Chief Detective 1958: Episodes 9-10 (Final)
by lovepark
The prequel to the decades-long series comes to a boisterous finale filled with nostalgic callbacks and a strong sense of justice. From beginning to end, the show maintained its zippy pace and wacky tone. While superficial on some level, Chief Detective 1958 always portrayed itself as a more fun than serious affair, and judging on that metric, I think the drama delivered a satisfying conclusion.
EPISODES 9-10
The last two episodes of Chief Detective breaks its mold a bit by devoting both hours to one case. Foreshadowed in previous weeks, we finally delve into the four notorious scions — a group of depraved womanizers drunk on their daddies’ power. Their infamy is widespread in the police department, but their luck runs out when their debauchery catches the attention of unit one. For months, women at a factory have gone missing, and though a friend of Officer Bong reported it a while ago, unit two dismissed it as mere runaways.
As expected, the four scions are behind the disappearances, but their usual bravado means nothing in the face of our incorruptible heroes. Alas, without evidence, arrests are useless since Superintendent Baek releases them immediately. However, the case turns grave when the latest missing person is found dead at the bottom of a mountain. Signs of violence, both physical and sexual, are apparent on the victim, and all clues point towards the obvious culprits.
In hopes of finding undeniable proof of the scions’ sins, Young-han and his crew head over to their usual spot, Mokryeongak: a place where the rich and powerful rub elbows while drinking and reveling in more carnal pleasures. The owner greets them with a smile and a rehearsed lie, but when one of her employees vouches for their integrity, her tune changes. She reveals the truth about the scions’ revolting behavior and asks the detectives to fulfill her dreams of revenge.
Just as our heroes make some progress with the case, an unexpected hitch occurs. Due to Young-han’s meddling, unease spreads amongst the scions, and like all relationships built on greed and exploitation, they quickly turn on each other and vie for control. Of the four, the youngest seems out of place with his glasses and meek persona, but these are simply a mask to hide his true, twisted nature. After causing a scene with his hyungs who blame him for their predicament, Glasses orchestrates an accident to murder the others, but unfortunately for him, one of them survives the crash.
At first, Young-han assumes it was divine punishment, but it seems odd to him that the worst of the bunch was miraculously absent. When it dawns on him that Glasses is the mastermind, he realizes that the surviving member is in danger, so he places Officer Nam (one of the detectives who joins unit one later in the original series) undercover to keep an eye on their witness. The bad guys are predictable as always, but thankfully, Young-han and his team are ready when Glasses swoops in to finish the job. With some blanket rope and brute strength, Young-han crashes into the hospital room and arrests the culprit in the nick of time.
Thanks to their efforts, our heroes learn from the surviving member that Glasses is the killer, but despite nearly dying twice, he still won’t testify in court. With this, the team hits another dead end until Officer Bong comes to the rescue. Investigating on her own, she found the other missing women and set up a meeting for Young-han. Like the surviving member, the victims refuse to testify for fear of retaliation, but when they read a note from the murdered colleague’s mother, they agree to help. However, one of the victims tells Young-han that the superintendent threatened to kill her if she ever reported the incident, so our hero promises to put everyone behind bars, including his boss.
Beyond the typical bribes and blind eyes, Superintendent Baek took things too far this time by actively helping the scions dispose of the dead body in exchange for ousting the deputy director from his seat. He even covered up the crash as an accident, but his partnership with Glasses is short-lived since Superintendent Baek has no desire to fall with his bumbling accomplice. Instead, he goes directly to the dad to strike a deal, but as the saying goes, there’s no honor among thieves.
A chain reaction of backstabs leads to a shootout in the middle of a cathedral, and though the superintendent and his lackey are severely outnumbered, they easily hold back their foes. By the time unit one arrives on the scene — thanks to Officer Nam witnessing the lackey kidnap the surviving member — both sides are at a standstill. In a strange turn of events, unit two joins the fight, assisting Young-han’s team with evacuating bystanders, which allows our heroes to chase after their targets.
