There is a specific sort of revenge show that I will watch over and over again. When the law fails people and injustices continue, the vigilantes step up and take things into their own hands, righting wrongs and saving the day. Since this is the premise of Taxi Driver, I was ALL IN. Come see if the first few episodes lived up to my expectations!
So Here’s the Story
First, the plot synopsis from our friends at MyDramaList.com (https://mydramalist.com/52921-model-taxi): “Do Gi has lived more honestly than anyone else as an officer in the Special Forces. Yet, when a serial killer murders his mother, he spends his days in agony. While feeling wronged and broken, Do Gi meets Jang Sung Chul, who recruits Do Gi to work for his company, Rainbow Taxi. Far from an ordinary taxi service, Rainbow Taxi is a secret organization that avenges victims whom the law didn’t protect. Here, Do Gi becomes a star driver who delivers satisfying revenge. Meanwhile, Ha Na is a prosecutor who investigates Rainbow Taxi. She is furious with their lawless behavior, but at the same time, she feels confused to see them solve cases that the law cannot. Between those who believe that revenge embodies true justice and those who pursue the outlaws, Do Gi seeks what justice truly means.”
When I was a kid, my family would gather around the television to watch The A-Team, a show about Special Forces soldiers who were falsely accused, on the run from the law, and determined to help other people the law wouldn’t help. (Yes, that was a while ago. Yes, I am old. MOVING ON.) About a decade ago, I was invested in Leverage, about a ragtag team of people who were used to moving outside the law to get justice for those who couldn’t get it for themselves. And you can bet that the Christopher Nolan Batman movies are high on my top 100 list.
Taxi Driver definitely has the vigilante justice feel. I was hooked from the very opening sequence, where Lee Je Hoon picks up a child molester who’s been released from prison early and uses some VERY special skills to kidnap him. I LOVED it when he drove backwards in the tunnel to pick up a package from his leader. IT WAS SO COOL. Anyway. The story is tight and focused, showing us the backstory for our two main leads while also showing us how they handle taking on a case now. I’m already loving the Rainbow Taxi gang.
Who’s in the Lineup?
Lee Je Hoon (Signal) plays Kim Do Gi, a former Special Forces soldier who drives a taxi by day, and whenever else it suits him. He’s doing the strong-and-silent thing, but is also proving capable of playing a role when he needs to. And watching him fight the bad guys ruthlessly and efficiently has been a lot of fun.
Kim Hui Sung (W: Two Worlds) plays Jang Sung Chul, the founder of the Bluebird Foundation and the leader of the Rainbow Taxi. He owns the taxi driving service where Kim Do Gi works, and somehow has an incredible amount of funds to keep Rainbow Taxi going and pay the shady characters who keep the bad guys locked up. Having watched Kim Hui Sung’s incredible range in W, I’m already wondering where this story will take him.
Esom (White Christmas) plays Kang Ha Na, a tenacious prosecutor who’s starting to pick up Rainbow Taxi’s trail. Time will tell where this justice warrior will land — will she be Rainbow Taxi’s undoing, or will she help them complete their missions?
Mission Status? Do I Recommend?
I’m always happy to have Lee Je Hoon on my screen, and I love how well this role seems to suit him. The first case was heart-rending, but they didn’t focus too much on the horribleness of the situation. Rather, the scheme to make the bad guys pay was the star of the story, with the victim’s backstory woven in and expertly revealed. I really like the way it’s all playing out, and I look forward to watching more. Definitely recommend.
Until the next taxi pulls over, I remain —
Karie the Maknae
Dramas with a Side of Kimchi