Worth watching but be patient

This is one of those shows where I really don't understand the need for 2 parts. Why did TV or cable stations think they were doing? Did they think it was a good idea to have 2 parts? I waited until Part 2 had finished broadcasting before I watched both. Same with Glory and Alchemy of Souls. All there have suffered from a dismal Part 1 (altho Glory was better). If I hadn't had Part 2 to follow up with, I would have never bothered beyond Ep 2.

The Part 1 of this is slow. It spends at leat 4 episodes building up the characters and giving their back stories. Finally, the mission of the characters begins around episode 5. If I had to wait several months/years for the main story to unfold, I would not have bothered continuing on with Part 2.

The actors are fantastic and I won't go further as many other reviewers already have. Overall, it's a good entertaining drama of a different genre (I'm so over romantic idol dramas) if you're able to binge watch.

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Not the same groundhog day

Unlike other groundhog day type shows, this is different. As the protagonists attempt to gather clues by reliving the incident each time, they also test out different ways of trying to solve the problem. Each solution however leads to a different set of consequences. Thus, they have to map out the perfect script to avoid the potential downfalls/consequences.

The show is an interesting glimpse into the human psyche. It is far less annoying that some groundhog type shows and for once, it's refreshing that the characters aren't using their pre-knowledge of the situation to benefit and enrich themselves.

What I disliked. First, the police aren't allies. They suspect everyone and want to implicate everyone. Even a witness can become a suspect. They spend more than half of the time trying to avoid being implicated. Under that circumstance, why would anyone want to help the police?

Second, I was thoroughly disappointed by the ending. Each episode carefully went and plugged all the holes but the ending undid all that meticulously laid hard work. I felt the writer sacrificed a very tight storyline for the sake of propaganda.

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Hot confusing mess

This show had a lot of promise but turned out to be a hot confusing mess. With the jumps between the time periods to show what happened in the past, it was very confusing to watch, and painfully slow. Thankfully the show was only 12 episodes and after the first messy 5 episodes, things sped up quite a fair bit.

The best thing about the show were the stellar actors, Every single actor, main cast as well as supporting, were fantastic, including the children/teenage actors.

In short, this is show is like The Ring mixed with a cult. I'd rather re-watch the original Japanese Ring (the movie, not the drama which also sucked big time). Watch it only if you have nothing better to do or like me, I already have Netflix.

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It didn't need 20 episodes

This show had a great premise and great actors. I even liked the OST even though it was a repetitive 1 or 2 songs played at the correct time. However, as other reviewers have stated, it really didn't require 20 episodes. 16 would have been more than enough enough. I only once felt sad for the 'king' in recognising that they couldn't be together. And they only had maybe 1 episode of being together as themselves. The rest of the time was dreary politics which wasn't even really useful. We didn't see her as someone who cleverly schemed to thwart the baddies or to help those around her.

Concurrently airing was Red Sleeve Cuff which as a sageuk is superior in every way. The plot moves faster, and even though there isn't much court politics and intrigues, the love story was very real and well done. I much enjoyed that instead. If this wasn't on Netflix, I would have given up at episode 6. I only finished it because I was subscribed to Netflix.

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Disappointing

This show had a lot of promise. It had an interesting premise and also good actors. The leads have all had successful dramas under their belts so i was looking forward to a story of revenge, mystery, and a bit of sci-fi thrown in. I loved watching Lee Ji Ah kick ass, it was a refreshing change from the majority of her other roles.

The show started off really promisingly in the first 4 episodes. It was fast-paced, filled with mysteries to uncover and revenge to boot. However, by episode 6, it started to become draining to watch. The actors, both lead and supporting, were all stalwarts with many solid roles under their belts. Puzzlingly, they (the actors playing Yoo Ra and Jang Geun Mo and Mother Director in particular) started to waaay overact - their growling and menacing looks really annoyed me while their maniacal laughing really grated on my nerves.

