[Sports Chosun’s Reporter Baek Ji-eun] MBC’s “Save Me, Holmes” is losing its identity and drifting aimlessly.
“Save Me, Holmes” was originally a program that showcased stars engaging in real estate battles to find homes for busy modern individuals. However, at some point, the show’s core identity became unrecognizable.
The segment “Kim Dae-ho’s On-site Experience,” which gained popularity, led to cast members frequently touring regional areas, engaging in food shows, flaunting friendships, and even revealing family histories. The stories of the clients disappeared, replaced by features on expensive houses either abroad or domestically.
The episode on the 3rd was no exception. This time, Kim Dae-ho’s mother joined the property visits. Kim Dae-ho, Yang Se-hyung, Park Joon-hyung, and Jung Young-han visited Dae-ho’s childhood home and met his mother, who proudly showcased a car Dae-ho gifted her to celebrate becoming an announcer. Although it was a 14-year-old car, she showed extraordinary affection for her son’s gift, even keeping the plastic wrap intact.
The journey to the inspection site became an exploration of Kim Dae-ho’s family history, revealing headstones bearing his grandfather’s name and places relatives lived. His mother expressed future desires to move where future grandchildren could play, mentioning a house she had in mind, and humorously prepared rooms for grandchildren while also asking not to put pressure on marriage.
Kim Dae-ho was a leading ‘annatainer’ at MBC. His candid storytelling and raw depiction of working life resonated with viewers as a distinct selling point. MBC featured him across various shows from “I Live Alone” to “Save Me, Holmes,” as well as Olympic coverage, capitalizing on his popularity. Despite resigning amid “MBC overwork controversy,” he returned on programs shortly after, breaking an unwritten rule, because he consistently draws laughs and attention, serving as a “super content.”
Nevertheless, even with high nationwide favorability towards Kim Dae-ho, he cannot single-handedly preserve the program’s identity. A real estate program without house-hunting cannot rely solely on “selling Kim Dae-ho.” Viewers are critical of MBC’s approach, which disregards the essence of the show and leans entirely on a former staff member who moved on.