Sang-soon and Kyung-hwan team up to fight the lackey whom they’ve had beef with since his introduction, and with their combined effort, they manage to take him down after a few stabs and cuts. To even things out, Sang-soon bites his ear for good measure, making sure the lackey will remember the mad dog and brown bear for years to come. As for Young-han, he chases after the superintendent who takes a pregnant woman as a hostage, and the parallels between this situation and the one from his soldier days aren’t lost on either of them. Like the past, Young-han refuses to let harm befall a civilian, and the superintendent laughs at his naivety.
As Young-han lowers his gun and kicks it towards the superintendent, Ho-jung jumps from the shadows on his leader’s command and knocks him off guard. His surprise attack gives the hostage enough time to escape, but the superintendent is unfazed by the tackle and pommels the younger officer. He then shoots Young-han in the shoulder, but when he tries to finish them off, he runs out of ammo. This hinderance hardly poses a problem for the superintendent who resorts to his fists, and for a moment, he overpowers the two detectives. However, Young-han manages to grab his discarded gun, and in the face of a loaded barrel, the superintendent knows defeat when he sees it.
The surviving member, lackey, and Glasses all end up in jail ready to face their punishments, and as for Superintendent Baek, we see him right before his execution, leaving this world without any last words. As news of their fates hits the airwaves, everyone at the police station celebrates their victory, but amidst the cheers, the camera pans down to an article about President Park Chung-hee (the controversial military dictator) and Young-han sheds a tear. Not very subtle with the dig, but the show has always been heavy-headed with its social commentary.
In the grand scheme of things, our heroes feel the weight of their losses more than their successes since the world never seems to change, but Hye-joo reminds her husband of all the good he accomplished and the potential victims he saved. It’s enough motivation to keep our detectives moving forward — plus it doesn’t hurt that the new superintendent is now Chief Yoo, which means unit one needs a new leader. Donning his iconic trench coat and playing the classic bgm, Young-han steps into his role as chief detective, but before they can party, duty calls.
The show then jumps to the present, and just as it started with the original chief detective, it ends with him, too. After visiting some reformed criminals he once arrested, Young-han makes the journey to a cemetery where his old friends lay to rest. He places a flower on each of their graves, and there’s something extra poignant about this scene knowing that actor Choi Bool-am is the last surviving cast member. He gives them all a salute and then waves goodbye.
Each member of unit one gets a quick montage, and watching these highlights, I’m reminded again of the show’s charm. Absurd and wild, Chief Detective 1958 may not have been groundbreaking, but it was definitely entertaining. The clear black-and-white approach to justice created a fast pace that allowed the show to cover an array of topics and historical events. In place of depth, it chose breadth, yet the lack of nuance didn’t bother me because of the show’s deliberate choice to prioritize variety. It never presented itself as something more, which set expectations right out of the gate.
As a result, even some of the more unbelievable coincidences and situations this week made me chuckle rather than sigh because how can things get more ridiculous than a detective dropping a bag of snakes in a room of gangsters or a newbie officer throwing a stick of dynamite under his boss’s car on the first day of work? Maybe Officer Nam is simply the fastest biker in the world or the lackey is the slowest driver. Heck, if unit two can experience a change of heart in the last hour, anything is possible! Granted, that last one did irk me a little for how it was handled (I kept expecting them to betray the chief somehow), but it’s a minor complaint that, in all honesty, the show is riddled with if you look too closely.
While I would never describe Chief Detective 1958 as a masterpiece, I think there’s a time and place for everything, and in this case, this drama came to me at the right moment. In fact, knowing some of the political climate in Korea and the current image of MBC probably gave the show more grace than it deserved, but I’ve always had a soft spot for underdog tales, especially ones that tackle a corrupt society and government. In the end, the show was an homage to a classic series, but rather than be burdened by the prominence of the original, the prequel paved its own way with a clear message. The world may not have changed much from 1958 and the problems of the past are still relevant to today, but hopefully people like Young-han, Sang-soon, Kyung-hwan, Ho-jung, and Chief Yoo exist in the world somewhere, fighting for justice in their little corners and making a difference one life at a time.
