Mr. Plankton Review: Romance Comedy or Romance Tragedy?

Are you craving a K-drama that pulls at your heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat? Mr. Plankton is the answer. Premiered on Netflix in November 2024, this new series blends romance, drama, and a dash of existential exploration, with themes of love, family secrets, and self-discovery.

The show follows Hae-jo, a terminally ill man embarking on a journey to reconnect with his estranged family and one true love, Jae-mi. As he grapples with his past, including the shocking revelation that he was the product of a sperm mix-up, the series weaves flashbacks and poignant moments that slowly reveal the layers of Hae-jo’s tragic upbringing. Along the way, the exploration of his relationships, particularly with his father, highlights a raw portrayal of familial tensions and unhealed wounds.

At its core, Mr. Plankton is a story about love in all its messy, complicated glory. The tension between Hae-jo and Jae-mi is electric, with their bond tested by past regrets and the looming inevitability of Hae-jo's illness. But the beauty of the series lies in its bittersweet finale, where the couple’s love is tragically cut short, leaving viewers with a feeling of catharsis wrapped in sorrow.

With stellar performances from Woo Do-hwan and Lee Yu-mi, Mr. Plankton does a great job of balancing emotional depth with moments of humor. It’s the kind of show you’ll think about long after the credits roll, as it grapples with themes of identity, love, and the complicated journey of accepting who we are.

If you're a fan of tear-jerking narratives and character-driven storytelling, this one’s for you. However, be warned, it’s a show that will leave you emotionally drained but somehow fulfilled.

Mr. Plankton is now streaming on Netflix.