Before we get going with the dreaded Signal Song competition, we’ve got a few more introductory performances to get through.

We’re back with the second episode of the “Planet C” half of this season. Technically, though, it’s episode four of the season. Confusing? Of course!

PREVIOUS RECAPS: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three

Introductory Performance Highlights and Lowlights

Boys Planet Team

This is a team of trainees who were eliminated in the first season of Boys Planet. I don’t remember any of them, but that’s not saying much since that season was an entire two years ago. One guy has also committed the cardinal K-pop sin of “being old.” The performance itself was pretty meh.

Dang Hong Hai

This is another trainee from last season that I can’t remember at all. He’s pretty charming and I salute his use of razzle dazzle props, but I don’t see him going too far.

Boy Story

Here’s the group the producers have been hyping up – a JYP C-Pop act I’ve never been able to get into. Most of the songs I’ve sampled have been quite bad so I can’t say I’ve got a ton of anticipation for their stage. However, bad material doesn’t mean the actual performers are bad. They’re definitely more polished than most of the other groups and should be given a shot at redemption. I don’t know how big their fan base is, though.

This Season’s Dual Format

Running these dual Planet K and Planet C episodes is so weird because they’re even more repetitive than normal. Seriously… we have to hear them explain the signal song stage twice? Introduce the signal song twice? Go over all the rules and norms of the show twice?? Instant fast forward.

(At least Planet C’s outfits are a bit nicer looking than Planet K’s)

Trials And Tribulations

We get the usual behind-the-scenes of the guys’ rehearsals for the signal song. Some of the more “wild” trainees are chastised for being too free spirited and not listening to directions. Given the way the K-pop industry works, this makes sense. And though “free spirit” can easily cross over to “rude,” it also tends to be a quality that makes for interesting artists and interesting art. Not that this show is about art…

The deadpan “sexy” guy is back and I’m honestly starting to find his shtick pretty funny. His singing’s awful, though. I mean, the vocal teachers need some baseline of talent to start out with, right?

This shouldn’t be a controversial question to ask, but why are there even contestants at this stage of the show who are legitimately tone deaf? There are… a lot of them this year.

Zhang Hou Makes A Visit

He did not bring delicious tanghulu with him. Advantage: Hanbin.

Signal Song Test, Part Deux

You’ll have to go elsewhere for detailed analysis of these individual tests. Like last week, I just can’t put myself through hearing the same fifteen seconds of this song over and over again (often sung completely out of key). It’s bad. However, there were many flips and gimmicks and “Mr. Sexy” actually did pretty well all things considered.

In the end, the killing part/center of the Planet C signal song went to Zhou An Xin after a vote from the judges and trainees. Then, we had a tearful elimination as a bunch of the trainees were sent home. Fear not. “Mr. Sexy” is safe for now. Gird your loins, I guess.

We’re back to one episode starting this week, thank goodness. However, my recap will be delayed because I’ll be traveling over the weekend and I will not be watching this crap on the plane.