A GEM ! but note the flaws
I said what I had to!This drama is a literal gem. I totally loved all the scenes from the beginning till the very end.
I personally have never read the webtoon, though actually at some point while this drama was still going on—I did wanted to check it out but then I just figured out I can do that after this ends.
Well, not gonna lie, I did had it on hold for a week, guess I just had read too many comments here marking it as "overrated", "boring" and all so I think that got on me and I actually spent that week thinking why do I actually like the drama?
For the plot, I'd say it's not something brand new but it's not common either. It was pretty decent and likeable. The cast was AMAZING!! The acting—each and every actor did a very good job. Music was sweet too and I would, no doubt rewatch it again whenever I would seek this thrill again.
Also, as for the people looking for romance..guys, you won't even be needing romance in this freaking series. Although it does have a few cute moments of the two counters here and there and they're just the right amount believe me—so they don't overdo it since OCN doesn't focus on that.
Apart from that, the last episode was damn refreshing to see everything back at it's place.
Give it a try, you won't regret it. :)
Edit: I wanted to write the flaws I found too—firstly, the plot doesn't answer many unanswered questions. As the season ended I realised this *sigh* It could have been much BETTER ngl. But as we say, nothing's perfect but this drama sures keeps you waiting with all the cliffhangers!
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Refreshing show, awesome beginning, Ok towards end
Story:The show started off very strong and I had a very good time watching it. There was mystery, humor, emotions and fantasy all together. The characters had good progression. I really liked how they incorporated humor in the show while maintaining the victory good over evil scenario. It was also nice to see how each team member was becoming closer and like a family to each other that made it heart warming show as well. But this was mostly in the first 2/3rd of the show.
In the last few episodes, the team bonding moments and the humor took the sideline, plot had more loopholes, focus was mainly on villain and not on individual characters and it became a bit predictable which made the last few episodes an OK watch.
The acting was good. I can rewatch it because of the acting and the characters.
Overall it's a good show.
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This review may contain spoilers
Curlies~
If you throw the logic out the window sometimes, it's really enjoyable to watch. I'll write the part with spoilers after I finish the general part of review.. I really have few questions.Uncanny Counter tells a pretty neat story of a young man who finds himself gaining powers to fight evil spirits and help them reach the place where they belong for all the wrongs they comitted. I kind of forgot how does it feel to watch a series about someone "special". Because our boy So Mun can be called special. Other counters get a second chance in life waking up from a coma in exchange for risking as counters, but So Mun was walking around with his friends. Special~. Being special did not end on that *points* you know what I mean, if you watched.
He joins for a simple, yet sacred for him reason - he wants to meet his parents, who passed away in a car accident and working as a counter will give him this opportunity. And this is our story about the evil spirits and the evil in human hearts. The story binds several characters to the main unfolding plot. And many might find it unsatisfactory, but I looked at it from the angle where evil spirits are not the most evil you might find, they basically want to become more powerful, so they consume human souls left and right, but the greed in person's heart may lead them to act far inferior to beasts. But due to supernatural elements and the tone set to be not too realistic and depressing, it helps to elevate some of its' moodiness, but doesn't end up being clownish. Despite the fact that the story about the main evils stretches very predictably for entire season, but along the way there is a feeling of satisfaction for the entire build-up frustration when the evil is finally punished.
UC also has a strong theme of family and bonding, because after So Mun joined the counters he felt that they were like his family.
Some of the characters, especially So Mun, really grew and changed. Some really don't need that much of a development, but small changes here and there were present.
The acting in the show was great (sometimes was a bit too much for me though, personal preference, nothing more), so were the characters, you really cheered for them, there are a lot of heartfelt and tear-inducing moments, but because there was enough of emotional scenes I find that it's not good to binge (and I binged the last part of the series), because you may feel fatigued. I bet when you watch with enough pause between episodes it may not feel like that.
The only downside to entire series is that it feels draggy in later part, but it can be said about many shows with 16 episodes or more. But in general it was quite entertaining.
Oh yeah, big thanks to vfx ppl on this show and those who decided not to use too much of cgi, that's why a load of action scenes and less cgi made it pop and not to make it too fairy.
/SPOILER PART/
Now, I can talk about few spoilerish parts that stuck to my head.
- The biggest question marks in my head . The first one was during the council time and So Mun being stripped off his abilities, I can understand the motivation behind this action story-wise, but before that I felt that the whole system of "breaking" rules was reallu outdated. By this time it was obvious that actions of evil spirits and humans were interconnected and distinguishing one from the other was impossible, all actions were directed for the greater good. But when it comes to the main evil spirit I was sitting and thinking - they know it's powerful, why would you have only few people after it, if it's so dangerous. I mean I thought there were only these few counters (silly me), but when it downed on me that they surely have more I had another question - why don't you send people to catch the bastard? But of course our main heroes should do these themselves, otherwise it would be too convenient. But knowing that the guy is SO dangerous, it was strange not to do it and later they sit around the table with worried faces.
- The part where So Mun thought it was his negative thoughts that drove for the territory to appear made me say "Dude"...
