Zogitt

Peak romantic escapism

I’ll be honest, this series has me in two minds. There is the critical side of me that see the contrived, cliche plots and then there is the romance drama tragic that lapped up all the swoon-y moments and happily frolicked with the unicorns. It is a tug of war at times but in the end, the drama tragic won and the critic was banished to the naughty corner.

The premise of the plot is the classic BFF to lover trope. Of course, it is a bumpy ride for our besotted leads or it won't be a k-drama. However, it is also less angsty than I expected. It is pretty smooth sailing on the Love Boat for our OTP once they sorted out their feelings. The angst largely comes from the second leads and the parents. Interestingly, they are not the usual annoying, controlling parents. They are decent folks, but the show put them at loggerheads due to some misunderstanding just to create tension and serve up some distraction.

As I mentioned before, the A-plot is quite simple if we pare back the extraneous side plots. What is left is a sweet OTP romance and an engaging 2CP. I'm happy to see the OTP is rock solid after their confession. However, the 2CP is on far shakier grounds. When you throw in a cute little girl into the mix, I’m shipping them big time.

I’m not saying that the OTP is boring. Where the OTP excelled is their chemistry. I think the acting experience of our two senior leads shows. Their interactions feel natural and believable. Their skinship is more passionate as well. The 2CP has their moments but they are a bit awkward around each other most of the time. Not that I’m complaining but there is a clear winner if you put them side by side.

If I release my inner critic, the show would be about 7.5. It is perfectly watchable if you want something that is angst lite and uncomplicated. On the other hand, if I morph into the Romance Drama Tragic™, then it is an easy 8.5 (9 if you only rate the last 4 eps). You just need to filter out (skip) the noises and focus on the swoon worthy moments, especially during the second half. If I were to rewatch this, I’d start at the end of ep.11 and be a couch potato for the next few hours unto the happy end. I'll have to skip forward a few times but that's par for the course.

Speaking of the ending, it is very sweet but not quite sugar overload and less formulaic than expected. Everyone, and I mean everyone, gets a happy ending. There are minor twists, but the main plot stays the course.

One odd thing though. The budding romance of the FL’s brother and the ML’s coworker. They are obviously the 3CP but somehow their timing seems off. 10 months of close interaction and he doesn’t get the hint that the girl is into him?! I’ll just put it down to an odd slip by the writer-nim.

This show is a guilty pleasure for me. Maybe you will enjoy it too.

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A wild ride which ends surprisingly timidly

Behind the glitz and glam of the Japanese entertainment industry there lies a dark underbelly. Host clubs have been known to use predatory practices on their female clients. Those clients can rack up huge debts in the name of supporting their favourite host. New Japanese law aims to counter this has been enacted recently.

Maybe it is this high-profile change that sow the seed of this drama. Our ML works as a host in a popular club. The amount of money being spent by "princesses" are staggering. We bear witness to some disturbing fallouts. Into this nefarious world bravely walked our FL.

Our FL is 35 years old and the pressure on her to get married is immense. She is inexperienced in love, but I won't say she is totally naïve. To be fair, she has a strict upbringing and leads a sheltered life as a teacher in a catholic girl school. Her value system is quite binary. There are not many grey areas in her life. You can imagine her discomfort when she was forced to visit a host club when one of her students became obsessed with the ML. She is totally out of her comfort zone.

What sordid tales are contained within those walls? There is an opportunity to make some hard-hitting dramas. Yet, by the halfway mark, we know there won’t be any serious exposé on the Host Club industry.

While I'm a little disappointed by the missed opportunity, I can't complain too much as the focus on our leads highlights some serious talents. Not only is our ML's appearance striking, he is also a singer and model in RL. He is perfect for the role.

Similarly, our female lead IS the meek and strait-laced teacher. She is not a particularly good teacher, yet she never gives up trying. She found a new purpose while teaching the dyslexic ML. Their growing attraction is relatable.

This drama doesn't hide the fact that the A-plot is tropey. Their meet-cute is essentially Opposite Attracts writ large. With a bonus serving of Good Girl/Bad Boy to seal the deal. Our leads projected enough sincerity to make it work.

In essence, this show looks at relationships from two opposing ends. On the one hand, we have the loveless social contract, akin to a lifetime of role playing. While on the other hand, we have pretended ones where a female engage a handsome host to live out a fantasy, billable by the minute. Neither one is ideal, but they are symptomatic of our time.

We find our FL faced with just such a stark choice. Will she accept a loveless but stable life like her mum or will she rebel? As expected, this leads to much soul searching and eventual growth for all. It is their journey we are buying into.

