Considering its dozen-episode run, Times faltered past the middle point of the series. A bit disappointing because its plot has initially a lot of promise.
Nevertheless, we still get some lessons learned from the perspective of the characters working to uphold justice and the villains who are dishearteningly hopeless in choosing power and greed.
- Main Cast: Lee Seo Jin | Lee Joo Young | Kim Young Chul
- Streaming Site: abbyinhallyuland watched Times on iQIYI
- Thrill/Addictive Meter:
- Overall Rating:
- Rewatch Value:
- K-Dramas of Similar Vibe: Nine Times Travel | Kairos |
Times Quick Plot Summary
In 2015, Seo Jung-in (Lee Joo Young) connects to Lee Jin-woo (Lee Seo Jin) who lives in 2020. Through her impossible request, they were able to save her father Seo Gi-tae (Kim Young Chul) a presidential candidate. Later though, the two unearthed a bribery case that caused Jin-woo’s brother’s demise which is connected to Seo Gi-tae and his underlings.
By tipping clues to their selves, they were able to outsmart their cunning opponents. However, when Jin-woo learns of the conspiracy about his brother’s death, his trust in Seo Gi-tae wavered and he goals to be on equal footing to avenge his brother’s fate. It, unfortunately, leads to Jung-in’s death. Thankfully, he was able to rewrite it by again tipping his 2015 self and saving Jung-in who died in the process of helping him.
But, his sacrifice and truce with Seo Gi-tae turn out to be not worthy as the president runs a hopeless covetous nature that won’t even listen to his daughter’s plead.
Times Series Afterthoughts
I struggled to delineate the peak points of Times because its fiery opening dwindled as the story progressed. Typically, I would decide to give up on the series and move on, but there’s a tinge of hope for me that I will be given a gratifying ending.
It was a case of never-ending plot twists overwhelming the narrative leading to a confusing state of distinguishing what the story is fighting for. Times threads an interesting story but it lost charm because of its problematic plot and aimless direction.
We started supporting Jung-in in her mission to save her father. It went awry because of Jin-woo’s brother’s death’s involvement. Then, it circled to the power struggle involving the heroes and villains.
Unsustained Plot Momentum
Armed with a no-fear gene, the series keeps piling conflicts when it has not sealed the initial ones. But out of the effort and hope for what Jung-in and Jin-woo fight for, you’d want to see through its ending.
Was the closure fitting? Fortunately, it was. Pulling off a decisive challenge of how online news media can stand for the truth which the bigger media company can’t do out of rooted connection to the government. But yes, it was presented in a cramped less than 30 minutes picture.
Jung-in’s initial mission to save her father’s life transformed into a kind of saving that does not involve death but greatly affects his life as an ambitious politician. She chooses to defy her father and stands up for the truth
Simplifying the storytelling down the second half of the series would have been nice especially since the complicated time-warm element propelled the initial hook of Times. The ending scene suggests a possibility of another season. Hopefully, it will be sweeter.
Photos: OCN
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