- OH YEAH! The one part that was in my opinion hysterical. Although the acting was great, but when it came to the scene with staffs I laughed like a b*. All those noises and poses sent me flying. Honestly, if someone else was at home they might think I'm watching AV.
- Some say this series have too much going on about humans and not about catching evil spirits, but the past of two counters involves humans and that's the setting you get.. you expect no humans an donly evil spirits there? As I said earlier I do find that it was more about how horrible can a person be, harboring evil.
- Another laugh I got from the "hell" scene when evil spirits land at the point of their destination. Honestly, a mud bath? It was funy to watch them in those neon lights, a bit of dry ice, mud floating around and extras crawling around. It left me with a silly feeling instead of feeling dread. Even a simple spotlight on the person in question and reaching out and dragging the person into nothingness would feel like a horror instead of a bunch of people wriggling around, playing as if they're going to "eat" the new guy.
- It's a wishful thinking for the shows to be shorter and wrap up the endings in an upbeat manner, the story would be more compact in this way, especially when you have one main villain (the evil spirit in our case), but it's just a dream, I know.
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Comedy, action, with a lot of wholesomeness
I have had this series on my to watch list for ages but never got around to watching it. With the season 2 coming around the corner I decided now was better than ever to give it a try and I am so glad that I did. I did not expect it to take me only four days to complete as I am a terrible binge watcher, but as soon as I started, I could not stop. I could not help but fall in love with all of the characters throughout the show, laugh at the jokes, and cried at one point.I loved the evil spirits aspect of the show, I hope season 2 is packed with fighting evil spirits, but I feel as if that was not shown as much due to the underlying police drama/crime show going on alongside everything. Nevertheless, I had a great time watching the show.
Favorite character of the series was Shin Hyukwoo played by Jung Wonchang. He was a character that you hated but also could sympathize with. I genuinely enjoyed seeing his character growth throughout the series.
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A pleasant surprise
I started watching this show just because netflix started displaying it for me non-stop, but I didn't regret any second of it. Once again I was totally captivated by the main characters, and it was a joy for me to follow them throught this journey of self-discovery and self-forgiveness. I wasn't expecting to cry as much as I did cause, when I first started, I thought it would only be about four people hunting demons, but it came out to be so much more than that and i loved every second of it. I highly reccomend this drama, even though there were some things on the plot that made me feel they just didn't wanted to bother explaining and some things that were unecessary, they still did a pretty good job. The actors casted are all amazing, the OSTs are on repeat in my playlist now and, overall, it was a very entertaining and heartwarming drama.Was this review helpful to you?
"IT WORTH YOUR TIME"
Though I haven't seen many k-dramas. I think this drama has a very interesting and rare storyline. I haven't seen drama like this before. The imagination of the writer is beyond this world. I loved Do Ha Na's character. she has a very strong personality. in my opinion, So moon is not that much powerful though is playing the lead role. all four main leads portrayed the characters very well. I had read the webtoon " the amazing rumor" this drama truly justifies the creation of Mr. Jangyi. this drama is worth watching. I completed this drama within 2 days. .................................................................................................................................................Was this review helpful to you?
this drama is a 10/10
I must say one of my fav dramas!! the story is just different. the counter crew has such a beautiful bond like a family. it has action, sadness, comedy, family, fear just everything!! the actors did a good job portraying their characters. every character went through a lot. but my boy so mun went through so MUCH! he suffered so much but I'm happy that he had his friends, grandparents and his counter crew. I wish his friends are also in the second season. they were so funny! even tho I HATED the character ji cheongsin the actor did A PRETTY GOOD JOB! his acting was just soo good! I creeped so much when he smiled. everyone did a good job!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Counters trapped in a maze of their own creation
May be I'm swimming against the tide but I have some serious issues with this show.Not saying that it is a bad show and there were certainly elements which were very well done and some scenes were thrilling, heart warming, uplifting or gut wrenching but it is not perfect, far from it.
One of the biggest problem with the plot was the writer laid down rules that counters must obey while they are hunting evil spirits so that they have minimal impact on the human world. The problem is that the counters kept on breaking them because the bulk of the story is about them seeking revenge or meddling with societal issues. It got very awkward and painful to watch as they constantly tried to bend the rules or fix damages a la wiping people's memories and healing the wounded baddies. The writer ended up just throwing the rules away mid show by having the counters appeal to their handlers to let them have a free hand. It made half the show felt claustrophobic.
Another issue were the villains used. In the beginning of the show, school yard bullies were the main antagonists. It starts with typical bullying and extortion but it quickly escalated to attempted murders. Just remember these are technically minors. The Rules made all the counters' corrective actions meaningless. Those bullies were behaving worst than the thugs and gangsters used later on in the show without being possessed by evil spirits so why were they so nasty? It got real bad for the junior counter until the problem was pushed aside by his ultra rich benefactor. So all the special powers of the counters achieved nought but money and connections did. Consider how much the show was about money, corruptions and secrets, this was sending a very confused message.