Is the drama perfect? Not quite. There are some minor pacing and narrative issues. However, my one real gripe is how the show bends over backwards to land the happy ending for everyone.

To wit, the show makes sure we understand the hosts are honest people just doing a job. The two timing SML plays cupid for our leads. Owner of the club is a kind, fatherly figure under his gangster facade. The FL’s old fashion, control freak of a father only wants to sing, I mean retire and be a house husband. Oprah Winfrey will be proud as the show dishes out redemptions like free trips to Australia.

The last couple of eps is a surprising wild ride. They packed some big highs and deep lows. Our leads really bring out their A-game. Their romance blossomed and then wilted. It is hardly an easy cruise to the finish.

The actual ending was a bit rushed and feels contrived. Maybe they ran out of time. At least, the writer-san didn't leave us dangling. The last scene with the FL calling out the ML for writing the word LOVE incorrectly is delicious. They then practise writing it over and over in the sand until the whole area is covered by LOVE. How poetic! Just wish there is more fan service.

In the end, I can't recommend this show unreservedly because there are caveats. If you have read this far then I implore you to sample a few eps and judge for yourself. You can do worse, chingu. Peace.

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James Bond has nothing to fear

I am confused. This series started as a kind of action comedy, but it got dark quickly. Then it yo-yos all over the place. There is a bit of romance, schoolyard drama, slapsticks and some well choreographed action sequences. This series is a jack-of-all trades but master of none.

A lot of that comes down to its setting. A prestigious school is a challenging ecosystem. We have all the standard bullying and schoolyard tropes. However, they are only half-hearted attempts. More done to show off the righteousness of the ML and his good looks. That's fine but here lies the second problem. The ML is over 30 in RL. Sure, in earlier scenes, he can just about pull off looking like a late teen. Lighting, camera angle and some filter magic helps. However, the further the show progresses, the older he looked. It really makes it hard to suspend my disbelief at times.

Then you have the spy drama. Oh boy, what dramas! I don't know what's the reputation of the Korean NIS but most of their agents seems to be incompetent or corrupt. It is not a good look. Even the good guys are not much more than cannon fodder for the slapstick routines. They are ineffective or have to be rescued by the ML. Sure, they have their moments, but it is few and far between.

However, the biggest problem for me is the antagonist. She swings between manic to evil to delusional and back again. She definitely descended into insanity towards the end, but we are told that she has been running that school for over 20 years. How is that possible? She is no educator even though she thinks she has the vision. She seems to have many “friends” in high places under her thumb but why don't they betray her when she is out of control? It can't be loyalty. Is it blackmail? Greed? She seems to get away with literal murder, yet she can feel straitjacketed at times. There is a logical gap between who she is, what she wants and how much power she appears to wield. The show seems to have a very laissez faire altitude regarding this.

If that is not enough, the school principal is a murderous thug who has been loyal to her family for 40 years. It is one thing to be a figurehead, but this is a high-profile school for the elite. You might be able to fool people for a year or two, but this is a whole generation!

If they are relying on the teachers to deliver, then I'm even more confused. Sure, the FL is conscientious, but not the majority. The head teacher is a buffoon.

Essentially, this drama is a mesh up of different genres. Plots start and run on for a bit. Just when you think you know what is going on, it would abruptly change tack. Such tonal shifts can be jarring and unsettling.

If you think the plot is messy, it overflows to the acting. It is a large ensemble but most of the roles are one dimensional. The younger actors fulfil the typical school drama roles with ease but there is little depth to their characters.

I already mentioned the NIS mob but some are seasoned actors and they are forced to clown around as the script demands it. It can be very cringey. I can't unsee the agents fighting like ahjummas.

Our leads turned in solid performances but hampered by the writing. They tried their best but it is a no-win fight. I really appreciate the ML giving us his all as this is his comeback role after enlistment. Good luck to him!

There are so many issues with the antagonist role that I kept asking how, what and why. She did her best but the script is not helping.

We finally have some clarity in the last couple of eps. This means all those mystifying subplots are tied off with pink bows. Not every resolution makes sense though. There is peace in the classroom. Enemies are now friends. The school carries on as if nothing happened, even though it went to hell and back. Punishments are dished out to our transgressors. The OTP’s romance is fated and basically on rail. It is a shame that the chemistry is weak. It is nice, yes, that's the word.

The only way I managed to sit through it all is by switching off my brain, all of it. The many plot holes, oddities and inconsistencies just sail by. It is not unwatchable but a rewatch? You jest.

