Season 1 |
Episode Guide
Episode 1 – | Review Score – 4/5
Episode 2 – | Review Score – 4/5
Episode 3 – | Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 4 – | Review Score – 4.5/5
Episode 5 – | Review Score – 5/5
Episode 6 – | Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 7 – | Review Score – 4/5
Episode 8 – | Review Score – 4/5
Netflix has released a bunch of Original K-dramas for fans to enjoy and Bloodhounds is one such show that’s easily part of the best originals they’ve produced.
The 8-episode show follows the story of Gun-woo and Woo-jin, two boxers-turned-friends who get involved in the world of loan sharks after Gun-woo’s mother takes a loan from a shady business named Smile Capitals. Kim Myeong-gil, the owner of Smile Capitals is a wicked man and is willing to do anything he can to remain powerful.
After Gun-woo clashes with Myeong-gil, the latter leaves the young boy with a slashed face and a drive to stop the loan shark from turning South Korea into his playing field. Woo-jin helps Gun-woo in his pursuit as the two friends rediscover what having a ‘boxer’s heart’ means. The show is not exactly a quick watch with eight 40-minute-long episodes but is interesting enough to make you want to get to the end.
The show is crisp, to the point and cuts straight to the chase which makes Bloodhounds worth investing into. While K-dramas often make you wish to look forward to a romance involving the main character, Bloodhounds steers clear of romance but give fans a bromance to die for. Actors Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi do a great job of playing their respective characters – Gun-woo and Woo-jin.
The two become friends instantly and it helps that they both served in the military as Marines. The first episode is hilarious, as extroverted and funny Woo-jin meets introverted and awkward Gun-woo, setting the tone straight for what the rest of the show will look like. The show is emotional and melodramatic when it needs to be but that does not change the fact that it is hilarious overall and a fun, action-packed series.
The show makes crime looks desirable which is not a good way to praise the show but the characters of Yang-jung and Du-yeong are an amazing addition to the story. One thing that really stands out with this show is that Myeong-gil is not your typical villain who is unaware of the people against him. He knows President Choi in and out and understands what his next move will be. This makes the chase exciting and we are left at the edge of our seats, anticipating how the rest of the story would pan out.
The OST to Bloodhounds does not really stand out as much as one would like for it to; we have seen Netflix do better with shows like My Name and Sweet Home. There really aren’t a lot of flaws to point out from Bloodhounds, but if one were to nitpick, Gun-woo’s character being portrayed as flawless is probably one of them.
All things aside, Bloodhounds is an all-round great package, offering the right amount of action, comedy, melodrama and more. The K-drama makes you laugh till your cheeks hurt before moving into an episode that will emotionally wreck you.
Bloodhounds may very well be called Lee Sang-yi’s breakout performance and we need a lot more of him being paired with Woo Do-hwan after seeing their on-screen chemistry in this one!
Bloodhounds wraps everything up nicely too and with very little loose-ends, this one bows out on a high, making for a very enjoyable watch.
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Verdict - 9.5/10
9.5/10