Most shows have plot holes but this show have more than its fair share. For instance, after the counters were assumed killed, they closed their restaurant but continued to live openly inside. The thugs showed up once, rattled the door a few times and said no one is here so they must really be dead. Geez, anyone could have chance upon them for the longest time. Similarly, the level 4 evil spirit was being chased by the police as a mass murder and his face was on TV and posters everywhere. However, once they faked his death and the police made the announcement, everyone seemed to forget he existed. He was walking around everywhere without any disguise. Why didn't anyone noticed? There are a number of other holes or subplots that went nowhere.
The effect of these problems made the middle section of the show seemed adrift and suffer from some kind of identity crisis. All the characters were there and there were great fight scenes, more death and destructions and the odd funny subplots but it doesn't feel like it had much to do with the original uncanny counters concept (aka super heroes vs evil spirits). Maybe uncanny eco-warriors, uncanny thieves? They expended so much energy setting up the central theme and yet it was underused for a good half of the show.
There was also a writer change after 12th episodes. The standard "creative difference" reason was given. There was definitely a change in the plot and tone with the last few episodes. The bulk of the last episode was very much sugar overload with resolution of plots and closures for all main characters and even a MiB style makeover for the team.
Generally speaking, the acting were good. The junior counter probably had the most growth but then again, he was stuck in self pity mode for half the show so it was expected. The found family trope was well used and there were good warmth between the fab four. There was little romance, certainly nothing more than wishful thinking.
OST was good, I probably won't rewatch it as the problems would annoy me even more on a rewatch.
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This review may contain spoilers
This review may contain spoilers
This was soooo good finished it in like 2 days and everything about this was top tier I wasn't going to watch it but it's a good thing that a did cuz I would've missed out on this drama I highly recommend this drama. Shin Myeon Hwi was soo evil that his own son was scared for his life the way he treats his son I wasn't surprised that his son was a prick. Ji cheong sin is one evil ass spirit. The counter was sooo good especially mun like he developed a lot of powers that other counters have never seen. One thing I didn't like about this was that Jeong gu died ( not sure if that's how his name is spelt). I also noticed that at least 5 people from this cast is in first responders.Was this review helpful to you?
Best of its class
Starting watching this due to a YouTube short that highlights the relationships of the best friends. I could have never guessed how amazing this show would be. From the acting to the fight scenes, the annoyance to the heartbreak, it was truly a masterclass in making a great show.Story wise, it had some clichés, but it was vastly outweighed by the impeccable writing and execution. The twist of superheroes being punctuated by regular family drama and passion gave the the best dynamic ever. I loved seeing how their relationship evolved and how they protected each other at all costs. Mae connection to her other world partner was heartbreaking to find out but it made me want to protect them even more. Having mo tak story be intertwined with their destiny was also an unexpected touch. You all did him dirty though, I mean come on, he now finds out about the ring thing and has to go a funeral. I was constantly guessing and hoping that things wouldn't happen and found myself screaming at the TV, like if that would make a difference. That is the sign of a great show.
Moon was a bit to irrational for an 18 year old, but I'll excuse him because he has been through a lot. He started off as a major liability but redeemed himself. His relationship with his besties is the stuff of fairy-tales, it was so refreshing to see how much they genuinely loved each other. That rooftop scene between the three of them was gold, it's always great to see friends holding each other accountable. Even them taking care of the bully was done right.
The acting and chemistry between everyone, even the main spirit was amazing. His evil smile, his evil giggle... I was here for it. Lee Hong did an amazing job, to the point where I felt sorry for him when they reveal how he got that scare. They honestly made no mistakes in the series can't wait to see season 2.
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DON'T Miss Out On This
If you are not wanting a boring moment, like some magic, enjoy some fantasy, action, boy crush for Noona, action pack fighting and really hard to kill baddies, then this is the drama to watch.There is a job for those who do not die, but in a state of 'coma', are brought back by the heavens to live. They are then gifted by special skills like increased fighting strength, healing, hearing through distance and walls. This job is called a "Counter". Counters catch dead people who refuses to cross to the "other side", stay as evil spirits. Whilst roaming earth, they kill humans, literally 'suck' the life out of them to give themselves a longer life and also gain higher level of strength. Once the Counters catch them, they pull out the evil spirits and sends them to hell, perished forever.
This drama features 3 Counters who recruits the teen-age So Mun to replace a 4th partner who dies during a fight with one of the evil spirits. So Mun whose parents died in a car accident when he was young, is brought up by his beloved grandparents, is terribly bullied at school and has nothing much to look forward to in life. Two of the 3 Counters were initially hesitant to accept him, and So Mun was not keen too. However, through a series of events all 4 Counters combined, found strong teamwork and comradery between them, working towards a common goal, to catch and destroy as many evil spirits as possible.
In the process, it is also realized that So Mun is a special Counter. He is the only Counter who was not in a state of coma, when he received his 'heavenly' gifts. His fighting skills are also way more powerful than his partners. Furthermore, there is another layer of truth as to what really happened to his parents, eventually discovered to the horror of So Mun.
So many plots, so much action, unable to stop at the end of each episode as one is eager to know more in the next episode.
Don't miss out on this truly memorable drama!
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