So good until ep 30, okay afterwards

OVERALL
Honestly, this drama is THE one to the go on a binge. Watch it if 1) you're looking for sizzling chemistry, 2) you want some thrilling suspense, 3) you like a bit of action and the Republican setting. Think twice if 1) bad special effects bother you, 2) you're sensitive to small plot holes and inconsistencies, 3) you don't like aloof female leads. I would still give it a shot though!

THE STORY
Maybe I had low expectations, but this drama TOTALLY blew me away until about episode 30. TOTALLY blew me away. I think watched all 30 episodes in about 3 days haha

I am a huge fan of revenge stories so this was right up my alley, but the pacing is also just right, from almost episode 1 there's enough risk to worry about Female lead cover's getting blown. Female lead is another huge positive point in this drama because she's calm, poised and smart. And then there's the intense chemistry between her and Male lead, which you can see from the first episode. And then there're the few (but amazing) couple scenes. And then there's the bit of mystery regarding Female lead's past. There's really a lot to like about this drama, and by episode 30 I was ready to rate it a 9/10...but the last episodes happened, and they just made clearer all the flaws of the series.

On the top of the list, there are very questionable choices in the production of this drama. For some weird reason, we are almost never given the perspective of Female lead (or her thoughts) and she's very aloof, so it's not always clear why she does what she does or how she really feels. That becomes problematic because Male lead is the complete opposite, he's very expressive, so she kind of feels...not as loving as he is (and not as deserving of his love). I liked her and understood her until episode 30, but it was really hard to understand her towards the end. Another thing that I really don't like in this drama is the excessive, bad CGI. I'm already not a fan of CGI, but in some scenes it's so bad it almost made be pull the plug on the show haha And then there are a few things that the drama hints on then never goes back to, things that don't really make sense, and moments (just for 2-3 episodes) when things feel really repetitive.

So the final verdict is, it's not the best drama, but it's definitely a good drama, if not better than average. I recommend to try it, 100%!

THE ACTING
Good! I don't know that was super impressed by anything, but for sure above average, especially for the secondary characters (which is where the acting often fails). Like I said, OTP was FIRE! They do get smexy scenes, although not many, but even when they're just staring at each other *swoon*

THE MUSIC
I LOOOOVED the instrumental OST of this drama. It felt so fitting for the show too. The actual songs weren't that great but still okay. Honestly though, I want to Spotify the instrumental OST so bad!

REWATCH VALUE
I already rewatched the first half as I was waiting for the last few episodes. I don't doubt I will rewatch the drama again (and again!)...but I might just stop at around episode 30.

Read More

A drama with an identity crisis

OVERALL
Mmm...Skip, unless you're bored.

THE STORY
This drama is weirrrdddd. It's like someone wanted to produce a BL but was asked to produce a straight love story, so they decided to do something in between...and failed. The drama never really addresses the fact that Female lead basically lives like a guy, but at the same time, never addresses the fact that she's actually a girl. It's just SO weirrrrrddd. You can't make a gender-bending drama without addressing gender! What's the point? haha

On the good side, if you can not care too much about the romance, the political intrigue is interesting, enough to keep you watching until the end (even if not really hooked). On the negative side, the melodramatic, messy romance is basically 70% of the drama so it's a bit hard to ignore haha

THE ACTING
Good, I guess. Not much chemistry between the leads, from what I could tell, but it's not bad enough.

THE MUSIC
No comment.

REWATCH VALUE
Very low.

Read More

Good family drama, subpar romance

OVERALL
My opinion may be unpopular, but I find this drama a bit (just a bit) overrated. Still, it definitely feels different from other C-dramas I have seen so far, and the first half is REALLY nice. Watch it if 1) you're looking for a story with great friendship/family ties, 2) you like dramas that follow characters from childhood to adulthood, 3) you don't mind shedding a few tears. Think twice if 1) you are craving a well-developed love story, 2) you have low tolerance for annoying characters, 3) you like mature female leads.

