Jack and Joker – Series Review & Ending Explained

Episode 1

Episode 1 Review

The premiere does a great job of introducing both leads by showing who they are and what they want. We meet Jack, learn about his athletic aspirations, and see how his financial struggles make it difficult for him to succeed. His gentle bond with his grandmother makes us care even more about him. Likewise, we meet Joke and see the pressure from his strict family, pushing him toward a secret life as a thief. The episode sets up their emotional backstories and makes us invested in their journeys from the start.

I adore the scene where Jack and Joke first meet. Their conversation at the bar flows naturally, drawing the viewers into their dynamic. I love seeing Joke open up about his troubles and show a more vulnerable side. Meanwhile, Jack lifts his spirits with kindness and optimism, so we understand why Joke feels an instant connection to him. This interaction does a great job of highlighting both characters, making them relatable to the audience. You can also sense the growing camaraderie between them. It's exciting to watch their relationship take shape on screen!

Joke offers to buy Jack a drink, but Jack turns him down. I love this moment because it's a deliberate contrast to Love Mechanics, YinWar's previous BL drama. In that series, the characters constantly drank too much. An uncomfortable sexual encounter even happened in the first episode while one of them was heavily intoxicated. Jack & Joker, on the other hand, doesn't use alcohol as a lazy way to create conflict. I appreciate how the leads are responsible with their alcohol consumption. Every time Jack refuses a drink, I cheer. Love Mechanics could NEVER.

Joker is a master of disguises, and one of the best things about his character is how he adopts quirky personas. This gives War the perfect excuse to have fun playing different roles, showing off his range and his goofy side. I love seeing him in various cosplays, but War in a business suit short-circuits my brain. He can scam me out of my life savings with those bright eyes and charming smile. The photos also show him as a pilot, firefighter, and soldier. OMG, he looks hot in every single outfit! 😚

The character names are super clever! Jack and Joker come from a deck of cards, which carries symbolic meaning. A "Jack" has a lower rank than a "Queen" or "King", reflecting Jack's status in society. Meanwhile, a "Joker" is a wildcard that doesn't fit in or follow the rules, perfectly matching Joke's role. Pairing these two names together as a couple adds even more depth to the theme. It's so brilliant omg! And Rose is a fun addition to the mix. I immediately caught the reference to Jack and Rose from Titanic, which adds a cheeky little nod to the classic romance.

The Joker from this series resembles the Joker from DC comics and movies. Both tricksters rely on deception to get what they want. They also have childhood or family trauma that shape their actions. However, our Joke isn't as extreme as the famous villain. His antics are playful rather than cruel. Without Jack's kindness, Joke may gone down a darker path. This episode's most powerful moment comes at the end when Joke's conscience awakens. Instead of letting Jack take the blame, he confesses to the police, showing he still has a good heart.

Episode 2

Episode 2 Review

One thing I love about Joke is how he escapes tricky situations by thinking on his feet. He may not be the strongest fighter and gets overpowered by the villain's henchmen, but he finds a way out with his quick wit and charm. In this episode, he jokingly offers a massage to a bad guy, claiming it's better than fighting. Previously, he bluffed about being a taekwondo expert to avoid a brawl. His clever tricks are funny and show how sharp he is. Instead of using brute force, he outsmarts his enemies, which makes him fun to watch!

After the time skip, both leads go through significant changes. Joke leaves prison as a man determined to change for the better. He creates a book called 100 Ways to Make It Up to Them, writing down different ways to apologize to Jack. Meanwhile, Jack has gone to the dark side. No longer the kind boy from before, he's now a ruthless loan shark who threatens people. Like Joke, I was shocked. OMG, what happened!? Thankfully, he's just pretending. His life may have gotten worse, but Jack is still a good person deep down. It's impressive that he stayed true to his values despite being stuck in a harsh world.

Money is the root of all evil. Many characters' financial survival clashes with their integrity. Threatening poor people is wrong, but what if you're forced to obey orders while struggling yourself? The lines between right and wrong become blurrier. What I love about this series is its moral complexity. It uses debt as a driving force to explore ethics, presenting dilemmas where the leads must choose between self-preservation and doing the right thing. The story challenges us to think about what it means to be good in a world where money controls everything.

Episode 3

Episode 3 Review

Most of this episode focuses on the heist to steal the jewellery, which I enjoyed watching. Joker is known as a legendary thief, but this is the first time we see him in action. It's exciting to watch how he operates, especially under pressure. As a viewer, I was invested in the outcome. Ooh, will they get caught? Aah, how will they talk their way out of suspicion? Since I'm used to watching generic love triangles in BL dramas, this plot feels like a refreshing change of pace. Finally, something different from the norm!

