The First Responders

A gripping action-thriller that deserves more recognition!

If you’re one of those people that wants to find logic in every fictional drama or you’re a nitpicker, then I suggest you to skip this. However, if you’re someone who just enjoys the ride, likes to watch gripping and entertaining dramas with an amazing cast and well-written story, without searching for every little flaw in every episode, you should definitely check this one out!

Thankfully I’m in the latter category, that’s probably the reason why I could enjoy it to the fullest and became one of my favourite shows of all time. This drama has everything: action, suspense, crime, investigation, mystery, humour, teamwork, romance and is very informative, you can learn a thing or two. Everything is nicely balanced. What else could a viewer possibly wish for?

Acting:
The acting here is one of the best I’ve seen this year alongside with Reborn Rich. The definition of perfect casting, all characters have great chemistry with each other and everyone embodies their character smoothly, it just feels so natural. But I have to give an extra applause to Kim Rae Won as he plays this crazy mutt detective role so well, making him stand out from the rest of the cast. Not to mention he has this indescribable charm to him.

Story:
The story is fast-paced and intriguing. They’re showcasing different emergency codes with different cases in every episode, while there’s 1 main case slowly unfolding in the background, so the viewer doesn’t even have time to feel bored. Some cases might be very sad, but the comedic elements are present to balance out the mood. I was hooked from the beginning, every episode was an exciting watch and all the cases were interesting and unique. One of the reasons I absolutely adore this show, is the teamwork, how the fire crew and detectives work together to save people and solve cases. The first episode started off strong and remained like that for the rest of the season, the last episode ended with a cliffhanger, but we get a second season and I’m so excited for that!

Relationships:
The relationship between the main leads develop naturally and for the best throughout the series, the different cases and life threatening situations make them form a strong bond by the last episode. There’s also a little love triangle, but I wouldn’t even call it like that, because it is very obvious what’s one-sided and what’s mutual. The romance part isn’t forced, it’s depicted genuinely and developed slowly. No need to worry if you’re not into romance because, although there is a romantic undertone, it doesn’t overshadows the main plot.

The music is catchy and very nice, matching well with the scenes, paints a picture of the drama every time you listen to it, it’s not overused nor placed in scenes where it’s not needed.

Overall, it is an above average, great watch I would recommend to my fellow action-thriller lovers. I do wish to see more bromance moments between Hogae and Dojin after they sort things out, and my ship sailing in the next part.

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If you like the american tv series 911 you will like this!

Just as i said in the title, if you loved the american tv series 911 or 911 lonestar you will absolutely love this!

As a huge fan of the american series 911 I without a doubt had to watch this and i am so glad i did, it was fantastic, i loved the mix of Fire Fighters, Ambos and Police!, the stories were so bloody good and had me on the edge of my seat every episode, the characters were so loveable, besides the bad guys i didnt dislike any of the main characters! The drama felt way too short with only 12 episodes, i just didnt want to stop watching it, i was already hooked but the last few episodes made it so i couldnt look away!

SMALL SPOILER!

The end of episode 12 was a really bad cliffhanger and the only reason im okay with it ( as hard as it is waiting ) is because its already been confirmed for a season 2!

END OF SPOILER!

Seriously dont even think about it, just go and watch it, you wont regret it!

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I'm really satisfied with this drama.

UPDATE AFTER I FINISHED WATCHING THE DRAMA
It's not a romance, but we do have some love thread in the background in this drama. It doesn't affect the plot too much and I like that. It is very natural. I don't think there are many dramas that are all about first responders, so it's a breath of fresh air.

The subplot involving Ho Gae's father was not disturbing after all. It was even interesting and added something to the plot.

I really enjoyed the first season and can't wait for the second season since the end was a total cliffhanger.