THE STORY
It took me ages to give Go Ahead a try because I felt like it would just make me cry a lot. It didn't. It actually made me laugh a lot more. There is a lot to like about this drama:
- The first half is glorious, of the best I've seen in a C-drama; especially the first five episodes when the main leads are still very young. Serious, dark stuff happen, but it's beautiful and emotional. I just loved it. As the trio begins to age, the drama starts to feel a bit bipolar, like it doesn't know if to have melodrama vibes or comedy vibes and it bothered me sometimes, but it was still fine until about episode 20.
- The parents that take care of the main leads are fabulous. They break all stereotypes and are just so endearing. Definitely my favorite characters of the drama!
- Of course, the dynamic between the three main leads is gold, especially in the first half of the drama. They are family/friends goals!

My problem with Go Ahead is the second half, which feels so sloppy in comparison to the first half. The drama tries to tackle too many storylines at once so it doesn't go deep enough with anything and makes you feel dissatisfied with everything. The romance? Goes from zero to 100. Messed up characters? Also go from bad to good in the blink of an eye. It just doesn't make sense. I also have to say, Female lead is a bit problematic for me. She's just so childish. I'm fine with cute female characters, but mature cute. Age-appropriate cute. Jianjian acts her age like 25% of the time, and the rest feels like she's 10 years younger than the boys. It just...doesn't feel right.

Definitely a good drama, but not as great as it looked like it was going to be.

THE ACTING
Pretty good. I like Seven Tan's acting (regardless of her character) and the older actors were fab. Lil bro was impressive too, but in comparison, Big Bro kind of fell short. Still, nothing to distract you from the plot. I must say though, I felt no chemistry between the leads. Romantic scenes are nothing special too, so really, don't come into this drama for the love story.

THE MUSIC
In general, quite fine. I just like that background instrumental music wasn't super loud and cheap. It was actually fitting. The drama is really a nice production, it's only the script that could be a bit better.

REWATCH VALUE
Not very high. I think it's one of those one-timers.

Read More

Looks promising at first, but trust me, it isn't

OVERALL
This a hot mess with almost no redeeming quality. Just don't watch, unless you're really, really, REALLY desperate.

THE STORY
I started this drama and finished it, so I can't say it's completely trash. I wouldn't have endured the whole thing if it was. I liked the premise, it seemed like the drama was going to be something different. Female lead looks nice and mature at first too. Male lead looks weird from the start but his interactions with FL are pretty fun, so it's easy to stick around. But the good of this drama lasts around...five episodes? Many one or two more?

The drama gradually descends into pure madness. Female lead is a useless tyrant that really isn't likeable, Male lead is just too goofy to root for, they always behave like master and slave so not sure how we can buy that they're falling in love, their coworkers are all horrid, his family is a nightmare...Not to mention that the secondary couples are not that close to the leads (so why do we need to care?), are given way too much screen time and have uninteresting love lines. If only I hadn't been bored, I definitely would have given up on this drama halfway through. The worst thing about the drama is the way it talks about one major plot element (that happens in episode 1). I know views on this procedure are very different from one culture to the next, but it just made me so uncomfortable to watch how everyone's treating Female lead for going through it. Really made my blood boil. Like I said, no redeeming quality in this drama...except, maybe, the acting.

THE ACTING
That was fine. I don't know why, but I really like lead actress's acting. I decided to watch this drama after seeing her in Lucky With You, and she's so different here, but still, there's this serene aura about her I just like! Lead actor was fine too, I guess, even though I really didn't like his character. They just have zero chemistry, and since there's also close to zero skinship in this drama, it's a total fail.

THE MUSIC
Loud, excessive, and annoying.

REWATCH VALUE
Real low.

Read More

One of the best C-dramas so far!!!!

OVERALL
This drama is SO unlike any other C-drama I've seen so far, it feels like a Hollywood film! Watch it NO MATTER WHAT, you'll be mind-blown by the pace, the suspense, the heartwarming scenes, the occasional humor and slight hint of romance. But if you really, really want a developed love story or if you really, really don't like time-travel loop plotlines, wait until you're bored...then definitely give it a try. It's worth it!