The heist goes smoothly, all going according to plan. However, greed ruins everything at the last moment. Tattoo steals an extra necklace that Joke warned him not to touch, causing total chaos. I love this twist because it adds tension and keeps the story exciting. Tattoo's actions also make sense. He doesn't know Joke that well, so it's easy to double-cross him since there's no honour among thieves. Hoy is admirable for staying loyal, but the betrayal makes the story more interesting. Different agendas and allegiances create conflict, adding complexity to the group dynamics.

Speaking of group dynamics, I love how Joke is the legendary thief, Tattoo is the genius inventor, and Hoy is… the freeloader? While Joke and Tattoo carefully plan out the most elaborate heist, Hoy's contribution is nothing. His one job was to abduct the model, and even that failed until Tattoo stepped in to save him. He can't strategize, he can't fight, he can't steal, so what exactly is he good for? I'm not criticizing him, though. Hoy's uselessness is hilariously endearing. His incompetence actually serves a purpose because it makes the others look brilliant by comparison.

Episode 4

Episode 4 Review

I love Jack's grandmother, aka the white-haired witch of Chao Phraya River. Her fight scene is so funny. While Joke gets his ass kicked by the scammers, the grandma throws her dumplings and shows 'em who's boss. Besides being a badass, I adore her because she's the biggest YinWar shipper. At this point, Jack still holds a grudge against Joke, but she's working overtime to fix their relationship. "You may have forgiven Joke without even realizing it!" Granny had enough of this damn feud. Let's get that BL romance going!

Damn. I don't mean to judge, but Jack's parents should have really read the fine print on their insurance policies before killing themselves. However, their situation also breaks my heart. Imagine how much despair they must feel to sacrifice their lives to free themselves from debt. Grandma delivers a poignant line that captures the tragedy, "People do foolish things because they just want to make the ones they love happy." In this case, Jack's parents were crushed under extreme financial pressure. They weren't selfish. They were simply overwhelmed, convinced that death was their best option.

This episode's theme revolves around forgiveness. After someone wrongs you terribly, do you hold a grudge and seek revenge? Characters like Arun and Ning believe in payback, punishing those who have hurt them. Yet, the story presents another perspective. Jack's fortune tells him, "When the fool changes from black to white, the fate of the forgiver will change." Yes, Joke made mistakes, but his remorse shows he isn't beyond redemption. If Jack has the heart to forgive, he can free himself from resentment and allow them to move forward.

In Joke's apology letter, he writes, "Jack, even though my apology may be too late, I want you to know your goodness has changed someone like me." This episode is powerful because it focuses on remorse. Joke wants to change and become a better person due to Jack's positive influence. Earlier in the episode, Joke fixes broken furniture, symbolizing his effort to rebuild himself. In another scene, Joke holds a broom, similar to how he posed with a bat in Episode 2. Swapping a weapon for a cleaning tool is a cheeky way to show his transformation.

Episode 5

Episode 5 Review

I love all of Tattoo's goofy inventions. There's the purse that shocks enemies, the tranquillizer spray that knocks them out, and that ridiculous crow camera contraption. His gadgets are so creative, yet completely unmarketable. My favourite is the tranquillizer spray, which cracks me up every time it's used. That's his best invention, right? He made a non-lethal weapon with real-world uses. A stronger version of pepper spray has a market demand. But then again, it'd be dangerous in the wrong hands, so maybe it's not the best idea haha~

Tattoo double-crosses the group again! Damn, what a traitor! Maybe his next invention should be a backbone booster so he can stop being such a spineless weasel. But then again, I get his desperation. "We can't escape poverty if we don't do something bad to others." Ugh, I hate this is the reality we live in. I want to be as idealistic as Hoy and stand firm in my convictions. Yet, I understand Tattoo's pragmatism. In a corrupt system, self-preservation feels like the only way to survive. While Jack inspires Joke to change, Hoy plays the same role for Tattoo. In the end, Tattoo learns his friend's lesson and chooses integrity.

Despite Tattoo's betrayal, Joke doesn't hold a grudge. He smiles and acts like nothing happened, which is an admirable trait. Since Joke has been seeking Jack's forgiveness, it makes sense he'd extend the same grace to Tattoo. Joke knows from first-hand experience what it feels like to mess up and ask for a second (or third) chance. I like how his character's principles are consistent. Joke's actions show that he genuinely believes in redemption, not just when it's convenient for himself. He wants everyone to have the opportunity to change for the better.