I held off watching as much as i could because I had Taxi Driver 2 to distract me. Since that's ended, I thought I'd hold my breath and speed through to finish this drama. However I'm not really sure I can stand sitting through another 6 episodes or so. This is one of those dramas that suffers from being dragged out to make 16 episodes, when 12 would probably have sufficed (the main mysteries are solved before episode 10). I'm gritting my teeth and hope I make it to the end. I'll be back with an update if that happens.

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Idol drama. Nothing more, nothing less.

I was so disappointed by this. I really love period dramas (sageuk), but perhaps I had the wrong expectation. I really shouldn't expect too much of 12 episodes. I really wanted to love it - I love both the leads. The plot elements could have been fantastic together: there was a underhanded scheme going on with a mystery. There was a super clever maid. There was a sad king. There was cutesy chemistry between the two leads. There was a second lead romance. There was a brave sidekick. There were hilarious sidekicks. The first few episodes were funny.

Don't get me wrong, I can and do appreciate well crafted sageuk not based on history e.g. Red Sleeve Cuff, Rooftop Prince, and most recently, Bloody Heart.

However, this was an idol drama; nothing more, nothing less. This was a fantastical (ie I'm being sacarstic and rolling my eyes) drama.

The story suddenly introduces new characters and new plot points in the final few episodes.

SPOILERS
She survives attempts to kill her, jail her, etc etc so easily.
She SUDDENLY became eligible to be queen due to her newfound eligible heritage. (not previously mentioned)
The sidekick who was poisoned and his hand whitered away yet SUDDENLY and MIRACULOUSLY he survived and his hand heals.
She was SUDDENLY saved by someone who would become a key ally, in the last 4 episodes. We hadn't seen this person previously.
END SPOILER

I'm going to attribute this to the fact that there were only 12 episodes. No self-respecting sageuk can unfold over just 12 episodes. The writers didn't weave in a backstory (probably not enough episodes to). They simply threw assumed facts in your face to solve key plot points.

My only plus point: precisely because it was only 12 episodes, my pain wasn't prolonged.

In short, have the correct expectations when starting to watch this. Watch it because it's entertaining if viewed from a modern lens, like a fantasy drama. Do not expect an intelligent, authentic, sageuk experience.

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Great watch!

Not sure why this drama doesn't rate higher. The title is a misnomer - it really is about a taxi driver for ghosts but too bad it's up against another drama currently broadcasting which has a more famous (and handsome!) taxi driver. I guess shows with supernatural themes generally don't rate as well and also this ghost show doesn't have idols or well-known actors to prop it up.

However, the acting is solid enough, the characters are fleshed out, and the stories are single episode explorations. The synopsis is predictable: ghost takes taxi but can't leave. She is inexplicably tied to him and therein lies the mystery - why or how are they tied together? Who is she? How or why did she die?

Overall it's a fun watch with some light humour, the lead characters are likeable, and the pacing is good. The whole series is short, only 12 episodes so that really helps with the pacing. Each episode focuses on one ghost passenger's story so the series moves pretty swiftly. What's not to like?

The only thing I would have liked as with any ghost story is copious crying (on my part). I have to yet to shed a tear over lmpossible love or tragic circumstances of lost dreams and what could have been. But there are still 4 episodes left so anything is possible.

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Great transition to afterlife drama

There have been several similar transition to afterlife stories. I liked the formula of this drama - they have a case of the week that our team has to solve and bring closure to the deceased. That kept the delivery each episode interesting. The 'rules of engagement' (ie rules governing how they operate together eg safe zone, Dae Ri jumping into a human host for 10 minutes at a time, etc) were established early on and stayed consistent, unlike some dramas that bent the rules just to fit the plot or to create dramatic tension or because they didn't know how else to conclude the drama.

