The Vacation Principle (2026)

Why? Just why?

Dear readers, this is not a proper review. More a mini rant. I do apologise.

After 9 eps, I'm done. I have given this series a fair go. I am satisfied that this show is pointless and has few redeeming features. I'll elaborate further.

It appears the writer-san wants to explore the notion that Japanese people don't take vacations and if they do, they don't know what to do with themselves.

Hence, our ensemble cast is so inept at such activities. They are making things up as they go and creating mayhem. Getting drunk and acting silly was a primary goal.

You can imagine this is rather threadbare for 4.5 hours runtime. Hence the introduction of the supernatural angle. If you think this is a quick fix then you will be disappointed. If anything, it opens up a Pandora's Box of confusion.

To wit, their version of the Grim Reaper acts like a spaced out goth country bumpkin(?!). He spends most of his time being a full-time caretaker of the villa. While every member of the ensemble is in the hyperactive, overacting mode, he is a metaphysical sloth. How can this be the Angel of Death? Why is Chae Jong Hyeop involved? Did he read the script?

If that is not enough, they also added a Sea God in EP.6. He spend all day fishing. Do all the demi-gods come here for a vacay?

Is this someone's vanity project? So much of the plots are like a potpourri of ideas. Random subplots just pops up and then disappears.

It would help if there is a throughline, but I saw none. I know they mentioned an extinction level event at the end of EP.1, but the A-plot pretty much ignored it. I'm getting a headache just from trying to decipher if subplots are nonsense or relevant.

This series could work if it is a total farce, but it is not. It is more like a collection of unrelated sketches. Moment to moment, can be mildly entertaining. Most of the time it is just cringey or awkward.

Don't get me wrong. Japanese are masters at exploring mundane and quirky situations. They are usually well crafted world populated by engaging characters. Just think of Studio Ghibli productions. This show is the opposite.

Here lies the conundrum. A show must hold your attention, otherwise any promise of wonderful things to come will ring hollow. It is not working here.

Life's too short. Peace.

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Una comedia de fantasía, un poco rara y simple

La historia va sobre un grupo de jóvenes viviendo el desempleo como unas vacaciones de la vida en una casa vacacional que les heredó la abuela de la protagonista y su hermano. Allí conocen a Mr. Nishigami quien es un K-Shinigami que proviene de la regional de Corea. Los episodios presentados de 3 en 3 cortitos son entretenidos y ligeros, con un humor muy japonés, difícil de entender pero que de tanto en tanto me hizo reír. El poco romance del jdrama se siente incómodo y poco creíble, por la forma como está escrito y dirigido. Sin embargo es cute ver a Mr Shinigami en su uniforme oficial cuando es llamado al Inframundo. De las historias tratadas, el desarrollo de personaje más interesante es el del hermano de la protagonista.

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