Currently Watching: Fantastic

Currently Watching: Fantastic
This article does contain some recap from the first 5 episodes.

'Tis the season for melodramas with a lead that is terminally ill. It seems to be a side trend with some of the latest dramas that have aired, Uncontrollably Fond for instance. I was immediately drawn to Fantastic because of the leads who are to be paired up: Joo Sang Wook, popular for his work in Cunning Single Lady, and Kim Hyun Joo, known for her versatile double twins role in I Have A Lover.

This on-screen pairing has to be worth 'ship-ing' Both are notably strong actors which almost guarantees there will be a fun and perfect chemistry along with story performances.

It's no spoiler that So Hye is faced with a cancer diagnosis early on, thus affecting a quick onset of lifestyle change. She goes crazy in the moment, spending large amounts on a hair makeover, shopping, and partying it up at a club. But you feel for her, who wouldn't want to 'live' it up, knowing that their time is to be cut short. In that regard, it could be considered a subtle drama message to all, are you happy in your life? What do you aspire for? What do you want to try that you haven't yet? Life can be very short. It's not selfish to do something for yourself. It's a terribly bittersweet moment for her, as a successful screenwriter, to come to terms with knowing she only has a short time left.

Meanwhile, her past conflict with Hae Sung is full blown based on his past betrayal. He had signed with an Agent who forbade him to work on her drama. It occurred when he was first rising up as a Star. She was counting on him, but he let her down with no explanation. Their now broken friendship is in ruins, cold and salty, as we see through various flashbacks. However, she realizes despite it all, and with his apology, she still likes him. And it's quite evident that he also likes her very much.

But knowing her time is short, she waivers on if she should love someone who will be burdened with her passing.

Our sort of second lead oppa, is also bound with a short life diagnosis, so he and So Hye are kindred in spirits. They hit hits it off really well together. He sees her through some of her darkest moments. He's such a cool second lead oppa that he doesn't even mind being '2nd'.

 
In a moment of exasperation, she exclaims that she has no boyfriend, so she wants 3000. Heck, why not? You only live once! :)
Though the chances of actually collecting 3000 male servants seems very slim.

This thought entertains her while reflecting on a Queen Uija, who had 3000 male servants.

The story also follows her closest friends, including one who is an overworked housewife, Baek Sul.  Played by the gorgeous Park Shi Yeon, Baek Sul is trapped in a marriage with a cheating husband. She is a free spirit but is treated terribly by her mother, sister in-law, and now by her husband and his lover, who has cruelly wormed her way into their lives. As viewers, we are waiting for her to break free. She has met Ji Soo's character and the two have connected as motorcycle 'riding' buddies. He’s instantly smitten with her and agrees to watch her motorbike for her.

I have to admit, slight girl crush here! She is very stunning and I can’t wait to see her gain the courage and strength to walk away from the negative home situation she is struggling with. One of her reasons for not leaving yet, is that her mother is in a care facility that her husband pays for.

It seems like we will have a couple story lines to follow, as the drama progresses and as the lives of these characters change.

Within the melo, there are some light and humorous moments. One of the main comedic characters is Sang Wook's character, who is a major celebrity! 

However he is also known for not being able to be a strong actor so seeing him 'act' badly on purpose for the role was funny and dynamic.

However, his character is known to be a weak actor, so seeing him 'act' badly on purpose for the role was funny and dynamic. 

We know he has great acting chops, but to downplay it for his character, had me laughing out loud along with the female lead. Especially at the scene where he's doing a script reading session, and the female lead starts cracking up at how bad his acting is.

 From the writing we have seen so far, this drama appears to be consistent in its sporadic pacing, going from slow to quick at a moment's notice. However, that is easily forgivable. I wish the best for our good-hearted characters. Hopefully, they will have satisfying resolves, while the wicked characters will get what's coming for them.

Also, i'm really wishing that So Hye was misdiagnosed, although that doesn't seem plausible at this point. Instead, we can only root for her to find love and happiness throughout her remaining lifetime, and that the rest of her time with friends and loved ones is 'Fantastic' for her!