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A decade late is still better than never

I'm sure there are doctoral thesis based on this drama. Not to mention thousands of reviews online so let's not go down that well trodden path.

I'll just share some thoughts with readers who managed to miss this 11 years old gem. Yes, 🫵🏻!

Let's start with the easy bit. JUST GO WATCH IT!

Now the tough bit. This show is full of triggers. Child abuse, abandonment, mental illness, extreme violence, suicide, etc, etc. It really is not for everyone. You have been warned.

Still reading? Good. This is an amazing story, made with love by some of the best actors of our generation. Sure, some of them were just starting their careers, but there is no hiding their talents. As I told a chingu, it is like trainspotting for drama tragics. :)

The story is complicated and might even shock you. When all are revealed, it makes perfect sense. Until then, there are quite a bit of flashbacks to a certain event and from different perspectives. There are misunderstandings and red herrings so don't assume you got it and switch off.

The FL is personality+. Loud and fast talking. This is sort of her signature style. Think of this role as the prototype. However, she is more than that, much more. You will laugh and cry with her in time.

One thing that is front and centre is the ML's acting. This is his show. He played 7 different roles. They are all radically different from each other. He is all in with his commitment.

I thought Yoo Yeon-seok did well when he played multiple roles in Phantom Lawyer, but this is next level. Heck, next, next level. The ML is in different characters for many scenes, some lasting almost an entire ep. You will grow to love (or hate) some of them.

Team Do Hyeon and Team Se Gi is a thing even after a decade. It will hit you hard when we have to say goodbye to them.

Speaking of tears, this show is sort of a tear jerker. Not in the traditional dam bursting sense though. The clever writing will ambush you. Little touches and fragments of dialogue will hit you in the feels when you are least expected.

Finally, don't binge it, chingu. It is tempting, I know. It is a tough watch, both in terms of emotional weight and the amount of details you need to absorb. Pace yourself. This is a marathon, not a race. ;)

So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and immerse yourself in this masterpiece. A decade late is still better than never. 👍🏻 Peace.

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Whodunit? Who cares

J-dramas are full of quirky and off kilter characters and plots. This one is an odd mix but not in the usual way. Nothing outrageous or controversial. It just doesn't sit comfortably within any particular genre.

This drama draws us in with an autumnal romance between our leads. It was supposed to be love at first sight, yet it felt contrived considering their personalities and circumstances. Ask no questions, chingu. I am intrigued though. Will their whirlwind romance blossom?

Things get complicated when we are introduced to the FL's family. They are an odd bunch. Each have their own foibles. At least they are friendly and welcome him into their fold. Yet, something feels amiss. An unspoken presence lurks around the edge of their congenial gatherings.

We soon learnt that the FL's boyfriend died mysteriously 15 years ago. It was ruled an accident. Yet, one of the officer investigating was not convinced. He pushed to have the case reopened after all these years. He has his own reasons which I shall not elaborate further. As this is a murder mystery, I'll try my best not to spoil it for you.

If I'm being honest, I don't feel the mystery plot is well constructed. The writer-san drip feed us titbits of information and lead us down the garden path a few times. It is functional, but lacks the intricacies of a top tier crime friction.

Discounting a random killer, there are only 2 or 3 people who could have done the deed, we are literally running out of suspects. Fine, we can overlook the wobbly narrative if the romance is something special. Alas, I find this wanting as well.

While our leads would declare their love for each other from time to time, I'm not convinced. I even started to suspect the FL is using the old honey trap to get the ML involved as he is a high-profile lawyer. IMHO, it would have made more sense that way. I was perplexed. Is it really true love?

Here lies the problem with this series. It seems to think by throwing in the odd red herring and a bunch of eccentric characters, it can glow up an ordinary murder plot. It is a paper thin facade.

When we have the final reveal, I was not surprised. There are literally no other options. It was Occam's Razor after all. Having said that, there is a minor twist towards the end which was delicious.

Personally, I'd have preferred a stronger whodunit or a more swoon-y love story. What we got is a grab bag of eccentric characters pushing and pulling in their own orbits. I get the messages about family ties and freedom of choice, but the show took its time delivering them.

We got there in the end. I'm not sure the destination is worth the journey. Given the decent performances and on par production, this is a shame. Peace.

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The tail wagged just in time

I’m not going to mince words. This show feels humdrum for most of its run. Yes, it has its moments and when the romance is in full flight it can be heart fluttering. On the other hand, it is a tedious watch for the longest time.

