D.P. Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 1
- August 27, 2021
D.P. season 1 episode 1, titled "Episode 1," introduces us to the main character, Ahn Jun-ho, a quiet and reserved young man serving his mandatory military service in South Korea.
The episode begins with Jun-ho and his fellow soldiers patrolling a neighborhood, looking for a missing soldier. As they search, Jun-ho's keen eye and perception come in handy, as he notices things that his comrades miss. Throughout the episode, we get a sense of Jun-ho's character- intelligent, observant, and empathetic- and it's clear that he's not like the other soldiers, who seem less invested in their duty.
While on patrol, Jun-ho encounters a runaway dog and spends much of the day trying to capture it and reunite it with its owner. This part of the episode shows Jun-ho's compassion and willingness to go above and beyond for the sake of others, something that will become a recurring theme as the season progresses.
In addition to his search for the runaway dog, we see Jun-ho experience several other encounters throughout the episode that demonstrate the harsh realities of serving in the military. In one instance, he has to deal with a superior officer who is demanding and harsh, showing the power dynamics and stresses that come with serving.
Later on in the episode, Jun-ho witnesses a soldier being beaten by their superior officer, despite the fact that the soldier did nothing wrong. This scene highlights the existing culture of power and hierarchy within the military that allows for this type of abuse to take place. Throughout the episode, we see Jun-ho struggle with his position as a subordinate and his moral values, making him a relatable character to viewers.
As the episode progresses, we see Jun-ho take on a new role within his unit as a member of a special unit known as the "Deserter Pursuit Team" or D.P. The team's mission is to track down and apprehend soldiers who have gone AWOL. This shift in focus allows us to see a different side of military service, one that involves tracking down their fellow soldiers who have, for a variety of reasons, left the military without permission.
Through Jun-ho's interactions with members of the D.P. team, we get a sense of the camaraderie and relationships that exist within military units. Despite the harsh realities and difficult task of their mission, Jun-ho's fellow soldiers are supportive and respectful, showing that their bond runs deeper than their individual duties.
The episode concludes with the D.P. team tracking down a soldier who has gone AWOL and then engaging in a physical altercation with him. Jun-ho and his fellow soldiers are able to apprehend the soldier, but not before the situation becomes violent and chaotic. This final scene is a stark contrast to the other interactions in the episode, showing just how quickly situations can escalate in the military.
Overall, "D.P." season 1 episode 1 is a compelling introduction to the world of mandatory military service in South Korea. Through Ahn Jun-ho's character, viewers get a glimpse into the daily life of a soldier, the struggles they face, the relationships they form, and the moral dilemmas they encounter. The episode sets the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking season, one that promises to delve deeper into the complexities of military service.