Good Casting

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Synopsis

​Baek Chan Mi is an agent for the NIS. She is after a world-class criminal called Michael, whose identity remains unknown. During one mission, Baek Chan Mi and her team manage to almost catch Michael, but he escapes and kills her partner. Years later, Chan Mi is ordered by the NIS to find Michael, discover who is helping him and what he plans to do next. As part of her cover, she has to work as a secretary at her first love’s company. Accompanied by 2 other agents, Im Ye Eun and Hwang Mi Soon, she tries to finally arrest Michael. 

My Opinion (No Spoilers)

​I really liked that drama: it was funny, light-hearted, sometimes a bit serious but laughter was always compensating the few serious/emotional scenes. Our three agents made me think of the Totally Spies (or Charlie’s Angels, choose your reference!), all badass and resourceful. The story is also well-written, because I didn’t manage to find out Michael’s identity before they actually gave it away. 

My only criticism would be that some episodes were a bit long. Indeed, some scenes were less dynamic than others which made be a bit bored at some point. From my point of view, when I watch an action drama, I want action and not strategy (I mean not entire episodes dedicated to that). 

​But if you like spy dramas and want to have a good laugh, go ahead!

Analysis

• Characters
  Badass ladies
  Romance
  Bromance
• Ambiance
  Comedy
  Suspense
  Perfect balance between serious and stupid
• Themes tackled

​Characters: 

Badass ladies: An excellent trio made up of three badass female: the crazy one, the geek one and the “more mature” one. Each of them has her own qualities and competences, and put together it creates an explosive trio, that is very agreeable to see. Baek Chan Mi played by Choi Kang Hee was amazing in that role, as the determined and rebellious NIS agent, who wants to avenge her dead partner. Im Ye Eun (Yu In Young) is the single mother, whose boyfriend died during a mission (he was Chan Mi’s partner) and Hwang Mi Soon (Kim Ji Young) is the mother and wife, who pretends to work for an insurance company to hide her real job. 

​They all have their situation and manage to juggle, most of the time, between personal and professional life in a very funny way. 

​Yoon Seok Ho (Lee Sang Yeob) and Kang Woo Won (Lee Jun Young) are the male characters. They are more like supporting characters and interestingly in that drama, women have power. Either corrupt (Seok Ho’s ex-wife; agents; managers at the company) or with valuable information, they are all indispensable to the action and the plot. They lead the intrigue and act in the shadows. 

​I loved the fact that the drama had this sort of feminist vibe, showing women doing well in their job but also in their personal lives. Even though they have to go through tough moments, they still manage (Mi Soon and her daughter’s bullying; Ye Eun and her 3-year old daughter for instance). 

​Good depiction of how well women can do! You rock ladies!

​Romance: In the background, two major romances were taking place: Seok Ho and Chan Mi, who knew each other during college and Ye Eun and Woo Won. I liked that both romances were actually quite distinct: Chan Mi’s is Seok Ho’s first love, he never forgot her, but they had to go their own way at some point; Woo Won just met Ye Eun and realized his feelings for her after. Despite that, I think that both men share a common point: they are still very immature and act like big babies, whereas the two women are grown-ups, dealing with serious stuff (criminals, motherhood…). Yet, the romantic feelings perfectly completed the action scenes, even though some of them were really cheesy (especially Woo Won and Ye Eun at the end, OMG so cheesy!). 

​Bromance: The relationship that is described between Seok Ho and his secretary is really heart-warming, emphasizing loyalty, friendship and the necessity to surround yourself with good and trustworthy people! Even though the ending is sad, it’s a wonderful bromance. 

​Ambiance: 

​Comedy: Clearly I would describe the drama as a comedic spy drama. From the very beginning, the atmosphere is light-hearted and some scenes are extremely entertaining. Between tease, awkward situations and embarrassing circumstances, there is everything to steal you some laughing tears (how Woo Won and Ye Eun meet; the chasing in the car; the scene in the ventilation…). Our trio always ends up in difficult and dangerous situations, but they are so resourceful and clever that they manage to get out of anything. Of course, had I been at their place, I would already be dead, but still, it is pleasant to see that nothing can stop nor kill them. 

​Suspense: The hidden identity of Michael gave an excellent mystery vibe, as we try to discover who he really is. The twist about that is really well done and unexpected. There are also some other interesting twists and turns – typical in spy dramas – and suspense associated with romance added a special touch. 

​Perfect balance between serious and stupid: The drama is well-balanced, so it never goes to far in neither of the genres (suspense, action, romance). Because we navigate between all of these styles, it is less of a headache and lets us enjoy really all of the main aspects of these genres. 

​What are the themes tackled?

​Even though the drama is more entertaining than reflective (we don’t question societal themes), it still tackles some great issues of Korean society and even some taboos such as school bullying, being a young single mother, losing a loved one, fame and the criticisms that come with it. 

​These themes are underlying and don’t take the front stage. They are also solved in a quick and uncomplicated manner (sometimes maybe too easily). However, it makes sense, since the purpose of the drama is entertainment and not debate. Still, I found it nice to dedicate some parts of the plot to these actual issues, so that they stay in the back of viewers’ minds. 

​P.S.: The fighting scenes are so great, I seriously loved them!

​P.S.2: Very clever incorporation of the title Good Casting to explain that good members make the perfect team!

​P.S.3: Just listen to Cheetah “Feel it”! This OST gives me wings and you?