THE STORY
I have to start by saying I'm not a fan of the time-travel loop storylines. Time travelling, yes, but when the characters have to go through the same thing over and over AND OVER again, I usually find it kind of boring...and very unsettling haha STILL, Reset managed to completely shatter my prejudice and I absolutely loved it. Why?

1) Because the mystery of finding out exactly what is going on is actually gripping, and there are a few unexpected twists so that even when you think you've figured it out, there're still surprises.
2) Because you learn to care about the secondary characters since they're given detailed backstories, so you end up hoping the protagonists will succeed.
3) Because even when things feel repetitive, they're actually kind of funny/ironic at the same time? So the repetitiveness of the loop trope doesn't get annoying or tiring.
4) Because the main leads are kind of cute together, and even though romance is really not a major aspect of the drama, there's enough of a hint of romance to satisfy you.

Of course, nothing is perfect and neither is Reset. The biggest flaw, I think, is how all secondary characters get a backstory but not the OTP. By the end, you know the side characters better than the leads, which is weird. But since it doesn't stop you from rooting for the OTP, it's fine. Another big flaw in Reset (there're only two, really) is the way the final mystery is solved, which feels kind of...disappointing? Like it doesn't quite make sense. But maybe it's just me? Anyway, it doesn't take too much away the greatness of the show, and the ending sequence is so nice, it makes up for it!

THE ACTING
Perf, everybody was perf. I need to highlight the performance of lead actress though, she was a.ma.zing!

THE MUSIC
Great for the genre (suspenseful instrumental music), but nothing that stands out.

REWATCH VALUE
Definitely high! Even though some scenes are truly traumatic, the drama is binge worthy and I can watch without skipping any scene (which is so rare nowadays!) so I'll rewatch FOR SURE!

Read More

Good, but not great

OVERALL
There are many things to praise about this drama, despite its average quality. Watch it if 1) you like strong and calm female leads, 2) you're looking for cute OTP scenes, 3) you like when there's a bit of action in your drama, even if it's really just a bit. If 1) you want to see lots of skinship and smexy scenes, 2) you can't stand older woman-younger man tropes, and 3) you're looking for suspense/more intense action, then skip.

THE STORY
I'm going to say it: this drama is really not that great. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I can also say that I honestly really liked it! The main reason why I like it is because it's taking cliché elements of C-dramas and changing them just a little bit, so the story still feels refreshing. Female lead is strong and can fight, but she's not like terminator. She's actually pretty mellow and even-tempered. Male lead started out a spoiled brat, but he's not cold, rude and mean like we often see in C-dramas. He's just a bit childish, and that turns out to be his charm by the end. As a couple, they also hit different. Rather than going the route of "age doesn't exist", which we see in age-gap dramas a lot, where the guy treats the girl like she's not older than him and the girl treats the guy like he's not younger than her, in Lucky With You the age gap is there to stay, but it's turned into something positive. Male lead's liveliness and childishness brightens the life of Female lead, and her being down-to-earth and more mature brings the best out of him. It's just really nice!

Another plus in this drama is the interactions between the OTP. They're REALLY cute together. Not in a super romantic, cringey or cheesy way, but in a feels-so-natural-and-real way. And yet another plus is the fact that Female Lead is played by a woman in her mid-thirties. I'm SO happy she gets to play in a drama with an actual plot and isn't being forced to play in those boring "this is life in the 30s" dramas. I hope more like this comes our way!

On the negative side, Lucky With You's romance (which is really really promising) kind of feels lacking. There's almost no skinship in this drama, probably because of some clause or something banning skinship between the main actors. But even without skinship, they could have focused a bit more on the OTP. I feel like a lot of C-dramas forget what they're about and get lost in random stuff (office drama, uninteresting side characters, etc.). This is definitely the case of Lucky With You, in the second half. The ending feels particularly dissatisfying. All in all though, I don't regret watching and would even recommend it, but these are things to keep in mind!

THE ACTING
Fab. The main actor, I've seen him before in Love Designer and I don't know how he does it, but his relationships with the female leads always feel natural. In this drama it's even more impressive since there's zero skinship haha Female lead was fine too, of course, and even the side characters were okay.

