The Devil Judge (2021)

Not what I expected out of a courtroom ish drama

Truthfully I'm not exactly sure what I expected but it wasn't this. Maybe it's the high of finishing two wholesome dramas that I really liked back to back (Doom at your service and Mad for each other) and going from wholesome to intense probably wasn't the best move so maybe I might pick this up again. Regardless I found myself forcing myself to watch an episode. I think this story is objectively good and I would recommend it's just not for me.

I think the acting is good, court room scences are absolutely amazing and make up for everything else I found lacking. ie. the whole back and forth with the two hero leads where one is like "is he good, corrupt, etc" that plotline was boring. I also couldn't stand the ominous of Yo-han past with Ga-on, only three episodes in so it makes sense as to why it's not being explained yet but still it bothers me because it seems like it's going to be a major plot point but I jut find myself annyoed.

Overall, decent drama just not for me

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Devil Judge - A Disappointing Descent into Unrealistic Chaos

**Rating: ★☆☆☆☆**

"Devil Judge" starts with a promising premise: a dystopian Korea where society has collapsed, and the judicial system has become a reality show spectacle. The idea of a mysterious, merciless judge who blurs the lines between hero and villain is intriguing. Unfortunately, this potential is quickly squandered.

The introduction of the second judge, Kim Ga On, completely derails the narrative. His portrayal as an overly righteous character is not only irritating but also nonsensical. In a situation as dire as a terrorist threatening to slam a bus into innocent civilians, his insistence on saving the terrorist and blaming those trying to protect the public is absurd. What’s even more outrageous is that he later defends the terrorist driver and argues for his bail because the man has a 3-year-old daughter to take care of. This reasoning is utterly illogical, especially considering that the terrorist nearly killed a group of children the same age as his daughter. It's moments like these that make Kim Ga On's character impossible to sympathize with, as his decisions defy basic common sense and morality.

Moreover, the execution of key scenes, like the one with the bus, is so over-the-top that it strips the drama of any sense of realism. The exaggerated action and melodrama undermine the gritty, dystopian atmosphere the show initially tries to establish. Instead of drawing the audience in, these moments push viewers away, making it difficult to take the show seriously.

Overall, "Devil Judge" is a show that began with promise but quickly devolved into a frustrating and unrealistic mess. What could have been a gripping exploration of justice in a broken society turns into a shallow spectacle devoid of meaningful tension or depth. Save your time and skip this one.

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