Episode 6

Episode 6 Review

Joke comforts a crying Toi Ting. His advice feels particularly meaningful coming from him, since he also feels insecure about not being as educated as others. He tells her, "Those tough times make them stronger, turning them into heroes." I love how the story redefines what it means to be a superhero. The idea of Jack opening a hero academy and teaching kids his positive values is inspiring. He gave up on this goal while working as a debt collector, so seeing him dream again makes me smile. Jack has regained hope for the future.

I adore all of Jack & Joke's interactions in this episode! The bedroom scene is super cute. Their playful banter at the start makes me giggle, while their late-night talk feels sincere. It's their first genuine conversation in years, yet the sparks between them are still there. Later, Jack teaches Joke some English words. For a moment, I was convinced he confessed his love. OMG! But no, false alarm, it was just part of his lesson lol. Even so, their connection shines through every moment. I'm just like Toi Ting, hiding behind a wall while cheering at their chemistry. Oh, I'm excited! THE BL IS COMING!

Hope and Save are like the less fortunate versions of Jack and Joke. Unlike the leads, they must hurt others to survive. Hope uses physical violence to oppress people, but the irony is that he gets beaten himself. Hope is just as much a victim as those he harms. Meanwhile, Save manipulates finances to put people into deeper debt, making it impossible for them to recover. The psychological strain can ruin lives, as we see later in the story. Like his boyfriend, Save is forced into this role. While Jack and Joke stay true to their values, Hope and Save are more morally dubious.

Episode 7

Episode 7 Review

Rose is an out-of-touch rich woman who doesn't understand the hardships of ordinary people. She goes on a date with Jack to a poor neighbourhood, but it feels more like a charity trip. Rose sets up a competition to award business grants, a well-meaning yet impractical gesture. If she wants to help the less fortunate, there are better ways to use her money to improve everyone's well-being, not just for one lucky winner. Rose reminds me of a queen telling the peasants, "Let them eat cake!" since she has no idea what it's like to struggle.

Rose announces her business competition, and the crowd is excited for a chance to win free money. Joke interrupts, claiming she makes empty promises. He's the only one willing to speak the truth. While her grants give small financial relief, they do nothing to fix the real problems of poverty. Yet, the crowd boos him because they're too focused on the money to question the system. This scene reflects the real world, where a protester speaks out while most people stay silent due to self-interest. A frustrated Joke throws a piece of bread at Rose. It's a small rebellion against the elite class when nothing else can change.

This episode highlights the theme of power and privilege. We meet the ruling class, a small group of wealthy elites. They treat their money and real estate like a fun board game, ignoring the actual consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, the poor people struggle to pay off debts, business loans, and medical expenses. It feels unfair that the wealthy 1% live in luxury while the rest suffer. Jack delivers a powerful line, "Dreaming is for those whose realities are already comfortable." Without money, people can't afford to aspire. They're too busy just trying to survive.

Episode 8

Episode 8 Review

I like the concept of a video game with a dystopian twist, where choices in the game affect real people. It reinforces the idea of the ruling class treating the powerless like playthings. However, the game sequence has gone on for too long, especially since Lompran is only a minor villain who doesn't need so much focus. I prefer to spend more time on other storylines, like Tattoo and Arun or Save and Hope. The secondary couples have faded into the background. This was a missed opportunity to develop them further.

I love the grandmother's scenes in this episode! She's practically running a family counselling service from her hospital bed. After years of estrangement, the grandma single-handedly repairs Joke's broken relationship with his father. Despite all her wisdom, she never comes across as patronizing. Granny speaks to Joke with warmth and reassurance, giving him the affection he needs. Also, she never outright criticizes the doctor's parenting. Instead, she humbly appeals to his logic, making him reflect on his choices without feeling attacked. Her emotional intelligence is incredible, and I absolutely adore her!

Besides helping Joke and his father, the grandmother gives Jack much-needed advice. While she may be gentle with Joke, she knows how to be firm with Jack and call him out on his poor communication. Yes, tell your grandson how stupid he's being! But my favourite thing about the grandma is her YinWar fandom. This woman continues to be the biggest shipper. "If you don't sleep together, it means you're mad at each other." Oh, Granny is done with the slow-burn romance. She demands you two to cuddle in bed now and give the BL fans what they want!