THE MUSIC
No comment.

REWATCH VALUE
I think I will rewatch parts of this drama. Not the whole thing, because there are parts I didn't care for, but the OTP was really cute together, and the first half of the drama was binge worthy, so it'll happen for sure!

Read More

Such.a.mess.

OVERALL
This drama is the biggest false advertisement I've ever seen in a Kdrama, and the worst thing is, I'm pretty sure it wasn't intentional. Watch it if you're very bored and very desperate, with no better alternative in sight. In any other case, skip.

THE STORY
I wasn't particularly into this drama based on the synopsis so I waited a long time to give it a try. When I finally did, the first episode intrigued me. It looked like it was going to be a serious, mature romance story, following two people who don't believe in long-term relationships. That's totally NOT what the drama turned out to be about. It ended up being a very classic, very tedious melodrama about two people with a bad kind of past connection who fall in love but face a whole bunch of opposition. And even then, I give it more credit than I should, because the drama tends to forget what it's about, especially in the few last episodes. Basically, it's a hot mess.

Besides an unclear plot, the problem of this drama is that there's really not much to make you care about it. After 4-5 episodes the show stops trying to sell the romance so it just falls flat. There's no cuteness, no deep emotions, no skinship, NOTHING. In the melodrama department, you're served every single cliché melodrama trope, but most of them end up not really resolved properly so it all feels like a waste of time. And the characters are poorly written, with zero development, so you don't care much about them either. And towards the end, they start making decisions that don't make sense at all, especially Yeong Eun. Like I said, a hot mess. Do yourself a favor, skip.

THE ACTING
Good, but that's not enough to save this drama. No chemistry between the leads though.

THE MUSIC
Ok, so here I have to give the drama props just because of the song "Stay" by Car, The Garden, which I fell in love with. But now that you know about it, you can just go ahead and Spotify it, and save yourself the trouble of watching the drama. You're welcome!

REWATCH VALUE
Null.

Read More

Amazing cinematography, not so amazing screenplay

OVERALL
This drama may be imperfect, but it's still a very well-produced historical mystery series, which we just don't get enough off. Watch if 1) you're looking for several fighting scenes and well-made mystery, 2) you don't need much else. Think twice if 1) you're craving a good love story, 2) you need likable characters, 3) you can't stand flaws.

THE STORY
I started this drama, dropped it, picked it up again, dropped it, picked it up again and finally ended it, after weeks. It's definitely not binge material; in my opinion, the drama has ups but also lots of downs that make you want to give it up. That being said, it was worth watching.

The Good
- The cinematography is top of the game. Luoyang was produced like a movie, which is just beau-ti-ful!
- This is essentially an action/mystery drama, and it does the genre justice. It kind of has an episodic feel to it (as in, there are small mysteries lasting a few episodes), but every case is part of a bigger one, so the action/mystery plot feels coherent and every smaller mystery has a purpose. I don't have much to complain about in this department, except that some plot twists towards the end were kind of predictable and not all that believable.

The Bad
- None of the main characters are really likable. Baili Erlang feels a bit too aloof. When he's in trouble there's always someone to help, but when others are in trouble he's always out there doing his own thing. The way Gao Bingzhu treats Wu Sijue for most of the drama is infuriating, he also feels inconsiderate and obviously doesn't know what communication is. Sijue is a huge disappointment; she's one of those fake strong female leads that are in vogue in C-dramas (you know, girls who are technically capable but really are useless, because everything is always done by the boys and they always need saving). And the second female lead is absolutely unbearable; one of those silly, childish female characters C-dramas just don't want to let go.
- The love stories also leave much to be desired in this drama. Granted, Luoyang isn't really about romance so you can always just skip them, but it's crazy how a drama that does a very decent job with the mystery plots can do so poorly with the love lines. Feelings start out of nowhere, couples can't seem to make any progress unless someone is about to die...
- The ending is rushed and cliché.

