If you’ve watched Red Swan’s trailer before starting the show then I'd like to comment that the trailer draws a false image of the series. It rather appears bland when in reality there are a lot of twists and turns. A lot of things have been mixed and with so much going on simultaneously, I'm unsure if the writers will be able to find their footing. There's the ISIS attack, evil in-laws, a despicable husband, and a very hot bodyguard. The question that which subplot will flourish and which one will be pushed to the sidelines.
As the female lead, Red Swan has Kim Ha-neul. She's a famous pro golf player and retired from the game before her wedding, after winning many accolades all across the globe. Being married into a rich family has its pros and cons and it looks like that our poor FL has to bear the latter ones more. She's doing a lot of charity for the underprivileged and is also the Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF. She saved a girl from ISIS and is now the target of the same criminal organization.
While she was in Manila, Philippines the group targeted her and the sniper blew up the whole market. The woman, Oh Wansoo, was saved in the nick of time by Seo Do-yoon (played by Rain). He was coincidentally present in the same location and rescued her life. Coming to ML’s life, he was present in Manila to look for his best friend's killer.
The story unfolds as we're made aware of the various toxic sides of Oh Wansoo’s in-laws. Her mother-in-law is equivalent to a monster who likes to throw fits when desirable things don't happen. Running a successful foundation put Oh Wansoo on the global map and using her charity, the Chairwoman wants to launder or bribe money. It's not exactly told what the money is being used for but it sure is for illegal things. The FL has never enjoyed successful relations in her life, for example, her mother used her daughter as a bank, her husband who is cheating on her, and even her brother who never had her support.
If you say that she hasn't had a taste of real relationships in life then there's no doubt about it. Looking at how Oh Wansoo asks her bodyguard to sleep with her and he doesn't agree to it, it's difficult to see them sharing any romantic relationship in the future. In all, the series has a great cast and I'm all in to watch how the series unfolds and juggles between the traps it has laid for itself. The ML is handsome and I'm eagerly waiting to watch the chemistry flourish between him and the FL.
The audience should also be hopeful about the writers not messing up with the plot. With lavish sets being used and a great two-episode premise, Red Swan has a lot to accomplish. The hidden ISIS angle too is yet to unfold.
Final Score – [7.5/10]
Reviewed by - Riya Singh
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Publisher at Midgard Times