21
35
7
WandereR
Borneo
Brilliantly evolved
Season 2 is vastly different from season 1.
Although the main leads remain in place, the transitioning of an extended stellar cast to a distinctly more complex and elaborate plot distinguishes Lee Soo Yeon's follow up effort from the hit first season that took the world by storm back in 2017.
From the intense and visceral depiction of criminal investigation into corruption and scandals, the 2020 version has evolved into an in-depth study of a sophisticated web of corporate and political conspiracies intricately woven amidst the backdrop of judicial uncertainty and bipartisan face-off between the prosecutors and the police. This evolution, in my humble opinion, has been brilliantly done.
There is less action and much more dialogue, Hwang Shi Mok and Han Yeo Jin share less screen time together, and even their individual roles have been somewhat diminished by the presence of many new characters. However, in the grander scheme of things, the overarching plot is given so much more depth and significantly enhanced by the performance of the extended cast. To balance the slow-burn nature of the start, the business end of this season provides the dramatic closure that ties up all the loose ends and plot twist that viewers have been patiently awaiting the entire run.
We know all about Jo Seung Woo and Bae Doo Na, the quality of their chemistry never falters even in the face of reduced screen time. The debutants to the franchise have been immensely impressive. Jeon Hye Jin's Choi Bit is a display of empowerment and relentless zeal to protect what's at stake for the police force and for herself. Choi Moo Sung, I suspect, was entirely in character playing a version of himself. His brazenly supercilious Woo Tae Ha has such screen presence that dominated every scene. Yoon Se Ah, personally for me, is such a delight to behold. Her Lee Yeon Jae is the epitome of elegance and grace combined with a quiet resolve and shrewdness, as befits her role as the head of a chaebol. Lee Joon Hyuk returns as the opportunistic Seo Dong Jae. This time, he has a notable story arc that culminates in many viewers agonizing over his welfare.
Overall, Stranger 2 is a well developed production and fantastic addition to the hit franchise. Even though it may not hit the dizzying heights of popularity garnered by the first season, this drama still represents compelling viewing for the discerning viewers of this genre.
Although the main leads remain in place, the transitioning of an extended stellar cast to a distinctly more complex and elaborate plot distinguishes Lee Soo Yeon's follow up effort from the hit first season that took the world by storm back in 2017.
From the intense and visceral depiction of criminal investigation into corruption and scandals, the 2020 version has evolved into an in-depth study of a sophisticated web of corporate and political conspiracies intricately woven amidst the backdrop of judicial uncertainty and bipartisan face-off between the prosecutors and the police. This evolution, in my humble opinion, has been brilliantly done.
There is less action and much more dialogue, Hwang Shi Mok and Han Yeo Jin share less screen time together, and even their individual roles have been somewhat diminished by the presence of many new characters. However, in the grander scheme of things, the overarching plot is given so much more depth and significantly enhanced by the performance of the extended cast. To balance the slow-burn nature of the start, the business end of this season provides the dramatic closure that ties up all the loose ends and plot twist that viewers have been patiently awaiting the entire run.
We know all about Jo Seung Woo and Bae Doo Na, the quality of their chemistry never falters even in the face of reduced screen time. The debutants to the franchise have been immensely impressive. Jeon Hye Jin's Choi Bit is a display of empowerment and relentless zeal to protect what's at stake for the police force and for herself. Choi Moo Sung, I suspect, was entirely in character playing a version of himself. His brazenly supercilious Woo Tae Ha has such screen presence that dominated every scene. Yoon Se Ah, personally for me, is such a delight to behold. Her Lee Yeon Jae is the epitome of elegance and grace combined with a quiet resolve and shrewdness, as befits her role as the head of a chaebol. Lee Joon Hyuk returns as the opportunistic Seo Dong Jae. This time, he has a notable story arc that culminates in many viewers agonizing over his welfare.
Overall, Stranger 2 is a well developed production and fantastic addition to the hit franchise. Even though it may not hit the dizzying heights of popularity garnered by the first season, this drama still represents compelling viewing for the discerning viewers of this genre.
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