Signal: Season 1, Episode 16 - If You Don't Give Up (2016)

In the ending of "Signal," episode 16 titled "If You Don't Give Up," the characters face the culmination of their struggles against time and fate. Park Hae-young, the main protagonist, confronts the reality of his past and the unresolved cases that have haunted him. The episode concludes with a sense of hope as Hae-young and his team manage to prevent a tragedy, but the emotional toll of their journey weighs heavily on them. The fate of the characters is intertwined with their choices, leading to a bittersweet resolution.

As the episode unfolds, we see Park Hae-young, a dedicated police officer, grappling with the weight of his past. He is haunted by the unsolved case of a serial killer that has affected his life deeply. The episode opens with Hae-young receiving a call from the past, a signal from the walkie-talkie that connects him to Detective Lee Jae-han, who has been missing for years. This connection reignites Hae-young's determination to solve the case that has eluded him for so long.

In a series of flashbacks, we witness the struggles of Jae-han, who is trapped in the past, trying to prevent a series of murders. His character is portrayed as a man of integrity, willing to sacrifice his own safety for the sake of justice. As Hae-young and Jae-han communicate through time, they share vital information that helps them piece together the clues leading to the killer.

The tension escalates as Hae-young and his partner, Seo Da-hee, race against time to stop the killer from claiming another victim. They work tirelessly, driven by the urgency of their mission and the emotional stakes involved. Da-hee, who has developed a strong bond with Hae-young, is equally invested in the case, showcasing her determination and bravery.

As the climax approaches, Hae-young and Da-hee confront the killer in a tense standoff. The scene is charged with emotion as they fight not only for the life of the intended victim but also for their own redemption. The stakes are high, and the fear of failure looms over them. In a gripping moment, they manage to apprehend the killer just in time, preventing another tragedy.

In the aftermath, the characters reflect on their journey. Hae-young, though victorious, is left with a profound sense of loss and the realization that the scars of the past will always remain. Jae-han, who has been a guiding force throughout the episode, finally finds peace as his actions in the past have led to a better future. The connection between the two men, despite the barriers of time, highlights the theme of perseverance and the impact of their choices.

The episode concludes with Hae-young and Da-hee standing together, looking towards the future. They have faced their demons and emerged stronger, but the emotional weight of their experiences lingers. The final moments encapsulate the essence of hope and resilience, leaving viewers with a sense of closure while acknowledging the complexities of their journeys. Each character's fate is intertwined with the choices they made, emphasizing the importance of not giving up, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The connection between Park Hae-young and Lee Jae-han is pivotal as it serves as the bridge between the present and the past. Hae-young, a criminal profiler, discovers that he can communicate with Jae-han, a detective from 1986, through a walkie-talkie. This connection allows them to collaborate on solving cold cases, including the ongoing investigation into a serial killer. Their relationship evolves from mere communication to a deep bond, as they rely on each other to prevent tragedies and seek justice.

In this episode, Cha Soo-hyun, a police officer and Hae-young's partner, showcases significant growth. Initially portrayed as a determined yet somewhat skeptical officer, she becomes more open to the unconventional methods of Hae-young and Jae-han. As she witnesses the impact of their collaboration, her faith in their mission strengthens. Soo-hyun's emotional state fluctuates between frustration and hope, reflecting her internal struggle to balance her duties with the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the cases they tackle.

The unresolved case of the serial killer is central to the narrative of this episode. It serves as the catalyst for the characters' actions and decisions. Hae-young and Jae-han work tirelessly to gather clues and piece together evidence from both timelines. The urgency to catch the killer intensifies as they uncover new leads, and the emotional stakes rise when they realize that their actions in the past can directly influence the present. This case not only drives the plot forward but also deepens the characters' motivations and relationships.

The characters exhibit a range of reactions to the challenges posed by their time-traveling communication. Hae-young often feels a mix of excitement and anxiety, aware that every decision he makes could alter the course of events. Jae-han, on the other hand, grapples with the weight of responsibility, knowing that he must act wisely to protect those in the present. Soo-hyun's skepticism initially leads to frustration, but as she witnesses the tangible results of their collaboration, she becomes more accepting of the bizarre circumstances, showcasing her adaptability and resilience.

In this episode, Park Hae-young faces profound emotional conflicts stemming from his desire to save lives while grappling with the consequences of altering the past. He is haunted by the fear of failure, particularly as he realizes that his actions could lead to unintended consequences. Hae-young's determination to prevent tragedies is juxtaposed with moments of doubt and vulnerability, as he questions whether he is truly capable of making a difference. This internal struggle is further complicated by his growing bond with Jae-han, as he feels a deep sense of responsibility for his partner's fate.