Up Next...December

1st up for Military month.

2nd up  for Military month 

1st December Contender. A very worthy addition.  Not one, not two, but three potential contenders in this one: Jang Dong Gun as Do Jin, Lee Jong Hyuk as Jung Rok, and Kim Woo Bin as Dong Hyup.  Let me tell you, I loved them all (even Jong Hyuk's philanderer Rok). This drama is now on my favorites list for the bromance. The biggest downfall was the  FL. She was problematic for me. She made really irrational decisions and for the first part of the show refused to get over her unrequited love despite the fact that said love was dating her friend/roommate. And both she and Meahri were such crybabies. Every time anything happened the waterworks would start. Especially Mearhi. I couldn't understand the logic of wanting to be treated like an adult then acting like that all the time. So while I thought during the first half of the drama I would give this 10 stars, I couldn't because of the female characters the writers created. 

2nd December Catch Up & Contender. Even though I love LJS SOOO much, he has not made my MLs list yet. I find him so freaking adorable and love seeing him in a suit, but his roles haven't hit me in the right feels yet.  

Update: After finishing the drama and loving LJS's character (he's is the sweetest, cutest, best boy) I still don't see him on the "My MLs" list. I think he's firmly a "My Precious"  

I was worried about the Noona romance since it wasn't clear at first how big the age gap was. I'd read varying accounts and was honestly worried when it stated somewhere she was 30-32. It's why I kept hesitating to watch it. However, she is 9 years older than him. He was 19 and she was 28 in the beginning. I can handle that. I don't mind Noona romances when the age gap is 5-7 years (which seems kind of typical), but I think 9-10 years is my limit. All that being said, I'm really happy I decided to pull the trigger. I love procedurals with a splash of romance and this was pretty much that. Plus, have I mentioned how precious LJS is? Yeah. 

Contender

Episode 8: That is banbogi. A brief and affectionate look. I smiled so much at this part. 

I honestly can't remember who from this show was a potential contender (ML-Jung Hae In or SML-Kim Sung Gyu). ML was sweet and introspective but also quietly brilliant. The relationship that developed between him and our FL was very organic and believable, especially considering how they were brought together in the first place.  SML was a pianist filled with and trying to overcome some very powerful regret. While both leads were very good in their roles, neither ended up making my list. ML is very close, especially after the confrontational scene between him and SML where he tells SML he has no idea what he's done. Look, I might be talking ML onto my list at this very moment recalling that encounter. Hmmm....I may need to think about this just a little bit more. 

As for the rest of it,...

I'm allowing the AI liberties here because they were needed for character development. What wasn't needed was the niece. She annoyed me throughout the drama. And trying to tie her to SML was just off the mark. I'm happy that this did not appear to be end game.

This was a beautifully shot and beautifully acted drama.  I don't often think about the cinematography of dramas and instead, I usually focus on characters. But man, this one was just so well done. Whenever someone wants a warm, comforting drama or asks for a drama to watch on a winter's day, this will be my go-to rec. 

Catch Up

This is always one of the top dramas MDL recommends to me based on my preferences so I figured it was time to give it a shot. It was my first Thai drama, and I wasn't disappointed. It was all so over the top. The acting, the storyline, the characters. This was a hate-to-love-but-also-still-hate scenario until the final episode. It was such a messy, soapy show and I devoured every second of it. There were a couple of characters I just wanted to continually punch in the face (Piak & Sitta & even our ML Thit). Poor Jee (FL). I felt so tired for her. The world was continuously coming after her, but this is one of those shows where telling the truth and having honest discussions are a no-no, so misunderstandings were forever misunderstood. Our ML was a big player in keeping the misunderstandings going. I was initially sympathetic due to his circumstances, but there were times where I wanted Jee to just move on (like maybe literally out of the country) and maybe even settle down with our nice boy Jade (though I also am fine with his endgame ship). On one hand, I get his initial motivation because he honestly wasn't wrong, but eventually, it became something more. His reluctance to trust FL after their shared experiences coupled with his ability to tear her down with his words so easily when he became upset became a little too much. I honestly don't know how our FL was able to withstand the constant assaults from all sides. And don't get me started on the whole Piak/Chaiyan/Jee relationship ordeal. So, so frustrating. But all of these frustrations and annoyances are honestly what kept me on the hook. I needed to see everything cleared up and set right. I needed those in the wrong to eventually admit their wrongs and those who wouldn't needed to get their karma, and I think that was kinda the point. 

Catch Up

Previously on hold because I was annoyed at the FL always pushing. I get it's a slow burn, but still. Eventually, the ML will stop pulling.  Starting again @ episode 8. 

Contender & Catch Up

Contender & Catch up

Contender

Catch up alternative

Catch up alternative