I like rooting for the underdog, and it's interesting many people feel NDS is the underdog, I actually think it is the other way around. I feel HJP, regardless of his wealth is the big underdog here. Let me explain.
I've only seen until episode 6, but the way I see it, regardless of what happens, NDS would have eventually succeeded or gone somewhere regardless of if he met SDM or HJP. The reason for this is two words, his mom and dad. NDS has always had his parents love and support his whole life, and it has actually shaped NDS to be this kind and caring, albeit naive person. His parents, although they appear strict, know there son well, and never actually discourage him from being too nice, or push him to be overly ambitious. Although their patience began to run thin the older NDS get, they would have supported him and loved him regardless. So even if he didn't meet these other characters, they still would have won KODA, and maybe get an investment from Alex or somebody else. Plus he has these two friends who stick with him for so long, so he has that bond of bromance/friendship.
HJP on the other hand was dealt a bad hand early in life. He had to learn to fend for himself at an early age, and only thru the random kindness of grandma, was able to find stable enough ground to make something of himself. And he has worked tirelessly, and from the looks of it, mostly solo. And being a VC who shuts down so many business proposal, I am sure he has probably not made many fans, which reflects on his cold/selfish, monetary dominated mentality. In fact, quite tragically his closest friend, is his assistant, who only sees HJP as a boss. And prior to reconnecting with Grandma, his only companion when he gets home is his Robo Butler. If he never meets NDS and gang, Grandma, and SDM, it is very likely, he would continue his lonely life, only caring about money, and never being the good boy that grandma always saw in him. By being with SDM, it actually brings the story full circle. HJP was there for SDM during her young lonely years, and now SDM can be there for HJP in his adult lonely years.
With SDM and HJP, I feel both of them can help each other grow.
With NDS and SDM, I feel it's more like a big sister helping the younger brother grow. And it looks like NDS is more of a stepping stone for SDM to reach her goals, as selfish as it sounds.
But having said that, there are just too many scenes being shared by the SDM and NDS, and too many promotional material, and slow motion romantic scenes for HJP to get his happy ending with SDM, so i'm not holding my breath.
dalia:
