I am personally quite picky with dramas, but Extraordinary You was a really rare gem. It also subverted a lot of kdrama cliches. Extraordinary You tried to be a lot of things and managed to pull off a perfect balance of comedy, romance and suspense.

Plot
So the plot was similar to W, except not really. This is purely from the perspective of characters trapped in the book...making fun of typical cheesy romance manhwas. I understand a lot of people may not appreciate how the drama ends up leaving you with more questions than answers but the romance is really foregrounded. That being said, I do wish the last episode was more of a post-story romance episode (like the final episode of SKY Castle) where we just have some relaxing Eun Danoh x Haru moments to take a break from all the intense moments. It felt like they tried to drag on the wrath of the author for too long. Speaking of the author, I was glad we didn't get to see him as I felt like the manhwa universe should just stay as it is and not become something similar to W. And of course, I do wish Yeo Juda ended up with Lee Dohwa instead of Oh Namjoo.

The plot also defies a lot of typical romantic kdrama stereotypes. There are no unnecessary break ups and more importantly, it's one of the few dramas where both the ML and FL love each other equally. In most kdramas, I see the ML always overcompensating and the FL just...taking it all for granted? Extraordinary You provides a refreshing take on how we take love and our time for granted. The other point I would like to bring up is that for once, in our love triangle, the ML is kind to the FL, whereas the second male lead is that typical "bad boy" but taken to a darker, more realistic level. The drama handles these issues which are typically romanticized in most kdramas.

Characters/Acting
First of all, the FL was really well written; boisterous and humorous but also serious and a character you could really empathize with. Kim Hyeyoon did a really good job of breathing life into Eun Danoh as a character. While her exterior is all cheerful and happy, you see them slowly unshackle and reveal a more vulnerable self.

The ML was pretty superficial but I think that was not an issue as he is supposed to be a blank slate extra. It also contrasted well with FL's personality. His personality was dependent on the plot points and I really enjoyed that. Idol actors are usually not the greatest but Rowoon's performance was lovely.

Lee Jaewook's performance however, was stellar. Baek Kyung was easily the most nuanced character, portrayed as abusive and reckless but is at his core vulnerable, weak and misguided. You can understand where his hostile behaviors stem from. I can't emphasize enough how Lee Jaewook's delivery was absolutely impeccable, one minute making you want to punch him in the face but in the other, understanding him. I have never seen a light-hearted high school drama with a character like this.

The side characters (with the exclusion of Lee Dohwa and Dried Squid Elf) were nothing special. I really did enjoy Lee Dohwa's character, it's nice to have a charming best friend like that, which I don't see often in kdramas. Usually, those characters end up being the second male lead since most kdramas fail to depict platonic male-female relationships. I would also like to acknowledge Saemi. I thought it was quite unusual for the bully to be the FL's best friend but that take was also refreshing.

Music/OST
Absolute banger. I particularly enjoyed Lee Nyeom's "Door to Time" (breathing that air of mystery behind the plot) and Park Sejun's "High School Runaway".