This review may contain spoilers
CODE BLUE! CODE BLUE!
Writing this review is like writing an obituary.The Show showed great promise in its infancy. Adolescent was a blast and overflowing with energy and potentials.
We went on wild rides with some interesting and engaging characters. It was lawyering without the law. Creative writing at its whimsical best. We get hints of a dark backstory but that only served to whet our appetite.
The Show matures with a 2 episodes arc of flashbacks which tells the origin story. It was bittersweet and hard hitting. It is meant to set up the last third of the Show for an impactful finale.
It was a mystery at the time why the tone and writing of the storyline changes drastically after the flashbacks. I know the phase “lost the plot” is cliché but I can’t think of any other way to describe the next few episodes. The Show dialled up the slapstick at the cost of narrative logic. It is fun to watch for a while, but it leaves me scratching my head.
I then started to hear about the Show being cut down from 14 to 12 episodes even though it was rating through the roof. However, any talk of a second season was quashed. News of cancelled screening and weird substitutions began to flood the news feeds. To say the fans are confused and upset is an understatement. Then came the rumours that the writer-nim has a fallout with the production company and there were chattering about shenanigans regarding multiple rewrites and rejections. It sort of fits in with what is happening but it is cold comfort. One suggestion is the writer-nim objected to the overuse of PPL and changes to the original plot for mass appeal. I'd agree that the PPL goes way beyond the bottles of water in the fridge trick. It was literally baked into the script. We have the leads ordering take-outs and then leisurely eating and commenting on the meal. It is totally egregious.
The next couple of eps felt rudderless. There are signs of life here and there. There are important revelations, and the plot moves along. At the same time, some subplots also disappeared even though you can sense why the writer-nim included them in the first place. They were discarded unceremoniously. By this stage, the Show was on life support. Ep.11 was a filler with little substance. It took 60mins to do what should have taken 10. This is a sad waste of screen time when you consider it is the penultimate episode.
By the time the finale arrives, I watched it with trepidation. Of course, we wanted a good and satisfying finish, but we also know the clock is ticking.
The final episode is rushed, there is no other way to say it. Everything that needs to happen, happened. It feels heavily scripted rather than clever and nuanced. It is like watching a checklist being ticked off. It got the job done but the Show deserved better. The “epilogue” on the island is unnecessary and out of place.
In terms of acting, the ML was outstanding. The first 2/3 of the Show really showcased his talents. He has great presence and comedic timing but when needed, he can bring on the feels too. His acting in the titular role is what hooked us. It is disappointing that it becomes more like a caricature towards the end.
I feel sorry for the FL. She was not given a fair go with her role. She has the visuals and is a competent actor in her own right but she is always Robbin to his Batman. There was a hint of attraction between the leads at one stage, but it is nixed after the flashback episodes. The SML was a complete waste of a role. There is a hint of a decent subplot in the beginning but it went nowhere and feels superfluous in the end.
It is a real shame that the Show declined in such a way. It shows all the signs of a smash hit in the making but has been brought low for some nefarious reasons. If it was delivered in full and as intended, it could have been an easy 9. RIP.
Rewatch is fairly pointless. Peace out.