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UPDATE AFTER I WATCHED 3 EPISODES
Rating: 9/10

I really like the idea of having separate cases in each episode. I'm enjoying this part of the drama. Each episode gets better and better in this regard.
However, I don't like the parts with Ho Gae's father's shady actions and people related to him. At the moment I feel that they are completely uninteresting and unnecessary. I'm afraid it might make this drama worse. Since this subplot has already occurred, I hope that it will not be too disturbing or will somehow become interesting.

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AFTER WATCHING 1 EPISODE
Rating: 9/10

For now, I'm satisfied enough with this drama, and I hope it stays that way.

I like the slightly dark visuals of the episode combined with the calm scenes while eating.

[Very little spoiler. The situation takes place in the first 20 minutes of the first episode.]
Honestly, I don't think the scene where the victim casually left the room and started looking around the apartment was that weird. She might not be thinking straight if the culprit gave her some drugs. Also, she was very careful at first and didn't see anyone in the room when she peeked through the door and that's why she came out. Then the culprit showed up and she couldn't think straight due to the shock, so she didn't try to run away right away.
This explanation works for me for now, but I'll see how things go on in the next episodes.

The first episode was engaging and I'm looking forward to the next ones.

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A superb work

The first episode starting with the plastic covered room in which a murder was about to take place made me think about Dexter (2006). After watching that American drama series I decided I've had my fair share of cruelty and won't watch something similar again. The intensity of the entire episode and the way that lady was terrorized was noting less than the former mentioned series. Every now and then other scenes were of the same intensity and cruelty so, yes, I found myself making this parallel between the two dramas. And no, the entire drama isn't filled with grotesque cruelty. There are only a few such scenes and they are very well integrated in the fabric of the whole narrative. Watch it and you'll understand. :)

As a result, my expectations were great and fortunately the show didn't disappoint me at all. Strong and charismatic characters, exceptional actors (I would grant an award to each and every one of them), thrilling action, suave emotions, cruelty and compassion, good music, exceptional filmography, you name it. This show isn't lacking in any area/ direction. The pace was perfect, nothing was redundant and nothing was too little. Even the finale is perfect. I know many would argue with that and I know they would argue that it's only fit because a 2nd season is bound to be released, but even if this wasn't the case, what other ending would be more soul up-lifting for heroes who put everyone else's wellbeing above their own, who every minute sacrifice their own lives in order for others to continue living? They are heroes in a war as cruel, as unjust and as real as any other war. That ending actually had me feeling elevated. Of course, if I didn't know there would be a 2nd season, I would have cried. That's a given. :))) But still, I think that finale is triumphant.
It's a full-score from me.
And I'm looking forward to seeing that bad ass Jin Ho Gae mf again! Hail K action dramas! :)))))

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Masterpiece

I love that every week is a new story or the continuous of prior story then a new story line begins.. Each week you are left on a cliffhanger of what happened and counting the days until new episodes shall be aired.

The actors are amazing Bulldozer and Jindo dog were incredible as the main leads and the female lead showed every emotion and is pretty... The supporting cast was amazing too, this show was more focused on the talent and I loved that not only was the cast handsome and pretty they were very much talented.. I love that all the main cast have a story behind why they are in the professions they are in.

The production team needs their flowers for delivering such an amazing show filled with depth of sadness, joy, anger, hatred, laughter and happiness...I love that they gave us their personal lives but not affecting the concept of being first Responders and them saving lives.

This drama is for people who enjoy action, drama, comedy and a bit of romance in a drama, the way series ended it made want to count days until season 2 comes out. I never look forward to season 2 but it left us with so many questions such as Are they alive? Who killed the evil old man? And what is next for Jindo father? So many questions needs to be answered and I hope they deliver..

I don't usually get crushes from series I watch but these two male main leads are gorgeous man, I was falling in love every episode and them both being green flags just made me want no triangle in season 2 and Bulldozer to give the Doctor a chance..

