Signal Review: A Time-Defying Thriller That Redefines Crime Dramas

Title: Signal

Episodes: 16

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Mystery

Main Cast: Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, Cho Jin-woong

Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video 

Image Credit: Wikipedia

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What if you could solve crimes from the past by communicating across time? Signal is a brilliantly crafted thriller that connects two detectives from different eras through a mysterious walkie-talkie. As they work together to solve long-forgotten cases, the drama delivers intense suspense, emotional storytelling, and powerful commentary on justice and regret, making it one of the most unforgettable crime K-dramas ever made.

“Signal” is a South Korean television series aired on tvN from January 22, 2016, to March 12, 2016. Written by Kim Eun-hee and directed by Kim Won-seok, this crime thriller is available to watch on Netflix and other streaming platforms.

Plot Summary 

In 2015, criminal profiler Park Hae-young discovers a mysterious walkie-talkie that has been discarded. The walkie-talkie connects to the past, allowing Hae-young to communicate with Lee Jae-han, who is a detective living in the years 1989 to 2000. 

With Jae-han's assistance, Hae-young successfully solves a 15-year-old kidnapping case that involved a former classmate as the victim. This accomplishment leads to the establishment of the Seoul Cold Case Team, with Detective Cha Soo-hyun as the leader. The team consists of Hae-young, Police Officer Kim Gye-chul, and Forensic Scientist Jung Han-ki. 

Soo-hyun is the first female police officer in the special task force and has spent 15 years searching for Jae-han, her mentor and unrequited love, who went missing. With Jae-han's assistance from the 1990s, Hae-young resolves other cold cases that remained unsolved for years and becomes involved in the mystery surrounding Jae-han's disappearance in 2000. 

As the two men collaborate across different time periods to apprehend criminals, their actions often result in unintended consequences in the present. For example, if they saved a life in the past, it may result in someone else's death in the present. This forces them to consider the implications and costs of altering history. 

The story gradually reveals a deep-seated conspiracy that involves high-ranking police officials and politicians. It ultimately uncovers that Hae-young's family tragedy is connected to the corruption that Jae-han was investigating. 

Hae-young's older brother, Park Sun-woo, was convicted in a high school gang rape case and died by suicide after his release. When Jae-han investigates the case, a shocking truth involving police superintendent Kim Bum-joo and section chief Ahn Chi-soo is revealed following Jae-han's mysterious disappearance.

My Thoughts 

Signal is a high-stakes crime thriller where a walkie-talkie connects two detectives across time to solve cold cases. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece due to its complex narrative structure and profound thematic depth. The past and present are visually distinguished through cinematography to evoke nostalgia and realism. 

The main leads, Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, and Cho Jin-woong, delivered outstanding performances, while the supporting cast also did commendable work. The series revolves around the growth and interconnectedness of its central trio. 

Jae-han's stubbornness and sense of duty define the show's moral compass. Hae-young's journey from a police-hating profiler to a man who finds faith in justice is a key emotional arc. Soo-hyun's transformation from a timid rookie to a hardened team leader showcases her growth and enduring nature. 

A central theme is the consequence of changing the past, while the recurring motto, "There is hope as long as you do not give up," captures the characters' relentless pursuit of justice despite overwhelming odds. The drama's cases are heavily based on notorious South Korean cold cases, which serve as a biting critique of the police force and the legal system. 

The show ends with an open-ended cliffhanger, which is likely to be resolved in the second season that is currently in production. This series kept me on the edge of my seat with its captivating storytelling, and I highly recommend it to fans of crime thrillers.

Signal is more than just a mystery drama; it’s an emotional and thought-provoking journey about justice, fate, and the impact of choices. With its gripping storyline, outstanding performances, and unforgettable tension, this drama keeps viewers hooked until the very end. If you love intelligent thrillers that stay with you long after watching, Signal is an absolute must-watch.

Have you seen Signal yet? Share your thoughts on the story. I welcome your ideas! Comment below with any topics you’d like me to write about. 

Fan of Sci-Fi thrillers? Check out my review of Mouse.

My Rating: 8/10 

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