Truly a gripping drama from start to finish, consistent in its writing and characterization. So much of it felt original, from the relationships to the storyline to the revenge angle. Like many other dramas, it examines the corruption and injustice of South Korea's law enforcement and prosecution, a forever timely subject considering how easily the rich and powerful evade consequences for their sins. "For people like us, a crime isn't a crime. It's a mistake." I think any mystery fans would be impressed with how well this one smoldered. I really can't recommend it enough.

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Trying to let you know

Sign 을 보내 signal 보내

I must let you know 

Sign 을 보내 signal 보내

I think Signal did a lot of things really well. To start with, Kim Hye Soo is a queen. I'm really excited to do a deep dive into the rest of her dramas and films. Soo Hyun was a brilliantly written character to me. I love that she was this tough policewoman who wasn't always, that she began as a green rookie who couldn't even drive. She was vulnerable, unsure in love for her superior. Such an incredible performance. 

Speaking of hot older people, Jo Jin Woong was another standout. I love Jae Han, his fierce determination to always do good, his belief that no one should be shielded from punishment just because of their wealth and power. Corruption always figures so prominently in these Korean police stories. I think they're inspired by the real life abuses of power, but I can't be sure. Jae Han being a bumbling idiot at his big age who couldn't even talk to the woman he loved was also very endearing. I'm just mad there wasn't a satisfying conclusion to his & Soo Hyun's relationship. I was cheated of a romance. And oh my land, that incredible scene in episode 13 (I think) where Jae Han grabs his fellow officer's head, howling in grief and rage, just the intimacy of that scene will be on my mind for a long time. 

Lee Je Hoon was sometimes the weakest guy here. He has these quirks that I found distracting. Subtlety is a good thing sometimes. 

As far as time travel mysteries directly inspired by Bong Joon Ho's Memories of Murder go, I think Signal is a solid entry.

My ranking:

1. Life on Mars

2. Signal

3. Tunnel


Shout out to that soundtrack too, especially the '70s detective show instrumental.

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"Love Set" was the most disappointing of the series, despite IU and the goat Bae Doona. Thankfully this didn't set the tone for the subsequent episodes. IU gives an incredibly kinetic performance though: emotionally volatile and so physical.

"Collector," though. Wow. This was my favorite. And co-starring Park Hae Soo, who gave a performance like the rent was due! The concept was extremely well done, something that avoided cliches and being trite. IU was perfectly cold and aloof as Eun, contrasted with Hae Soo's pleading, desperate boyfriend. I was also obsessed with the sterile white room where he's decapitated, a shot of surrealism in an already dark segment. The room in miniature inside the little box was also a brilliant touch and gave this a fairy tale vibe. Also, a young woman who demands the hearts of her lovers without giving hers in return, locking them in glass jars? Outstanding, just outstanding.

"Kiss Burn" was delightfully strange and funny, and "Walking at Night" was the perfect conclusion with its melancholy musings.

It's really nice to see IU distance herself from her wholesome image with an off beat project like this. I could definitely see her in a Bong Joon Ho or Hong Sang Soo film.

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Evil cannot win

"A monster must be killed, not controlled with a leash."

A crime thriller comedy with such brilliant tone and manic energy that's always building to something unexpected and explosive. Bad Prosecutor doesn't take itself too seriously even as it tackles corruption, tragedy and murder. This is part of its secret, what makes it so entertaining, but it strikes a perfect balance between zaniness and heavier themes.

And genius actor D.O. Kyungsoo makes his triumphant return to dramaland after a 3 year absence! This drama is a nice change of pace from his previous series, 100 Days My Prince (2018), an unsurpassed romantic melodrama.

Certain scenes recall A Hard Day (2014) but overall it has the same slapstick and relentless action. And it’s full of endlessly satisfying choreographed fight scenes! An American version of this show would be deadly serious with muddy lighting and would drag on for eight seasons. The titular character would not be a zany crime fighter who stops at nothing, even illegal means, to secure justice. He would be dour and hard-faced and I'm bored by him already.

