'Salon de Holmes': Bold Women, Divided Opinions
“Salon de Holmes,” an original Monday–Tuesday drama from ENA, delivers a whirlwind blend of comedy and mystery within the confines of a typical apartment complex. Set in Gwangseon Jugong Apartments, the show follows four women—each with sharply contrasting backgrounds and skillsets—as they solve neighborhood conflicts with street-smart ingenuity and plenty of wit.
Featuring a former detective, a top insurance agent, a part-time job juggernaut, and a know-it-all local, the team channels both camaraderie and chaos into every case. As a woman-led narrative, the show dives headfirst into female power, friendship, and problem-solving, with added flair and punchlines. While it's being celebrated for turning traditionally male-driven genres on their head, it has also stirred debates around exaggerated storytelling and believability.
The Good: Representation and Message
Early praise for Salon de Holmes has focused on its commitment to diversifying prime-time TV. Gone are the days when rugged men solved every mystery solo; now, audiences are watching women work together with skill, humor, and empathy to untangle suburban conundrums. This flipping of genre conventions is more than just refreshing—it’s necessary.
Actresses Lee Si-young and Park So-dam shine in their roles, adding depth and authenticity to otherwise quirky characters. Their performances help elevate the show beyond slapstick, letting it strike a balance between entertainment and emotional resonance. And viewers have noticed—many comment that the women's resilience and resourcefulness injects real-life motivation into a typically escapist genre.
Just as importantly, the show’s backdrop–a well-worn apartment complex–earths its social messages. By resolving disputes between neighbors and defending against local wannabe villains, the characters highlight the power of communication, compromise, and collective action. It's not just crime-fighting; it's community-building.
The Bad: Over-the-Top Characters and Thin Plotlines
Yet not all feedback is glowing. Some viewers criticize the cartoonish character dynamics, calling out how each woman's 'superpower'—whether insurance wizardry or part-time job mastery—feels dialed up past 11. For a show that aims to tackle everyday problems, the cast’s all-knowing competence can make the narrative feel detached from reality.
Others point to repetitive scenarios. With all action taking place inside one apartment complex, the emotional and narrative scope sometimes feels cramped. Sure, Gwangseon Jugong offers colorful residents and drama—but can it sustain an entire season—or more—without veering into rinse-and-repeat territory?
Then there’s the blend of genres itself. While some celebrate the cheeky pairing of comedy and mystery, others feel it waters down both. Audiences tuning in for suspense might be let down by the sitcom-style delivery. Comedy lovers might find the darker beats a bit jarring. Striking the right balance remains one of the show's biggest hurdles.
The Verdict: Fun, But Needs Adjustments
Salon de Holmes is undeniably a step forward for female-led television. It offers a loud, proud narrative about women taking charge, solving problems, and sharing laughs along the way. But that shine risks dulling if the show leans too hard into hyperbole rather than believable storytelling.
As the series continues, writers would do well to dial back some of the over-the-top antics and dig deeper into emotional arcs and nuanced conflicts. The foundation—female friendship, community solidarity, quirky humor—is solid. Now it’s a matter of keeping the stories fresh and grounded enough to hold viewers week after week.
Ultimately, whether you love it or roll your eyes, one thing is certain: this drama has set a precedent. It reminds us that chitchat around laundry rooms and parking lot spats can become compelling stories when women take center stage. Just maybe, though, keep the action a little more real.
