Ep 3. Appa & Linus

In the third episode of Kim's Convenience season 5, titled "Appa & Linus", audiences are taken on an exploration of the intersection of friendship, fatherhood and ambition. Mr. Kim is visited by his old friend, Linus, who left the Koreatown neighbourhood years ago to pursue a career in corporate law. However, things are not as simple as they seem, and Linus is forced to examine the true value of friendship and the sacrifices required to attain success.

As the episode starts, Mr. Kim is being visited by Linus, who has arrived in town for business. The two men, now in their senior years, are clearly thrilled to see each other again and tentatively catch up on old times. Linus is impressed by the growth and development of Mr. Kim's convenience store, a fixture in the Koreatown district since the show began.

However, their conversation takes a turn when Linus reveals that he has been asked to join a prestigious law firm in New York and is trying to convince Mr. Kim to come with him. Mr. Kim is initially hesitant, as he is content with his life in Toronto, but Linus is convinced that they could achieve great things together on the global stage.

Mr. Kim is faced with a difficult dilemma: to pursue the allure of success in New York or to stay in Toronto and maintain his current lifestyle. Linus' glittering promises of fame and fortune are enticing, but Mr. Kim must consider the costs of leaving his family and store behind.

Meanwhile, Janet is dealing with her own issues of ambition and success. She is offered a promotion at the photography studio where she works, but it comes at the cost of long hours and less creative freedom. Shannon, in her usual style, encourages Janet to seize the opportunity and reach for the stars, but Janet is hesitant to abandon the artistry that drew her to the photography industry in the first place.

As the episode progresses, various members of the Kim family are faced with the conundrum of chasing success, or being content with the life they already have. Whether it's the prospect of global fame and fortune or the chance to exhibit your artistic talent to a wider audience, our protagonists are forced to question what truly matters to them, and what they are willing to sacrifice to get it.

In addition to the thematic elements running throughout "Appa & Linus", the episode is also notable for its performances. John Cho, now an established Hollywood star, returns to the show as Linus and imbues the character with a mixture of allure and insecurity that perfectly encapsulates the challenges of “making it” in the upper echelons of corporate law.

In conclusion, "Appa & Linus" is an engaging exploration of family, friendship and ambition, and a thought-provoking look at what it means to pursue your dreams. With excellent performances from the cast, viewers are sure to be drawn into Mr. Kim's dilemma and engaged with the wider discussions about the pursuit of success.