60 Il, Jijeongsaengjonja

I binge watched the entire series on Netflix, and repeat what is often stated in these reviews: the Korean version blows the American version away. For one thing they keep this clean and wholesome. A couple of bloody scenes, but at least it doesn't throw all decency out the window like the 3rd season of the American version.

This series is all about a non-politician with a sense of morality and ethics being put in the nation's most powerful position. That is better done if the series itself has a sense of morality and ethics (both of which is lacking in the American version). The more I watch Korean drama, the more I realize how good they are at building characters, portraying stories, and getting to the heart of a drama.

This series reminds me of West Wing (though thankfully, much slower paced. West Wing made my brain bleed.) The story here is excellent, the plot twists regular and unexpected. I did have it "figured out" early in the series (which is unusual for me. I'm no Sherlock Holmes.) But other than that this had a great plot, good story line, and terrific acting, directing, music and sets.

And just so it's said... it is so refreshing to see a series about a person who is honest, has integrity, morality and insists on doing what is right. How rare is that these days? All through this series I couldn't help but look at the main character and think, "This guy could play the Korean 'Superman'." Seriously, he has Clark Kent written all over him. ;D

That aside, this is just plain good television. Doesn't get much better.

Comparisons with the American version are inevitable. The answer: This Korean version exceeds expectations and is so much better in many respects.

The protagonist is really an inexperienced - but smart and principled - outsider, not a Superman unconvincingly masquerading as a Clark Kent. The NIS agent is believable in her capabilities and conduct, not some supermodel-like super-cop. And the plot, while equally fanciful, is a bit less fantastical and thus more plausible.

That plot, combined with good acting and writing, is what makes this series a strong one. The political intrigues here are much more interesting, given the backdrop of the Korean Peninsula. With so much at stake and only 60 days, there is a tighter focus in storytelling that makes this "Designated Survivor" quite engrossing.

As a fan of political dramas, I enjoyed this aspect of the series. If you do not, then there is still the conspiracy angle to sink your teeth into. Unfortunately, the latter is not as well developed as the former, and takes much longer to get going. Fortunately, when it does pick up, this part of the series is still engaging enough to hold your attention.

My other minor complaint is that some of the characters are a bit of a caricature and disappointingly takes away from the realism. And that is the main downside of the series. Given the generally smart storytelling, I'm not sure why this happened. Still, a very good drama.

I won't compare this series with the original one, but all I could say is that Designated Survivor: 60 days has been successfully executing the plot SO DAMN WELL!! The moment I decided to watch this was because I saw this series on my Netflix recommendation, I heard about the original one, but haven't decided to watch it, so I think I'll give this one a shot first. And if you find reviews saying "Designated Survivor: 60 Days is SO DAMN GOOD" well, they're not sugarcoating it! I had an extremely high expectation when I was about to start watching the first episode since I know what event will create the butterfly effect, yet, the first episode successfully made everyone who watches it shocked by how high this episode topped everyone's expectation BEYOND what they could imagine!

continuing to the second episode, it's only fair for me to tell you that the first episode was a great warm up for a roller coaster of emotions that you will experience in the second episode!

and I'd say it's been a while since K-Drama has such a nice plot, greatly executed, and wonderful underrated actors with splendid performances!

ah! and make sure to prepare some tissues with you, you'll thank me later!

Every consecutive episode this series getting much better.

The plot is thick and full of twists and turns. The actor who plays president is so good. This show exhibits extremely clever writing, loads of action, and tear-jerking moments. My favorite character in the U.S. version is Kimble Hookstraten. The Korean equivalent of her is the leader of the opposition party (Korea has a different government structure) and she is a main character with so many layers. What a treat! It was tough having to read subtitles while trying to appreciate the acting but you eventually get used it.