After an intense and well-paced first season, One Cent Thief returns with its second instalment. Season 1 set a high bar with its gripping storytelling, well-executed action sequences, and intriguing characters. Naturally, expectations were high for the follow-up, especially with the chilling season finale tease involving Digital Karma. How about season 2?
Digital Karma – Wasted Potential
Digital Karma was one of the most intriguing elements in Season 1—a shadowy, menacing organization pulling the strings. The final scene where Iman wakes up surrounded by its members? Chilling. It set up an exciting conflict for Season 2. But then, in the very first episode of Season 2… they all die. Just like that. Such a waste.
Instead of becoming the major antagonist, Digital Karma is abruptly discarded, leaving a noticeable void in the plot.
Ibu Zara – From Mastermind to Background Character
Ibu Zara had a powerful presence in Season 1. Her speech about how her mother’s past shaped her was chilling and compelling.
This season, though? She barely does anything. Instead of pulling the strings behind the scenes, she spends most of her time in parliament meetings while her henchmen handle the dirty work. She deserved so much more screen time and depth.
UKJ – The Goofiest ‘Villains’ of the Season
UKJ is meant to be a team of corrupt cops working for Ibu Zara, but they come off as laughably incompetent. Their actions make little sense—they plant a hidden camera in Intan’s house to track Iman but openly admit it to her while arresting her for no reason. Then, they send her back home as if nothing happened. Of course this time Intan will be more careful when she’s talking about Iman. Later, they take her hostage without clear motivation. The lack of logic in their actions weakens their credibility as villains.
Strange & Unintended Comedy Moments
Season 2 is filled with bizarre and unintentionally funny moments.
- In episode 4: “Killing in the Name” – Iman tries to save his father from UKJ, but for some bizarre reason, his crew parks their van ridiculously far from the building. In past episodes, they parked in basements with no issue. Now, suddenly, they decide to park far away? No wonder the mission fails, and his dad gets shot.
- In episode 5: “Code Red” – Chen hacks the police building, casually says “I’m in,” and instantly, all inmates are freed, leading to a chaotic riot. Meanwhile, Iman just walks out and immediately finds Chen and Diyana. How did he even know where they parked?
- In episode 7: “And Justice For All” – Digital Karma spends six episodes hiding from UKJ, only for the cops to magically find them because… one officer looks at a tablet and says, “Yeah, they’re here.” That’s it. No investigation, no build-up—just instant discovery.
But the worst moment? Ibu Zara personally showed up to the final shootout instead of letting her team handle it. A criminal mastermind shouldn’t be this reckless. No wonder she gets killed.
Chen & Diyana – Wasted Potential
Iman, Chen, and Diyana are supposed to be the main trio this season, but their chemistry feels weak.
Diyana’s secret reveal—she’s Ibu Zara’s daughter—was an exciting twist, but it starts and ends in the same episode. There was so much potential to explore her story, but instead, it was rushed and forgotten.
Chen’s backstory, on the other hand, was given proper focus. What Ibu Zara did to him was horrifying, making it satisfying when he turns out to be the surprise final villain. But then… they kill him off. Why? He could’ve had an incredible redemption arc in Season 3. Both Chen and Diyana deserved better.
Conclusion
I didn’t hate Season 2, but Season 1 set such a high bar that this follow-up feels like a letdown. The writing is messy, key characters are underutilized, and some moments are just unintentionally funny.
- Season 1 Rating: 8/10
- Season 2 Rating: 3/10
They tried to do too much and ended up doing too little. Hopefully, Season 3 brings the series back on track.
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Muhammad Hariz