THE ACTING
Great. It's what impressed me the most after the production. Maybe because I had low expectations, I was surprised by Victoria's acting (Siyue), which in a couple of scenes actually got me (even though in general, I wasn't emotionally invested in the drama). However, the boys also did quite a good job, and even 2nd female lead (the role sucked, but she did it the best she could).

THE MUSIC
Very good use of sound in this drama, but that's not surprising, because it has a film aesthetic. The songs were also quite good!

REWATCH VALUE
Honestly, not very high. When I rewatch a drama, it's because I'm dying to relive it. I don't think I'll ever be dying to re-experience Luoyang. It was fun though, while it lasted!

Read More

Decent filler (if you don't take it seriously)

OVERALL
Yet another fake marriage plot. Watch it if 1) you dig these plots, and you dig them hard, 2) you just need fluff to be happy, 3) you're looking for cute and smexy scenes. Reconsider if 1) you can't stand clichés and plot flaws, 2) you're not a fan of too much work drama, 3) you like well-developed characters, romance and/or plot. Reconsider seriously.

THE STORY
So because life happens, I had to pause this drama for two-three weeks before watching the last 2 episodes. Two-three weeks were enough to make me completely forget what had happened. That goes to show just how ordinary the drama is; nothing stands out. No memorable scene, no amazing joke, nothing. Did I enjoy it? Kind of, in a just-watching-to-have-something-to-do manner. It's fun, when you don't think it through too much. Do I recommend it to anyone? I'm not sure...

The Good
- The "being in love" part of the OTP (once they get together) is actually cute. Sometimes (make that often) that's where romance dramas mess up, so that's cool. The drama is generous with couple scenes and they don't feel awkward or unnatural. That was definitely the best of the drama.
- No crazy annoying, disrespectful and snob in-laws. It's the third time I see this in recent dramas and I'm living for it. By all means, make that cliché die.
- Occasional real fun scene. I can't remember them now, but I do remember that there were some!
...and that's it.

The Bad
- I think China really likes the fake-marriage trope. It's EVERYWHERE. I personally like it, but I have to say, most C-dramas have absurd setups for the fake marriage, and I'm getting tired of it. Sure, fiction is fiction, but there's only so much disbelief you can suspend. The setup in this drama is BEYOND RIDICULOUS. Makes zero sense that the leads would get together for the reasons they do. I think C-dramas should learn from Korea's 'Marriage Contract' or 'Marriage, Not Dating', which had some of the best setup for fake marriages I've seen so far.
- Male lead is like every other cold CEO C-dramas just can't get rid of, and female lead is like every other cute and kind of childish Cinderella C-dramas just don't want to get rid of. She's slightly better than him because she has a bit of wit, but they're still super cliché.
- I'm not too sure I understand why/how male lead and female lead fall in love. Why does he suddenly like her? Why does she suddenly like him? The "falling in love" part isn't really well-written (though, the rest also isn't that great).
- Third wheels are SO annoying (and cliché, of course, but at this point take it for granted). I'm still confused as to why these unbearable, can't-take-no-for-an-answer second leads are still a thing.
- Secondary couple isn't all that interesting.
- The dubbing is HORRID. I heard they had to change the script post-production, so they probably didn't have the choice, but it's really frustrating to see that the audio doesn't match the video (what people are saying).

THE ACTING
Mmm...Decent, from the OTP, but subpar from others. Not that bad that it'll ruin your experience of the drama, though!

THE MUSIC
Okay, I'd say! Nothing I'd listen to now that the drama is over, but it was better than in some other dramas!

REWATCH VALUE
Eh...moderate. I won't say low because I can see myself searching for some clips of the OTP on YouTube one of those days. Sometimes you just need a dose of fluff romance. I really doubt I'll watch the whole drama again, though.

Read More

Will make you like legal dramas!

OVERALL
This drama is one of the few (way too few!!!) ensemble Korean dramas out there and that's great! Watch if 1) you like legal dramas, 2) you're looking for a well-written show, 3) you enjoy dramas with a (mostly) serious and realistic vibe. Think twice if 1) you want fluff or lots of comedy, 2) you're craving some romance, 3) you're into suspense or you like philosophical-type shows. But I'd say still give it a try, you might be surprised by how much you still enjoy it. I know I was.

