Drama Digest
Yong Dong Jin is a South Korean military conscript sergeant. He is also the military’s top sniffer dog handler and is about to receive his long-awaited release. But, with only a few weeks till he can return to civilian life, a puzzling case threatens to drag him into a lengthy, unpleasant intrigue.
A suspected murder in strange circumstances piques the army’s interest in the demilitarised zone (DMZ), the territory between North and South Korea. The army authorities decide to organise an elite search party to investigate the DMZ for evidence, enlisting the help of Yong Dong Jin and his keen-nosed canines. Son Ye Rim, a relatively new but extremely talented soldier who had much of her training in the United States, will also be joining the team. However, when the group investigates, its members rapidly discover that whatever they are looking for does not appear to be human.
The Feel-Good Part
The cast did a fantastic job and pulled off all the characters very well. There was enough depth to the characters for the audience to get attached to them. The action sequences were well-coordinated and shot neatly. The premise was quite interesting given that there is a mix of thriller, military and drama in a slight sci-fi plot. The show is fast-paced and the length of 10 episodes gives it an extra edge in that department. You kind of get hooked into trying to understand what is happening on your screens and overall “Search” is an entertaining show to watch.
The Disappointing Factor
The premise of the show is certainly interesting but the execution falls short by a s=long shot. The issue with “Search” is that the show’s creators tried to incorporate too many elements into the show. A Military, Suspense, Horror, Thriller and a Mystery – the show has too many simultaneous themes. In between all of this come the sub-plots and the minor comedic reliefs. All of these elements separately seem like a very good idea but when they come together, all they do is create chaos. The series does not follow a linear path and branches off in weird directions, leaving behind large plot holes that never get addressed. Somehow, the creators are unable to tie down all these branches and as a result, this drama ends up not living up to its innate potential.
In-Depth Analysis
Despite the shortcomings, “Search” keeps you entertained. The idea is to manage your expectations so that you do not find yourself disappointed. The premise of the drama is intriguing, but it was badly executed. Because the plot doesn’t have enough substance to warrant more than a 2-hour movie or a mini-series, it should never have been longer than that. Any newcomers, who are unfamiliar with the horror/thriller genre will probably enjoy this series. Since it will be something new and exciting for someone who has no prior expectation to compare it to, making it easier to appreciate the show. However, people who are veterans of the thriller and horror genre will most likely find this show to be average at best.
Star Power
In the lead, the main cast features popular actors like Jang Dong Yoon, Krystal Jung, Yoon Park, Lee Hyun Wook and Moon Jung Hee. The “School 2017” heartthrob Jang Dong Yoon is seen in the role of Yoon Dong Jin which he plays perfectly. He brings out a certain charm to his otherwise stoic role. Moreover, the visual imagery of him with those adorable dogs was just lethal. Next, we have another visual goddess in the form of Krystal Jung as the badass Son Ye Rim. Before this show was released there were quite a lot of ardent fans waiting to see former f(x) member Krystal Jung’s performance in this drama. Unlike the show, she did not disappoint and instead delivered a show-stopping performance.
Overall Opinion
This drama certainly has a refreshing premise and I would recommend you give it a watch simply for that reason. If seen from different perspectives perhaps this drama could reach its target demographic!