I am absolutely going to re-watch season 1 before season 2 is aired.. In my top 10 2022 Kdrama

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Throw out your brain

To enjoy this drama, you must forget all knowledge and common sense about how police, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, gangsters, lawyers, prosecutors, and criminals behave. Once you have done that, you'll be able to enjoy an entertaining crime/action series with pretty slick production, fun performances, and (mostly) interesting stories.

This series works best in a case-of-the-week format. The individual mysteries are all quite well planned out and it's fun watching the characters solve them. These episodes are all fast-paced and fun to watch. However, when the show tries to do the corruption/gangster conspiracy storyline that seems to be compulsory in every crime drama, it fails. I am not a fan of these storylines, as they are usually pretty cookie-cutter and boring. These storylines can make for exciting dramas if done well. But that is not the case here. The conspiracy storyline seems half-baked and doesn't add anything to the drama. Fortunately it doesn't take up much screen time so it's not that big an issue in this season. Fingers crossed that they continue the episodic format in season 2.

My other gripe with this is that the drama focuses too much on the police, despite being billed as a story about the collaboration between paramedics, firefighters and cops. I hope next season the firefighters especially get more to do.

Acting wise, Kim Rae Won is the MVP. His character Jin Hogae is the biggest reason to keep watching this drama. He's funny, irreverent, and just a delight to watch. Since the firefighters don't get much screentime, Son Ho Jun is sadly underutilised. Hope to see more of him next season.

Overall, this drama is quite a good way to pass the time if you want an exciting watch that you don't have to think too much about. But if you like your dramas to be logical and not have any plotholes, this might not be the drama for you.

PS. One pet peeve I had is that there's way too many characters with unique surnames in this. How can there be so many people with double character surnames in one police/firefighting precinct??

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a great first season

This is a type of show that you just pick and want to enjoy and expect less. Yet, it turns out great and you're hooked and interested now.

The cast is amazing of course and though some parts of the story should have been better but it was still bearable.
The music is good too! I didnt expect that it grows in me until the last episode. I dont know if its just me but the theme song or the intro song is like an anime opening and it makes you know what the show is about, an action pack and a drama meet together.

Yes, this is so recommendable but I give it 8.5 for I still looking for something, and I hope the second season will give us that.

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With one episode to go, I'm giving this drama a 10/10. It's not a full 10 but I'm leveling up because, for me, this is the best drama of this year.

For starters, the plot is very good. The affairs are interesting but not outlandish like in some modern dramas that want to shock the viewer. The cases that happen here could even happen in real life. They also don't take up too much time, so the plot's pace is appropriate. During the investigation there is room for emotion, for something funny, touching - just human, and that's exactly what the characters are - human. They have their qualities and their flaws. They are pleased by small joys and annoyed by some trifles. They struggle with their private problems and I can believe in the existence of each of them.

The downside (for me) is the moralistic message of this drama in some scenes. Propaganda smells a mile away. But all in all, I prefer propaganda to believe that there are good people working in the emergency services than forcing me to believe in someone else's ideology. So it can be endured, especially because when we get to know the characters more closely, we begin to believe that they are just such modern heroes who want to help. They are flawed so sometimes they make mistakes, but they want to do well and try their best. So this downside isn't so big either.

The drama is light and pleasant to watch. I think it will be one of my favorites not only of 2022, but in general, and I am glad that there will be a season two.

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Overall good, but the writing can be a bit lazy

I like that the show didn't hold back on the darkness of the stories. It's very easy to censor some of that dark stuff and most shows would have done that.

But... I feel like the writers really wanted to resolve every case within 1 episode and got a little lazy sometimes.
For example, one of the primary villains of the show agrees voluntarily to undergo scanning of the way he walks. Which ultimately led to him being sent to prison because they could now identify him based on his walk. This is realistic, that technology does exist. And your walk is like a fingerprint - unique. But... he didn't have to agree to this. So it felt like a very cheap way to get one of the primary villains. "Hey would you kindly do for us this thing that will lead you to being imprisoned". It's easy to chalk it down to him starting to lose his sanity or being an idiot. But that's lazy. It just felt unnatural, forced and unsatisfying. They didn't use anything creative to catch him. They literally politely asked him to help them get the evidence they need to put him in prison.