But the role of Jin Jeong seems tailor made for Kyungsoo. He's a tireless crusader for justice, he even swings a sword around. I can't remember which director it was who called him an acting genius, but a more fitting title doesn't exist. (At least for this particular gift of his). There were glimpses of his comic timing in 100 Days, but primarily he's known for tragic and intense roles. So it's a lot of fun to watch him be so unserious and goofy, a literal cartoon character with the same kind of elasticity. And the intensity is still there. It is immensely rewarding to watch him transform in each new role. Such an expressive performer with the skill to make his deep passion look effortless.

Kyungsoo is my favorite working actor next to Denzel and each new project reminds me why. Bravo all around to Bad Prosecutor, its star, and the colorful ensemble.

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intense & unrelenting

battered and bloody is the heart in Bloodhounds, a truly shocking and grisly crime thriller that never lets up. throats and Achilles tendons are slashed, backs are broken, skin is pierced by knives and arrows, literal salt rubbed into wounds, just an unrelenting display of blood splattered cruelty and violence.

but there is still a heart buried underneath so much carnage. this couldn't possibly be a success if not. it would just be male aggression, a bleak tale of predation and power with no hope in sight. but luckily it has two goobers who are also highly skilled boxers just trying to do good.

I would not watch this again!

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I MISS BO YOUNG!!!!!

Short review: this drama taught me that I can talk to Bo Young in English and she can respond in Korean. No language barrier for us! Love will be our language <3

Longer review: mostly enjoyable with some really underwhelming elements. The love triangle storyline was unnecessary. Sometimes the details were a bit muddled, but I can overlook the weaknesses to appreciate Park Bo Young's stellar performance. She makes everyone look good, which is why Seo In Guk endeared himself to me. Most importantly, it's a life affirming drama that reminds us to appreciate life in its highs and lows. Might be a tad overdone, but we could always use more slice of life stories that encourage simply living.

I might rewatch this because I miss Bo Young and she really carried this.

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This was occasionally cute and I really found the twist unexpected. It's similar to The Call from last year, where a ruthless female killer travels through time. It was fun seeing the mystery unraveled, but I just didn't find the story all that compelling. Yeri approached this with her usual enthusiasm, and so much of her irresistible charm made this watchable. I'm sorry to say that Hongseok just couldn't match her energy. There was very little variation in his facial expressions. Ha Rin and Seo Jun's romance wasn't nearly as interesting or fun as Su Jin and Ui Yeong's. And I think Hye Min's storyline was so mishandled. Anticipating a drama with a bit more teeth for Yeri in the future.

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I started this for Lee Je Hoon, and then I stayed for him and Shin Min Ah. What a beauty! I'm a little in love with her now. (But not him. I will not admit to anything). 

I'm also in love with Song Ma Rin, whom Min Ah brought to life so beautifully. Ma Rin was such a mess at the beginning, the former child actor and drunkard who was always humiliating herself. She wasn't totally pathetic, though; she told people off and stood up for herself. Sometimes she gave me secondhand embarrassment and was a little annoying, but I never hated her. I could sympathize with her. Then she blossomed into this confident professional, achieving a dream that made her glow with pride. She really earned the name flower girl ??

Ma Rin was the girl with a difficult past, So Joon the boy with a bleak future, the two of them united by a single tragedy. Their romance was as sweet and heartbreaking as the one in Tunnel, where a man fights to leave the future to reunite with his wife in the past. That one will be my forever favorite, but this one comes in at a close second. These two were also disgustingly cute! It was excessive, but still very endearing to me. 

I'm still a little confused how So Joon became a young, rich CEO but it's hilarious how he never did any work! Like Ma Rin he had his unlikable moments but I found him fascinating: how he got so wealthy; his time traveling; his stoic personality. It was that stoicism that made Je Hoon's performance as good as it was, he just looked cool. 

The male and female wardrobes were incredible but Ma Rin definitely gets the edge because of those sweaters + coats. 

I think the Yong Jin storyline could have been handled a lot better, it added danger & mystery to an already complex love story. I wish Doo Shik's storyline had also been explored in depth. 

Besides the convoluted plot and other issues, I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected to! It made me gasp, cringe, sigh, cry...all in all a good time.

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