**_Could this be based on real events?_** **PLEASE NOTE**: Some details might give away plot points for some viewers. **I. Story** The narrative was generally strong. The numerous twists, surprising reveals, complex political maneuvering, and multiple layers of detail combined to make this one of the best crime dramas of the 2010s. However, it didn't manage to provide a satisfactory conclusion. The final episode (the sixteenth) felt hurried. There seemed to be no clear direction; everything that had been established across episodes 1 through 15 vanished. It began exceptionally well, then became great, good, and ultimately ended poorly. It’s common for writers to leave stories open-ended, but in this instance, the ending wasn't truly ambiguous—it was a cliffhanger designed to set up a guaranteed second season. If the intention had been to create an unresolved situation, it should have concluded with them driving toward the airport. Everything that followed damaged what made the series so compelling. Despite the disappointing finale, I still rate the story 8 out of 10 stars. I also want to commend the writers and director for resisting the temptation to insert romantic scenes simply because the lead actress is known for those types of roles. **II. Acting** Suzy did a good job portraying an intelligence officer. This was quite different from her usual romantic parts, and I wasn’t sure she could handle it. However, she demonstrated her talent in the first two episodes. The performances of the other actors were also excellent; I'm accustomed to seeing them in family dramas, so witnessing their portrayals of political and intelligence roles was a welcome change, and they fully embodied their characters. The acting was so convincing that I often wondered if I was watching a dramatized version of true events. The characters felt incredibly real, thanks to the actors’ skill and chemistry. **III. Production** Did I just watch a 16-episode (16-hour) movie? It was obvious they invested money in Vagabond to ensure it was done right. However, the explosions in the final episode looked very poor. This was another reason why I said earlier that everything after the "driving to the airport" scene should have been omitted. **IV. Overall score** Taking everything into account, I give it a rating of 8 out of 10 stars. The outstanding acting and high production values elevated it, and for avoiding unnecessary romantic scenes just because they cast a well-known actress in that genre as the female lead. It’s a series I'll rewatch someday, but I will skip those earlier-mentioned sections.

Source on TMDB