THE STORY
It took me forever to start this drama because I'm really NOT a fan of legal dramas, but I eventually got bored (*cough* desperate *cough*) and had a look. It was unexpectedly quite good! Probably the drama that does legal the best (imo)!!!

The Good
- There is an overarching plot in this drama, but since it's about an ensemble cast (students each have their own story, plus the main prof), there're also lots of smaller plotlines and they are ALL super interesting. No skipping needed in this drama at all! It's also great how the drama weaves in all these smaller plots into the main one so effortlessly. That's good writing!
- This is linked to the first point, but almost all the characters (I'd say all but some of the villains) have considerable depth. They have their backstory, they have their weaknesses, their flaws, their little something to overcome. And of course, they have their strength. It's nice to see a drama in which characters are more than plot devices!
- I say this drama does legal the best because as someone who hates legal dramas and finds them boring, it managed to actually get me to care about the trials and the clauses and laws. How it succeeds where others have fail is still a mystery to me, but I think it's because the drama made me root and care about the characters a lot. Also, the entire drama isn't spent in courtrooms. We see what happens backstage the most (the crimes, the preparation for trials, the lessons, etc.). It's pretty cool!

The Bad
- Maybe they didn't care, but there's close to zero suspense in this drama. Although it's set up as a whodunit, it's pretty clear from episode 1 who is probably responsible for the murder. The same applies for a few other crimes in the drama. So it becomes a bit irrelevant how 2/3 of the drama, if not more, tries to postpone the reveal of who is really guilty.
- The ending is very underwhelming for me. Underwhelming and just...dissatisfying. Too rushed, too shallow. Not sure why they decided to go for the choices that they made.
- Overall, I think the drama was meant to encourage thought on justice and law. That's how they set it up in the pilot. But it really sort of...doesn't? I feel like it's a bit of a let down in that department. Especially at the end; they try to wrap it up nicely but it just feels like empty words...

THE ACTING
Pretty good, I'd say. Some performances felt a bit more extra (especially villains and less important students), but nothing that ruins the experience.

THE MUSIC
Not a fan, but it was fitting. It's a shame that the BGM didn't stay as good as it is in the first episode though. The first few minutes are pretty awesome!

REWATCH VALUE
Not very high. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice watch. A really nice watch. But it doesn't have the "umph" factor that will make me want to watch it again. It lacks grip, and I typically prefer rewatching addicting shows. Still recommend though!

Read More

Watch it for the thrill

OVERALL
A drama with a unique premise (a police squad going after financial crime) that has at the least the advantage of being innovative. Watch it if 1) you like police dramas, 2) you like mature dramas, 3) you like big production dramas. Skip if 1) you want a few laughs, 2) you're looking for well-written romance, 2) you're looking for well-written, period.

THE STORY
I wanted to love it, but by the end, I just kind of liked it...and the key is on the "kind of". The drama started out promising but just slowly went downhill.

The Good
- I hate everything tied to economics but what kept me going with this drama was the whole financial crime aspect. The drama does a good job of showing how it can really devastate lives and that the chase is as thrilling as with violent crimes.
- I was living for the mature vibes of this drama. So many C-dramas nowadays seem to be produced for teenagers haha I'm not saying it for the cast (you have mature dramas with young actors, like Long Ballad), it's the way it's filmed, the attention to the script, the music, amount of lousy clichés, etc. It's good to see a grownup drama for a change.
- One character is really complex and totally makes the drama better for being there (even if he's not necessarily a good one, or a bad one, to be fair).

The Bad
- Top of the list is the absolute disaster of the love story. Romantic scenes are forced and random, ALL THE TIME. It's not because you can't ship the leads or because the actors don't know how to act. It's because of bad writing. TERRIBLE writing.
- The writing and production is at its worst in the second half of the drama. Characters that are smart start acting like they aren't, and it's one bad transition after the next. For instance, a character is in a hospital one scene and in the police department the other like nothing happened. Wth?
- To be honest, financial crime works too slowly. Parts of the drama felt kind of draggy.
- The ending is lackluster.

