-sik receives a parcel containing a USB drive at his office. When he connects it, he discovers CCTV footage of himself stealing money for Lee Ji-hong. He becomes anxious and receives a call from Yoon Chang-jae, who blackmails him, threatening to expose him for Ji-hong’s murder unless Joong-sik returns the money.

We are also introduced to a young man whose girlfriend is ill and requires expensive treatment. Desperate, he prepares a bomb to target Kim Gukho. He gives the bomb to a delivery boy to take to Gukho’s home. However, upon arrival, the parcel is handed to a police officer who is arguing with Lee Sang-bong about Gukho’s detention. Joong-sik arrives at the scene, tries to stop the altercation, and takes the parcel to his car. The delivery boy attempts to detonate the bomb, but it fails. He then tries to use acid to break the casing. As he struggles, the bomb finally explodes due to a circuit issue, killing the delivery boy and several police officers.

No Way Out: The Roulette Episode 3 Review

While the previous episodes thrived on high-stakes drama and intense interactions, Episode 3 struggles to maintain that same momentum. Sang-bong’s personal and financial crises, though potentially gripping, fail to ignite the same level of intrigue. His storyline, while essential, lacks the immediacy and urgency that characterised the earlier episodes. The connection between his struggles and the broader narrative involving Guk-ho and political manoeuvring feels tenuous at best.

Additionally, the episode’s subplots, including Baek Joong-sik’s blackmail predicament and a failed bombing attempt, although dramatic, somewhat overshadow the thrill of Roulette game development and the Masked Men’s real motive. These plotlines, while engaging, divert attention from his character’s potential depth.

Overall, this episode provides a compelling glimpse into Sang-bong’s world but falls short of the high standards set by its predecessors. The character’s introduction promises more but fails to fully deliver the intensity or connection needed to elevate the story. For viewers captivated by the earlier episodes, this instalment may feel like a step back, lacking the punch that made the first two episodes so gripping. However, it definitely leaves us with an ending that will make us eager to continue.

Korean drama No Way Out: The Roulette is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar

Also Read: No Way Out: The Roulette Episode 2 Review: The Manhunt Brings Out New Motive and Thrills