Abundant in comical relief, drama and action, the series lived up to its promises. A fresh and bold take indeed to military and courtroom drama.
The casts of Military Prosecutor Doberman owned their characters. Even artists with minor and guest roles added flair to all 16 episodes. What is more, the storyline is full of thought-provoking scenes. Overall this drama is a must-watch for courtroom drama and action enthusiasts. The production team and the casts all did well to make this series as engaging and appealing as it could be.
- Main Casts: Ahn Bo Hyun | Jo Bo Ah | Oh Yeon Soo | Kim Young Min | Kim Woo Suk
- Streaming Site: Viu & iQiyi
- Thrill/Addictive Meter:
- Overall Rating:
- Rewatch Value:
- Dramas of Similar Vibes: D.P | Crash Landing On You | Prison Playbook | Descendants of the Sun
Nathan Llantos watched Military Prosecutor Doberman on Viu.
Episode recaps: First Look | Mid-Series | 09 & 10 | 11 & 12 | 13 & 14
Military Prosecutor Doberman Quick Plot Recap (Finale Spoilers!)
Bae Man and Woo In were successful in weeding out the corrupt members of the Patriotic Society one by one, which leaves them only two members. Minister Lee Jae Sik, the greedy enabler of the lot and the vilest and heinous of them all, No Hwa Young. At the nearing end of their pursuit for retribution, they have to carry out the final preparations for their well-choreographed plans.
No Hwa Young’s Impending Doom
The shooting spree caused by former Private Pyun Sang Ho, although unsolicited and tragic, was the blade that cut the last rope General No Hwa Young is holding on to.
Little did she know that Military Prosecutors and Captains Bae Man and Woo In are coming at her in full swing. Confident that she can still predict how her enemies would apprehend her, No Hwa Young was a bit ignorant on how her forcers are dwindling.
Minister Lee Jae Sik is already aware of her true colors. Hence, the minister himself is plotting against her. Even her trusted aide is wavering when she ordered her to kill Cha Woo In. Not to mention, during the trial of Pyun Sang Ho, she was aghast with how her spoiled and notorious son stood up against her.
Tae Nam is shocked to learn that his devious mother intends to use his PTSD to invalidate his court evidence. After some thought, Tae Nam passes up the X-File, which he has kept for years to protect himself and his mother.
However, his time in the military indeed changed his heart and mind. He hands the file to Bae Man and Woo In. He then decided to attempt to commit suicide. In an attempt to end his mother’s schemes, he sets off to blow a hand grenade in the same warehouse Hwa Young traumatized him.
The Fall Of Yong Moon Go
Do Bae Man uses Yong Moon Go’s tactics toward the corrupt prosecutor lady working with Moon Goo. She gave her an offer she could not refuse. If she cooperates with him in taking down Moon Goo, Bae Man will not expose her involvement in his illegal ascent as IM Defense’s Chairman.
He also gave her a second choice which was to remain with Yong Moon Go, and he will provide the pieces of evidence to another prosecutor and strike the two off.
Meanwhile, Moon Goo was preoccupied with concocting a plan with Ha Joon, without a clue that Ha Joon was playing a double agent. Moon Go wants to convene a shareholder meeting to elect him as Chairman and oust Noh Hwa Young.
Ironically, after he walks up to the General to shove it in her face that he has surpassed her, the shareholder meeting turns out to be a big disaster. Instead, Bae Man had the final laugh.
He was devising a brilliant plan with the help of Woo In and Section Chief Yoon by waiting until Moon Goo was celebrating before bringing in the prosecution lady to arrest him while the whole stakeholder meeting was falling in shambles.
Justice is Served
No Hwa-Young is imprisoned for causing bodily damage and killing Won Ki-Choon. Later, her predicament worsens as individuals queue up to give their testimony against her. However, the existence of the X-File was the one that did the most harm to her. Later, her predicament worsens as individuals queue up to give their testimony against her.
However, the existence of the X-File was the one that did the most harm to her. Yong Moon-Goo is and Aide Yang. After being imprisoned for his crimes, Yong Moon Go, who was trying to submit an appeal, was given an offer he could not refuse by Do Bae Man.
On top of that, No Hwa-Young is condemned to death for the killings of several individuals, including the parents of Do Bae-Man and Cha Woo-In.
A Bittersweet Ending
Despite his assistance in the capture and trial of Yong Moon-Goo, Kang Ha Joon lost Kang Solutions, and he was sentenced to prison for his actions. He is released on good conduct a year later. He decides to return to the United States after saying his final goodbyes to Cha Woo-In at the airport.
Meanwhile, No, Tae-Nam does eventually come out of his coma when his mother is imprisoned for her crimes. He is now living like an ordinary citizen. He volunteers at an animal sanctuary and has sold his stock to Cha Woo-In. He’s leading a good life after everything that has transpired. On the other hand, Bae Man is the new caretaker of Bolt, Tae Nam’s Doberman dog.
What is more, after the last trial, Woo-In surrenders and confesses to employing excessive force while arresting military criminals. She, too, resigns and departs for the United States. It was implied that she was not sentenced to prison for what she did.
