Julianna

Yay! Thanks a bunch :)

I agree cheating is a part of life but it is important to frame it within media to where it is realistically an obstacle in continuing a relationship. I don't expect people to be perfect in real life or in media but how we perceive characters is how others do within the world of the show or movie. The FML is written very 1-D. I understood from the description and promo picture the show was meant to be about a complex situation and the dynamics of a complex relationship with three people. I don't see that being accomplished.

Short answer: yes! A villain, no but definitely someone who needs to make amends and feels somewhat remorseful. A redemption arch and stronger tension and resolution would've made it more satisfying if I suspect what the ending is- endgame: throuple.

Okay that makes sense considering the definition of queerbaiting. As for whether I have an idea that is not being addressed... hmmm. I guess overall cheating in marriage is a sensitive topic. I really don't like when the writing of a show or movie is so poor that the characters don't feel real especially in a situation where there can be power dynamics and abuse or coercion. Her husband is not painted as a person that did a bad thing. He cheated and lied about his sexual preferences. It should be hard for her to forgive him much less decide to start a polyamorous relationship. Her lack of agency bothers me.

Is it not possible for writers to take advantage of an audience that's interested in queer content by having a superficial plot? In our conversation earlier, we talked about the FML's strange behavior. Is this not a sign that her feelings and agency are unimportant and instead the real stars of the show are the conventionally attractive men that have a secret relationship?

Hmm I can see your point about the show being an example of progress with the idea of imperfect (cheating) characters BUT I think the fact that the FML is so unrealistic in her passiveness that this is not progressive. If she got angry and then found a way forward in continuing her relationship with her husband (and her husband's lover) then that's fine. More power to her. But this is not the case. It is misleading. This reminds me of a type of writing in famous American movies of the '80s where rape is implied or glossed over and the female character does not show anger or sadness at what happened (Examples: Sixteen Candles (1984) film and Revenge of the Nerds (1984)- discussed briefly in a film analysis I love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3-hOigoxHs&t=32s). I think the writers are just using cheating as a device to entice people to watch the show. There is no bigger message or complexity rather than what they would have you believe.

Thank you for responding to my question! I appreciate your insight. You're right. Rather than hyper sexualized, what I should have written was lust being a very important theme in the show. I also agree with you on the FML. The fact that she doesn't get angry is poor writing and frankly misleading. Anyone would be upset even if in the end they decided to stay in a relationship with their husband (and possibly the husband's lover as well). This reminds me of a type of writing in famous American movies of the '80s where rape is implied or glossed over and the female character does not show anger or sadness at what happened (Examples: Sixteen Candles (1984) film and Revenge of the Nerds (1984)- discussed briefly in a film analysis I love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3-hOigoxHs&t=32s). I don't know if the writers are trying to create empathy for people who are non-monogamous or rather just using cheating as a device to entice people to watch the show. Apparently cheating is a common plot point in Japanese media. Do you think this show could be an example of Queerbaiting then? Sorry for the long response :)

Is it a sign of progress in the (Japan) movie industry if a character (Ina Shuhei) is bi if he is also this strange person (amoral) who has an affair with a married man and for some reason also plans to be with the wife?? Or is this a negative representation of a bisexual person, offering a hyper-sexualized exaggerated version of bi sexuality with the inclusion of a possible polyamorous relationship and scheming plot? If someone could contribute their thoughts, that would be appreciated. As a straight person, I am curious.

I just completed the series and watched the original Ooku movie (I haven't read the manga) and for me it is a 10/10 phenomenal historical drama. The acting of all of the characters was top notch, especially the actors who played Arikoto and the Shogun. Their romance was believable and beautiful.

As always, I love Chizuru and Ryu's romance :))

Kang Ji Gu's love interest Han Woo Joo helped out with the neighbor's baby and without meaning to showed off his arms!

The best moment for me in Season 2 was when..

Oh yeah I watch those too! Too bad they don't add subtitles to every clip.

How do you watch the episodes?

Are there any cute moments of Eun Ji and Jin Jung?

I haven’t finished the show but I really like the Eun Ji x Jin Jung pairing. They probably won’t get together, right?

I am loving the drama so far but honestly not sure how the romance will go. Rembrary needs a friend above all IMO. Plus with the romance, are they going to change his personality? The dude's life mission is to help people and worship Redlin. Not sure where a romance fits in tbh.

I did not know what to make of the last episode's last scene, the sex scene. Does she even like the guy or was the sex a way for revenge on the dead husband or a way to punish herself? I didn't get it.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMLQxW1xkkMmejCN5KFIxUw

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMLQxW1xkkMmejCN5KFIxUw