In terms of negatives, perhaps the weakest point was the romance between the main leads. There was no chemistry whatsoever and they looked awkward together especially when they had to call each other cutesy names, or kiss or hug. The second couple had far better chemistry (at least no awkwardness) but I'd rather the drama just focus on the cases! Second, the last few episodes were especially draggy when they were trying to develop the romantic relationships rather than resolving things. Third, the OST was boring - they had one song and used that to death for everything - sad, happy, dramatic, etc. I'm not expecting a highly listenable soundtrack like CLOY or DOTS, but we're basically going back to the early 90s with Autumn in My Heart and their one song-one-hit-repetitive-wonders.

In contrast, the chemistry between the four 'team members' was enjoyable to watch. I enjoyed how they worked together with a mix of humour, teamwork, and goodwill to overcome the villians. Overall, it was entertaining and I enjoyed watching it but I wouldn't call it the best drama of the year or even of the genre, not even close.

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Disappointing frontline responder drama

After watching First Responders, I missed it so much that i thought this would alleviate my longing. Boy was I sorely wrong.

The dramatic started off well enough as it was amusing and action packed but then quickly descended into the usual tropes: three way love stories, corrupt politicians, mafia, rouge hero law enforcers with tragic pasts…

For a drama called the Han River Police, they spend less than 25% of the drama ON said river.

Also for a 6 episoder, it really dragged along. Why is it First Responders can go on for 2 seasons with 12 episodes each yet this is so draggy at a quarter of the episodes? It had better NOT have a season 2!

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Sensitive topic handled well

S Korea has the highest suicide rate in the OCED. It is therefore unsurprising that some brave souls have decided to explore this sensitive subject. Without pontification or moralistic judgement, the show explores the motivations for suicide and takes a sympathetic look at the personal life histories, as well as societal pressures and judgements surrounding the would-be suicide victim.

To achieve this sensitive exploration, the show takes a step back and relies on the introduction of the supernatural - not the Grim Reapers but a protection team that goes in and tries to stop the suicide from even occurring. How nice that Heaven would think of that (and this is addressed at the beginning of the series!) To do so, they delve into the victim's past. Although they're not allowed to change the past, they help the victim to come to terms with a turning point in their lives that caused great regret and thus led to repercussions for the rest of their lives.

The drama could very easily have been a pseudo time-travel cum afterlife show, and we've also seen many Grim Reaper shows where someone tries to help the deceased resolve his/her last wishes or right an injustice that cause them to lose their lives. However, this show is a fresh take on the genre of supernatural Grim Reaper/karma shows. Each episode or so deals with a different victim, so the show is kept fresh because if you find a certain story boring (some stories are quite draggy), you know that it'll end. Also, always stay tune for the Epilogue at the end of each episode.

I enjoyed watching the show because the ups and down kept me entertained. There were humorous bits that made me laugh, touching bits that made me cry, as well insightful ponderances by someone on the verge of death that left me reflecting for days about the meaning of life. My favourite episode was episode 7, about an old man who spent his life collecting recyclable junk. Without giving too much away, that was my favourite episode as it was extremely meaningful.

Kim Hee Sun has chosen good scripts throughout her career, and this one hasn't disappointed either.

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Why the ratings?

I don't understand the hype. Was there nothing else better broadcasting in this slot? This show has a great cast and the story and acting are ok. But it's certainly not better than or even near Crash Landing (which it is almost matching in terms of broadcast ratings). The 90 minute episodes definitely don't help - it just makes things draggy.

The only three things refreshing for me are that 1) we have a strong chaebol character who is female, rather than the trope chaebol son who meets a poor girl and loves her against all odds. 2) The story revolves around the value of life (without giving too much away). 3) The couple are married rather than most romcoms depicting courtship.

My top peeve is the relative ages of the cast and the roles they've been cast in. In particular, the actor who acts as the grandfather is in reality less than 10 years older than the actors who play his son and daughters. What is with this ageist casting?

The show is high budget enough for me to want to finish (they film in Europe - lucky Kim Ji Won gets to film in all the most exotic locations!) It also has its entertaining and hilarious moments but certainly not worth the hype.

