Sunbath12

This is a remake of the French show La Mante, which I never had the chance to watch. Judging this drama on its own terms, it is a serviceable police procedural and psychological thriller, but neither sub genre is truly explored in a satisfying manner. In fact, the show manages to make the police team main cast very unlikable for nearly the entire duration. Whether it is a lack of leadership from the chief to some genuinely annoying characters such as detective Bae, the police team spend a large amount of time displaying unusual incompetence and illogical decision-making skills.

On the psychological front, there is an attempt to address the very real-world impact poverty and abuse can have on its victims, but I found it hard to connect with many of the characters emotionally - with the exception of perhaps Park Min Jae and of course our Queen Mantis herself, played with commanding presence by Go Hyun Jung. Unfortunately, I found the copycat killer reveal and story somewhat formulaic - I think trying to keep it a mystery box until the end without showing enough "clues" ahead of time made it difficult for me to believe it in the end. The set up of our male lead character was also lacking - I think if we were shown more of his youth/past and struggles with his hidden identity, I would have related more to him.

All in all, worth a check if you like the genre, but do not expect a truly gripping thriller. Also as a warning, there is plenty of gore and portrayal of abuse of many forms, including child abuse, so tread carefully there if that is an area of sensitivity for some viewers.