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[HanCinema's Drama Review] "You're Surrounded" Episode 10

There was only one episode this week due to Lee Seung-gi's eye injury, but it packed a punch. The darker characters were fleshed out and all separate pieces of the big mystery that tie the main characters together are starting to come together.

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Pan-seok has discovered Dae-goo's identity and Cha Seung-won is brilliant as he shows the process of dealing with that discovery and the emotions that go along with it. Not only that, but the discovery is compounded with the fact that Dae-goo hates him. It's a lot of emotional weight for Pan-seok to carry. On top of it all, he has to contend with the man who he owes a huge debt to and has come to claim that debt: the man that Dae-goo calls "boots". We see more into his past as a policeman and how he is connected to Pan-seok. Again, Cha Seung-won has a lot of responsibility with a character so laden by woe. But Cha is a seasoned actor who easily takes on the role.

Although the dark backstory is nothing too complicated, the way that all the players in the mystery of Dae-goo's mother's murder are revealed makes for some great emotional beats. Chief Kang has been shown in a different light nearly each episode to keep the viewer confused as to where she stands. It was a clever move that resulted in a clean, effective reveal this episode. The same holds true for the booted man. He is not pure evil, nor did he work alone. There is a higher evil that has been introduced a few times, the Assemblyman Yoo, who seems to be the mastermind behind it all. But we are only halfway through the series so many twists and turns await us.

As for the rookie detectives, Dae-goo has stagnated a bit in the development department, but his story is just about to begin. It feels like the calm before the storm regarding him and Soo-seon. Her recollection of Dae-goo's childhood disappearance was poignant and sweet, which made their current working relationship have more depth. Tae-il had the most development of the four rookies. He also had an interesting interaction with Sa-kyung that makes me wonder if he was one of the young studs she played around with. It would add a complex layer to the tentative reconciliation between her and Pan-seok. Only country boy Ji Gook is left without much focus, as usual. He's such an interesting character and deserves more than what little attention he is receiving.

"You're Surrounded" seems a little slower as of late, but perhaps it is due to the single episode airings for the past two weeks. Korean dramas are typically structured around the consecutive two day airings. The timing is a bit off because of it. Hopefully next week the show will slide back into its normal pace with both episodes. Also, here's to a speedy recover, Lee Seung-gi!

Written by Raine from Raine's Dichotomy

Follow on Twitter @raine0211

"You're Surrounded"is directed by Yoo In-sik, written by Lee Jeong-seon and features Lee Seung-gi, Cha Seung-won, Go Ara, Oh Yoon-ah, Ahn Jae-hyun, Sung Ji-ru.

 

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