Bing-ui

I almost gave up on this show by the second episode as I found much in them unconvincing, forced, and disconnected. However, towards the end of ep.2 things settled in and started to come together, so I stuck with it. Although it was not exactly an easy going fun watch it ended up being quite a good show, despite various and sundry issues. The romance was extra-neat, the development of the ML/FL relationship was great (actor's chemistry was on spot). The plot was imaginative, the acting was very good as were staging and cinematography. Beyond this I refer you to the prior reviews here (IMDB) as both the positive/high rating and negative/low rating ones make valid points about this show, some of which were on my mind as well, and often conflicted, which shows in my rating that found itself between too many and too few stars. For example, the last few episodes do not take a turn but rather take things to the bitter end, which may be unsatisfying but is only consequent--then again, is the ultimate conclusion optimistic? Make sure to watch the final episode to the very very end (if you make it this far and have not done so).

The first half and the second half are almost different shows, and I so wish I could review them separately because I'm so conflicted over this.

First half was 10/10, honest-to-goodness great. There were some good twists, some creepy psychotic grins, some incredibly fun characters that were either charming from the start or naturally grew on me. It was suspenseful at one moment, surprises at every turn, then ten minutes later my face hurt from smiling at these cops on a picnic or the budding romance in the background or just how proud a dad the Chief is. A wonderful mix of genres that had me rushing home from work to watch.

If only it were just ten episodes. If only. Because after episode 9 or 10, it just falls apart. No more than a 5/10. It becomes repetitive, sappy, and heartbreaking - not because of the drama, but because now it felt like a chore, like I was only watching the last episodes in order to finish this show I once loved. Shock factor only works so many times, so rather than continue to get emotional over these events, after a few episodes of the same old, I was numb to it. A right shame. I can't say much without spoiling stuff, just don't expect an ending nearly as strong as the beginning.

Is it worth a watch, though? Yeah, I'd say so. The first half was just that wonderful, and maybe you'll like the ending more than I did. But if you lose interest and it becomes a chore to watch, don't bother; the ending isn't that gratifying. Just go back and rewatch the cops try to teach an adult to ride a bike or when they go scare high schoolers instead. The good times.

Less of a disaster than the typical Netflix Original production, and it started very strong. However, the way the story unfolds in the back half of the season is just excruciating. Some strong actors, good production values (although crazy to see all the GM vehicle product placements in a Kdrama), good characters. They just really needed to do something less abusive to the viewers for the way the season wraps up.

Regrettably, I can't recall another film that caused me as much entertainment whiplash as this one. Which makes me really sad because the beginning had so much potential... If only it had been consistent from start to finish, I wouldn't have gotten so invested, then been so disappointed at the disaster it devolved into (and I don't believe that's an exaggeration).

There are too many problems in the last 4 episodes to attempt listing. Even the script and acting, which IMO were initially excellent, turned contrived and melodramatic. And the last time I saw a film with so much pointless death and needless tragedy was when I saw Seven in high school (yep, I'm old). This was all the more frustrating because I could see where the director was trying to go, but that only made the failure to get there even more unbearable. And while the ending itself does offer a sliver of closure, it pales in comparison to the irritation you have to suffer to reach it.

ROMANCE RATING: 6/10 While I thought Ko Jun Hee and Song Sae Byeok did have a certain chemistry on screen, it didn't feel like romantic chemistry. It was more like the rapport of partners who have worked together for a long time. So needless to say, while I could buy into their attachment to each other, their kisses looked more like friend kisses (even though they were clearly supposed to be lovers).

In summary, if you are fine with creating your own viewing experience, I can recommend the first 12 episodes (which were interesting and suffered minimal melodrama), then skip to the last 10 minutes of the show if you want an official "ending." But if you need to see how everything gets to that ending, be warned you are in for a frustrating ride. Sorry, I can't recommend this show.

What turn out to be a really strong and promising beginning falls flat and drags in the second half of the show. I love the suspense and the eerie feeling that the first four episode presents. The story started to spiral into a love story that makes the main character unbearable, weak, and selfish. I felt he neglected the duty of his job and became the most slappable person in the world by trying to chase his love story no matter who becomes the sacrifice. I'd watch probably 12 episodes if you decide to give this a try but be warn the last 4 episode would probably make you want to throw yourself off a bridge because of the frustration from the main character.