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Well written plot with well versed actors
Before going into the story if you want to know about watching it i recommend it strongly for ppl who love court dramas with unique way of winningWith out of box ideas not just fighting with "truth always prevails " plot
Actors played their part really well and namkoong min really is versatile i loved every part of his acting
Story will make u hooked in ep1 it started as a comedy and ep12 ended with a comedy note but because of particular 2 ep and actors chemistry you may find yourself you can't laugh like before becoz you know what that smile on ML meant for
Story has good comedy, little action, bromance,lots of thinking,and a heart wrenching pain for 3ep atleast
Music plays a major role in that particular 2ep and helps with the story
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Superhero Lawyer Origins Story
One thing’s for certain. I don’t think I would have watched this if it hadn’t been for Namgoong Min and I don’t think I would have stuck it out to the end if it weren’t for him as well. It’s not complete waste but for many reasons it never reaches its potential. Nor does it transcend its comic booky roots. When the show is good it’s fun. Even somewhat poignant. At various points in the narrative when the show transitions from arc to arc, there’s far more filler than I am personally comfortable with. I can only conclude that this project was a Namgoong Min vehicle that showcases his versatility as an actor at home with both comedy and melodrama. The relative success of the One Dollar Lawyer largely relies on the lead actor’s ability to pull off a variety of idiosyncratic or slapstick moments and Namgoong Min does his best to acquit himself in every instance.Despite the title and the marketing campaign around this, the drama is undoubtedly a superhero origins story with detective elements. There’s very little of the legal side of things in this despite the dominant role that lawyers and prosecutors play here. The show highlights a variety of crimes but the show’s main character spends very little time in the courtroom even if he sees himself as a advocate for the voiceless. In fact Cheon Ji-hun has all the hallmarks of a superhero in the tradition of Batman and Spiderman. Indeed he is a composite of various ones that we’ve seen in the last two decades. Even the Big Bad in this instance, feels like a localized cartoon version of the Joker and the Green Goblin. Ji-hun’s above-average intelligence, perseverance and fearlessness (his superpowers) is generally what saves the day. When he leaves behind his job as prosecutor because of the death of a loved one, he immediately puts on a pair of sunglasses as if to indicate that he’s taken on the mantle left to him by said loved one. It then follows that his hairstyle, fashion sense and manner become more flamboyant as he dons the One Dollar Lawyer persona. They are his cape and cowl as it were. It’s a significant psychological moment for Ji-hun when (like Bats) the new persona becomes a mask that conceals the seething rage, inconsolable grief and the desire for revenge. But more like Spiderman, the devil-may-care personality allows him to be more ostentatious, talkative and witty. He is a man with a wound in search of a balm. There is temporary relief to be found in helping people who can’t afford to fork up for a half decent lawyer but the festering wound runs deep. In the long run the sort of clientele that he attracts as the One Dollar Lawyer serves as a reminder to him that the world doesn’t have to be that relentless battleground where the powerful run roughshod over the weak.
Much of this show is about Cheon Ji-hun’s quest to find closure and healing from the tragedies that have afflicted him in recent years. Once he gets his resolution from personally apprehending the Big Bad, this forever cements his identity as the One Dollar Lawyer. It defines him as much as he defines it. He builds the character from an empty slate and the character becomes a skin to inhabit when he transforms into the man of the people — helping those who are backed into a corner and do his eleventh hour save. It is a journey he begins because it helps him connect with his beloved Ju-yeon and her ideals. Later it becomes his own mission and ultimately a life changing decision.
His closest associates are Sa Mu-jang (the office manager) and Baek Ma-ri (probationary lawyer) who seem like an unlikely addition to the show’s primary trio. As is customary with these sorts of set-ups, Ma-ri and Ji-hun don’t get along at first because they come from different places with different life experiences. Initially it seems that the study of the law is the only thing they have in common. The practice of it, however, becomes another matter entirely. It seems to me too that the show wants to have a bet each way or leave room for a second series with regards to Ma-ri’s dynamic with Ji-hun. There’s no overt/resolved romance between them but the show teases out the idea all throughout that there could be “more” once Ji-hun moves on (or if he ever does) from his past. I’m of the view that theirs is a teacher-apprentice relationship and it’s really for the best. Clearly that’s how Ji-hun sees her. Also Ma-ri’s role in this seems to be a thankless one of following Ji-hun around, acting as a sounding board, plying him with questions and letting him show off with impunity.