RELATED POSTS
- Premiere Watch: Chief Detective 1958
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- Lee Je-hoon
- Lee Dong-hwi
Tags: Chief Detective 1958, Choi Woo-sung, Lee Dong-hwi, Lee Je-hoon, Seo Eun-soo, Yoon Hyun-soo
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1 Procrasti-NationFirstCitizen
May 19, 2024 at 6:49 PM
Why are good dramas like this only 10 episodes? Then you have others, (looking at you QoT!) that end up using too many fillers and annoying side plots just to drag on for 16. Yes, this felt a bit rushed in places, but like a good guest, better to leave viewers wanting more than overstay one's welcome! Hoping against hope that the makers or tv stations greenlight a s2 for Chief Inspector.
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🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
May 20, 2024 at 2:05 AM
I kept on thinking that the introduction of the grandson meant that we would have a present day sequel. In the end I'm not sure what was the purpose of his introduction except perhaps to give Lee Je-hoon screen time with Choi Bool-am.
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Islander north
May 27, 2024 at 11:40 AM
A sequel? I can think of several sequals, loved this drama!
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🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
May 27, 2024 at 11:47 AM
🤞👏 yes please.
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2 peiyeelai
May 19, 2024 at 7:23 PM
The wrong show to have only 10 episodes. I wish there were 12 or 14 episodes, instead; so that we can have crime-busting adventures. On the plus side, I am glad that this drama doesn't have any time extensions like QoT.
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3 ys
May 19, 2024 at 8:54 PM
As a big fan of Lee Jehoon, there was no way I would miss this and no way I wouldn’t love it. I didn’t know it would end at ep10, but I’m kind of glad that it wasn’t a full-sized series. Lee Jehoon leans into camp and cutesy any chance he gets, and this director put no restraints on him. It made me worry that watchers who don’t know his work will think he’s a bad actor.
I loved that the closing credits (after the main players montage) of the final episode featured the excellent supporting actors, especially the villains. What an amazing cast.
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🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
May 25, 2024 at 12:35 PM
😅 Your concern about LJH coming across as a "bad actor" especially in view of his OTT antics as the cow thief catcher are absolutely valid. I put it down to the extreme youth and brashness of the character. After marriage Young-han really mellowed down quite a lot. LJH did take one's breath away in certain scenes which were a far cry from his campy antics. You're right he needs a PD to guide him to stay off the camp but IMO it went well with the initial arc of the character.
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🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
May 25, 2024 at 12:49 PM
The first screencap in this recap which the last of we of Unit One is a prime example of LJH's unnecessary OTT antics. While everybody is smiling widely he seems to have dialed it up by several notches. We fans recognize and at times even appreciate this. But a new viewer could not be blamed if they found this bewildering, as if he knows or is reacting to a secret other don't know about.
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Aubs Hunt
June 5, 2024 at 4:41 PM
I have literally been looking for this exact commentary! I have limited exposure to Lee Je hoon but I was really impressed with him before and sought out this series to see more of him. I was confused if I was suddenly finding him to be corny or if he was just really leaning into to the tone of the show. I feel reassured haha!
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ys
June 5, 2024 at 6:52 PM
Really we need to tell everyone that this is not how Lee Jehoon really is! He needs firm direction in comedic scenes—maybe especially in comedic scenes. We can see in behind-the scenes clips from various shows that he loves clowning around and he thinks he’s wayyy funnier than he actually is (which is adorable to us fans). So if he doesn’t get pushback from the director, he will do his aegyo bombing and turn off many new, potential fans. I’m so glad you came to the comments with an open mind!