Episode 9

Episode 9 Review

I don't get why Rose is so in love with Jack. Sure, he saved her from a mugging years ago, but is that really enough? They come from different worlds and barely know each other. I can understand if she has a slight crush on a cute guy, but Rose is already dreaming about marriage. Girl, what!? Where did these feelings even come from? The story hasn't done enough to make their connection believable, so their relationship arc seems like a clunky plot device.

I like Tattoo and Arun together. They're an unlikely pair, but that's what makes them interesting. Arun has become more tolerable after he stopped acting like a spoiled rich kid. It's nice to see him getting along with the others and being included in the Four Little Pigs group. I also enjoyed the couple's bonding scene in this episode. Tattoo opened up about his botched inventions, while Arun shared his struggles with his failed fashion brand. I'm almost a fan of their relationship, but I need more material from them. The series holds back on fleshing out their romance, and it's a bit frustrating!

The episode ends with Jack and Joke's long-awaited first kiss, and I love the build-up to it. Both celebrate Jack's birthday in a sweet exchange. Their game of truth or dare mirrors how they first met, adding a nostalgic touch. The best part is when they lock lips. The story had lost steam, the slow-burn romance felt stalled, and BL fans grew impatient… They had one chance to deliver. Joke gave everything into that kiss, pouring nonstop passion into each moment. The intensity, the longing, and the way they held each other made the couple's chemistry electrifying!

Episode 10

Episode 10 Review

The episode opens with an intense sex scene. The couple is all over each other, lost in the throes of passion. After stripping off Jack's pants, Joke straddles him and leans in for another deep kiss. His swagger is unmatched! Another unforgettable part is when Jack bites onto his boyfriend's drawers and tries to pull them off with his mouth. Excuse me??? While we don't see the rest of the action on screen, my imagination is going wild. Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, and then Jack puts his entire mouth over Joke's candlestick. 🙊

Save may seem quiet and unassuming, but he has ruined lives behind the scenes. Under his employer's orders, he tricked Sister Oh into investing her savings into a failing stock. When she lost everything with no way to pay back her debts, the financial pressure drove her to suicide. OMFG. Save, you little shit! Hope tries to defend him. "He doesn't have a choice!" But is that really true? Jack was also coerced, but he had never crossed certain lines and tried to help innocent people. He held onto his morals even when it made his life harder. Compared to him, Save's wrongdoings seems far worse.

While I'm upset with Save, I understand his moral dilemma. Either follow orders or his loved ones get hurt. Ning says a meaningful line in this episode. "You're attacking the wrong enemy!" Placing the blame on Save seems easy, but those in the ruling class are the real cause of this suffering. They manipulate desperate individuals into doing their dirty work. Save is just another victim of a corrupt system designed to keep the rich in power while the poor turn against each other. Remember who the real enemy is. The people at the top make survival difficult in the first place.

Episode 11

Episode 11 Review

This episode is unenjoyable because it spends too much time on the villains ruining everyone's lives. The series also loses its usual lighthearted tone. Besides the amusing ABCD sequence (which I liked), the plot revolves around crying, conflict, and suffering, which isn't fun to watch. If the story wants to focus on the Boss, it should explore his relationship with Arun. It's interesting to learn about Arun's dynamic with his father and his character growth since being disowned. Instead, we get many repetitive scenes of rich people abusing their power.

There's so much bizarre drama over this damn ring! WTF is going on? When the Boss told Joke to steal it, I just assumed he enjoyed fancy jewellery. Like his son Arun, I figured Alice had a taste for the finer things in life. I didn't realize the ring had some mythical power, or at least that's what Alice believes. Besides confusing me, this storyline causes annoying conflict between the characters. Jack is mad that Joke stole the ring and gave it to the Boss, but how was he supposed to know it'd lead to all this chaos? It's just a piece of jewellery! It's supposed to look pretty, not do anything else!

IMO, the ring is meant to be a metaphor for power, reflecting real-world politics. In the story, whoever possesses it rules the country. In Thailand, control is passed between the monarchy (Rose and Lompran's families), the military (Alice), and wealthy elites (the other game players). This small group oppresses the working class. The series has other scenes that subtly discuss similar themes. Since criticizing the elites is a touchy subject in Thailand, the story avoids being too direct. But if you read between the lines, there's thoughtful social commentary.