She returns after a year as the CEO of IM Defense. Do Bae-Man is still working as a military prosecutor. Meanwhile, his aunt Detective Do marries and has a kid with Seo Joo-Hyuk, Bae Man’s superior.
Finally, Cha Woo-In goes to see Do Bae-Man. After their small talk, Woo In teases him about an “offer he can’t refuse”. Subsequently, Do Bae-Man leans in and kisses Cha Woo-In.
Military Prosecutor Doberman Peak Points
Engaging Plot
The storyline is great. Although it is predictable at times, and there are apparent loopholes here and there, the series still has its charms that entice viewers to keep watching. Even episodes would keep viewers at the edge of their seats.
The way the primary and side characters were written is good. Most especially the characters who are only showcased during a particular military case per episode.
The stories of the victims are well-written. The way the trials and investigations were executed is also gripping. Most significantly, the episodes are about Pyun Sang Ho and No Tae Nam’s friendship.
Although No Tae Nam’s past sins are unforgivable, it is great to see how the series attempted to give him a 180-degree change that would appeal to viewers. It is good to see how they are not trying to justify his crimes. Instead, they are portraying him more humanely.
Enticing Character Chemistry
Although there were few romantic scenes between Bae Man and Woo In, their chemistry is exceptional. They make a great pair as military Captains and more so as military prosecutors. In fact, they look so good together that viewers wish for them to be the end game.
What is more, Cha Woo In, being a strong independent woman is admirable! Bae Man and Woo In see eye to eye. They help each other out and bring the best out of each other.
More importantly, they stick with each other as partners in crime whenever Woo In has to use her alter ego, and when Bae Man has to resort to unconventional means, they support each other.
Realistic & Powerful Representation Of Military Cases
Since the first episode, the series has shown relevant representations of serious crimes. To enumerate, some episodes focus on military abuse, manipulation and their consequences. Other themes of importance like injustice, sexual coercion, harassment, corruption and murder are tackled. Hence, viewers get a glimpse of the grim side of military life.
The series depicted the different kinds of corrupt people who have various schemes. Different faces of abuse were also presented. Even though this Korean drama is comical and thrilling in nature, it had enough significance in representing real-life issues faced by soldiers and civilians alike.
Great Mixture of Humor & Action
There is never a dull moment when watching Military Prosecutor Doberman. Each episode is always injected with humor and action. In particular Section Chief Ahn and Section Chief Yoon are the funniest next to Do Bae Man’s Detective Aunt. The interactions of the trio, Ha Joon, Woo In and Bae Man are hilarious.
There ample comical parts to give the viewers a breather since most cases that Bae Man and Woo In are handling are overwhelming. Tons of relevant and heavy topics were represented and injected in many episodes. To balance this out, the writers and director did a great job providing heartwarming and amusing scenes.
Military Prosecutor Doberman Series Musings
Some Noticeable Loopholes
There are some concerning plot holes and questionable directorial decisions throughout the series, including that time when Bae Man was pulling the strings during the trial of the soldier who shot Won Ki-Choon, the fake mine hero. It is impossible that the court rule will allow an attorney to wear earphones during the trial.
In episode 7, Bae Man blackmailed the military attorney into saying whatever he wants him to say during the trial. All the time, Bae Man was dictating via phone call. Another major plot hole was how No Hwa Young amputated Won Ki-Choon’s leg.
There was nothing wrong with Won Ki-Choon’s leg being forcibly severed to by No Hwa Young to bolster the false mine hero narrative, so naturally, he would not be able to walk very well for an extended period.
Thus, it is absurd how quickly the Lieutenant Colonel recovered. Perhaps if the conference were convened a month or more after Woo In and Man’s suspension term began, it would be plausible. Won Ki-Choon was able to bring himself to the courtroom trial and even had the energy to fight.
Unanswered Questions
More importantly, there are questions left hanging. Although it may be true that the finale was satisfying because Bae Man, Woo In and most of the side characters were given happy endings, viewers were not given enough convincing explanations about No Hwa Young’s villain origin story. There was never an explanation as well about Cha Ho Cheol (Woo In’s father) and No Hwa Young’s photo together.
Moreover, the series focused on having too many villains to catch and little time. There were various investigation cases and too many schemes to uncover, yet there was little time since there were only 16 episodes. For instance, Bae Man’s parents barely had the background story they deserve.
And ultimately, it is confusing why No Hwa Young and Pyun Sang Ho were sentenced to death even if, realistically, South Korea has not been using this punishment in their court. And if used for fictional purposes, why was No Hwa Young seen in episode 16 detained in jail and is refusing to read her son’s letter.
Redeeming Factors
The cast members of Military Prosecutor Doberman are effective and ideal for their respective roles. Most especially Ahn Bo Hyun. His role as Captain and Military Prosecutor Do Bae Man really suited him.
There was the great characterization and good cast synergies evident in the episodes. The villains of the series are effective in making the viewers annoyed.
The cinematography was good, and the production design was well thought out. Moreover, the original soundtracks helped build the mood depending on the scene of the episodes.
With that said, despite not being flawless, the bold and fresh take this series presents amid other Korean dramas of the same genre is commendable.
Get to know how justice is served in the military court. All episodes of Military Prosecutor Doberman is available for streaming on Viu.
Photos: tvN
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