Sban
Slowing down and getting deep
I recommend you watch season 1 before season 2 of this show. I read that season 2 included a new production team as well as a change of two of the lead cast members, which would have made for significant challenges. I feel the writers and producers handled these changes well with just a few tiny missteps in the process. After the overly silly first episode meant to explain the changes, the show found its footing again and it was fantastic from then on.
Like season 1, writer Park Yeon Sun continued to explore what is below the surface of our assumptions about others. This time, she showed us so much more of the acting talents and back story of our feisty journalist Ji Won, played brilliantly by Park Eun Bin. The writer made amazing strategic decisions starting in season 1 that carry over to influence season 2 in some genius ways and Park Eun Bin nailed every nuanced hint written into her character. She has an expert ability to relate her character to the other characters in complex ways. This is especially fun to watch when she shared scenes with her pseudo-boyfriend Sung Min, played with understated but overflowing concern by Son Seung Won. The way they played off each other and cared so much without being direct about it is masterful and beautiful.
As well as giving more screen time to the most talented actress on the cast, there were a few other big changes this season. One positive change was the pace slowed down and we got to see more dialogue and interaction between the five women which was a treat. It fit well with the progression of their growing friendship. I also enjoyed the introduction of the new housemate, Choi A Ra as Jo Eun, an "alternative" representation of femininity. Although I believe her history could have been written with more detail, I understand it was hard because she was a new cast member so we had to get to know her from the very beginning. Although it was fantastic that she ended up in a positive relationship, I was originally rooting for a lesbian couple when we were first introduced to her and her best friend. I guess my progressive hopes are ahead of current mainstream kdrama culture. Another shining change was the further development of eldest Sunbae character Jin Myung played by Han Ye Ri. After her harrowing experiences in the first season, she used her thoughtful empathetic leadership to support each of the women and help them through their tough times. Finally, I liked the progression of girly Ye Eun played by Han Seung Yeon. I applaud including the lasting effects of trauma in her storyline and the fact that it showed in a realistic way that it changed her permanently. I also enjoyed the addition of her growing relationship with neurodiverse engineer Ho Chang played by Lee Yoo Jin, although for me a friendship rather than a coupleship would have fit better.
One change that didn't work so well for me was the re-casting of Ji Woo as shy, young Eun Jae. Although the character grew a lot more confident over the course of season 1, the new actress portrayed what seemed like a completely different character, quirky and curt instead of deliberate and quietly deep. It just didn't click with me. However, her storyline is a common consideration for women and an important one to feature.
Overall, both season 1 and 2 showed us great depth of character and relationships in a way that doesn't tie everything up with a perfect bow. The show asks us to focus on what's beneath the surface in our assumptions about people. And it's a treat to watch Park Eun Bin's acting talent pull the whole cast together.
Finally, just a reminder to watch all the epilogues that run after the end credits during this season. They add a lot to the story, *hint* *hint*.
Like season 1, writer Park Yeon Sun continued to explore what is below the surface of our assumptions about others. This time, she showed us so much more of the acting talents and back story of our feisty journalist Ji Won, played brilliantly by Park Eun Bin. The writer made amazing strategic decisions starting in season 1 that carry over to influence season 2 in some genius ways and Park Eun Bin nailed every nuanced hint written into her character. She has an expert ability to relate her character to the other characters in complex ways. This is especially fun to watch when she shared scenes with her pseudo-boyfriend Sung Min, played with understated but overflowing concern by Son Seung Won. The way they played off each other and cared so much without being direct about it is masterful and beautiful.
As well as giving more screen time to the most talented actress on the cast, there were a few other big changes this season. One positive change was the pace slowed down and we got to see more dialogue and interaction between the five women which was a treat. It fit well with the progression of their growing friendship. I also enjoyed the introduction of the new housemate, Choi A Ra as Jo Eun, an "alternative" representation of femininity. Although I believe her history could have been written with more detail, I understand it was hard because she was a new cast member so we had to get to know her from the very beginning. Although it was fantastic that she ended up in a positive relationship, I was originally rooting for a lesbian couple when we were first introduced to her and her best friend. I guess my progressive hopes are ahead of current mainstream kdrama culture. Another shining change was the further development of eldest Sunbae character Jin Myung played by Han Ye Ri. After her harrowing experiences in the first season, she used her thoughtful empathetic leadership to support each of the women and help them through their tough times. Finally, I liked the progression of girly Ye Eun played by Han Seung Yeon. I applaud including the lasting effects of trauma in her storyline and the fact that it showed in a realistic way that it changed her permanently. I also enjoyed the addition of her growing relationship with neurodiverse engineer Ho Chang played by Lee Yoo Jin, although for me a friendship rather than a coupleship would have fit better.
One change that didn't work so well for me was the re-casting of Ji Woo as shy, young Eun Jae. Although the character grew a lot more confident over the course of season 1, the new actress portrayed what seemed like a completely different character, quirky and curt instead of deliberate and quietly deep. It just didn't click with me. However, her storyline is a common consideration for women and an important one to feature.
Overall, both season 1 and 2 showed us great depth of character and relationships in a way that doesn't tie everything up with a perfect bow. The show asks us to focus on what's beneath the surface in our assumptions about people. And it's a treat to watch Park Eun Bin's acting talent pull the whole cast together.
Finally, just a reminder to watch all the epilogues that run after the end credits during this season. They add a lot to the story, *hint* *hint*.
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