Peak comedy
If you’re here for an exhilarating thriller action detective show, turn away. If you’re looking for a hilarious yet meaningful work, welcome to this comedic masterpiece!The plot of the drama is very straightforward: we follow multiple cases that span a few episodes long, and with each case, we learn more about each member's past. The execution of the plot is incredibly charming, and the things the team members put themselves through are hilarious.
There’s something so unpredictable about how they do the comedy (to me). I don’t usually enjoy slapstick too much, but somehow every single one in the show managed to hit all the right spots on my laughter switch. I was cackling for the entirety of the show, and it just got better and better as it went on. Even the fact it starts off with their team having to move to kindergarten temporarily as an office is wild (I will never stop laughing at all of their toilet scenes LOL).
Although the story is mainly comedy, it doesn't shy away from heavy topics and heartwarming moments. Their comedy is never derogatory, they treat victims with respect and characters with care. Our main cast may be silly at times(I mean, they are notorious for being bad at this and never failing to disappoint), but they are very human and very real.
Dongbang Yubin— To me, he feels like the centerpiece the team has been missing all along. His addition holds the team grounded with his intelligence and as a team leader, he recognises each of his members' strengths and manages to bring out their potential. He exudes a sense of reliability just by being in the team. He's a bit dorky when he's not working in cases but I'm in love with his goofy smile.
Mu Jung Ryeok— The most experienced team member in terms of the number of years in the field. He's a little grumpy and fiery, but you can tell that he cares deeply for his team and the victims. Anyone who hurts the team can be prepared to eat his fists, even if it hurts himself.
Jung Jeong Hwan— An ex-olympiad sharpshooter and a father of four children. At first, I didn't like him that much because he looked like a bootlicker with little spine, but he grew to be one of my favourite characters. He never hesitates to put others before himself and never stops once he sets his sights on something. Even his desire for promotions and freebies comes from him wanting to provide a better life for his wife and children. Nonetheless, he holds his ground when things really matter.
Seo Min Seo— The capable little sister of the team. She's a little hot-tempered, but she's incredibly observant and kind. It's rare to see a female character that's written not annoyingly in Korean crime dramas, so it's refreshing to see her as such a wonderful addition to the team. She leads the team in her own way as the older one of the youngsters and never disappoints in sting operations.
Jang Tan Sik— The rookie of the team. As a newbie, he's filled with overwhelming passion and energy to work. He gave up the life of a rich chaebol heir to work out in the field, but he never complains as the person though he's probably on his feet the most out of the team. He does have a lot to learn, but he grows fast. Honestly , he gives off golden retriever vibes imo.
The team dynamic was chef's kiss and all the actors were phenomenal!! Everyone in the team takes care of each other in small ways, some of which are really funny, all of which are super cute. Do not walk in with expectations to see competence and superb teamwork right from the start. Their growth and humanity are what make them charming. They very much live up to the native title: 'The Not Powerful but Attractive Violent Crimes Unit'.
Overall, I had a really great time with this drama. Definitely one that will brighten your day.
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This review may contain spoilers
Lovely gem of a show
I love love love this show. My friend recommended this to me, and I went into it without expectations or any idea what it’ll be like (I have not seen the anime or manga). Now it has earned itself a permanent spot in my heart.The story is about a growth of a young man in his journey in Go, all while a 1500+ year old spirit(who insists he isn’t a spirit) mentor guides him.
It starts off with a child named Shi Guang who stumbles upon a old Go board while peeking around in his grandpa’s attic. All of a sudden, there was a flash of light, and when it faded, a man dressed in ancient chinese costume was standing before him. That man was Chu Ying, the strongest Go player who had no records in history. With no one else able to see him other than Shi Guang, the young man steps onto the unexpected path of Go.
I love how realistic our main character’s journey is. Aside from the fact that he has a godly mentor beside him, he still takes time to learn. He faces difficulties. His parents doesn’t want him to abandon his studies and embark on such an unconventional and difficult path. He loses, and he loses A LOT. He gets conflicted if he should remain on the path of Go. Although he has such a powerful cheat, he makes a it a rule to play honestly without any guidance from Chu Ying, which I find admirable. His emotions feel so raw and sincere—his tears are heart-wrenching and his happiness is infectious. He’s a cheeky teenager who’s a little playful but still incredibly kind.
Chu Ying, our beloved 1500+ year old child. A man who loves Go so much that even after 15 centuries he’s still pursuing the Divine Move in Go. Being an ancient soul, it’s really cute how he gets fascinated by the modern technologies (this drama takes place before AI though!! No AlphaGo here). He is filled with wisdom, and is undoubtedly the strongest Go player ever, but he is still respectful to every single player, still respects Go, and is a pure and kind soul.
Side characters in this show are all memorable. They don’t feel like mere side characters that feed to the plot— they feel like main characters to their own story, and we’re just catching a glimpse of it. Everyone has their past, everyone’s trying their best in life. There is no ‘villain’ of the story; as they say, Go is a battle against yourself.
Still, the most beautiful thing in the drama is probably the relationship between Chu Ying and Shi Guang. They aren’t just student and mentor— they’re friends, they’re kin, they share a bond that belongs uniquely to them.
Shi Guang knows that Chu Ying can’t be seen by anyone else, yet whenever they take a group picture, he would always leave a space for him. Shi Guang knows that Chu Ying isn’t affected by the rain, yet he still raises an umbrella over his head. Shi Guang knows how much Chu Ying itches to play Go, so he goes out of his way to open an online account for him, and becomes Chu Ying’s ‘hands’.
Chu Ying never forces things either. When Shi Guang asked him to leave, he did, even at the risk of not playing Go ever again. When Shi Guang asked him to appear when he snapped his fingers, he did so every time. He helped Shi Guang stay grounded whenever he was facing difficulties, and taught him more than just Go.
Just like how Chu Ying introduced Shi Guang to the world of Go, Shi Guang introduced Chu Ying to the world outside of Go.
Now stop scrolling reviews and go watch it.
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