I went in blind and unsure about the plotline, but was pleasantly surprised!
“Choi Kang-Sue: When you get mad, it’s anger, but when I get mad, it’s an inferiority complex?”
The Rundown
Behind the name: Memory scanner
Country: South Korea, 2020
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Fantasy, Mystery
Production: Studio Dragon
Network: tvN
Directors: Kim Whee, Oh Seung-Yeol, So Jae-Hyun
Cast: Yoo Seung-ho (as Dong Baek), Lee Se-young (as Han Sun-mi), Jo Sung-ha (as Lee Shin-woong), Ko Chang-seok (as Gu Kyung-tan), Jun Hyo-seong (as Kang Ji-eun), Yoon Ji-on (as Oh Se-hoon), Kim Yoon-hee (as Jung Mi-ja)
Compare to: Signal
Hate it or Love it? Love it
Synopsis in a Sentence: Celebrity detective has the supernatural ability to read minds by power of touch, but soon gets thwarted by his match—a villain on the other side of the law!
On Writing: The Plot
It’s an action-packed detective/psycho thriller with depth and excitement and some good old bad-guy hunting! It captures society-wide issues from institutional corruption, to individual evil, and really does it with heart and reason in good measure, despite the “supernatural” bits! Great plotlines, good character developments, and an all-round good story!
Too many times good stories are riddled with an obligatory “romance,” but thank goodness, this series knows its identity and doesn't bother with any such ill-developed plot lines!
A job well done; and a bold move! Hats off to the writers!
(4.5/5)
On Acting: The Cast
The cast is really well suited!
Lee Se-young plays genius profiler Han Sun-mi, and it’s refreshing to see an excellent, intense, effective female lead not mired in a trite romance! And of course, Lee plays this role to the T!
Ko Chang-seok is lovable supervisor, Gu Kyung-tan, and he’s a joy to watch! A legitimately charming performance!
And former k-pop star (from the girl group, Secret), Jun Hyo-seong plays Kang Ji-eun and she’s a great addition to the cast!
Overall, a very well played cast, and very well delivered acting and action!
(4.5/5)
On Production: The Creativity
Production is intriguing, dark and mysterious!
It takes the detective plot line into different layers that capture the darkest, warmest, and sickest parts of our society, and does well to balance the supernatural elements of the story.
Transitions are electric, scenes are hair-raising, and camera work is creative genius. A fabulous job to the very competent production team!
(4.5/5)
On Resolution: The Conclusion
It ends so well, we’re wondering if there’s a season 2, and we hope there is, but even if there isn’t, it’s a realistic resolution, and it’s very well done.
(4/5)
The Verdict: An enlightening, thorough, nuanced, and gritty rendition of society!
Overall Score = 17.5/20
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