As the narrative of "XO" reaches its halfway mark with Episode 5, titled "TBH," the series delves deeply into the vibrant tapestry of Korean culture and the intricate tapestry of familial ties. The episode revolves around Chuseok, a holiday akin to Korean Thanksgiving, which serves as a backdrop for a series of poignant revelations and heart-wrenching moments.
The episode kicks off with Kitty's ambitious endeavor to organize a Chuseok celebration for expats at KISS, an initiative that swiftly gains traction and balloons into a school-wide event. This venture not only underscores Kitty's remarkable ability to unite people but also sets the stage for her to extract information from Alex, whom she suspects might be her long-lost brother.
Kitty's preparations for the feast are endearingly hectic, made slightly less daunting by Min Ho's unexpected offer to lend a hand. Their shopping expedition and subsequent cooking session serve as a charming interlude, fostering a deeper bond between them. Min Ho's invaluable assistance culminates in an unprecedented turnout for the Chuseok celebration, marking a landmark moment in KISS's history.
The Chuseok dinner is a resounding triumph, with Kitty's signature mashed potatoes stealing the spotlight. However, the evening's ultimate objective—Kitty's quest to validate her suspicions about Alex—remains elusive. Alex begins to unveil his reasons for joining KISS, but his disclosure is abruptly halted, leaving Kitty teetering on the brink of a mystery.
The episode takes a poignant detour with an awkward exchange between Alex and Professor Lee, the latter inadvertently revealing his parental status. This conversation is a stroke of genius, offering a fleeting glimpse into Alex's motivations without explicitly confirming his relationship to Kitty. Post-dinner, Alex finally confesses his connection to Professor Lee, acknowledging that he came to KISS upon discovering that the professor is his father. This revelation is a game-changer, complicating Kitty's search for answers and adding a new dimension to her relationship with Alex.
Meanwhile, Dae's Chuseok celebration unfolds as a heartening tapestry of familial bonds, with Yuri warmly embracing the table's camaraderie during dinner. The burgeoning friendship between Dae and Yuri is unmistakably tangible, albeit clouded by Yuri's deceitful maneuver to intercept a heartfelt gift from Kitty—a necklace entwined with an apology note. This treacherous act serves as an ominous harbinger of forthcoming discord, casting a shadow over an otherwise serene festive ambiance.
Principal Lim's relationship with Kitty's mother becomes further entwined in enigma as Yuri ventures into querying their shared history. Principal Lim's steadfast denial, asserting they were mere roommates, stands starkly juxtaposed to her surreptitious act of destroying a photograph, hinting at a concealed, profound bond. The episode culminates in a dramatically charged revelation: Principal Lim burning a picture of herself and Kitty's mother, an act that silently whispers volumes of their unspoken past. This closing scene serves as a potent reminder that truth often resides beneath the veneer of appearances, suggesting a far more intricate narrative waiting to unfold.
"'TBH'" emerges as an episode that excels in cultural exploration and emotional richness. It adeptly weaves the warmth of Chuseok festivities with the gripping suspense of unraveling family mysteries. At the episode's core lies Kitty's journey, as she navigates the labyrinthine pathways of friendship, familial ties, and the quest for her ancestral roots. The episode concludes on a note of expectant intrigue, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the revelation of the hidden truths that lie ahead in the narrative's unfolding chapters.
