Drama Digest
Ahn Dae Sung has failed the civil exam thrice, despite having an excellent memory. He works part-time at his mother’s MS Mart on the outskirts of Seoul while still pursuing his academic endeavors. His girlfriend Ah Hee is a police officer who cheers him on along with his mother. Things start to get complicated when there is a murder that takes place in an apartment building near his workplace. Dae Sung and his mother help with the investigation where the sole clue is a receipt from MS Mart. The series is adapted from a novel by Kang Ji Young that goes by the same name.
The Feel-Good Part
The plot development of the show is done exceptionally well; it feels natural and well-paced as the characters are engaging and the story unfolds seamlessly. The series manages both elements of comedy and mystery well. The shift in the genres never feels jarring and fits in quite well with the plot. As an adaptation, the show does an excellent job of telling the original story and respecting the source material while adding a unique flavor. The show’s soundtrack does justice to the show and fits well with the themes by adding an upbeat and groovy tempo to the scenes. The character development is well thought of and consistent. Within a short time span, the writer manages to help build a connection with the audience because of how the characters progress. Even the supporting cast adds to the show’s charm as they are given enough importance to shine through. The mystery is executed cleverly, which keeps the audience hooked throughout the show. The writing is the highlight of this quirky and short series.
The Disappointing Factor
There aren’t many shortcomings of the show. However, sometimes the number of characters introduced in the show can get overwhelming.
In-Depth Analysis
The drama is quirky and witty but doesn’t just rely on those qualities. They have thought about the series in-depth and crafted it with great care, which shows. There is good LGBT+ representation, which is rare to come by in a K-drama. The show is entertaining without being mindless.
Star Power
All the performances were excellent. The ensemble delivers their respective characters with nuance, which makes the audience connect with the characters well. The side characters must be appreciated for their ability to hold the series together in a way that doesn’t overshadow the leads yet provides the audience with a memorable performance.
Overall Opinion
The Murderer’s Shopping List is an excellent series to binge if you want something short and entertaining. It is well-made and guaranteed to show you a good time as it is the perfect blend of mystery, crime, and comedy that come together seamlessly because of the strong characters that carry the show.
