The Uncanny Counter is a webtoon adaptation of Amazing Rumour by Jang Yi. I watched it on a whim and this is on the list of favorite Kdramas I have watched this year. And I have watched a lot this year!
SYNOPSIS | The Uncanny Counter
In the fictional city of Jungjin, a group of four demon-hunters called the Counters bear the arduous task of searching for and banishing evil spirits that escape from the afterlife to gain immortality. These evil spirits possess local human hosts who have committed murder or have a strong desire to murder, encourage their host’s desire to kill, and consume the victim’s spirit. The Counters were once in a coma when a partnering spirit from Yung, the boundary between the afterlife and the world of the living, possess them and give them perfectly healthy bodies and consciousness along with superhuman strength and supernatural abilities. Three of the Counters—Ga Mo-tak, Do Ha-na and Choo Mae-ok —pose as workers in Eonni’s Noodles, a noodle restaurant that serves as their hideout.
One day, the fourth Counter Jang Cheol-Joong is killed in a battle against a strong “Level 3” evil spirit. As his spirit gets consumed by his killer, his Yung partner Wi-gen (Moon Sook) struggles to find a new comatose human to possess. Uncannily, she is quickly drawn towards high school boy So Mun who, despite being disabled, is nevertheless perfectly healthy and alive. As soon as Wi-gen possessed him, the unknowing Mun starts noticing bizarre changes to his body and starts seeing Wi-gen in his dreams. Soon, Mun finds the answers in Eonni’s Noodles, and as he becomes the replacement to the late Cheol-Joong, he finds himself in a thrilling journey of battling against bloodthirsty demons, reconnecting to his past, and uncovering the ugly truth behind a major redevelopment project in Jungjin.
THOUGHTS| The Uncanny Counter
WORLD BUILDING
Kdramas have a very distinct way of world-building where at least one or two characters have interconnecting backstories. I have seen it happen so many times that I am almost always guessing who it will be. This show applies the same formulae but in a way that doesn’t ruin the entertainment level. I feel this added more to the intrigue and of course the plot of the story. Moreover, I love the existence of the territory and how the counters are chosen.
Also, there is this particular scene where they are going through archives in the other world. It reminded me a lot of the book named “The Archived” by Victoria Schwab.
ACTION PACKED
This show is full of action. Besides a ton of good fighting scenes, the superpowers were quite distinct. Also, I liked how it all combines to help them fight “evil” as a team. In other words, The fighting scenes were enjoyable enough to not skip them like I usually do with action scenes.
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Personally, the special effects make the uncanny counter stand out to me the most. It was at par with any Hollywood sci-fi or fantasy movie I have watched. Another drama that might appeal to the same audience as this was Rugal. Precisely, for it is equally action-packed with characters having a superhero ability.
THE UNCANNY COUNTER
The characters were distinct. They added to the emotional and light moments throughout the show. So-Mun aka the main character is disabled before he received his superpowers and the character is portrayed extremely well. I also love the friendship dynamics that were featured with his school friends. He is gifted the ability of super speed and most importantly to summon the territory at will that helps in fighting the evil. Choo Mae-ok, the show’s young female character, can read people’s memory and has some cool fighting scenes. Do Ha Na, the older female character has the power to heal which was portrayed so well with all its limitations. Ga Moh-Tak is amnesic and an ex-cop. The show mainly relies on the backstory of this character along with So – Mun’s parents. Although, his mini love story was exceptionally emotional.
RATING : 4.5/5.0
Overall. The Uncanny Counter was beautifully executed with regards to its magic system and world-building combined with the right amount of emotional drama. The fantasy element was quite new even though the good vs evil trope is done way too many times in this particular genre. I was thoroughly entertained and would love to see another season.
DETAILS
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Horror
No. Of Episodes: 16
Year Published: 2020
Where to Watch: Netflix