dianeliz 9/29/22 dianeliz 9/29/22

Suspicious Partner

Suspicious Partner (2017)

Quick Take: Suspicious Partner (2017) starring Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun. 8.9/10. 40 episodes of 30 min. each.

Synopsis: Prosecutor Noh Ji-wook loses his job because he refuses to use evidence he knows was manufactured to indict the woman suspected of killing the Chief Prosector’s son. He opens his own law office and hires the woman, Eun Bong-hee. Together they struggle to identify the real culprit of that crime and several others, while dealing with their personal relationship.

Review: Since this is nominally a legal drama I had hoped for better, but Ji Chang-wook phones in his usual rom-com persona, apparently modeled after Clark Kent. That said, he’s always a pleasure to look at. The plot involves a serial killer who is revealed to the viewer much sooner than the investigators figure it out. Props to Dong Ha, who plays the villain of the piece; he manages to be charming and vicious by turns. Female lead Nam Ji-hyun’s character is feisty in spite of the misfortunes heaped upon her. The supporting characters are strong: Choi Tae-joon does a yeoman’s job as second lead, and Jang Hyuk-jin as Inspector Bang deftly handles his role as the adult in the room.

Themes include Legal vs. Ethical; also, the Nature of Friendship.

Recommended.

Rewatchable - 2, Compelling - 3, Plot/ Story/Writing - 10, Acting/Casting - 10, Production - 10, Bonus - 4. Bonus points for visuals — his looks will always keep JCW employed.

Notes:

Ji Chang-wook

does action dramas really well (Healer 2014, The K-2 2016) but his romantic comedies IMO are a waste of his talent. Suspicious Partner is one them.

Nam Ji-hyun

began as a child actress in film and television drama. See her also in 100 Days My Prince (2018), 365: Repeat the Year (2020), and Little Women (2022).