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Good wuxia drama

I'm not sure why this drama rates so highly. I like that it's a wuxia rather than xianxia as I prefer the former genre. The story was very fast moving and interesting initially. There was mystery and a whodunnit (or rather who's the real assassin) in the first 10 episodes However, it became really slow moving and draggy in the middle when they were expounding the love stories and back stories of each character.

Since I was already halfway through, I gritted my teeth to finish it. The fact that the show only has 24 episodes in total is the reason that I gave it a better rating - at least I didn't feel that I was (overly) wasting my life watching this! All the main characters were also eye candy - that certainly helped.

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Quirky sitcom

I like that this drama is a sitcom. It comprises short 30 to 35 minute episodes, easy to watch and not very heavy. There are some cute and funny moments so it's light entertainment. Don't take it too seriously. I binge watched it in around 2 hours (at 1.5x speed) during a public holiday break.

Meant to depict the training of wannabe idols, it doesn't delve too deeply into the more 'meaty' issues of such trainees such as the stress and exploitation rife and endemic in the whole toxic industry. Instead, it is a cutesy drama about friendship and camaraderie with hints of the darker issues looming in the background. .... Or at least this is where the show SHOULD have stopped.

I'm deducting 1.5 stars because the drama did attempt to introduce these issues in the last half of episode 4, but such a short drama doesn't allow the proper exploration and resolution of such issues. What emerged was a half-baked attempt that went no where and achieved nothing. Watching this drama just 1 week since the suicide of Moon Bin has made me view this drama in a whole new light spotlighting the dark undertones of the industry.

Pity that this drama was filmed in 2017 before it was fashionable to splice dramas into 2 (ie part 1 with say 6 episodes to test the market and then part 2 a few months later). Having a follow-up part 2 would really have allowed this drama to go into the depths it attempted to explore but could only touch on.

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Was a great healing drama ... until it wasn't

This was a great drama. It was a healing drama about how broken souls met up in the countryside and found renewed purpose and a new family.

All up to near the end when they suddenly had to make it a murder mystery and rushed through the final episodes to complete everything in 12 episodes. Why is there a need to ruin a perfectly beautiful human drama? Not everything has to be a murder mystery.

The drama couldn't seem to decide what it wanted to be. In the midst of tragedy, suddenly it turned light hearted. It's as if there are two writers and they couldn't agree with each other.

Nonetheless, I'd still recommend watching up till episode 9 where it's a beautiful drama. Drop it right after that. However the only reason I'm watched it to the end is because I had fallen in love with the characters by then. Not a great reason to continue on but curiosity got the better of me.

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A live manga or 1990s Kdrama?

I've watched a lot of J-drama in my life but haven't for many years now. I now watch far more K-drama which is plentiful and accessible in terms of speed of subtitling. Thank goodness for Netflix. To be honest, I only watched this because it was on Netflix but I'm glad I did.

Watching this show however you first have to suspend belief. The acting is over the top and the characters are very one-dimensional, and the plot is so stereotypically straight out of a 1990s Kdrama. The antagonists are evil and scheming without any redemption, the supporting characters are around to provide comic relief, and the tortured Tsubaki and Nao who have to grow and learn, are so tortured by their past that they can't function as normal human beings. You have to suspend belief and treat it like a manga with all its cliques. The relationship between Tsubaki and Nao is farcical and almost borders on abuse. In true manga style, Tsubaki has a one sided smile and hair covering one eye. The show has also taken Kdrama cliques and one-upped them. For instance, the signature guy slams fist into wall next to girl to make a point was borrowed straight out of the K-drama clique playbook, and similarly, the K-drama back hug clique. I have not seen these cliques in other Jdramas.

However, something about the show is strangely enticing and watchable precisely because it's so retro. It is very fast moving as there are only 8 episodes so easily bingeable in a weekend. If you have a spare weekend, it's worth a watch!

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