THE ACTING
Veteran actors here, so you pretty much have good acting. I just took out points because there's no chemistry between the leads.

THE MUSIC
Typical thriller music, but the good kind.

REWATCH VALUE
Low, bro.

Read More

Classic thriller

OVERALL
For once in a long time, a binge-worthy crime & mystery C-drama. Watch it if 1) you're craving a gripping thriller with good pace, 2) you like strong and smart FLs. Reconsider if 1) you're looking for a well-developed romance, 2) you don't like plot flaws.

THE STORY
I binged this series in two days, and that might make it seem totally amazing. I guess it kind of is, but not really haha It's definitely a worthy drama, but it's also a very flawed drama.

The Good
- In terms of crime & mystery, this drama's living up to expectations. You have fast pace, smart villains, a few action scenes, all the good's there.
- FL is cool and not for being cute and pretty (yay!) but for actually being smart, strong and capable.
- ML is also cool, though he doesn't stand out as much as FL.
- There are no annoying secondary characters, everyone is either likeable or realistic and useful.
- Cinematography is top notch thriller genre, the drama serves good quality production from beginning to end.

The Bad
- At the top of the list, there's the complete failure of a romance. It's not just bad, it's ugly. The drama starts out promising a love story, but as it goes on not only does the romance recede to the background, it becomes increasingly incoherent. Don't expect any developments or skinship on that end.
- The drama also promises character development for FL, because it starts out giving lots of backstory and showing us her struggles, but then it just...forgets about everything. Again, total failure to deliver. False advertisement.
- The ending is illogical. But actually, so are a few plot twists and events in the drama. Basically, the writing is as sloppy as the production is great.

THE ACTING
Good, all around. I think ML and FL even had a bit of chemistry at first, even though the drama makes sure by the end you don't remember it.

THE MUSIC
Typical suspenseful music, but the good kind. I liked it!

REWATCH VALUE
Eh...What hyped the series the most for me was the potential romance, but the ship got stuck at the harbor. I doubt I'll watch the drama again.

Read More

Easy binge

OVERALL
This drama is short and thrilling, so it's an easy watch. Consider if 1) you're looking for an action-packed series, 2) you like revenge stories, 3) you don't need much more than that. Skip if 1) you want well-developed characters, 2) you're craving a good romance, 3) you don't like tragedy.

THE STORY
A pretty conventional revenge story. No major event is really unexpected, even the main plot twist. The ending is also quite predictable if you know anything about Korean action films and their unconditional love for the tragic. Where My Name shines is in the delivery. In the little details.

The Good
- The drama REALLY makes you feel and root for FL. She goes through hell and becomes strong but also so vulnerable. Her life sucks too much and you're dying to see it suck a bit less.
- Although the drama is short, they do try to squeeze in a bit of a love story and they do it successfully; it actually makes sense and is even kind of cute?
- Although nothing's out of the ordinary, the show still remains gripping enough to be binged in a day. There's the suspense surrounding FL's cover, the mystery of her dad's death, the drug cartel, so much to keep you on the edge of your seat. And there's the occasional joke too. The drama is conventional, but good conventional, definitely.

The Bad
- How unoriginal the plot is, though I guess if you only care about action this isn't a problem. The biggest let-down is the fact that the most promising aspect of the drama, FL going undercover in the police, ends up being so unimportant. So lackluster. They could have played it up and it would have made the show much better and much more original.
- The unnecessary tragedy (because trust me, it's absolutely unnecessary. A death that is unavoidable is fine, a death that is just there because the writer wanted it there is an abomination).
- The lack of depth, especially character or relationship development. Granted, this is a very short series, so there's only so much we can ask. But at the same time, there're so many fighting scenes...a few could have been replaced by deeper stuff.

THE ACTING
I LOVED her. ML was also fine though. In general, they were all great! A huge asset for the series, because acting makes an average plot ten times better.

THE MUSIC
No comment.

REWATCH VALUE
Not high for me. Don't get me wrong, this drama is a good binge. But it's a one-time binge. There's nothing there that'll make me come back to it.

