Really was uh, Third Person Revenge, huh.

The short of it
This drama has a wonderful set-up that hooked me all the way through the first half of the show. The second half has some interesting moments--nice reveals, some close calls, bad actors getting comeuppance--but doesn't fully live up to the first half's promise (or the show's premise).

The good
Getting revenge on behalf of others because you are, in some way, more empowered (and thus more capable) than they are is a compelling idea. I love revenge stories, especially ones that allow its avengers to be ruthless without apology. [Looking at you, Vincenzo.] So while I was onboard from minute one, I became much more invested after our "Hero" fulfills his first revenge contract. I truly believe the only thing power responds to is power and that you must be willing to wield power against those who abuse it. This drama gets that.

The bad
It's too bad, then, that the second half felt underbaked and rushed. SPOILER ALERT (I guess) but I will just say Flower of Evil is a much worse show if Kim Ji-hoon's bedridden till episode 15 AND there's no flashbacks showing what he was up to beforehand. I mean, it's Kim Ji-hoon!! I'll initially think you cast him for a reason, but if those reasons aren't shown until the penultimate episode, I simply won't buy it? This drama failed there, as I was waiting for something to happen (or be hinted at) with a particular character, and then when it did, I found no justification for it.

The roundup
Watch this drama if:
-You think violence is sometimes the answer (at least for fictional characters)
-You like a sweet romance, but you know that's not really the point; and
-Found familiy really does it for you.

Avoid this drama if:
-You think violence is never the answer (even if that makes you a bit boring);
-You think when mysteries are solved, everything should make sense; or
-You're looking for an effective use of an underrated actor.

TW: Violence, Mentions and implied evidence of rape, Mention of suicide (These are only the ones I can think of, off of the top of my head, please look up warnings)

Overall, the first half of the series is gripping and unrelenting but the second half leans into comical territory with how much you have to suspend your belief. Worth watching if you love the main actors, but don't expect the story to hold.