Mr. Plankton Review: The K-drama could be more engaging,but the pacing is hampered by pointless pauses and repetitious scenes that only serve to lower the tension.
A limited-edition K-drama series available on Netflix, Mr. Plankton is a profoundly poignant and occasionally bewildering examination of loneliness, human connection, and the pursuit of meaning in life’s last stages. The show offers a distinctive, if erratic, viewing experience that alternates between emotional warmth and coldness through its fusion of dark comedy, slapstick humour, and poignant drama. Fundamentally, Mr. Plankton centres on the lives of two main characters, Jo Jae-mi (Lee Yoo-mi) and Hae Jo (Woo Do-hwan), whose paths cross in a sequence of unforeseen circumstances. A cynical and jaded man, Hae Jo, is in shock over the news of his impending death. With only a few months to live, he sets out on a rash road trip to track down his biological father, which he unintentionally takes with Jae-mi, an ex-lover who is about to get married in an arranged marriage to a wealthy, traditional family. The twist? Jae-mi is also dealing with the heartbreaking news that she is infertile, which has crushed her hopes of becoming a mother. They travel a convoluted route together, filled with emotional disclosures, misunderstandings, and increasingly ridiculous circumstances.
Jo Yong, the author of the drama and author of It is Okay to Not Be Okay, skilfully strikes a balance between humour and sadness. On the one hand, it plays with well-known K-drama clichés, such as the emotionally damaged female lead, the misunderstood, brooding male lead, and a number of oddball supporting characters who provide some lightness in the midst of the darkness. However, Mr. Plankton frequently defies expectations by placing its characters in strange situations that can be startling or even confusing. The tone for the series, which is a darkly humorous yet profoundly tragic examination of people grappling with their identities and desires in the face of impending loss, was established by some of these incidents, such as Hae Jo’s rash abduction of Jae-mi on the day of her wedding.
Hae Jo and Jae-mi’s relationship lacks the spark one might anticipate, despite the show’s promise of an intensely romantic relationship. The two leads’ chemistry is a little forced, despite their shared past; Woo Do-hwan’s distant demeanour and Lee Yoo-mi’s sporadic indecision make their dynamic seem flat. Though intended as a source of intrigue, Hae Jo’s unpredictable nature frequently comes across as more erratic than charismatic, and his emotional journey feels underdeveloped in comparison to the show’s intended emotional payoff.
On the other hand, the show’s strongest points are probably its supporting cast. The perpetually upbeat and frequently humourous sidekick, played by Kim Min-seok’s character Kka Ri, adds much-needed humour to the otherwise serious plot. On the other hand, Oh Jung-se’s portrayal of Jae-mi’s fiancé, Eo Heung, is arguably one of the series’ most nuanced performances. Heung, the well-meaning but unsophisticated heir to a traditional family, is a likeable figure whose gradual unravelling and silent despair provide a devastating contrast to Hae Jo’s more flamboyant behaviour.
The show also explores themes of abandonment, family, and the need to fit in. The plot sometimes fails to convey the complexity of Hae Jo’s personality, despite the fact that his broken relationship with his family and his strong need for connection serve as the main drivers of his motivations. Similarly, the series’ broader themes occasionally mask Jae-mi’s personal struggle with infertility, which appears to be an emotional core. Although the show makes an effort to address societal issues, such as the pressure to uphold traditional family values, its expansive and frequently unfocused plotlines occasionally make it seem too heavy.
Mr. Plankton’s appearance is a mixed bag. Although the road trip’s rural settings offer some scenic beauty, the show’s aesthetic occasionally comes across as a bit too clinical and manufactured, failing to convey the intimacy and rawness that would help the emotional beats resonate more strongly. This makes for a viewing experience that is frequently more annoying than satisfying, especially when combined with a plot that occasionally drags. Although there are only ten episodes in the series, the pacing is hindered by unnecessary pauses and repetitive scenes that only serve to reduce the tension.
Mr. Plankton, the title of the show, is a fitting metaphor for its main idea, which is that all beings, no matter how small, have worth. The show’s characters all struggle with their own sense of worthlessness and yearning for something more, so this sentiment permeates every scene. But by the end of the series, many viewers may have more questions than answers because this theme is never fully realised. Although the show aims to examine the intricacies of human emotions, the narrative arc feels unfinished, and in the end, it fails to provide the characters and viewers with the catharsis they are entitled to.
The series’ final moments, while emotionally stirring, are telegraphed too early and the emotional payoff doesn’t feel as earned as it should. This is especially true for the finale, which leaves several loose threads hanging and offers a resolution that feels more like a sigh of relief than a satisfying conclusion. Although the characters’ development is clear, it frequently feels hurried, and the show’s reliance on melodrama in its last episodes runs the risk of undermining the sincerity of emotion that Mr. Plankton wants to portray.
In the end, Mr. Plankton is a K-drama that will appeal to audiences who value nuanced characters and are prepared to put up with some of its erratic moments. However, the show might not be up to par for viewers looking for a neatly wrapped emotional journey. Although it provides a glimpse of emotional depth, its blend of tragedy, romance, and dark humour is not always well executed, and it finds it difficult to fully engage its audience. Despite all of its ambition, Mr. Plankton may leave some viewers wondering what the show’s message is, or perhaps what might have happened if it had embraced its darker, more introspective side rather than taking a more complicated, occasionally chaotic turn.
- Cast:
- Woo Do-Hwan, Lee Yoo-mi, Oh Jung-se
- Director:
- Hong Jong-chan