Don't even get me started on the main girl that the protagonist has been looking for for 7 years conveniently appearing at the hospital because she happened to attempt to kill herself with that precise timing. And of course, all of our protagonists were at the hospital at the same time. Ain't that convenient?

There are more hints of lazy writing. For example, the assemblyman suddenly dying. Really? I was wondering how they would resolve the assemblyman and the protagonist's father situation given that there was only 1 episode left and what do you know... he just dies randomly out of nowhere, conveniently to allow the writers to wrap up easier... come on man.

I enjoyed it. But some of the glaring faults were a bit distracting. Still a decent show but I feel like it's grade here is a bit exaggerated.

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Good but not that good

I don't know this will be helpful or not but what I felt while watching this was that even though the name was first responders, the show was more of collab between police and fire fighters and medics. I also get why because they were always the 1st people to reach the scene and investigate but from the posters I thought it would focus more on the medics and fire fighters rather than the police.

The story was okaish, there is a main villain, okay development of the story and everything revolves around the male protagonist and Buldozer(forgot his name).
Acting was okay and i think it is one time watch
Though most of it was spent in building the story so much that I don't think the climax or the ending was that appropriate. It was an okay ending.
Not trying to spoil everyone just my thoughts.

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FIRE FIRE FIRE!! THE TRIO IS FIRE (SUPERB) haha :)

I'm an ARDENT Crime Thriller fan :) n so Everything about this drama is SUPERB ✨

A Good Mix of Action + Crime Thriller (police investigation crime drama ) + Fire Rescue + Medical (Paramedic emergency service) .

***
VERY ENTERTAINING n FUNNY Action Crime Thriller with a Good Team Work, solving different cases.

Initially (to be precise, the first half of ep 1), it's a bit Slow Paced but that pacing is to form the base of the story n to introduce the characters, so, reasonable.

But later, Everything is on Fire Fire Fire!🔥
It got VERY INTERESTING.
THERE IS NO MOMENT OF BOREDOM THROUGHOUT THE DRAMA !!

***
Direction, Screenplay, Cinematography n Production are WELL DONE.

Pacing is RIGHT n GOOD.

Action sequences, Fire accidents n their Rescue operations n Autopsies are WELL DEPICTED.

Story of Each Case n the Personal Stories of the Main Cast, are WELL WRITTEN n EXECUTED WELL.

Enjoyed the COMEDY in this drama alot, Very Funny n Sarcastic at times .

Funny, they concentrated on "dog breeds" throughout the drama, haha (comparing some characters with a dog /an animal).
Every character has a Nickname! :)
Jindo dog, Mutt, Polar Bear, Bulldozer etc.
(Personally, I love to give Nicknames n so found this point in the story as funny n cool 😏)

***
I was Skeptical how a Firefighter n a Paramedic will be of use or will be a major part in a Criminal Investigation
but the way, the writers included their roles with their Fire Investigations or Paramedic Emergency Services as an Important Base to the Criminal Investigation by Police Detectives in Every Case, is VERY WELL WRITTEN.

OST is Good, especially the song "Fire"

*** ACTORS & CHARACTERS:
Every actor performed their role well.

Kim Rae Won was my First Korean Hero 🥰 , watched him in "My Little Bride".
After many years, saw him now n didn't even recognize :o
Yeah, I know, Obviously he would be different here but still surprised to see my first Korean love :)

Son Ho Jun is handsome , more handsome than Rae Won ;)

ML's dad, that actor is even more handsome ;)
There is a lookalike to this actor - the actor who played Judge character, father of the gal in Teen Pregnancy case.
In one of the eps, both the actors were sitting side by side in the car, they looked like brothers in that scene n I was confused to identify :o

***
Loved the point that both the Male Leads (Jin Ho Gae n Bong Do Jin) have Equal Importance in S1.

Both are Cold Faced, stubborn but Sweet at Heart.
Both have the same Tsundere personalities n yet so different.
One (Jin) is funny n sarcastic, while the Other (Bong) is Calm.
At the times of Emergency, One (Jin) jumps right into the scene without second thoughts, ignoring the consequences, while the Other (Bong) stays Composed, considering every consequence n plans accordingly.

