Tae Ho
In the shining galaxy of A.N.JELL, Bangtan Sonyeondan & CNBLUE
Right off the bat, this drama is very similar to Stranger in its approach to storytelling as it is in terms of the overall quality. In fact, if you really love Stranger, it is a given that you have to watch this drama as well because you will not be disappointed.
The style of storytelling follows such that there is a main arch in the story which becomes the focal point of investigation interest by the lead characters (which I find the most skilful way of writing a crime/investigation stories because you are less likely to end up with problematic plot holes). There are no filler cases that are thrown in between because everything serves a purpose/puzzle case to the main story arch (so in that way, it's praise-worthy very neatly done). The other law drama that has multiple filler cases thrown in and therefore dragged or loses steam midway in its storytelling of the main antagonist is Suspicious Partner. You can be assured that didn't happen here. Side note: you must watch Hello Monster if you liked Suspicious Partner (same writer but miles better).
The biggest strength of this drama is its plotline, it's so incredibly sophisticated. Stranger skilfully develops its story and events around multiple main characters who are shaded to be the main culprit, whilst in Confession, the writer identifies the antagonists head-on but shades their level of involvement in the main story arch. In both stories there are similar themes: 1) crime cases that lead to a bigger corruption case and 2) support cast antagonists who are involved in a murder case and have an association with the main culprit.
That being said, although I am a huge fan of the writer's skilful writing, I find the writing of the characters incredibly dry. This is the first of anything I have seen Lee Jun Ho in, and I must admit that he's a very strong actor, but his character is very bland and often times stoic. There were only a few moments where we get to see him loosen up with Detective Ki, but they were very limited! There's also very limited chill interaction between Choi Do Hyun and his other teammates at the law office which I find regretful because there was definitely a potential to make their interactions much more interesting. What made me pulled through most times is really the gorgeousness of Lee Jun Ho (in physicality besides his great acting).
In that sense, the quartet is only brought into the story to add usefulness to the main investigation, and they were not given enough colours/layers to add balance or loosen the overall tension/mood/temperament of the story. This is why by the time I arrived at the last three/four episodes, I was already very exhausted from watching it and moved around shows a lot until I finally landed on Doctor Prisoner (which I happen to finish first without intending). True enough, the eventual downfall of the main villains in this story felt slightly lacklustre in the last two episodes given their evil forms are not given enough impact - again, it's the problem with the way of their characterization rather than the story itself.
What I am saying here is, if you want to see how the main/support characters can be incredibly interesting or tastefully written in a revenge thriller drama, then Doctor Prisoner is THE place to go to.
The BGM at the end of every episode is really great and fit nicely to the overall temperament of the story, and the rewatch value for this one is probably average due to the nature of the genre itself.
The last scene, ouhh the last scene by Choi Do Hyun wearing that uniform in the court was such a blessing to the eye. Not giving any spoiler here, but that man is just so gorgeous! The ending is so nicely done, and now this drama is complete to me, LOL.
Overall, I'd say in a heartbeat that this show definitely sits in the top tier of law K-Dramas of all time. I had no choice but to deduct marks because the characters can be too bland/stiff to my liking, but the story itself is definitely worth 9 stars and above (especially if what bothered me does not bother you).
Enjoy your watch!
The style of storytelling follows such that there is a main arch in the story which becomes the focal point of investigation interest by the lead characters (which I find the most skilful way of writing a crime/investigation stories because you are less likely to end up with problematic plot holes). There are no filler cases that are thrown in between because everything serves a purpose/puzzle case to the main story arch (so in that way, it's praise-worthy very neatly done). The other law drama that has multiple filler cases thrown in and therefore dragged or loses steam midway in its storytelling of the main antagonist is Suspicious Partner. You can be assured that didn't happen here. Side note: you must watch Hello Monster if you liked Suspicious Partner (same writer but miles better).
The biggest strength of this drama is its plotline, it's so incredibly sophisticated. Stranger skilfully develops its story and events around multiple main characters who are shaded to be the main culprit, whilst in Confession, the writer identifies the antagonists head-on but shades their level of involvement in the main story arch. In both stories there are similar themes: 1) crime cases that lead to a bigger corruption case and 2) support cast antagonists who are involved in a murder case and have an association with the main culprit.
That being said, although I am a huge fan of the writer's skilful writing, I find the writing of the characters incredibly dry. This is the first of anything I have seen Lee Jun Ho in, and I must admit that he's a very strong actor, but his character is very bland and often times stoic. There were only a few moments where we get to see him loosen up with Detective Ki, but they were very limited! There's also very limited chill interaction between Choi Do Hyun and his other teammates at the law office which I find regretful because there was definitely a potential to make their interactions much more interesting. What made me pulled through most times is really the gorgeousness of Lee Jun Ho (in physicality besides his great acting).
In that sense, the quartet is only brought into the story to add usefulness to the main investigation, and they were not given enough colours/layers to add balance or loosen the overall tension/mood/temperament of the story. This is why by the time I arrived at the last three/four episodes, I was already very exhausted from watching it and moved around shows a lot until I finally landed on Doctor Prisoner (which I happen to finish first without intending). True enough, the eventual downfall of the main villains in this story felt slightly lacklustre in the last two episodes given their evil forms are not given enough impact - again, it's the problem with the way of their characterization rather than the story itself.
What I am saying here is, if you want to see how the main/support characters can be incredibly interesting or tastefully written in a revenge thriller drama, then Doctor Prisoner is THE place to go to.
The BGM at the end of every episode is really great and fit nicely to the overall temperament of the story, and the rewatch value for this one is probably average due to the nature of the genre itself.
The last scene, ouhh the last scene by Choi Do Hyun wearing that uniform in the court was such a blessing to the eye. Not giving any spoiler here, but that man is just so gorgeous! The ending is so nicely done, and now this drama is complete to me, LOL.
Overall, I'd say in a heartbeat that this show definitely sits in the top tier of law K-Dramas of all time. I had no choice but to deduct marks because the characters can be too bland/stiff to my liking, but the story itself is definitely worth 9 stars and above (especially if what bothered me does not bother you).
Enjoy your watch!
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