minj99
Can one gimmick sustain an entire kdrama? Almost
The progression of Psychopath Diary seems simple, characters clear the misunderstanding until the big finale, and the drama results from which characters figure out the truth and when. The back half of the drama leaves the misunderstanding uncleared for a bit too long (to be expected of Korean dramas) with a hurried conclusion. The drama relies on comedy to get through its plot shortcomings, and the comedy never lets the viewers down.
Psychopath Diary brings in two successful main leads, Yoon Shi-Yoon (The Nokdu Flower) and Jung In-Sun (Terius Behind Me) and focuses on their interactions with third lead, Park Sung-Hoon. Their delivery really brings Psychopath Diary together and makes it a solid kdrama in 2019.
Story:
Nothing about the premise screams “new” in kdramaland: murder mystery, amnesia, nice guy taken advantage of, etc. Instead, it throws these concepts into a blender to create the nice guy who believes he is the psychopath killer with amnesia. The opening scene shows a male lead with conviction but that facade is ripped off for the viewers quickly, and the viewers are omniscient of the entire plot from the get-go.
From there, you would think the show revolves around how to resolve the misunderstanding, but Psychopath Diary dwells on all the hilarious scenarios of mistaken identity. The main male lead, Yook Dong Shik, tries to live up to his “killer” identity and to turn his pushover life around. Even with all the creative snafus, the gimmick starts to tire, and the comedic genius behind Psychopath Diary does not translate to the mystery/thriller aspect of the show. All-in-all, Psychopath Diary is a comedic gem under the guise of a mystery/thriller.
Acting:
The casting of the main leads is exceptional. Psychopath Diary showcases a group of actors with comic chops. Jung In-Sun is equally fun and funny in her previous role in Terius Behind Me. I remember Yoon Shi-Yoon from King of Baking in the 2010s. There are countless scenes where YSY’s character hilariously behaves more psychotic than our psychopath killer.
The supporting cast also has a strong resume in comedic dramas. Shout out to Kim Ki-Doo, who continues to score rolls as the comic relief (even in a comedy). The entire cast can be depended on to bring laughter to even the most dire scenes.
Music:
Music is an area that cable dramas struggle to keep up versus their major network counterparts. tvN is able to pull together an awesome ensemble, as evidenced by Hotel Del Luna, but that is more an exception than a rule. Still, the music does not take away from Psychopath Diary in any way. The overall viewing/listening experience remains pleasant throughout all the episodes.
Rewatch Value:
I cannot help but compare Psychopath Diary to Terius Behind Me again. So many of the things said in this review can also apply to Terius, and Terius is just a hair better in my eyes. Both casts are stellar, but Terius Behind Me does not trip up as much with the mystery/thriller plotline. On the other hand, Psychopath Diary never let down on the laughs, and that is what will be remembered about Psychopath Diary above all else.
Psychopath Diary brings in two successful main leads, Yoon Shi-Yoon (The Nokdu Flower) and Jung In-Sun (Terius Behind Me) and focuses on their interactions with third lead, Park Sung-Hoon. Their delivery really brings Psychopath Diary together and makes it a solid kdrama in 2019.
Story:
Nothing about the premise screams “new” in kdramaland: murder mystery, amnesia, nice guy taken advantage of, etc. Instead, it throws these concepts into a blender to create the nice guy who believes he is the psychopath killer with amnesia. The opening scene shows a male lead with conviction but that facade is ripped off for the viewers quickly, and the viewers are omniscient of the entire plot from the get-go.
From there, you would think the show revolves around how to resolve the misunderstanding, but Psychopath Diary dwells on all the hilarious scenarios of mistaken identity. The main male lead, Yook Dong Shik, tries to live up to his “killer” identity and to turn his pushover life around. Even with all the creative snafus, the gimmick starts to tire, and the comedic genius behind Psychopath Diary does not translate to the mystery/thriller aspect of the show. All-in-all, Psychopath Diary is a comedic gem under the guise of a mystery/thriller.
Acting:
The casting of the main leads is exceptional. Psychopath Diary showcases a group of actors with comic chops. Jung In-Sun is equally fun and funny in her previous role in Terius Behind Me. I remember Yoon Shi-Yoon from King of Baking in the 2010s. There are countless scenes where YSY’s character hilariously behaves more psychotic than our psychopath killer.
The supporting cast also has a strong resume in comedic dramas. Shout out to Kim Ki-Doo, who continues to score rolls as the comic relief (even in a comedy). The entire cast can be depended on to bring laughter to even the most dire scenes.
Music:
Music is an area that cable dramas struggle to keep up versus their major network counterparts. tvN is able to pull together an awesome ensemble, as evidenced by Hotel Del Luna, but that is more an exception than a rule. Still, the music does not take away from Psychopath Diary in any way. The overall viewing/listening experience remains pleasant throughout all the episodes.
Rewatch Value:
I cannot help but compare Psychopath Diary to Terius Behind Me again. So many of the things said in this review can also apply to Terius, and Terius is just a hair better in my eyes. Both casts are stellar, but Terius Behind Me does not trip up as much with the mystery/thriller plotline. On the other hand, Psychopath Diary never let down on the laughs, and that is what will be remembered about Psychopath Diary above all else.
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