Loved both the guys n their ways of dealing a case :)
Both their ways include Meticulous analysis, taking bold step in an emergency n are stubborn n dedicated to the case till they find out the truth!

Loved their interactions, mostly sarcastic n so, very funny, haha
or cute lil fights like Rivals all the time but when one is in trouble, the other will be the first to observe, respond n clear that trouble :)
And so, the rapport n the bromance of Jin n Bong is Very Sweet !

Sad, S1 came to an end by the time there is a great development in their bromance :(
They should have explored more of their Joint Investigation n bromance.

Jin is funny, very Crazy, stubborn but intelligent, dedicated to his Investigation n justice oriented .
He is fierce, bold n arrogant but is very quick to grasp the mentality of the criminal n has a strong will to save the victims .

Liked character Bong :), the dedication, how he runs all the tests in his range to give a complete fire report that helps, not only in the fire investigation but also in the criminal investigation. I appreciate his efforts.
Bong is cold but kind to people.
He is like "Speak Less, Work More, that too, in an intelligent n smart way!" :)
In the entire drama, saw him smiling only in the last two episodes, haha, Cute!

(Jin is like the Close Friend we love to have, While Bong is like the Husband we want! Haha 😏
Loved watching these guys :) )

Loved Song, She is empathetic n sweet, while saving people.
She played a bridge in this Trio, to develop the friendship :)

Loved their Friendships n Team Work - The Trio n Pil :)

Pil is a partner in investigation to Jin. Whenever Jin is in trouble, Pil worries a lot, more than Jin, haha he is sweet n funny :)

When it is revealed that Bong n Anna are siblings in one of the cases, not only Jin, even I was surprised , haha

*** ROMANCE IN A CRIME THRILLER? :o :
Should have left the Trio Jin - Song - Bong as just Friends n as different department personnel cooperating with each other in cases, instead of a hint of romance n a Love triangle .

Romance in Action Crime thriller, to some extent, is Ok
but a Love Triangle, totally spoils the mood. Even a subtle hint of it, is a NO, God! :|

If I have to choose, I would root for Bong n Song ;)
Bcz Bong remembers every minute detail about her, knows about her sad past, for which she worries sometimes n so takes care of her very well,
While Jin has a soft corner for his saviour Song but pushes her away, most of the times.
And Sad! She does the same with Bong - pushes him away, Oh my Poor Bong Do Jin ah! :(

Bong's jealousy when he sees a cute moment of Jin n Song, is cute but very sad. Oh my Bong Do Jin ah! :(

Meanwhile, NFS lady flirts with Bong, making this into a Love square, haha.

***
My Ranting:
Give JinSong or BongSong or Bong with NFS lady clearly but not a love triangle or squares.
This is a Thriller, not rom-com .

I don't like Love Triangles or Squares in Romance genre itself, imagine my frustration watching such in Thrillers 😂
"Pure Thriller" (without Romance) is chosen by an "Exclusive Thriller genre" fan for a reason, pls :|

*** CASES:
The Cases are DIVERSE dealing with a Variety of Crimes, around, 1 CASE Per EPISODE.

Cases are Interesting n Gripping.
But some of them are not so complicated or twisted that require extra intelligence to solve or understand
(Just a comparison, "Partners for Justice" drama has a great twist n a complication in every case, that U don't find it here).

All Fire crimes n Non-Fire crimes are given equal importance n are intertwined.

**
1st case: Psycho kidnapper kidnapped a gal.

Opening scenes of the drama itself are funny - that slap by Jin n his explanation in his disciplinary meeting , haha.

