[Editor's Note] To help you watch the "first episode" of a drama, are the recently aired dramas worth watching? Some dramas may gradually get better, while others may start high and end low. This article only reviews the first few episodes for reference. If there are any follow-up comments, please inform us at any time.
"justifiable defense"
Start time: July 9
Broadcast platform: iQiyi
Starring Gao Ye, Zhang Luyi and Bai Jingting, the drama tells the story of a prosecutor from the Municipal Procuratorate, Duan Hongshan (played by Zhang Luyi), who was handling a case of a woman who was abused by her husband and was assisted by a prosecutor from the Provincial People's Procuratorate, Fang Lingyuan (played by Gao Ye). During the investigation, it was discovered that the case was related to the excessive self-defense case on campus experienced by Li Mufeng (played by Bai Jingting), Mei Zheng (played by Zhang Baijia) and Jiang Ting (played by Ye Qing) that Duan Hongshan handled fourteen years ago, and it also involved another murder case of Duan Hongshan.
"Just Cause" poster
The series started with the scene where the wounded Duan Hongshan drove to the police station late at night to turn himself in, which grabbed the audience's attention and created the first suspense of the series. Then, the confusing case of a woman who was abused by her husband led to the Li Mufeng case fourteen years ago. In just three episodes, the three complicated cases have been entangled together, and there is a hook at the end of each episode.
From a narrative perspective, the fast pace is in line with the standard rhythm of the "golden first three episodes" of the Mist Theater. Most of the scenes in the story take place in the rain, creating an atmosphere of injustice that cannot be redressed and things that are difficult to settle, which adds a lot to the progression of emotions.
Jiang Ting, played by Ye Qing, is a woman who suffers domestic violence.
Zhang Luyi, as the main character of the story, gave a stunning performance. Duan Hongshan is a meticulous and self-disciplined person at work; as a single father, he never breaks his promise to his daughter and is very caring. But it must be said that in these three cases, it is sometimes difficult to judge whether he is good or bad, whether he is impartial, or whether he really has hidden secrets.
Zhang Luyi as Duan Hongshan
The rivalry between him and Fang Lingyuan is full of suspicion and confession. Whether in terms of character or acting skills, the two can be said to be evenly matched.
Gao Ye as Fang Lingyuan
Let's talk about Bai Jingting. At first, I was quite surprised to hear that he took on a third-tier drama. After all, he is already one of the young actors who is recognized by the platform. After watching the first few episodes of "Justifiable Defense", I understand his choice. Li Mufeng's "little bitter melon" character does have room for acting skills, and it can also arouse the audience's empathy for the character.
Bai Jingting as Li Mufeng
In addition, the performances of several supporting characters in the play are also remarkable, especially Mei Zheng, one of the original victims, who played a key role in several subsequent cases. Judging from the foreshadowing already, her secrets have yet to be revealed.
Zhang Baijia as Mei Zheng
Friends who are interested in suspense-themed movies may want to give it a try.
"Seocho Cave"
Start time: July 5
Broadcast platform: tvN
The drama is a legal workplace drama starring Lee Jong Suk, Moon Ga Young, Kang Yoo Seok, Ryu Hye Young, and Lim Sung Jae. It is set in Seocho-dong, where many law firms are located. It tells the story of several employed lawyers working in different law firms in the same building who are working together to find their direction in life.
Poster of Seocho-dong
Lee Jong Suk plays An Zhouheng, an assistant lawyer who has been practicing for 9 years but is unwilling to be promoted to partner. He seems experienced, but gradually loses his way in the routine life. In a word, he is a veteran in the workplace with a strong sense of class.
Lee Jong Suk as An Zhouheng
Until one day, his crush from ten years ago, new lawyer Kang Xizhi (Moon Ga-young) joined the firm in the same office building. The two, who had hoped to develop into lovers but failed to be together due to a misunderstanding in words, met again and created new sparks. The enthusiastic Kang Xizhi appeared like a beam of light, awakening Zhou Heng's long-buried ambition to work.
Reunion with ex
The narrative technique of the series is a bit like the legal version of "Hospital Playlist", with happy people, gourmets, leaders who take care of every detail, and peacemakers. Several lawyer dining partners complain to each other when they have meals together every day, and they can help each other solve any problems.
The witty remarks at the dinner table are a major feature of this drama.
The cases in the first two episodes are also themes that fit the lives of ordinary people. The male and female protagonists seem to be opposing parties, but in fact, after arguing at the dinner table, they can understand each other's difficulties and the deep meaning behind the decision, and they make up after arguing.
In short, "Seocho-dong" is a group drama of legal drama + life drama, and the love line between the male and female protagonists is not sweet, but a bit strong. It is not as heavy or profound as "Justifiable Defense", but the cases mixed in the bits and pieces of life can also bring people unexpected and unique thinking.
