Big Mouth is the perfect example of a classic thriller. The increasingly high ratings for all the episodes indicate just how riveting the show is. Sadly, where one would expect it to end with a bang, it concludes with more of a fizzle. The story follows Park Chang-ho, an incompetent lawyer with a less than 10% success rate, who gets dragged into a murder case.
Soon, he finds himself framed as the famous con man Big Mouse and must work to clear his name. Along the way, he is forced to deal with corrupt policemen, brutal prison mates, and a group of rich, powerful men belonging to a group known as the NR Forum. Conspiracies, backstabbing, secret laboratories — Big Mouth has everything.
Most of the show is written really well in that it keeps you wanting to move to the next episode. The plot is fast-paced, gripping and ticks all the thriller check-boxes. There are twists and turns, alliances and political games, and a realistic look at how hierarchies and power structures work. Packed with suspense, the moments of revelation are some of the show’s best scenes.
If you’re looking for intrigue and shock, then Big Mouth has it for you. A special shout out to the romance, which is subtle but powerful. Even with minimal focus on romance, Chang-ho and his wife Mi-ho come across as an astounding power couple. Their bond and the strength of their relationship are what keep viewers rooting for them throughout the show.
Mi-ho is as much of a protagonist as Chang-ho and seeing her step up and take charge is gratifying. The set design and costumes are great. While Chang-ho spends a lot of the first half in prison, the latter half makes up for it by putting Lee Jong-suk in sleek coats and snazzy suits. A shout out to the background music and sound too, which is effectively used to ramp up the thriller vibe.
The show addresses several themes including law and order, revenge, and the inequalities between the rich and the poor. It translates the issues of a big city to the screen — from flawed prison systems to dirty politics. The speedily moving story and multiple character dynamics keep you glued to the screen.
However, the focus on plot does mean that the chosen themes and ideas in the show aren’t explored as deeply as they could have been. There is a missed opportunity here, to send a stronger message or social commentary. Nevertheless, the web of people, companies and secrets, backed by a setting like Gucheon, is a delicious combination.
Similarly, the show has a wide range of unique and fascinating characters, but a further look into backstories and motivations would have benefitted them and the overall show. The women in this show are well written and portray various levels of badass, which is a pleasure to watch.
Unfortunately, none of them gets their due at the end. Which brings us to the show’s last two episodes. So is Big Mouth still worth watching? Absolutely. Watching Lee Jong-suk and Im Yoon-ah is a treat as they both show a wide range of acting skills. And the first fourteen episodes do take you on an exciting rollercoaster ride. Just prepare yourself for an anti-climactic ending.
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