Collared Slave, Sage Awakening

Collared Slave, Sage Awakening is a short-form fantasy and underdog rise drama filmed vertically, with close framing that keeps every reaction on screen. Expect 50 episodes, each ending on a hook; binge them all in about 1 h 15 min or pace yourself through the week. The plot, in short:

Humiliated on the Demon-Slaying Terrace, Half-Demon Lucian Lowe, a mining slave for 12 years under the Heavenly Court’s iron collar, is ordered by his uncle, Golden-Winged Roc: “Kneel and beg.” Lucian shatters it and vows, “One year from now, on the Demon-Slaying Terrace, we settle it.” Can his “worthless” staff crush prodigies?