The old enemy to lover trope is front and centre again. The ML is charismatic, and the FL is attractive. Both are approaching middle age. They seemed to hate each other on sight but there is something unspoken just under the surface. It is a promising start. However, the apple cart starts to wobble soon enough. So much push backs! So much snarling and cattiness. This went on and on.

As soon as they accepted their destiny, the unicorns are freed and all is forgiven. I know they are making up for lost time but scene after scene of snarly exchanges cannot be unseen.

Unfortunately, as soon as it got interesting on the romance front, the side characters start to bay for attention. For instance, the teachers at school are so nosy. Village ajummas need to take note. On top of that, the head teacher is next level. His sole aim is to be a pest and get drunk after work. Any excuse will do. The fact that he is the head teacher makes it so cringey. They sucked a lot of oxygen from the A-plot.

The writer-nim also ran through all the dating tropes. Sometimes, it can feel a bit surreal watching scenes you would associate with young actors being enacted by our 40 years old leads. It can be cute but it is hit and miss.

Then we have the patriarch of both families. The FL's grandfather is a decent man but stubborn as a mule. The ML's father is an obnoxious nouveau riche who is hellbent on exacting revenge on the grandfather because of some historical slight. Our leads are the meat in the sandwich for obvious reasons.

This lead to a series of unpleasant interactions between our leads and the patriarchs. They are close to 40 yet they are treated like kids. Verbal abuse and corporal punishment is the norm. Speaking of kids, the show did devote a fair amount of time to their school yard meet-cute and flirtation. Those flashbacks are quite sweet and certainly shows up their present day counterparts.

I was feeling lukewarm by the 2/3 mark and kept putting off chasing the next episode. Given the acting of the ensemble is solid, especially the main characters, this points to some questionable writing being the culprit. I was thankful when the last two episodes dropped as they lifted the show significantly.

Those last episodes flipped the narrative. Not only a key historical grievance was resolved but it also brought the families together at a critical time.

As expected, the last episode is pure fan service and happy endings are handed out like lollies. I won’t complain. The reward at the end made the time sink bearable. That will do. Peace.

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A video essay or voyeurism?

This show position itself as a romance drama with a strong “what-if” element. It is build upon the fantasy that a person can change gender spontaneously. Not via a sex change operation but an instantaneous and complete body reconfiguration including a different face.

This allows the show to post all kinds of hypothetical questions about discrimination, friendship, love and marriage of the same sex due to this sudden gender realignment. This is a double-edged sword as the fantastical and abrupt nature lessen some of its impact.

The Show then proceeded to put a number of protagonists through the spin cycle and force them to confront their changed circumstances. The most obvious is what will you do if your wife becomes a man, or your best mate is now an attractive woman. The bulk of the show is basically an exploration of these questions and its ramifications.

In many cases, this is what the LGBTQ+ community is confronted with on a daily basis so while the Show is set up to address a hypothetical gender change, it is really more about the LGBTQ+ community’s interaction within itself and with the larger society as a whole.

Even though the Show is not overly preachy, it can feel like the questions are asked just so that we can hear the answers from the coalface. While the informative aspect is laudable, there are many conversations and it can be a bit repetitive with the views seesawing back and fore.

It is no surprise that our protagonists all found love or at least contentment in the end. I sensed that the Show does not want to push any views too hard so for each success, we are presented with failures. This means this is largely a thought experiment. In the end, it comes down to the timeless notion of True Love Will Conquer All . . . most of the time . . . maybe.

This brings us to the voyeuristic aspect of the show. Yes, there are bed scenes involving same sex as well as straight couples. It does provide some titillation especially when it involved pairings that might be considered taboo in some societies. It is not exploitative nor egregious. You have to form your own opinion whether this is integral to the storytelling.

The Show is generally subdued in tone and the acting is solid. The fish out of water aspect does bring about some lighter moments. OST is fine.

The show is watchable but a slow burn. The ending is satisfying if predictable. Whether you find this show worth watching will depend on your expectations and reason for watching in the first place. It is a one time watch for me.
Peace out.

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Sageuk wears Prada™

There is a certain fascination about whether the Joseon Dynasty can survive into the 21st century. Variations of this theme pop up from time to time in the k-dramaverse.

Right from the start, this series goes all in. This alternative universe's Korea is a mishmash of Joseon tradition mingled with modernity. Some elements are straight out of historical series while others belong to contemporary idol dramas. This show doesn't so much as massage history but gave it whiplash!