Episode 12

Ending Review

In a series finale, you expect a dramatic showdown. Instead, the climax of Jack & Joker is a life-or-death game of hangman lol. Honestly, I loved the campiness and had fun guessing the words. The best part? Joke hilariously misspells "sorry" as "zorry", causing the Boss to lose the game. It's a thematically meaningful twist. In a deck of cards, the Joker is a wildcard who doesn't follow the rules, which includes the English alphabet. The series highlights how Joke bends the system and never does what you expect.

Did anyone get GL vibes from Rose and Ning? During the apology scene, the two women held hands for a few seconds too long, causing my mind to wander. "I'd like you to help me reform The Four Horseman," Rose says, smiling sweetly at Ning. In that one delicate moment, Rose's heart unlocks as she realizes her real soulmate has been by her side all along! And since she fell in love with Jack based on even less history together, my theory isn't that farfetched~ The best part is Hoy standing in the background with a confused expression, watching this WLW romance like an awkward third wheel.

Boss isn't running the show like he thinks. The finale reveals he's just another pawn in the rich people's power games. While Alice gets his comeuppance, the other wealthy elites remain in control, acting as ruthlessly as ever. Despite this dystopian twist, the series ends on a hopeful note. Jack builds his hero academy, creating a meaningful community for the working class. A new generation of kids will grow up learning his positive values. The system may be broken, but raising do-gooders to stand against injustice keeps hope alive for the future.

The finale reinforces the story's theme of rehabilitation. Everyone makes mistakes, but change is possible. Save redeems himself by giving back to his community. Even Alice, despite his terrible crimes, has a chance to make things right. During his suicide attempt, his late wife says, "Death can't atone for anything. Living gives you the chance to make amends." The series values forgiveness over revenge and improvement over punishment. Joke's reunion with his family proves that healing is more important than hate.

The series finale gives us two unforgettable kisses. The first happens during the fight's climax. Boss is about to trigger the explosions, but Jack and Joke can't care less. Despite the possibility of dying in the next few seconds, they're too busy making out. Can you say iconic!? The second kiss is just as legendary. The final scene shows the leads eating each other's faces, an epic way to finish a BL drama. Beyond the passion, the moment feels more special because of how far they've come. After so many struggles and a lengthy redemption journey, the couple's happiness is well-earned!

Jack & Queen

My theory is that every character in Jack & Joker represents a card in a deck, mirroring Thailand's political landscape. The story is a subtle critique of the country's power imbalance. Of course, this problem persists everywhere around the world. Control remains in the hands of the elite while the working class struggles beneath them. Before I explain, here's a quick disclaimer. Everything is just my interpretation. Maybe I'm reading too much into the symbolism. The series will never confirm whether my analysis is spot-on or off the mark.

Jack is the Jack card. As a debt collector, he has a slightly higher degree of power over ordinary civilians, who are the regular numbered cards. Yet, he's still ranked lower than the Queen or King. Other characters in this category include Hope, Save, and Ning. They all work for the wealthy elites and do their bidding due to coercion. "We don't have a choice!" That's their go-to excuse for being complicit in crimes. Their characters are caught between having some power and still being powerless.

Rose is the Queen card. This wealthy heiress is born into privilege and lives comfortably, yet she lacks freedom. Rose's family controls her choices, even deciding whom she should marry. In the finale, Rose's father puts her at risk for personal gain, proving she's a pawn for her family. Lompran is also a Queen. All children of wealthy elites belong to this rank. They may live in luxury, but they're still beneath the King and have little control over the world or their fate. Some (like Rose) are sheltered and ignorant, whereas others (like Lompran) are spoiled and insensitive.

King & Ace

Alice is the King card. He starts as the Jack of Spades, like the boss of the other Jacks. After stealing the ring, he rises to power as the King. Alice represents the military in Thailand, controlling an army of violent enforcers. He uses brute force to seize control in Episode 10, much like a military uprising. Alice thinks he's a political leader, like the Prime Minister of Thailand. However, his control is only an illusion. The finale reveals that the ring is powerless. Alice doesn't realize he's only a figurehead and there's still one more ruling class above him.

The Aces are Rose's father, Lompran's father, Madam Trinuch, and Lord Patthapee. These four are the country's true rulers, a small group that controls everything. They represent the monarchy and billionaires, hoarding wealth and oppressing the working class. They allow someone like Alice to believe he's in control. Once he becomes too reckless, they can easily replace him with another figurehead. You thought Alice was the final boss, but this false king is just a puppet. The real kingmakers are the ultra-rich, who never face consequences in a rigged system.

