My Thoughts on "The First Responders 2" That Improves a Lot, But Also Disappoints a Lot

The First Responders 2 is a drama that follows the lives and work of the first responders in Taewon City, who deal with various emergencies and crimes. The drama is a sequel to the first season, which was mainly about fire-related cases. The second season expands the genre of the drama to include other types of emergencies and crimes. 

The change of focus from fire to other emergencies

The first season of The First Responders was mainly about fire-related cases, which made the drama exciting and intense. But the second season reminds me that the drama is not called “Fire Responders”, but “First Responders”, meaning that the characters have to deal with various kinds of emergencies and crimes, not just fire. 

I think this is a good way to expand the scope and diversity of the drama. Because it allows us to see different aspects of the first responders’ work and challenges.

The unnecessary suffering of Jin Ho-Gae

Still, one thing that I don’t like about the drama is the excessive amount of pain and danger that Jin Ho-Gae has to endure. He is a hot-headed and passionate detective. He is also the main target of the villain. He's been attacked, injured, and almost killed several times in the drama. Besides, Ho-Gae has to deal with his father’s corruption.

I think The First Responders 2 should stop hurting Jin Ho-Gae so much. It's not fun to watch him suffer every episode. It is also unrealistic and repetitive.

The loss of Bulldozer and the introduction of new characters

One of the most shocking and heartbreaking moments in the second season was the death of Bong Do-Jin, aka Bulldozer, who was a loyal and courageous firefighter and a good friend of Jin Ho-Gae. I was really sad to see him go. He was killed off in the first episode in a way that didn't make sense or justice to his character. If they really wanted to end his character, they could have done it in the first season or in a more heroic and meaningful way. His death was a waste of a good character and actor.

But maybe from a logical point of view, it makes sense to remove some characters to make room for new ones, who can bring more drama and suspense to the story. Samsoon is nothing like Anna. And what about the new police officers and firefighters? They just appeared out of nowhere. I don’t think we need to care about them, so I’ll just ignore them. Kang Do-Ha is the new one I like the most because he is so calm and cool. He is nothing like Bulldozer, who was emotional.

I like this actor and his character here~

I wonder if the new guy from Jeju Island is Dex, the villain we're looking for. Wouldn’t that be too easy to guess? But then again, they already tricked us by making Kang Do-Ha seem like the bad guy while the real one was hiding. I don’t know what the writer is trying to do here.

another guy introduced. Is he Dex? I don't know but he somehow pulls off Song Joong Ki's vibe when wearing a mask like this

The problem with the delivery of the new characters

However, I think the problem with The First Responders 2 is not the addition of new characters, but the way they are delivered. The first season had dramatic and memorable characters. For example, Jin Ho-Gae was always on the edge and passionate about his work; Bong Do-Jin was sentimental and caring. 

But in the second season, it seems like the drama has toned down the dramatics of the main characters and increased the dramatics of the side characters. Samson, who I thought was a bubbly and cheerful person, has become a raging person. Also, there are suddenly new police officers and firefighters who appear out of nowhere and have little background or development. 

Loving the suspense brought to the show this season

The bomb diffusing scene in episode 7 was so intense and thrilling. The villain is also ruthless and cunning. He doesn't give any flashbacks or explanations for his actions. He just blackmails everyone and takes them hostage. I think this is how a villain should be: no mercy, no sympathy, no remorse. 

The development of Jin Ho-Gae and Song Seol’s relationship

Another thing that I enjoy watching in this season is the slow and natural growth of Ho-Gae and Seol’s relationship. They have been through a lot together in the first season, but they also had some misunderstandings and conflicts. In this season, they are gradually rebuilding their trust and affection for each other. 

The possibility of a third season

I wonder if there will be a third season of this drama. As far as I know, this drama is not based on one story only, but on different cases that involve different emergencies and crimes. This means the drama can continue as long as there are new cases to solve. 

It reminds me of Detective Conan, an anime that has been going on for years with its endless cases. That said, there is also a bigger case that the drama is trying to close, being the case of the mastermind who is behind the attacks. I don’t know if they will be able to close this case this season, or if they will need another one.

My overall impression

I'm happy with The First Responders 2.  It doesn't make my head ache like some other shows that have illogical or inconsistent plots. I think it has improved a lot in terms of the stories, the acting, and the production. The stories are more detailed. The way we get to see the corpses and investigate the cases is more professional and scientific. Also, the acting is superb and convincing. The actors portray their characters well and have good chemistry with each other. The special effects, the soundtracks, and the cinematography are all relatively captivating.

I know that some people have dropped this drama after episode 3 and some are disappointed in this season in general. But I think they are missing out on a good drama. This show isn't perfect, but it's definitely worth watching. It has everything that a good drama should have: action, drama, humor, romance, mystery, and suspense. It is a series that will make you feel all kinds of emotions and keep you engaged. I'll recommend The First Responders 2 to you if you like crime, action, and mystery genres.