Not only do you need to get your head around a constitutional monarchy with all the pomp and ceremonies dating back hundreds of years, but also a big dollop of classic palace intrigue, dynastic succession and the future of the monarchy itself. But wait, there is more! How about chaebol family powerplay and a love triangle. They are all played out under the severe gaze of modern social media. Mercy!

I would normally take a raincheck (aka run away screaming) upon reading that last paragraph, but this production has an ace up its sleeve. In fact, a pair of them.

Our leads are two of the hottest k-drama stars today. This is a dream pairing by all account. Just the hype surrounding them would be enough to guarantee traffic. Alas, all is not well in the modern Kingdom of Korea.

As I mentioned earlier, this drama is busy. There are so much going on. The show did well to cover the basics, but it can feel rushed and superficial. This is a trade-off of a 12 eps run. I would have expected 16 eps to maximise commercial returns and that would give the story a bit more breathing space.

Don't get me wrong, the series is complete. The show provided us with the required resolutions and redemptions, but they are just that. What we see is what we get. There are times when I thought the script could go deeper, but it already changed tack. The storylines are broad and many, but most are skin deep.

Of course, this doesn't mean it is a bad show. As an idol drama, it ticked all the boxes. There are intrigues, conflicts, romance and fan service. Whether you buy into the alternate timeline is a personal choice. For me, it is a mixed bag. When it is firing, it is something to behold and then it would leave me frustrated with some half baked subplot. One such example is the evolution of the Prime Minister. I wasn't surprised by the development, but it was hardly sophisticated writing.

It helps if we recalibrate our expectations. Any fans of our leads will rejoice. Their scenes are designed to make us swoon. The couture dresses, the lavish sets, the handsome close-ups and romantic interludes. They have been curated with consummate skill. For some, this is golden. Caveat emptor, chingu.

There is no doubt this is a top tier production and an easy watch. The star power alone guarantees commercial success. That is assuming the series does not stray off the beaten path. That won't be allowed to happen and that is its Achilles heel.

In the end, It delivered what the fans wanted. I doubt it will win a Baeksang, but that's not the point, is it? Peace.

P.S. Note to Korean Government. Install top-notch fire suppression systems in your historical palaces. Fool me twice . .

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(In my best Yoda voice) “Feel the Love!”

Once in awhile a show comes along that just tells a simple story really well. No fuss, no unproductive theatrics, just the basics.

This show is all about the love story between a handsome dude and a beautiful girl 5 years his junior. Their association started when the girl was in junior high and she developed a crush on him when he was introduced as his older brother’s roommate in college. The ML played the "brotherly" role for years until the FL comes of age and he started to have romantic feelings for her. That’s how the show portrayed his side of the story and we shall leave it at that.

The Show took its time to recount their early meetings and how the girl crushed hard on him and going through all the highs and lows of an unrequited love. The Show really hits its stride when they meet again by chance after the FL finished high school and went to a college in the city where the ML is working. Their chemistry is a sight to behold.

As I mentioned in other reviews, in a romance drama, you want to ship the OTP and watch them overcome adversities and fight foes arm in arm. More often than not, dramas will have them fighting each other due to some weak plot twist and go through a breakup or two just to "spice things up". I am thankful that the writer heard my prayers and there is none of that in this show.

Instead, there are lots of playful teasing and plenty of heart fluttering moments and bonus skinship. Their deep love for each other should be distilled and bottled for sale. There are challenges but they are handled with aplomb by our OTP. The writer seems to have gone out of her way to collect all manners of relationship challenges and then set about resolving them in the most positive ways. Each obstacle serves to reaffirm their love and make their relationship stronger. There is little fuss and definitely nothing can come between these two lovebirds. There are no real antagonists and a circle of good friends cheer them on. This type of honest yet heartfelt love story is rare in today’s dramaland. I, for one, give thanks.

The leads are perfect for their roles. ZLS was born to play the lead. I believe this is her first high school drama and she did it with ease. She looks cute and vulnerable in her high school scenes. She then blossomed into a beautiful and radiant young woman in her college years. This goes double after she is in a committed relationship. CZY is handsome and showed a lot more maturity in his role. He played the big brother role well but his take on a devoted boyfriend is next level. He is loving but respectful and always caring. He will make any girl swoon. Their scenes are always worth watching and their chemistry is off the chart. You can really feel their love and commitment especially in later scenes when their resolve is tested.

However, it is not a perfect show. the FL uses a breathless, higher pitched voice when she was playing her younger self and it can be unpleasant to the ears at times. Most of the support casts are from central casting. Their subplots are largely superfluous.

