Incredibly complex at times, this disturbing crime thriller goes all round the houses and then some.
I recommend paying close attention to all the various characters from the very first episode onwards, otherwise it is easy to get lost or confused about what's happening with who, later on.
Varied characters (though most are damaged through traumas), occasional humour and a dark plot with some real shocks along the way.
The story kicks off with the discovery of a DNA marker that characterises whether a baby will be born a psychopath. Testing is done on the pregnant mother and if detected a debate rages as to whether an abortion should be mandatory. It's argued that the difference between the psychopath and genius genes are so small that it's hard to differentiate.
The ethical consequences of this are very thought provoking. Where it takes the story is also very disturbing.
What isn't touched on is the fact not all psychopaths become murderers, let alone serial killers and for me, that made this drama quite judgemental.
Various tragic events in childhood tie many characters together, although they are unaware at first.
There is a lot of blood and violence at times, which occasionally felt a bit OTT or for shock value. The crimes of various psychopathic and mentally disturbed characters are pretty unpleasant, including children and animals. Not for the easily upset or squeamish.
I found this a gripping drama for the most part, but it really is very convoluted at times.
The relationships between characters are pretty realistic to a point, although how people seem able to stroll in and out of other people's homes and places meant to be secure, with such ease at times, isn't.
Very recognisable cast, who do a great job, my favourites being P.O, Jo Jae-yoon, Kwon Hwa-woon, Ahn Jae-wook, Kim Young-ok and all the main cast.
There is romance, but very low key and a lifeline in one respect.
Whilst it doesn't exactly glamorise serial killers, I felt it did try to make viewers sympathetic towards one, but given their cruelty, I honestly found it hard.
How Go Moo-chi kept his job as a detective is beyond me, to be honest, as he hits the Soju hard when grief stricken and spends a lot of time so full of hate and anger, it blinds him.
There are several times when characters are not listened to, either because of age or intelligence, which was frustrating.
I also really don't like this thing many S.Korean dramas have, of blighting children with the sins of their family ~ it's really distasteful and I see it a lot.
Some parts of the plot I just didn't get though, like why 2 mums appear to swap their babies... just couldn't figure that out at all.
Once all main eps are watched, there is an additional fun one featuring main cast members that also includes an alternative ending to the drama, plus 2 further episodes showing past scenes (in a confusingly jumbled up order though) with the unmasked serial killer's perspective central to them.
Whilst very messy at times, it's still a pretty good watch.