Watch Stranger

"Stranger" is a captivating South Korean crime drama series produced by Netflix that will keep viewers glued to their screens till the very end. The show, which premiered on June 10, 2017, boasts a seasoned cast of top-notch actors including Cho Seung-woo, Bae Doona, Yoo Jae-myung, Lee Joon-hyuk, and Shin Hae-sun.

Set in the fictional city of Incheon, the series follows the story of Hwang Shi-mok, a highly competent prosecutor with an unusual character. Shi-mok lacks emotions due to a brain surgery he had as a child, which makes him an enigma at the prosecutor's office. The character Cho Seung-woo plays this protagonist with such intensity, making him the central character of the series.

The story kicks off with the discovery of a dead body washed up on the riverbank. The prosecutor's office is assigned to investigate the case, and Shi-mok teams up with a competent and passionate cop, Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona), to get to the bottom of the crime. The duo realizes that the murder case is just a tip of the iceberg, and there's a more extensive network of corruption and illegal activities going on beneath the surface.

The series gains intrigue when it's revealed that these societal vices go all the way to the top of the power ladder - the prosecutor's office, where Shi-mok works. This realization and slow unraveling of the investigation create a twisted and convoluted plot that will keep viewers guessing and second-guessing the storyline.

The show's strength lies in how it tackles the intricate web of politics, power, and corruption in South Korea. The series creators beautifully craft a complex narrative that highlights the relationship between the three entities, and how it affects ordinary people’s lives. The unique perspective from a protagonist that lacks emotions and has a keen attention to detail is a refreshing twist on how crime dramas are portrayed.

Shi-mok, the protagonist, is a one-of-a-kind character that drives the show tirelessly. Cho Seung-woo brings this character to life, portraying Shi-mok’s actions, demeanor, and approach to work masterfully. The chemistry between Shi-mok and Han Yeo-jin is also compelling, as the duo bounces off each other's attributes to solve the case. Bae Doona's performance as Han Yeo-jin adds a human touch to the plot, without which the show might have come off as too detached.

Another striking element of the series is how it delves into various themes like societal classism, corruption within societies, and how the government has its role and affects its citizen. It takes a deeper look at the harsh imbalance of power between the rich and the poor and reflects on how this affects individuals' behavior and actions.

As the story progresses, the show's pace picks up, and as the investigation deepens and uncovering the trail of corruption and cryptic secrets, the show still manages to maintain the suspense without lagging whatsoever. The series’ direction is exceptional, as even with a few sub-plots accompanying the central storyline, they never weigh down the story with any unnecessary fluff.

On the technical side, the cinematography and music score are well-executed. It features the beautiful exterior shots of the city at sunset and dawn, adding intimacy to the story's locations. Act of opening and closing soundtracks are also worth mentioning, always setting the mood for the upcoming scene.

In conclusion, "Stranger" is an impressive, well-acted, and written drama that takes a unique perspective of crime thrillers around politics and the law, with a crime and corruption backdrop that adds to complexities. The actors effortlessly immerse the audience into their characters' world with gripping performances, backed by a solid script, direction, and impressive technicality.

So, this series is highly recommended to those craving an intricate and suspenseful criminal thriller without any sensationalism.

Stranger is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (32 episodes). The series first aired on November 1, 2017.