In this case, Jin's interactions with the kidnapper n the way he handled him is very smart n funny.

Crazy!! Jin, like his name Jindo dog, really bit the kidnapper, OmG! :o haha.

He got a nice house warming gift / welcome party from his floor mates Bong n Song - the story about his haunted flat, haha.

**
2nd case: School gal Suicide / murder

Firefighter Bong's body cam videos are crucial in the initial investigation
n from those, Jin found out that it's a murder, not a suicide.

**
3rd case: Ghost in Jin's flat

Very funny n he solved this in a smart way
Jin n Bong act like Rivals but helped each other in the case, haha.. cute bromance :)
A case of Lover's spat gone wrong.

**
4th case: Lil gal's hit n run

This is solved in a smart way, lot of surprises in the case.
The culprit(s) is a total surprise here.
Insurance fraud case.

**
5th case: Anna n University researchers' rescue

This is one of the major cases here.
Well Written.
Nail-biting with lot of Suspense.
The Trio n their teams worked hard to solve this n save everyone.
That Sting operation by Jin is bold n risky.
Anna did so well here.
The Team work is marvellous.

**
6th case: Jin's arrest

This is one of the major cases here.
Well Written.
Jin is framed in a murder by the villain.
Entire episode is very interesting to watch, how they created Evidences against him etc

The way Bong helped in this investigation to clear the name of Jin n save him, with his tests, fire investigations as evidences, is very good.

Everyone - Pil, Bong, Song, NFS lady, Anna n Jin himself, everyone helped Jin to clear his name.

**
7th case: Murder of a lady by the Villain

This is one of the major cases here.
Well written.
Very funny episode.
That drug guy is funny.
Bong's investigation is also useful to Jin in this case, their interactions are cool here.

**
8th case: Teen Pregnancy of a gal

This is one of the major cases here.
So many Twists in her story.
Suspected Everyone 🤭 - every guy involved in this case, every guy around the gal, right from her classmates, friends, teachers, even her own sibling :|

Bong's body cam video is useful in this case for the criminal investigation by Jin.

Pressure from the parents regarding studies led to the worst side of the teen students.
Very sad that the stress led the kids to grow with twisted stubborn personalities n going to any extent to defame their parents by placing themselves into dangerous situations n losing their own lives, pride n respect in the society :|

**
9th case: Drunk guy assaulted ex gf.

This case made Jin to undergo disciplinary review.

**
10th case: 7 years cold case - the Missing Gal's case in which Jin is the prime suspect back then.

This is one of the major cases here.
Very emotional one.
Bong tried to collect clues about this case since Jin is still worrying n down with guilt for not helping that lil gal from past 7 years.

The culprit in this case is a total surprise.

This case ending (location of the gal) is a crazy n shocking surprise! 🤯
Reminded me of the crazy surprise twist of KD "Beyond Evil" ML's sister case :|

**
11th case: Serial Arsonist

Like serial killers, a serial arsonist is dangerous n started fire at 3-4 locations (almost 5 fire accidents) n so this episode, this case is tiring to watch seeing the firefighters tensed n running here n there.
(Looks like a firefighter, in specific Bong is targeted :/ )
Here the childhood incident of Bong is shown, which is sad n that incident led him to be dedicated to his job n save everyone.

This case is left halfway n unresolved n
S1 ended with both the male leads caught in the fire explosions n stuck🤯
So need to watch S2, to know whether they are alive or no n what happened to them :o

*** ENDING:
What is this with all these dramas, "Kingdom", "Partners for Justice" n now this? :o

Now, I understand the Pain of the Viewers back then, who had waited for an year for S2 :( 😂

All these dramas' S1 ended with a cliffhanger or a case left halfway or unresolved :o

***
My RATING is 9.5 / 10 .

All Thriller, Mystery genre Lovers must watch this !
And should recommend this to fellow crime thriller admirers :)

Thank you for reading my lengthy review :)

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