Hidden Love is a sweet, fluffy romance with little angst and few stress points. It is not going to win any awards but this is a show that you can rewatch with guilty pleasure. If you have Romantics Anonymous on speed dial, then you will be doing a happy dance. However, If you want to watch a show with complex plots and matching level of angst and intrigue, then you should have stopped watching 24 episodes ago.

For me, this show has a permanent spot on my rewatch list.

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The maid did it! . . . Umm, actually, nobody did it

Mystery crime drama is a popular genre and for good reasons. A well-constructed one is a masterclass in clever storytelling.

The start of this series certainly leaned heavily into this genre. Do we see a murder most foul in the opening minutes? The appearance of a mysterious man with a shady past definitely adds to the mystery. The fact that this man is the father of our FL and the ex-husband of the long-suffering mother stirs up unhealthy interest amongst the nosy neighbours.

While the angst level is initially quite high due to the tension between the FL and her estranged father plus some silly side plots. We soon learn that this is more a sitcom than a murder mystery. This is not helped by the writer-nim repeatedly baiting us with crumbs of (mis)information suggesting that the father is up to no good. It was functional the first time but after several similar attempts, we just learn to ignore all the red-herrings.

Thankfully, this is no Queen of Tears if you know what I mean. ;) This show is much more about healing and growth than piling on the angst and watch the protagonist suffer. This means a HEA ending is never in doubt. However, there is an interesting divergent towards the end though. Nothing outrageous but if you are expecting the classic unicorn ending then this is not quite it. Yes, our leads are happily dating, but there are no wedding bells (for all 3 couples) nor even a hint of a baby. The ultra low birth rate in Korea was commented upon in show but has no impact on our young leads. Having fun with no strings attached is more important than having babies. ;)

This was a bit of a surprise as the parallel theme of the show is romance. We have 3 different couples that spanned all stages of life. Their romance is quite engaging and rewarding to watch so the non-committal ending, while realistic is a little unexpected.

To be fair, this show is an odd fish. It is angsty but not a makjang. It is romantic but doesn't stick to the romcom playbook entirely. It can be cartoony at times with cringey characters. Sometimes it works nicely but there are times when you'd facepalm. It is up to the viewer to decide if this is a show that is worth watching. I was in two minds early on but I was engaged enough to keep watching and it grew on me. It is far from perfect but it is good enough as a one time watch and in a good way.

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Consumer Warning: Overbearing melodrama ahead!

On paper, this show should be a top-notch production. The stellar cast, the high production value and a nice OST do present a strong case.

In terms of the central plot, it is about as transparent as it can be. It literally gave the key “twist” to us at the end of episode 1. We know with certainty what is the end game. It then spends the bulk of the Show plotting the meandering path towards that exit. It was not necessarily a difficult path, but it was very weighty and melodramatic. It does not hold back on any opportunity to tug at our heartstrings.

While the synopsis of the show hinted at an ensemble drama with a female concentric focus, it is only partly true. Yes, the three main leads are all females about to turn 40 but two are the true leads and they are Son Ye Jin (as Cha Mi Jo) and Jeon Mi Do (as Joeng Chan Young) while the third FL played by Kim Ji Hyun (as Jang Joo Hee) has a lesser role. All the male leads are firmly in support and powered the romantic storylines. Their respective families played in the next tier and move the plot along as required.

It is true that the close friendship/sisterhood of the 3 leads formed the central pillar of the story, the plot around Chan Young is what drives the bulk of plot developments. There is certainly no shortage of subplots but the majority of them were treated superficially. Not that the subject matter is lightweight (abandonment, prejudice, deceptions and more) but they are just shiny fruits hanging off the main trunk. Some were given more attention and used to stir our emotions, but all faded away eventually in the face of the all-consuming main event. To be fair, all these threads were not forgotten, the writer-nim did gave them resolutions even if it is just a quick scene or a snippet of commentary but some felt perfunctory. It allowed the threads to be closed but it doesn’t really give them their dues. IMHO, this is largely because the story is written to appeal and engage with the target audience. It is not about pushing agendas that might distract from the central theme.

There is no doubt the Show is watchable. There are swoon worthy moments and occasional rays of sunshine but I can’t help but cringe at the overly melodramatic scenes and the endless rounds of the female leads drinking, shopping, bickering and basically creating “moments”. Some of those screen time can be better used to explore some subplots that were crying for some love and attention.

