Had potential, couldn't live up to it

This was ... not a good show. The first 5 episodes were straight fire, and then it dropped significantly in quality, and by episode 17 I had to give up. It was becoming painful to watch.

I think the show could have benefitted from having lesser episodes, but ultimately the biggest flaw in my eyes was the acting. And by that I'm really just referring to one person, haha. The FL was hands down one of the worst actresses in a major role that I've ever seen. Someone on Reddit described her as "looking thicker than a bowl of porridge" and after I scream-laughed, I had to agree. She has no charisma or chemistry with any of her co-stars, romantic or platonic.

The male stars carry this show on their shoulders and are the only reason I even made it to episode 17, even though the actor playing Ji-hoo is definitely the second weakest link in the show. And Ga Eul shines as well.

But considering that more than half the scenes are around the FL, it was just too aggravating for me to continue. She seems to lack complete awareness of her face and body, so 8/10 times the emotions that she's trying to project often just make her look ... well, thicker than a bowl of porridge. I can't fully blame her for this; it seems that this was in part due to the direction she was receiving.

I was really looking forward to this after Meteor Garden which I enjoyed but found just way too long. So I thought 25 episodes would be a really significant step-up to the storytelling. Unfortunately this just goes to show how one bad actor can ruin an otherwise good thing.

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Interesting setup, meh execution

The good things first: beautiful sets! the production quality was amazing, at least from the two episodes I watched. Now the bad stuff ...

First of all, I really dislike when people from a lower socioeconomic class are portrayed as dumb, slovenly, or unable to be dignified. The contradiction is extremely annoying in this show because while the FL works hard to support her sick sister, once she enters the competition she becomes ... kind of an idiot? Like, she doesn't know how to conduct herself appropriately, only thinks about food, eats like a slob. Basically the complete reverse of the capable, hardworking person the show already told us she's supposed to be.

But anyway, I quit the show during the second (I think) episode where they have to dress up in food costumes and run a race. It made absolutely zero sense for Almond (I think his name was) to be that incompetent. And I really don't like shows that make characters dumb/intelligent or capable/incapable based on what the story needs them to be in that moment. Like, why is your character that foolish all of a sudden?

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Very cute story!

This was a super cute series!! But it definitely needs a HIGH cringe tolerance. The last 3 episodes were by far the cringiest - they were difficult for even me to get through. The story also lags by episode 20, so I had to watch the last few episodes at 2X just to finish the show.

The acting was really good and carried the show. Chen Zhe Yuan is really good at acting with his body and his comedic timing is incredible, and Shen Yue is always delightful to watch. Together they were perfection.

The second leads were meh, IMO. Their arc was good but they didn't have enough chemistry to sell it.

Definitely one of my most enjoyable series, although the last few episodes really killed my excitement.

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