Even though I enjoy much of the humour in this, the show seems to be at its best when it takes on a more serious tone. On hindsight much of the humour seems unnecessary or misplaced. There are these deliberate inserts of levity that feel random and disconnected with the larger story. Often this applies to moments where the main characters sit around and shoot the breeze. Sure, there are slow days when the trio have to wait for clients to show up so that the show can go on the road but yeah, it feels odd to have bits of random dialogue thrown in just for comedic effect. What this says to me in effect is that the world building is not as confident as it should be.
The series hits its peak at around Episode 8 and while I wouldn’t say that it goes downhill after that, it doesn’t have the same zing. It also doesn’t help that Episode 11 feels like a prolonged exercise in time wasting until the not-too-bad finale — when Ji-hun is done with his sabbatical and decides it’s time to go after the true villain of the piece.
It’s not a great show by any metric but not a terrible one either. For some it will be a hard slog in parts and some perhaps like me some will persevere to the end for the love of Namgoong Min.
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Enjoyed it but a bit sad it struggled in the 2nd half
Clearly something messy was happening behind the scenes because this series felt like 2 different shows! In the first few episodes it was a quirky and lighthearted legal comedy (with lots of the fun things I adored about “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” — office buddy shenanigans, learning about their clients and solving the cases) but then the pivot to the ML’s backstory and introducing a villain kinda felt like they wanted to be “Vincenzo”?Personally I thought the comedy and the characters were the best part of the show and I’m sad they obviously thought a need to turn into a legal “thriller”. The change was jarring and while the second half was interesting, it was super rushed and most of all I missed the energy of the first half.
It was a good show. But it could have been GREAT.
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a 16 part drama turned into rushed 12 part drama with bits of comedy
I was into Bad Prosecutor initially as it was a comedy. Then we had 2 episodes of backstory which was kind of heavy. Then we were told it was no longer 16 episodes but instead only going to be 16.It then felt rushed and you could see that the pace had changed. The last episode wrapped things up neatly and ended on a comedic note.
The story line and the acting were great which saved this series.
I don't see the re-watch value for this but there are some funny moments and the bones of the story are solid. Just a shame that behind the scenes or post production decisions robbed us of 4 episodes
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This review may contain spoilers
One of the best kdrama
Good series chun ji hoon past was sad but I was sure from that he is a rich guy and his past is sad really liked it that everyone supported each other and did not betray like they do in other series I was pretty sure that grandpa was good guy but when they showed him in ep 13 metting that guy who killed chun ji hoon fiance Lee Joo young I taught maybe he is also evil but in 12 ep they showed that he was guilt of helping that guy as lawyer company and wanted to make things rightGood series chun ji hoon past was sad but I was sure from that he is a rich guy and his past is sad really liked it that everyone supported each other and did not betray like they do in other series I was pretty sure that grandpa was good guy but when they showed him in ep 13 metting that guy who killed chun ji hoon fiance Lee Joo young I taught maybe he is also evil but in 12 ep they showed that he was guilt of helping that guy as lawyer company and wanted to make things right
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Small team, big heart
One Dollar Lawyer wastes no time: we jump right into the tale of our low-fee lawyer, and see his eccentric ways play out first-hand. The drama excels at random offhanded moments of comedy, and that’s totally what I’m here for.Namgoong Min, of course, is just excelling and having the time of his life here, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by Kim Ji-eun, and their interactions when they start working together is superb. On the other hand, Park Jin woo is mostly known for his more serious roles but here you get to see him in full comedy, delivering some a very funny performance. Choi Dae Hoon plays the prosecutor dork trying really hard to be cool without realizing his honesty and hard work are exactly what make him one of the best characters in this show. Finally, Gong Min Jung shines as the smart and cool as a cucumber prosecutor, the perfect fold to her colleague and our lead's eccentric ways.
All in all, this was a drama full of nuance comedy, that really excelled when it decided to get more into the drama or thriller genre. Far from boring, dragged out, or overly violent, the cases were more about helping people in need (mostly people who society discriminates against), but we also have a bigger plot related to our hero's tragic origin story.