Now the elephant in the room, I do pity Joo Hee. Her character is poorly developed and weak by design, suffered a lot, aimed low and achieved little in life. Her love line is contrived. She is supposed to be in a serious relationship (her own words) but there are hardly any outward signs. Just a few hints and no skinship.

You can’t really say the Show dropped the ball. Quite the opposite! The Show has a laser focus on the endgame. Nothing is allowed to get in the way of the melodrama. Every morsel of happiness is bittersweet. Every special moment is handcrafted to heighten its impact. Lingering contemplative shots and close-ups of the protagonists (often in tears) reinforce the despondency.

I have no doubt the Show will be popular but it is also polarising. Its fans will love it and wish for more. The rest of us can only lament the lost opportunities to push back some boundaries or explore relevant issues. If you start watching the show thinking that it is a rom-com then you might felt a bit cheated as the show quickly morphed into its final form. Ultimately, the Show wants to preach to the converted and it did it with consummate skill. Caveat emptor, my friends.

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A grand romance demands a grand sacrifice

I was a little speechless after binging this show over 3 days. Not many show affected me this way but it did and I was surprised.
On paper it is a low profile web drama of 24 episodes running about 30mins each. Short by c-drama standard. It started off as a decent rom-com with a dose of fantasy. It centred around characters in a story written by the FL coming to life on her 24th birthday and interacting with the FL and her friends. Lots of zany shenanigans as those fantasy characters tried to adjust to modern life (they were from ancient Babylon). Similar storyline has been used before but the show did a good job drawing us in and keeping our interests. The casting was very good. You don't have to suspend your disbelieve. They hired a number of good actors with mixed heritage and one main character even spoke Akkadian during the entire show and that is respect to the source material.

Around mid show, the tone changed and it became a bit of a thriller with a touch of the supernatural. It was a rollercoaster ride from that point on. The show swung back to romance then back to thriller plus historical intrigue and some light-hearted moments and back again. Yes, it is a bit manic and hectic when you look at it from a distance but if you are still watching by the 2/3 point, you are shipping the CP's and the story would have hooked you.

Speaking of romance, they weren't sugar coated fluff but love that transcended time and the great divide. I have to give the writer full credit for the teleport to Mount Wu running gag. It is next level! The last few episodes are heavy with the feels and the pace finally slowed. A sense of melancholy and reflection coloured the later scenes.

The writing is no doubt a key element of this drama. It is good, surprisingly good for a short drama. It dashed around both time and space but the core promise was always solid. Layers of revelations are peeled away. Yes, it can look messy but the ground work for later development was laid well in advance and it is more about gathering all the threads and pulling at the right time to turn chaos into cohesion.

The ending was bittersweet and not your typical 11th hour miracle. I accept and appreciate that because it would have betrayed the whole narrative and destroy any pretence of logic (but I was torn, damnit). We did get some kind of closure for the protagonists. We can derive some comfort in knowing that they were not forgotten and they are learning to live with the hands they were dealt. There is hope after all.

Production value is good. I heard that it was a labour of love with years of post production. They actually filmed on location in Morocco and Paris which is rare even for big budget dramas.

I'll admit that the transition is not always smooth, there are the odd plot holes and some scenes towards the end were contrived and heavy handed (aka burying the mask) but I'll accept the flaws in exchange for the complete package.
OST was good. I still can't get the opening bars of the theme song out of my head.

This show is not for everyone. The whiplash change in story telling and layered plot might put off or confuse some. If you are expecting a fluffy rom-com or an action thriller then watch no further.

It is a wild ride to be sure so test the water with your toes. Be warned, the water is deep and quite murky. :)

>>>>>P.S. There is a bonus ep.25. It is not an alternate ending but it extended the show beyond the end of ep.24. It provide some extra fan service scenes so if you are happy with the original bittersweet ending then please ignore this episode. Otherwise, it is a must watch for the fans of this show. :D The link to a Chinese only video is the comments section in MDL for this show. Thank you to cyn lynn for the heads-up. :)

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One for the fans or a new c-drama watchers

Let me start by saying that there is nothing wrong with this drama. The cast is good, and the production value is decent. However, there is nothing original nor unique about it. This is a little surprising because it is supposed to be an adaption from a novel. To be honest, it feels like just another tropey c-drama. Awkward.

As such, it is entertaining in a "paint by numbers" kind of way. It is like watching an amalgam of similar shows. The ML's role will be familiar to his fans and viewers of his recent dramas. The FL basically reprised her role of a sassy professional. They all look the part and everything slots into place. Easy peasy.

