Netflix ‘Doctor Slump’ Episode 1 Review - When the Doctor Needs a Doctor

Both Nam Ha-neul (Park Shin-hye) and Yeo Jeong-woo (Park Hyung-sik) are top students. They are so intelligent they become rivals. They have different personalities and different ways of living life. Ha-neul prefers her own company, while Jeong-woo has friends. She was born to study; he was born to be famous. Jeong-woo celebrates his "top student" achievement by clicking his pictures. Ha-neul, on the other hand, continues to solve more math problems. These two choose the same professional field (medical) but have different designations. Ha-neul becomes an anesthesiologist, and Jeong-woo becomes a plastic surgeon. Their paths cross when they reach the lowest point of their life, their career.

Doctor Slump opens with an accident, leading us to believe that a certain character is dead. The series then goes back in time to reveal the whole picture. We see how studious Ha-neul is and what this does to her. We also see how outgoing, and successful Jeong-woo is and what this does to him. Other doctors are clearly jealous of Jeong-woo's status. He not only has many followers on his NeoTube channel but is also given a prestigious award. During a medical procedure, something terrible happens, and Jeong-woo suddenly becomes a villain. I suspect one of his colleagues is responsible for the unfortunate incident (my bet is on that man who checks the eyes of the patient).

Meanwhile, Ha-neul receives harsh treatment from her boss (his office is gloomy, almost lifeless). She is so absorbed in her job that she never relaxes. We don't even see her hanging out with her friends. Hence, we are not surprised when we learn that she is depressed. Ha-neul, of course, rejects the diagnosis at first. "How can I be depressed?" she asks the doctor. Notice the scene where she screams, "I am fine!" You will find a group of people laughing together behind her. It visually becomes apparent what's missing from her stressed-out existence.

Shin-hye and Hyung-sik look good together. As soon as you see their characters, you get this feeling that they should be a couple. Their competitiveness is charming - it makes them more adorable. The first episode, like Shin-hye and Hyung-sik, is pleasing, and beautiful. It's a treat for sore eyes, and I hope the upcoming episodes, too, remain enjoyable.

Final Score- [7.5/10]
Reviewed by - Vikas Yadav
Follow @vikasonorous on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times