“Vagabond” (2019) [9/9]
Starring: Lee Seung Gi and Bae Suzy
Vagabond is a whole new level of KDrama. 100% an action drama, every episode is packed with excitement, stakes, and thrills. Every single episode feels epic and packed. Explosions, chases, gun battles, hand-to-hand combat, and more! Each episode ends with a cliffhanger, leaving you desperate to watch the next episode. Amazing international locations and sets. Stunts and performances were top notch. Seung Gi and Suzy (still) have great chemistry. Hae-ri was an extremely likable, relatable, and believable female lead (though underutilized at some points in my opinion). Dal-Geon is both tough, cool, and fearsome, while being awkward, tender-hearted, and compassionate. Love everything about this pair. The political intrigue keeps audiences on their toes, as does Korean secret service focus (NIS). Heroes had plot armor at times, but the entire show is extremely well crafted. One emergency medical operation scene they had was unnecessarily gruesome and graphic in my opinion (and probably upped the maturity rating without really impacting the story as a whole). Violence and death escalates through the series.
I have mixed feelings about the ending. I can’t give this a 10 for enjoyment because of the ending. It’s just not satisfying, it’s not the payoff we’re looking for. The transformation of the two main characters… is unsettling when left unresolved. That being said, if they’re leaving it there to gear up for another season (unheard of with KDramas), I’m 100% on board. It’s a great twist and set up for more story. If that’s the end of the show… It’s frustrating.
Watched: July 2021
5/5 Stars