Read More

Heartwarming

OVERALL
This drama is bringing the older woman/younger man storyline to a new level and I love it. Watch if 1) you're looking for a capable FL and a sweet ML, 2) you want lots of cute OTP scenes, 3) you dig work drama. Avoid if 1) you don't like any of the above, 2) you're looking for great chemistry or smexy scenes, and 3) you like meaty characters.

THE STORY
Recently C-dramas have been generous with the older woman/younger man storyline: Love Scenery, My Fated Boy, and now this one. Out of all I've seen, The Rational Life does the best job at dealing with that theme. FL isn't acting younger than her age to make ML more masculine, and there's more realistic drama surrounding the age difference too (which is necessary with this kind of plot). It's also cool how they went out there and pushed the age gap to 12 years!!!

The Good
- ML and FL are not the super cliché C-drama leads. She's not childish and immature, he's not cold and domineering. None of them depend on the other either. They're both capable adults who complement each other nicely.
- The secondary couples (there're 2) are actually interesting and worth watching. The characters are also quite likable. Not cartoony, dumb, loud. Perfectly normal and likable.
- The ML and FL's moms are just so cute (especially ML's)!

The Bad
- ML and FL lack a bit of depth. It looks like the drama wants to give them some at the start, but eventually it all goes down the drain. A bit of a waste, because there isn't much character development (or relationship development, for that matter). The best character is FL's mom, and that's because she's the most developed (and undergoes the most change).
- Now, this point is entirely subjective, but as someone who doesn't care too much about work drama, I find that there's WAY too much of it. They could have cut down and given more meat to their characters.
- Some of the OTP scenes are reaaallyyy cute, but some of them are reallyyy cringe and awkward. It's not always satisfying to watch. Overall, the "falling in love" part is much better written and produced than the "being in love and a couple" part.

THE ACTING
Quite good, but there is zero chemistry between the leads. In some dramas it's fine because it doesn't interfere too much with the drama experience, but in this one you can really feel it, which sucks a bit.

THE MUSIC
Bad haha Not terrible, but bad.

REWATCH VALUE
Not very high, but it doesn't mean the drama wasn't worth it. I just think it's one of those one-timers. It doesn't have the 'umph' factor (something gripping) that would make me want to watch it again.

Read More

Pleasantly surprised

OVERALL
This is a true e-sport drama, but a decent one. Watch if 1) you're down with a bickering OTP, 2) you like cutesy female leads, 3) you're fine with the typical cool and aloof male lead. Reconsider if 1) you can't stand any of the above, 2) you find e-sports boring, 3) you're looking for a sizzling, swoon-worthy romance.

THE STORY
Because the last few C-dramas I watched were just average, I came into this one with low expectations and found myself hooked. By the end, the 1st half was the best, the plot started withering away in the 2nd half, but overall it makes a decent filler!

The Good
- the interactions between FL and ML. The bickering feels coherent and natural, not forced like in some other dramas.
- the 'falling in love' part is well paced, cute and fun.
- the drama addresses a few social issues realistically and successfully, like the idea of a female pro gamer or the problem of unhealthy fandoms and internet communities.

The Bad
- FL is fine (compared to others) but she's still childish cute, and we need more women acting like women. Women can be mature and cute. No need to make them childish... Part of the problem is Cdramas obsession with making FL go through slapstick and dumb, embarrassing moments. Makes them look so immature!
- ML is also fine (compared to others), but the cliché aloof male lead needs to go. It's irritating just how many Cdramas bring it up.
- their 'being in love' part is kind of lackluster.
- the 2nd half of the drama is just so dramatic and game-centered. It's not the worst, it all makes sense, but it just kills the enjoyment a bit. The last ep is legit entirely spent on games...I wish there'd been more time spent on relationship or character development.

THE ACTING
Ok, I guess. I wasn't super impressed but they all did well enough! Not much chemistry between the leads but it still works!

THE MUSIC
No comment.

REWATCH VALUE
Not high. Nothing blew my mind or made me swoon, so I probably won't ever be dying to rewatch. It was a nice watch though!

Read More