[Orion's Daily Ramblings] First Impressions - "Partners for Justice"

Yours truly has taken another swing at a new drama, and this time I dive right into the cold and gory world of forensics, as well as the chaotic building of appealing truths explored by "Partners for Justice". Leave your needs for feel-good outcomes and ideal, genius characters at the door, because life is just never that easy, and this drama is not pretending that it is. At the same time, don't get too attached to reality for this one.

Advertisement

I think the cynicism of the series is what I appreciate the most, because it offers flawed heroes who can mess up without it becoming a tool for the sake of angst alone. Eun Sol (Jung Yoo-mi) is terribly unprofessional, she lacks the basic principles of her work, and she lets emotion blind her. Her heart is in the right place, she's cheerful and bold, but she fails at everything else. This is a good start, assuming her problems are addressed soon.

The same goes for its hero, who of course has a traumatic past. So if you're looking for some mystery and grand drama, "Partners for Justice" has sone of that as well. Baek Beom (Jung Jae-young) is the typical surly "100% done with life" type to begin with, but we get the interesting unraveling of his issues, which reveal someone sensitive and morally sound, but with his ability to be professional and care about the truth intact despite his trauma.

I do wish the rest of the characters in this clear ensemble piece were not such obnoxious caricatures, however. We have the office clowns, Lee Yi-kyung's funny-boy, and Stephanie Lee's only role here seems to be looking seductive while throwing out one-liners in English every few seconds. The victims and perpetrators are also too much on the dramatically optimal side, having little nuance and even time to develop.

I'm still not entirely sold on it, but "Partners for Justice" is entertaining for now. I think my connection with the two heroes, and the fact that the drama doesn't shy away from (or blur, praised be the Dramagods!) the cruelty of crime and the grim nature of autopsies help a lot. I find Sol an refreshing female lead, I like the chemistry between the cast, and the drama's boldness appeals to me. Let's see where "Partners for Justice" takes us.

Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'

Watch Episode 1 on Viki

Watch Episode 2 on Viki

Note: Due to licensing, videos may not be available in your country