Mr. Plankton is an ambitious South Korean drama that blends elements of romance, comedy, and road trip adventure with a deep dive into existential themes. At its core, the series follows Hae-jo, played by Woo, a man who operates an errands business that offers a wide range of services, catering to an eclectic group of clients. One of his more unusual assignments comes from a loan shark who hires him to kidnap her on her wedding day. The bride, Jae-mi, is set to marry a flamboyant gangster, but Hae-jo, crashing the ceremony on a motorbike, disrupts the event in spectacular fashion. The unpredictability of Hae-jo’s actions surprises not only the bride but also the wedding guests, setting the tone for a series filled with unexpected twists.
Hae-jo’s unpredictability is a central theme of the show. His business partner, who idolizes him, frequently mentions that Hae-jo never has a plan because he doesn’t need one—his erratic nature is his guiding force. Hae-jo's freewheeling exterior conceals a devastating secret: a rare vascular condition diagnosis has left him with only three months to live. Rather than sharing this news with those around him, Hae-jo chooses to bear the weight alone, maintaining a calm, almost indifferent demeanor.
The familial abandonment and strained relationships thread throughout the series, adding layers of complexity to the characters. Hae-jo’s ex-girlfriend, Jae-mi, finds herself in the center of his whirlwind again as he learns about her fake pregnancy and impulsively decides to kidnap her once more, pulling her into his quest to find his estranged father. Reluctantly, Jae-mi joins Hae-jo on this journey, even though she is resistant to his chaotic plans. As they travel across the picturesque Korean countryside, several forces attempt to track them down—most notably the furious gangster, still smarting from his bride being snatched away, and Eo-heung, a character with his own desperate agenda tied to Jae-mi.
While the show provides plenty of action and comedic moments as Hae-jo and Jae-mi navigate the road together, it struggles with its narrative cohesion. The series lacks a clear starting point, making it difficult for the audience to latch onto the story's direction from the outset. Hae-jo and Jae-mi embody familiar K-drama archetypes, yet their character development often feels superficial, leaving viewers wanting more substance. Instead of showcasing the characters' growth through their interactions and decisions, the show assumes we understand them without sufficient groundwork, leading to an emotional disconnect.
One of the series’ main shortcomings is the lack of chemistry between the leads. Woo’s portrayal of Hae-jo comes off as too distant, while Lee, who plays Jae-mi, appears out of sync with the rest of the ensemble, giving the sense that they are in different shows entirely. This disconnect makes it hard to invest in their journey fully, both individually and as a pair. The acting feels forced and unwanted.
Despite its ambitious premise, Mr. Plankton falters in execution. The show offers a mix of comedy, action, and philosophical musings but lacks the cohesion and emotional depth needed to make it truly impactful. While it’s streaming on Netflix and will undoubtedly find an audience, it may leave many viewers feeling adrift, much like its titular plankton in the vast ocean.
Final Score- [4/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times