KDrama Review: Shadow Detective (2023)
While watching Shadow Detective (2023), my initial impression was that the pacing in Season 1 (S1) felt sluggish. Despite the protagonist’s physical efforts to catch the culprit, the plot progression in S1 left me wanting.
Props for screenwriters Song Jung Woo and Hwang Seol Hun, the pacing revved up in season 2 (S2).
Across both seasons, a common theme was the lead character Taek Rok’s inability to trust anyone. He encountered characters with dubious motives yet remained unaware of their true intentions. As viewers, we were privy to this information.
The interesting part of the first installment was he needed to prove that he didn’t commit the crime he was framed for.
But the quest for truth doesn’t stop there. S2 takes things step further, expanding the scope as the protagonist finds himself entangled with a larger and more complex organization.
Taek Reok was originally from the Homicide department, but in the second season, he was transferred to the Juvenile department. This was a challenge for him because he wouldn’t be able to dig deeper into the case in the first season.
One aspect I appreciate about this series is the early revelation of the culprits. As a viewer, it leaves you wondering how the lead character will uncover the truth.
Take note, this show isn’t just about chasing down the culprits. It’s also about the willpower to stand by your principles to expose the truth.
Ratings:
Season 1: 7.5/10
Season 2: 8/10
