Healer is comparatively an older K-drama that aired from Dec 2014 to Feb 2015 for a total of 20 episodes. While it might not have made a huge splash on its release in its home country, I have grown to love this show for a variety of different reasons.
If by the end of this review I convince you to watch this series, then you can watch it here on Netflix.
Plot Overview
The show Healer starts by introducing us to Seo Jeong-hoo (played by ‘Ji Chang Wook’), who is an illegal ‘night courier’. He works under the codename ‘Healer’. He is willing to break most rules to make money, except for hurting innocent people. However, soon his life is turned upside down when his latest assignment involves getting close to a reporter Chae Young-shin (played by ‘Park Min Young’) from a not-so-famous gossip tabloid.
The story revolves around the two leads’ budding romance. With a backdrop of the male lead figuring out who is trying to set him up, with the help of the female lead and their boss Kim Moon-ho (played by ‘Yoo Ji-tae’). Throughout the series, the trio figures out a lot of revelations regarding their intertwined pasts.
Excellent Use Of Cliches
The drama banks on a lot of cliches. For example, the main couple has a childhood connection. Similarly, the male lead is not good with people relations, while the female lead is sweet and trusting. Also, of course, the male lead has a female sidekick. He also has a hacker on his team, and so on.
However, all of these cliches are superbly done and find a perfect place within the world that the story builds. It makes complete sense that the main couple have a childhood connection. The reveal is perfect and actually has a significant sway on the story of Healer.
Similarly, the male lead not being good with people relations has an explanation. Also, the female lead’s sunny disposition is well-explained. The emphasis is on her being trusting, yet it is never to an absurd level. She is not stupid. In fact, with the information she is given, she is great at connecting the dots. So, even if she is the last one to find out the truth, it is always circumstantial. It never comes off as out of place.
This is one of those stories, where even if you can foresee the upcoming events, the journey is so immaculate, that you will still want to go along.
Healthy Romantic Relationship
The relationship between the main couple involves a lot of lies. But once again, it is more circumstantial than actual willful lying. It never truly becomes frustrating.
Once the secrets are out in the open, the couple works together to solve the case. He brings in his expertise but she also is ingenious with her creative solutions. The pair really work well together. As true partners.
Parent-Child Relationships
The show Healer really does a fantastic job of depicting the way trust is built between adoptive parents and the child. It has so many wholesome moments there.
It also beautifully explores the various types of parent-child relationships. For example, a mother yearning for her dead daughter and trying to live with that grief. One of the aspects that I love here is that it never truly becomes easy for her to deal with that loss.
Similarly, there is another mother who gives up on her child because she is threatened. Yet, she only holds the best wishes for him in her heart.
All of these situations are explored beautifully and sensitively, and again story-wise, they come together in perfect harmony.
Healer – Show! Don’t Tell!
The creators knew what they were doing with the way they shot the story. There are so many revelations that happen softly. By relying heavily on the actors emoting. There are no discussed explanations. Every emotion is felt rather than dissected and discussed. Especially compared to the recent dumbed-down shows that spoon-feed every single revelation loudly and repeatedly, this show is a breath of fresh air. This series instead relies on a poignant music score and physical acting to fill the space with the resounding revelation.
Story Arcs and Pacing
This show also does a fantastic job of tying all the loose ends. By the end of it, everything seems to be concluded serendipitously. The pacing is fantastic so much so that each episode end will leave you wanting more.
Even though 20 episodes is definitely longer than the usual K-drama length, yet no moment feels wasted. Every shot, every detail, every interaction is used to flesh out the characters and give them depth.
Brilliant Side Characters
This series boasts some of the best-written side characters portrayed by a truly brilliant cast.
Be it the hacker ‘ajumma’ who is absolutely iconic whenever she is on the screen. Or the healer’s mentor and his antics. This show gives the side characters a presence that is vital to the story without turning them into caricatures. They have their own quirks and motivations.
Even the story arc of Kim Moon-sik is fascinating to watch unfold. While we do condemn his actions yet we can’t really help but feel empathetic. Could we have done any better if we were in his shoes? This question haunts the viewer even after having finished the show.
Parting Thoughts
Although I have tried to be objective, I can’t help but love this show in its entirety. It has a complex storyline with fascinating characters and a superb cast. All the aspects of the storytelling are implemented brilliantly to come together in a way that sounds like a beautiful symphony.
I would very, highly recommend this show to anyone who is looking for a refreshing plot. The effects are great – nothing looks overtly artificial nor is everything just too aesthetic. The smaller details like wardrobe also match the mood and help enhance the viewing experience.
All in all, in my opinion, it is 100/10. I would definitely recommend it.