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4 Bunny Sonaki
May 19, 2024 at 9:13 PM
I thought that old Young-han said that Ho-jung visits him from time to time when he was at the cemetery. Did I get it wrong?
I hoped for a reunion of sorts between our quartet after they got old. But I understand the drama's decision to make Young-han the only surviving one esp. because of the original series.
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5 Kurama
May 20, 2024 at 1:05 AM
I think this show availed itself of the original serie.
This show was nice but nothing special.
They didn't really developped the themes they adressed neither their characters. So for me, it lacked of heart, I didn't feel anything more than sympathy for the characters. The era is a trouble one but the stories didn't make me feel the injustice like in other dramas.
My favorite part was Lee Dong-Hwi. He was really good in this role.
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Islander north
May 27, 2024 at 11:56 AM
Lee Dog-Hwi; yes, loved him in this role.
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6 Kafiyah Bello
May 20, 2024 at 3:47 AM
This was such a bittersweet ending of him at the graveyard. All in all it was a hopeful series and sometimes that is just what you need.
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ys
May 20, 2024 at 10:48 AM
When harabeoji Younghan closed his eyes sitting at the cemetery I shuddered, thinking the show is ending with him passing away there!
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7 Scottie
May 20, 2024 at 6:37 AM
This was a wonderful, tongue-in-cheek nod to old detective dramas. I loved how the historical background and social norms were very much present, but never overbearing or annoying. The ending in the graveyard was very moving and just perfect. The whole cast was amazing, not just Lee Ji-hoon.
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8 Annie
May 20, 2024 at 9:21 AM
Love this cute little drama and when I realized episode 10 was the last, I was very sad.
I also loved all of Lee Je-hoon's expressions in the role of the grandson, I'd like to see him in a drama where he has that type of personality.
I wondered why they didn't enlist the help of the fathers of the two dead scions, in order to punish the killer, even if they probably wouldn't have wanted their sons' depravity to become public knowledge.
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9 pliplipli
May 20, 2024 at 11:56 AM
the ending was really sweet not only as a nod to the original series having its main actor there. but also as a tribute to the actors who worked in the original and have already passed away. choi bool am speech was not only our chief detective talking with his old team, but also the actor himself talking with his co-stars from back then.
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🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
May 25, 2024 at 12:25 PM
It was a unique and very touching scene. A heartfelt tribute.
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10 🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
May 25, 2024 at 12:24 PM
Thank you for the recap. You have beautifully analyzed the strengths of the drama.
All in all the drama did well within its limitations and the brilliant actors covered up most of the narrative hiccups.
I am more than satisfied with the drama and the ending was a wonderful tribute. The two thugs from the original drama coming and having a meal with the retired Chief Inspector and the last scene remembering all the original cast members was very poignant.
While having Lee Je-hoon share screen space with Choi Bool Am was a good idea, I'm not sure what was the significance of the grandson's role apart from the fact perhaps that the legacy would continue.
I liked all members of uri Unit One. Even the new entrant Officer Nam. I will happily watch a sequel with a continuation of the series with these characters. Or even a series with the grandson. Infact I was hoping that the grandson would consult and be guided by the OG Chief Inspector in solving crimes. Now that is a drama I would eagerly watch.
I liked Young-han's love story. Marriage really suited Young-han and the "glow-up" he got in episode 6 took my breath away - post-marital bliss anyone!?
I had hoped we would get to see Kyung-hwan's love story with the girl with whom he wanted to go see the birds in episode 1. We didn't get to see any romantic involvement of any other member of Unit One but then they were too busy and there were only 10 episodes. 😅 Ho-jeong crying bitterly at Young-han's wedding and his sucked lemon face at any mention or glimpse of Eun-soo were hilarious. I have a sneaking suspicion that Officer Nam and Nan-sil will eventually get together. Perhaps the viewers of the original drama would know.
I was glad that all members of Unit One not only had a clear character arc but also were at a better place from where they were when we initially met them.
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