KDrama Review: Crash (2024)
Villain Actor Turned Protagonist
“Crash” focuses on road accidents and cases, with an intriguing twist where one of my favorite villains, Heo Sung Tae, leads the TCI team as the caring and timid captain. Another standout in this series is Oh Eui Shik, who plays the second lead, Lee Tae Joo. Although there is no romance between the main leads, Oh Eui Shik’s presence adds depth to the female lead’s character.
Storytelling Technique
The series’ storytelling is not the mystery type. As a viewer, you’ll know the culprit right away. In the first two episodes, you can deduce the culprit through circumstantial evidence, but the real suspense lies in discovering how the detectives will secure a conviction. Despite a somewhat predictable plot, the writer skillfully guides the narrative along unexpected paths, showcasing the detectives’ ingenuity in solving cases.
Ensemble Cast and Character Dynamics
In the earlier episodes, Cha Yeon Ho, played by Lee Min Ki, is not associated with the TCI team. He starts as an insurance fraud investigator and encounters the TCI team during a case.
Later, he decided to become a policeman and joined the TCI team.
The TCI team was already a tight-knit group when Yeon Ho joined. His integration into the team is smooth due to the prior encounter and the supportive nature of his colleagues. While Yeon Ho’s experience doesn’t quite match that of the other team members, their camaraderie and strong character dynamics facilitate his adaptation.
Refreshing Absence of Inter-Departmental Rivalry
One aspect I appreciate as an avid fan of police dramas is the absence of daily competition with other teams. The TCI team’s office is separate from other departments, sparing them the added pressure of inter-departmental rivalry, which can often be stressful in similar series. Although this isn’t a major plot point, it’s a refreshing relief.
Focus on Traffic Crimes
“Crash” focuses on road accidents, so viewers can expect exciting car chases and clever tactics, though not in the over-the-top style of the “Fast &Furious” franchise. The team may seem inferior for not handling murder cases, but their expertise in traffic incidents and superb driving skills are evident and impressive.
I started watching “The Player 2: Masters of Swindlers,” and I can say that the “Fast and Furious” vibe is present in this series. When compared to “Crash,” it makes sense that policemen don’t engage in high-speed chases like in “The Player 2.”
In “Crash,” the focus is on the realistic and methodical approach of traffic crime investigation, highlighting the true nature of police work rather than the high-octane driving scenes seen in “The Player 2.” This distinction adds authenticity to “Crash,” showing that law enforcement operates differently from the glamorous, adrenaline-fueled world of swindlers and high-speed heists.
Story Development and Character Interconnections
By episode nine, the story starts to come together, revealing how each character’s backstory is intertwined. This deepens the narrative, making the connections between characters more engaging and enriching the overall plot.
As the episodes progressed, my interest shifted from identifying the culprit to understanding how the team would uncover evidence for a seemingly clean crime. The suspects often pointed fingers at each other, especially in episode nine, adding to the tension.
The revelation of the culprit might feel predictable due to the process of elimination. However, for me, the thrill lies in finding evidence for a meticulously covered-up crime. Up until this point, everything has been circumstantial, with no concrete evidence yet. This ongoing challenge keeps the series compelling and keeps viewers engaged.
The long chase ends in episode eleven, where the real story behind the case is revealed. In this episode, those involved seemed to sacrifice their integrity to put justice in their own hands.
In the last episode, a new case is introduced, which I initially thought was a cliffhanger for the next season. However, they wrapped up the case in the first half. The second half was dedicated to “where are they now” and “what are they doing” scenes.
This felt like either the end of the series or a setup for another season because there’s a closed case that has not been resolved. If that case isn’t reopened, it probably won’t bother viewers too much. But what I’m really curious about is what new cases they will handle next. Based on the complexity of the last case, I hope we will see even more intricate criminal cases in the future.
That’s it!
Rating: 8/10
