KDramaCritic

My Name (2021) Where to Watch:  Netflix Number of episodes: 8 Netflix Summary:  "Following her father's murder, a revenge-driven woman puts her trust in a powerful crime boss - and enters the police force under his direction." Starring: Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, Ahn Bo-hyun Creators: Kim Va-da, Kim Jin-min KDramaCritic Rating: Watch KDramaCritic Short Review:  My Name (2021) maintains mystery and tension throughout the whole series.  The dialogue is more limited, emphasizing the actors' ranges of emotions.  Violence is a key part of the narrative - including an attempted rape.  I would classify it as a hard watch.  However, considering that I wasn't sure if I would like the show until after watching the final episode, I would consider the series to be very well done.  My Name (2021) earns a solid "Watch" rating.  The violence and tension prevent it from being a "Favorite" since I would hesitate to re-watch the show.

Squid Game (2021) Where to Watch:  Netflix Number of Episodes: 9 Netflix Description: "Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children's games. Inside, a tempting price awaits - with deadly high stakes." Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-jun Creators: Hwang Dong-hyuk KDramaCritic Rating: Meh KDramaCritic Short Review: Squid Game started off as a super promising and unique show for the first five episodes.  The questions of what was going on out weighed the answers and the idea that children's games could be life-or-death situations crossed into surreal territory. Then the quality of writing crumbled dramatically.  The mystery was stripped away and the ending became an obvious second season set up. If Squid Game's popularity hadn't exploded, I would recommend skipping the show all together.  However, the cultural references to the show make it a relevant watch.