REVIEW: ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo,’ Episodes 2-4

Content Warning: Extraordinary Attorney Woo Episodes 2-4 deals with themes of suicide.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a Korean legal drama series streaming on Netflix. Having won her first case, things seem to be going great for Hanbada’s newest attorney. But the cases will only get tougher from here. From family fraud to assault, Young Woo has some challenges ahead of her. And things will get particularly hard when one of her cases hits extremely close to home in Extraordinary Attorney Woo Episodes 2-4.

While the nuance of the courtroom cases that the newest episodes of this show presents are utilized wonderfully to craft interesting scenarios, it is the continuing exploration of its main character and her coworkers, as well as the world at large deals with her, that make these newest episodes extremely impactful television.

Easily the best episode of the newest releases is episode three “This is Pengsoo”. In this story, Hanbada is called in to defend a man in an assault charge against his brother. The twist to the case is that the man is on the deep end of the autism spectrum. This prompts Woo’s supervisor to give her the case, as he figures she is the one who would best be able to interact with the client.

This entire story dives into society’s many misunderstandings of autism in a way that feels painfully real. From the over-generalizations of those on the spectrum to how many people view autistic life as less worthy than others, the show pulls no punches in its presentation of the autistic life experience. I more than once wished I could believe that the scenarios, as well as the reactions so many have towards them, were exaggerations to prove a point. Sadly, I can’t say that.

When Extraordinary Attorney Woo Episodes 2-4 wasn’t breaking my heart, it was gifting me with heartfelt moments of growth and success. Following up on the plethora of initial reactions Woo has from her coworkers in the show’s pilot, these episodes do a wonderful job of depicting the various character’s growing understanding and sometimes appreciation of Woo. The progress and missteps that occur along the way continue to build up the show’s feeling of authenticity and honesty. While the handling of her coworkers feels honest, nothing feels more so than a pivotal scene between Woo and her dad.

During this scene, Woo inquires what it has been like living with her. After a moment of clear struggle, her father informs her that it is often lonely living with her. As he elaborates on his answer the show does a magnificent job allowing this character who loves his daughter with all his heart, to talk about some of his struggles with her. This moment never feels accusatory or mean. And throughout the talk, he feels bad about saying these things, but they are the truth. This honesty about the struggles associated with living with someone on the spectrum helps complete the picture that is Woo’s life, as well as showcase just how much her dad loves her.

Throughout Extraordinary Attorney Woo Episodes 2-4 I continue to absolutely adore this show. I don’t know if any series has ever made me swing from ugly crying to genuine joyful laughter so many times, but it is an emotional rollercoaster I am all too happy to ride.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo Episodes 2-4 is streaming now, exclusively on Netflix.