AsianDramas

Queen Mantis is a gripping and emotionally complex drama that dives deep into morality, justice, and trauma. The story follows Jung Yi Shin, a woman who becomes a serial killer, but not without reason. Every one of her victims is an abuser or predator. The show never glorifies her crimes, but it constantly challenges viewers to question where the line lies between revenge and righteousness.

Yi Shin is portrayed brilliantly as a calm, composed sometimes a bit crazy woman. Her trauma and choices are difficult to justify, yet equally hard to condemn. Her son, a police officer who believes killing is wrong no matter the reason, represents the rigid morality of the law... a law that often fails victims. Their relationship adds incredible emotional depth, especially in the later episodes where love, guilt, and duty collide.

The writing stands out for how it exposes the failures of the justice system and the hypocrisy of society. The subplot involving another killer, shaped by years of abuse and trauma, adds a disturbing but powerful layer, showing how violence can perpetuate itself.

At just eight episodes, the show maintains a perfect pace without unnecessary filler. Some moments feel exaggerated, like such large number of police failed to catch two women with single gun, and a few character actions might frustrate you, and the bond between su yeol and his wife didn't touch me... but the rest of the plot had me hooked.

By the end, Queen Mantis leaves you conflicted... torn between empathy and judgment, sorrow and satisfaction. It’s not just a thriller; it’s a raw reflection of how far people can be pushed when justice repeatedly fails them.

p.s..hoping there'll be season 2