“The Nice Guy” Episodes 1 And 2 Review- It’s Fine

JTBC’s newest series, “The Nice Guy,” is here at last. Let’s talk about it!

JTBC is trying out a new format with this one, releasing two episodes back to back each Friday. This is an interesting approach indeed, because most TV kdramas usually only release one episode per day, twice weekly, if we’re talking shorter format. This point was something that piqued my interest.

However, I did not particularly vibe with the premiere of “The Nice Guy.” Let me explain why.

I knew the gist of the story, and how it revolves around a gangster who wants to quit this life. This one focuses on the love aspect of it. I think I’ve watched some kdramas with slightly similar premises, but this one is a bit of a departure from the usual very serious and somber tones these types of kdramas generally exhibit, and this is so far…. Okay. I don’t like it or hate it, but it does not pique my interest. The comedic points were alright, but nothing that left an impression on me, personally.

The script itself is also fine, but its nothing special. The directing reminds me a lot of old-style kdramas when I first watched it. The introductory scene, which seems to be a flash forward to the future, where Seok-Cheol gets stabbed, was not executed well in my opinion. I sincerely thought from the editing style that it was a scene in the past, so when the two main characters met, I was confused as to why they seemed so giddy and happy when he’d been stabbed, then it occurred to me, this was meant to be a sort of peek into their future. This choice in editing style reminded me of some slightly older kdramas I used to watch 9 years ago.

These are the introductory episodes, so it might get much better next week or the week after, but if I didn’t know Dong Wook or Sung Kyung, I would probably not tune back in next week because the premiere did not really leave any particular good impression on me.

The drama is a bit unique in the sense that its written by two people and directed by two people, too. When I took a look at their Wikipedia, it made sense to me why this drama has a slighty outdated feel to it, especially in terms of the directing. Its because both directors working on it have had some projects from the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s, both directors have not been involved in any projects after 2015.

This makes both Dong Wook and Sung Kyung’s choice to be in this…. Interesting, to put it simply.

This drama’s script seems to want to focus on the family aspect of the gangster life too, as in how it affects families and ruins them in the process. This is an interesting approach considering that similar-themed kdramas mention it in passing, but in this one, I am guessing we’ll see a much more nuanced, introspective look into how gangsters and gang affiliation destroy youth and family.

I haven’t fully given up on the drama yet, but I won’t say I am rushing to see next week’s episodes. If I had to guess, I think Seok-Cheol will eventually leave the gang and be with his girl, but it’ll be a difficult road for him. I’d be surprised if the ending says he failed.

Anyways, these are my thoughts on the premiere of “The Nice Guy.” What about you guys? Did you enjoy the premiere episodes? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!