The standout guest roles go to Lee Chung ah and Nam Myung Ryul is what's probably the most heartbreaking performances of the entire drama.
I recommend it !
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the show is not meant to be serious it is just for entertainment
show started as a normal story of a lawyer who take cases for 1 dollar simple and basic idea but I really like the way they executed it in a fun way and the last two episodes of the show is really well written.Story was good , music/sfx could be more better in some points , acting was mild not so good not so bad.
it is watchable for me tho the show was never meant to be serious so just watch it for entertainment purpose.
overall I enjoyed the show and laughed after a long time you should least give a try.
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Recommended
As always, Namkoong Min never disappoints. This is a well-written drama. One of his best series. I love the plot and twist. I also like how they paint prosecutors and lawyers here as good men because some dramas paint them as bad and corrupt. I love how they preserve the friendships of the characters. I thought the other prosecutor is bad. LOL. The writer did a good job for the character of the FL. It made me sad because some cases happen in real life. How I wish a lot of lawyers have the same passion and dignified like them!♥️Was this review helpful to you?
Namkoong Min (Chun Ji Hoon) This actor is crazy good, he can be serious one minute, be a comedian the next, and be emotional with tears. His character in this drama is crazy and very intelligent. I love the way he plays a lawyer. Kim Ji Eun (Baek Ma Ri) very well playing a trainee to be a lawyer. Thanking all the other actors and actresses because, without their part in this drama, it wouldn't have gone as far as it did. The only thing I had a problem with is when the fianceé was murdered. It shifted like some episodes were missing. It only went to 12... and usually, these dramas go to 16. I'm wondering what happened. oh well. It is good to watch for those who like Attorney dramas.
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A Backgroundesque Drama
1. StoryPerhaps the weakest part of the drama was the story. I think the writers and directors were not on the same page for what they wanted to show us. I heard there was some drama b/w them which is why the drama was cut to 12 and it is quite evident.
The PPL was absurd. Really really unnatural and took you away from what little grip the story had on you. If the drama had either focused less on comedy and more on law or not shown such heavy handed topics (like ML's backstory) then the drama would have been much better. Trying to do both, comedy and grave legal incidents, didn't work out at all.
2. Acting/Cast
The acting was good, they did amazing with what they were given. The problem lied with what they were given. The characterizations were weak for all characters, main and background. The backstory didn't make sense, the setting didn't make sense, the reason behind the way the characters interacted was never shown so their interactions never made sense.
ML did absolutely amazing as both the goofy guy and the witty lawyer, FL had little space to shine but I think she did well, most supporting characters were run-of-the-mill and acted as such.
I enjoyed Yejin's character a lot and Minhyuk was a waste of screentime.
3. Music
Meh
4. Rewatch Value
If you are reeeeeally desperate and have literally nothing else to watch, you can rewatch it to pass hours but I did watch half the show on 1.5x so maybe not even that.
5. Overall
It was a waste of an amazing concept. They took a character with incredible potential and turned him into a running gag.
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An untapped potential …till the end :/
A quirky smart attorney charges his clients only $1, to open justice for all the poor and downtrodden. He got to work together with a rookie prosecutor who went up and lost against him, with her motive to join a prestigious family law firm.In my opinion, the charm is mainly the lead character rather than the story or its development. The plot deals with corruption and bribery within the justice system. It has a lot of hilarious moments and gives a fast gratification feeling from the entertaining verdict of each court case. However, this legal drama is constantly teasing me to be exceptional but fails to awe me. The constant tone shift between the comedy and the serious story doesn't sit well with me. I describe the humour to be at most chuckle-worthy though mostly fell flat to me, subjectively.
Everything is tied up well but it left me feeling a bit hollow. I'm sorry I can't pinpoint why, but I feel like there's something missing that would have made it more enjoyable. Who else is watching One dollar lawyer? Let me know! Maybe you can defend it for me!^^
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