2010/SBS
I had actually watched part of the first episode a while ago, but gave up on it halfway. I just couldn't stand Ma Hye-ri's (female lead portrayed by Kim So-Yeon) character and her style. After having completed Scent of a Woman though I decided that I should perhaps give Prosecutor another shot, since I had not been exceptionally patient the first time. Patience though, is what is required in order to enjoy this drama.
The script itself is actually quite an interesting concept, but I would expect more from the team that also produced and directed Shining Inheritence. Prosecutor's story simply takes too long to unravel and it's not until halfway into the the 16 episodes that the actual plot is revealed. In my opinion, too many episodes are used to draw the background for the story. It is nice to pay attention to the supporting cast and a side stories, but if that means the main plot keeps being delayed, then something went wrong. Now, the side stories were interesting and shows that the director does care for more than just the lead actors and the main story line. Especially the developments between prosecutors Yun Se-Jun and Jin Jung-Sun, but also the legal cases that were handled by Ma Hye-ri were for the former entertaining and cute, and for the latter serious enough to give the drama some substance.
The main story arc was unfortunately a little disappointing compared to how well the supporting characters and plots were developed. The feelings between Ma Hye-ri and Seo In-Woo (male lead Park Si-Hoo) seem unnatural and forced, which is ironic considering the key to beginning of their relationship was the fact that it was forced, intentional and with ulterior motives to begin with. I missed the chemistry between Ma Hye-ri and Seo In-Woo and despite the fact that I thought the chemistry between Ma Hye-ri and Yun Se-Jun was better, after all it was better that it turned out this way. While the chemistry may have been missing, the fact that it didn't turn into just another predictable drama does deserve credit. For a few episodes, I had honestly thought Ma Hye-ri and Yun Se-Jun would somehow end up together. I was confused about who the actual male lead was supposed to be as well, but over time it became more clear. Unfortunately, with a rather slow start there was a rather slow ending as well. Well before the last episode it was quite clear that Ma Hye-ri and Seo In-Woo would eventually end up happy, but it took too long before this actually took place. It would have been better if this drama either had handled the main story arc differently or simply cut down on the amount of episodes. For the way in which this script was handled, 16 was simply too many.
On to the cast then. Among the supporting cast, there are plenty of familiar faces. Another one of our eternal comic reliefs Kim Sang-Ho (from City Hunter) and the butler from Shining Inheritance Lee Seung-Hyeong both do there job to keep this drama lighthearted, not that this was necessary or anything. The all too familiar father and businessman Choi Jeong-Woo (City Hunter, 49 Days, Shining Inheritance) is present as well, perfectly cast for this role. The secondary leads Han Jeong-Su (as Prosecutor Yun Se-Jun) and Choi Song-Hyeon (as Prosecutor Jin Jung-Sun) both lead me to look into their projects and dramas and I look forward to see more of them. I am also quite surprised by Kim So-Yeon's performance of Ma Hye-ri. After having seen IRIS very recently I have to commend her for being able to portray two characters that are so dramatically different. Without knowing, one could easily be tricked into believing that these two were different people. Her portrayal of Ma Hye-ri was adequate and entertaining, but not exceptionally notable. Park Si-Hoo's performance disappointed me a little. He didn't seem to be a very good match to the character he was supposed to portray and while labeling him as a miscast may go a little too far, the lack of chemistry between his character and Ma Hye-ri is a substantial issue. I have yet to see another drama that features him, but Il Ji-Mae is on my list somewhere, perhaps that will work out better. A last mention to the poor Min Yeong-Won, who keeps getting cast as the best friend (or one of the mean girls in Boys Over Flowers). I really hope she gets a bigger role soon, she deserves it.
The production comes across as better than Shining Inheritance, but that is helped a lot by Ma Hye-ri's character but is important in order to establish her character in the beginning of the drama. The soundtrack was a mix between the absolutely detestable Fly High from SHINee and the touching Goodbye My Princess by Monday Kiz. Not one of my favorite OSTs, but not the worst either.
Overall, this drama does enough to keep the viewers' interest, the ones that stayed along for the ride past the first few episodes anyway. The cast and side stories help to hide the fact that the pace is rather slow and the main story arc a little shallow. This drama ends up to be alright, but there are plenty of better ones out there.
6/10
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