Joker

Finally, Joke is the Joker card. He's the disruptor who doesn't follow the system. Like his character's unpredictable and eccentric nature, he exists outside the hierarchy. In the real world, Joke represents activists and protesters. They speak up, call out injustices, challenge the ruling class, and fight for change. They may not have any real power, but they'll still rebel. Like Joke throwing bread at Rose, it seems like a meaningless gesture that changes nothing in the power structure, but it's still an act of defiance.

The Joker is considered a wildcard. If paired with the right cards, it can potentially change the outcome. In some games, it turns a losing hand into a winning one, disrupting the usual hierarchy of the deck. This describes Joke's role in the story. He's the unpredictable force that challenges the power structure. Throughout the series, Joke refuses to follow the rules set by the elite class. Unlike the other characters trapped within the system, he finds ways to outsmart, disrupt, and expose those in control. Whether through rebellion or trickery, he won't accept the idea that power belongs only to the rich.

In the finale, Jack tells him, "After you entered my life, someone as small as me can make a difference." This moment highlights Joke's impact, not just on Jack, but on the entire system. Joke inspires the working class to fight back, proving that even those without power can challenge authority and create change. Like in a card game where the Joker shifts the balance of power, Joke disrupts the oppressive system. He proves that the underdogs have a chance if they break the rules that were never meant to favour them in the first place.

Special

Special Review

If I were scoring the Jack and Joker special episode based on pure trolling, it would get an A+. The series sold tickets to hundreds of BL fans and invited them to watch in a cinema. It hyped up a grand wedding, only to traumatize everyone by killing off the lead character instead. LMAO. I can't stop laughing at how the highly anticipated wedding turned into a full-blown funeral. The diabolical side of me appreciates this epilogue for being so hilariously twisted!

I don't want Joke to die, but if the story insists on killing him, at least make it meaningful. He survived an intense showdown with the big boss in the finale, nearly getting his head blown off. That would have been a more iconic sendoff than him dying in a fight against a minor villain. It's also frustrating that the previous episode gave fans a happy ending with Jack & Joke together, only for this epilogue to take it away. After the credits, it's revealed that Joke survived. I kinda assumed he didn't actually die, but this cliffhanger is still annoying. Will there be a sequel? How long must we wait for it?

I love the moment when Jack and Joke design wedding invitations in the bedroom. That's so cute of them! The red and black hearts on each personalized card are a nice touch. Ugh, why can't we get more adorable scenes like this during the special? Did anyone ask for Carbon's return or Joke's death? Nope! Just give us two hours of harmless relationship fluff and wedding planning antics with the couple tying the knot in the end. That's all we expected from this epilogue, and BL fans would have been perfectly happy.

Another great moment is when Joke's dad asks, "Who's the groom and who's the bride?" Toi Tang shuts that down immediately. "They don't ask that nowadays. Mind your own business." That's right! It's hilarious this little kid is the one schooling an intelligent doctor on how to talk respectfully to gay couples. Clearly, Jack's school is doing something right. He's already shaping the next generation with progressive values.

This special episode often teases the sexual tension between Tattoo and Arun, giving us more fan service than the main series. I appreciate the moment Tattoo compliments Arun's intelligence. It makes sense that someone like him would be attracted to a sharp mind. I also enjoy seeing Arun take charge of the group's costumes during their heists, while Tattoo handles the deadly gadgets. One keeps them dangerous, the other keeps them stylish. They're the perfect match!

One of this episode's themes is whether destiny can be changed. Hoy plays a game, assigning the kids roles like wolves and villagers. They ask, "Why can't we choose what we want to do?" The story questions the idea of being trapped by societal roles. If you're born in a lower class, are you destined to suffer? Later, Hoy is dealt a losing hand at the poker table, but Joke switches a card and alters the outcome. During the fight, Hoy is supposed to die until Joke rescues him. In both cases, Joke challenges the concept of destiny. He proves anyone can escape fate and avoid what is seemingly predestined in life.

After Joke's death, Hoy and Ning have a meaningful discussion. She tells him, "Some people are so scared of dying that they forget to live. Most people are cowards like you and me, but Joke is not." The story reiterates its theme of fear versus courage. Many of us are like Hoy. When faced with wrongdoings, we may stay silent and do nothing, fearing danger or consequences. Joke is the opposite because he actively fights against injustice, even if it costs him his life. His bravery is rare, and that's why it matters. He represents the kind of hero this world needs.