1
starflakes
U.S.
A Wonderfully Grim and Enthralling Show
Through the Darkness is a 2022 Crime drama that follows criminal profiler Song Ha Young during the late 90's to early 2000's as he carves a place for behavioral analysis in South Korea. Based upon the experience of Korea's first criminal profiler Kwon Il Yong (who helped write the show), the show contains 2-3 episode mini arcs, each with their own main criminal. Thus the connecting factor of the episodes is Song Ha Young and his colleagues' journey into becoming more comfortable with the art of profiling. The show is stunningly realistic, and does not shy away from dark matters such as murder, and sexual assault. The show stands out from others in the same genre due to its faithfulness to real life, which makes it both gripping and horrifying.
If the show has one flaw, it is that at times, it is too realistic. As it is focused on accurately portraying the process of catching criminals and creating a whole new method of investigation, it at times is very slow - understandably so considering real life investigations aren't often magically solved in a couple days. In fact, I had trouble getting through the first episode but I decided to watch the second and was so hooked I never looked back.
Because of this realism, the characters at times can be frustrating, or not that very stand out. I see that most people who didn't like the show did not like it because of the characters, and I believe it is because of how realistic they are. They aren't written to be sensational or quirky to catch viewers eyes like most characters are, but rather are very nuanced and subtly fleshed out. To some, this means they are boring or annoying, but to me, they were not stagnant at all. Most characters experience slow and slight changes to their personality and ideals throughout the show, as most real people do. Plus, the main character Song Ha Young is incredibly compelling from start to finish. I felt that his character arc (this slow descent into the minds of criminals and how he copes) was amazingly written, and you can really see the differences in who he is from episode 1 to episode 12.
On the topic of Song Ha Young, Kim Nam Gil is brilliant in his portrayal of him. If I liked him in Fiery Priest, then I loved him in this. His acting is so well done, particularly in his expressions (I mean, his gaze really makes you feel like you're being analyzed and broken down) and he lends himself perfectly to Song Ha Young who as a character is mostly well composed yet brimming with justice and anger. He breathes life into this character and does a fantastic job in carrying the show and making you invested in him. I really believe that no one else could have played this part like he did, he's perfect for it.
The other actors are also wonderful, although it's harder to comment on them since the shows focus is mainly on Song Ha Young. Yet they do well to make the show feel realistic and make their characters feel like actual people. Major props should go to those who act the criminals, as they often put on chilling yet human performances.
This show is not a 'whodunnit' show, but a 'how catch em' show, reminiscent of shows such as Mindhunter and Columbo. Thus, it is very different from conventional thrillers, which again to some, coupled with the shows slower pace makes the show boring. To me, I felt that this made the show brilliant, and even after finishing the show I just wish I had more of it. It's one of those rare shows where I just know I'd watch season after season of Song Ha Young and his job. It will most definitely be a show I come back to time and time again, because the joy of it is not figuring out a criminal (like many mystery shows) but rather the process of criminal profiling and bring justice to innocent victims.
I understand that this show is not for everyone, especially those used to fast paced and plot-twisty mysteries, but it is a masterful show nonetheless. As someone who loves watching content about criminal profilers, this show is definitely my favorite k-drama regarding to topic to date, and one of my favorite portrayals of a profiler as well. This is a must watch for people who like things about criminal profilers, alongside those who enjoy the investigative and crime genres.
Even if this show seems to differ from your usual tastes, I implore you to give it a chance. You won't regret it.
If the show has one flaw, it is that at times, it is too realistic. As it is focused on accurately portraying the process of catching criminals and creating a whole new method of investigation, it at times is very slow - understandably so considering real life investigations aren't often magically solved in a couple days. In fact, I had trouble getting through the first episode but I decided to watch the second and was so hooked I never looked back.
Because of this realism, the characters at times can be frustrating, or not that very stand out. I see that most people who didn't like the show did not like it because of the characters, and I believe it is because of how realistic they are. They aren't written to be sensational or quirky to catch viewers eyes like most characters are, but rather are very nuanced and subtly fleshed out. To some, this means they are boring or annoying, but to me, they were not stagnant at all. Most characters experience slow and slight changes to their personality and ideals throughout the show, as most real people do. Plus, the main character Song Ha Young is incredibly compelling from start to finish. I felt that his character arc (this slow descent into the minds of criminals and how he copes) was amazingly written, and you can really see the differences in who he is from episode 1 to episode 12.
On the topic of Song Ha Young, Kim Nam Gil is brilliant in his portrayal of him. If I liked him in Fiery Priest, then I loved him in this. His acting is so well done, particularly in his expressions (I mean, his gaze really makes you feel like you're being analyzed and broken down) and he lends himself perfectly to Song Ha Young who as a character is mostly well composed yet brimming with justice and anger. He breathes life into this character and does a fantastic job in carrying the show and making you invested in him. I really believe that no one else could have played this part like he did, he's perfect for it.
The other actors are also wonderful, although it's harder to comment on them since the shows focus is mainly on Song Ha Young. Yet they do well to make the show feel realistic and make their characters feel like actual people. Major props should go to those who act the criminals, as they often put on chilling yet human performances.
This show is not a 'whodunnit' show, but a 'how catch em' show, reminiscent of shows such as Mindhunter and Columbo. Thus, it is very different from conventional thrillers, which again to some, coupled with the shows slower pace makes the show boring. To me, I felt that this made the show brilliant, and even after finishing the show I just wish I had more of it. It's one of those rare shows where I just know I'd watch season after season of Song Ha Young and his job. It will most definitely be a show I come back to time and time again, because the joy of it is not figuring out a criminal (like many mystery shows) but rather the process of criminal profiling and bring justice to innocent victims.
I understand that this show is not for everyone, especially those used to fast paced and plot-twisty mysteries, but it is a masterful show nonetheless. As someone who loves watching content about criminal profilers, this show is definitely my favorite k-drama regarding to topic to date, and one of my favorite portrayals of a profiler as well. This is a must watch for people who like things about criminal profilers, alongside those who enjoy the investigative and crime genres.
Even if this show seems to differ from your usual tastes, I implore you to give it a chance. You won't regret it.
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