"Neighborhood Lawyer Jo Deul-ho" Episode 7

Deul-ho finally discovers his true calling beyond the case of Michael Jeong and Eun-jo incorporates herself in our team, which is always welcoming her presence. Episode 7 marks the opening of a case not related to our main villain, at least not so far. Most importantly, Deul-ho's triumphant return faces some problems, as he struggles between his role as a father and a newfound hero for the people.

In a surprising and emotional turn of events, Deul-ho (Park Shin-yang) reunites with Soo-bin (Heo Jeong-eun), who is smart and brave like her dad. Their scenes destroyed me. "Neighborhood Lawyer Jo Deul-ho" really knows how to present its characters in a sweet and pure manner. We also get more development for Hae-kyeong (Park Sol-mi), with the revelation that she really thinks Deul-ho did something wrong. I am still hesitant to forgive her, because she is projecting her own regret and lingering attachment to her daughter. This is unfair to Soo-bin, but at least it humanizes a former antagonist.

Family is the episode's theme. It is a good idea to have Dae-soo's (Park Won-sang) sister as the one in need of help this time around, because Deul-ho suffered a great defeat and needs an equally great cause to push him back into the game. If he changed his mind easily, his refusal to work before would have seemed as simple sulking, rather than a significant slump. The case involving children is just another motivator at his time of self-loathing.

Eun-jo (Kang So-ra) is having her own problems as well. She clearly does not have the heart to disappoint her mother over her loss of employment, leaving her feeling lonely. I absolutely love how she still casually visits the office and how they just accept her as part of the team, despite her not being officially hired. It just makes their camaraderie build naturally and therefore feel genuine. I am glad to see her take charge increasingly often.

Speaking of camaraderie, Ji-wook (Ryoo Soo-yeong) is so precious. Seeing him take on a case just so he can have a court battle with Deul-ho is cute, given they clearly respect and like each other. I still worry over his inferiority complex, his attachment to his father and his possible interest in Hae-kyeong, but he is just too honorable to dislike. I hope he will also become a hero.

Deul-ho's dilemma at the end of the episode is a bit too unnecessarily dramatic for my liking, but it can be easily developed well. Soo-bin is smart and she will understand, but it is undeniably risky for him to appear irresponsible to Hae-kyeong at such a crucial point in their reunion. I personally agree with his decision, but it is still a painful choice for a parent. Another episode, another satisfying hour. Cuteness overload, wittiness, warmth; just what I love about this series.

"Neighborhood Lawyer Jo Deul-ho" is directed byLee Jung-seob, written byLee Hyang-heeand featuresPark Shin-yang,Kang So-ra,Ryoo Soo-yeongandPark Sol-mi.

Written by:Orionfrom 'Orion's Ramblings'