Woo Young-woo is a female rookie attorney with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who is hired by a major law firm in Seoul. Being different from her neurotypical peers, her manner of communication is seen by them as odd, awkward, and blunt. With each legal case and through her intelligence and photographic memory, she becomes an increasingly competent attorney. Wikipedia
There isn't a good way to describe the show's premise that conveys the charm and delight of this show. A legal drama at its heart, each episode features an interesting case that has to be won. Often we learn about Korean culture in surprising ways such as the case of the bride whose wedding dress dress fell down or the fact that a beautiful tree can be eligible for national treasure status. Woo Young-woo's different point of view often yields the key to resolving tricky details. At the same time we learn more about her life and see how her presence changes the people on the legal team that she's assigned to.
This all sounds like something we've seen before and yet this show is unique and quirky without being over the top. The need for others to understand Woo's way of thinking yields interesting results. Her passion for whales and way of seeing complex relationships through a whale-centric focus is startling, refreshing, and adorable. The show is funny and optimistic and has genuine depth.
Even more importantly it has excellent acting, superior writing, and sensitive directing that isn't afraid to let the camera linger on silence while the actors convey complex thoughts without words. It avoids standard romance tropes although there is indeed romance — K-dramas demand romance. It is truly an extraordinary show and every time I get done watching an episode I feel happy for the rest of the day. That is rare indeed.
This is showing on Netflix.
I agree with your review. I was skeptical that they would handle the autism issue properly but I thought they did a great job and the show is always going in unexpected directions. Have you considered Hospital Playlist?
ReplyDeleteWe've got limited time for television, especially as long as K-drama episodes tend to be so we haven't really looked ahead since we're only halfway through Woo. But I'll pass the recommendation on to my daughter, who is the one trying new shows and seeing what she thinks we'll both like. Thanks! :-)
DeleteI discovered this series through a Facebook group for parents of adult children with Aspergers. I liked it very much even though I don't usually watch modern drama. I particularly like that they included an episode featuring a defendant on the autism spectrum who was much less functional than Attorney Wu because I think it is important to convey that a spectrum is just that, and that people on it can vary widely in their abilities.
ReplyDeleteYes, they did a very good job with that episode, both for that reason and many others. I do like that so many of the episodes have parents, especially Woo's father, and you see so many perspectives on parents and children (of all ages) that way.
DeleteI love this one.
DeleteWe talked my husband into watching it as an excuse to rewatch it. He's enjoying it - woohoo!
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