This review may contain spoilers
Pretty toxic relationship glorified as mature romance
This is a story about the relationship between a young woman fresh out of college and her boss that started from a 1 night stand that devolved into a 6-year secret office relationship with poor communication & shallow emotional connection erupting in a prolonged 3-year break up after FL didn’t get promoted and finally ending with her taking ML back after he made more effort.Admittedly there were a lot of good things about ES – JBR & his amazing portrayal of Luke, the production value, the visuals, the friendships, how it showed the struggle of making it as a young professional in Beijing, and how I looked forward to each new episode to see how the story would play out... Most modern romantic cdramas don’t have this kind of thrilling pacing.
But TBH after finishing it, I am left feeling troubled and uneasy, almost like there’s a bad taste in my mouth. It really wasn’t a very romantic story, and most of the time I was frustrated or pissed off with Luke/Flora/both. Despite the good points, my overall viewing impression is too negatively influenced by the toxic relationship between the main couple. Luke alternated between mentoring Flora, liking her, and disrespecting her. Imagine, 6 years into their relationship, he was still calling her dumb. Maybe it was playful teasing bordering on bullying. Still, it felt disrespectful. Let’s keep it real - he gets away with such asinine behavior mostly because of his looks and his position. Meanwhile, Flora would just take in all the verbal abuse, probably justifying it as a learning lesson, and also thinking this is how he is. I couldn’t believe how over 6 years, their relationship continued to be pretty shallow with little meaningful conversation, and still the insults. Yes, they got together initially because of physical attraction, probably both were drawn to each other because of the power imbalance, and later on there’s probably some form of respect over their similar work ethic that developed...but I was waiting for growth in their personal relationship, a deeper understanding and emotional connection during their 6 years together...it just didn’t happen.
Their interactions in episode 19, after 6 years (!) into their relationship really show the lack of maturity, understanding, and progress in their relationship -
During the drive to Tibet:
Flora: You are so gentle today.
Luke: Have I ever hit you? (ICK!)
Flora: No...I just wish you could be this gentle with me more often. (HOW HAS SHE ENDURED?!?)
Luke: So you like someone who’s soft? (WHAT?! HOW DOES HE NOT KNOW?!?)
And then back at their hotel in Tibet:
Flora: I appreciate that you never threw tantrums at me. You didn’t leave me behind on the streets. Congratulations. You have become someone I trust. (JUST DIDN'T FEEL GOOD LISTENING TO THIS!)
And following her phone call with parents:
Flora: Then, can we talk?
Luke: About what?
Flora: Let’s talk about the first time we met.
...
Luke: When I first met you I was thinking how can someone be this dumb? Like a big dummy.
Flora (pouts): I’m tired now.
(JUST, NO)
Their long breakup should have come sooner!
Even though they both evolved for the better after their 3 year separation, seeing them get back together still felt wrong, an ill-fit. If their story continued 10, 20 years down the road, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them repeat the unhealthy cycle of breaking up & getting back together ad nauseum.
I agree with the opinion that she should be with someone who can read her emotions and feelings better, someone who is gentle and understands her...and that he should be with someone confident & daring who can rein him in and call out all his shenanigans (he’s kind of like Domyouji in Hana Yori Dango, he needs a Tsukushi...). So the imbalance of power, different emotional level, lack of empathy, were just too much...it’s like each one is feeding into the other’s negative traits. It’d be best if the story ended with them going their separate ways.
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