BTW, there are 3 side couples by the 1/3 mark (the final total will be 5). This means while the OTP are dancing around each other and sorting out their feelings, the other CP's are racing ahead and showing up the OTP. It is distracting and makes the romantic journey of our leads seems more fraught than necessary.

The business plot is all smokes and mirrors plus some mandatory flag waving. The FL struggles to start her own business which is not helped by her inept business partner. Hey, who needs enemies when he pretty much scores all his own goals.

The role of the ML is very cliché. He is the classic knight in shiny armour. He is always there to help the FL in every way imaginable. I'm getting flashbacks of Best Choice Ever. She tries to push back but we know how this will go down.

The relationship between the FL and her long-suffering ex-BF feels cumbersome. He is the nicest guy but he has to make way for the ML. His story arc feels muted and contrived.

In a sense, that's how I feel about this show in general. Yes, there are angsty moments, and the odd act of violence but it is never convincing. They are there because the playbook demands it.

Furthermore, there is insufficient original material to sustain 40 eps so there is a fair bit of padding with cliché business maneuverings and meandering side couples shenanigans.

Of course, once our OTP is official, the herd of unicorns is let loose. The last few eps are total fan service and super sweet. Not complaining because they are a nice CP and I enjoyed their swoon worthy moments, but it also feels like the show is overcompensating because it wasted so much time earlier on. It was not helped by the ubiquitous late show break-up which dragged on for too long. So many pensive looks and thousand-mile stares from our leads. I don't know if it was painful to watch or I'm sharing their pain.

As it stands, it is a solid production. It goes out of its way to tick all the boxes and stay true to the genre. Fans of our leads will rejoice. It is also a safe intro for any new c-drama watchers. Trust me, you can do worse. I don't regret watching it, but I kept seeing ghosts of shows past. I just wish it would do something original, anything.

BTW, there is a short bonus "epilogue". It is sweet but inconsequential. There is a bittersweet scene with the Sorry Card. It is mostly harmless, like the rest of the series.

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Please don’t Disneyfy this beloved franchise, Mr Netflix

Edit: After watching 10 eps, I've revised this review (probably) for the final time. Enjoy!

I was looking forward to this show with anticipation. The original series was one of my favourites.

I knew it won’t be the same as the original, so I am willing to cut it some slack. The start of the show is certainly different, but the young actress was so cute and earnest I'm willing to jump onboard even though it is questionable if the way she uses her powers is canon, but I’ll give it a hall pass for now.

I wished this is the only issue. There are many more. In fact, the only thing consistent with this show is how inconsistent it is. In the original series, the rule around the use and abuse of their special power is well established. However, not only is the FL using her power without a care. Her mother and grandmother also abuse it without a second thought. How can this be?

On top of that, they should be internet sensations considering how blatant they are, but they ain't. It is as if everything can be hushed up with the click of their manicured fingers. However, the narrative contradicts itself repeatedly.

While the new FL is refreshing in her straightforwardness at the start of the show, after a few episodes, her portrayal is borderline grating. She doesn’t so much deliver her lines but fire them out like a gatling gun. She also moves with an exaggerated gangliness. Why? Her one-note performance is wearing. It is one thing to call her naïve but time and again, the excuse is that she is from Mongolia. Geez, I hope they are not streaming this in Ulaanbaatar.

The other female leads are not much better. The mum swings between playing Batwoman and Crazy Rich Woman. She throws money around like confetti. Come to think of it, the whole plotline involving the grandma is superfluous. It just highlights how pathetic most of the male characters are but she brought nothing new to the table. She is too cringey to be an effective comedic relief.

There are too many plot holes to list but it pretty much comes down to whatever needs to happen, happens. It feels like narrative logic and good sense have both packed up and ran screaming from da hood. The writer-nim doubles down on this from ep.7 onwards. It is now in the "see no evil, hear no evil" territory.

It also feels hollow when the show tries to tackle serious topics. The drug abuse problem is marginalised because most of the victims are faceless canon fodders. Until it hits too close to home then everything pales into insignificance. Ditto, the fat shaming of the brother is gratuitous while ignoring the root cause of his condition.

By the half way mark, it feels like plots are products of brainstorming sessions after one too many soju bombs. There is so much going on. Subplots darts off in every direction, most are inconsequential but distract us from the A-plot. There is actually a very insightful scene when the assistant to Hwang Geum Joo asks if one of the antagonist will see through her deception. Her reply was, "They are stupider than you think." Is she talking about me?

It is telling that the only person I'm interested in after watching 10 eps is the main antagonist. It is never a good look when the viewer starts paying more attention to the bad guy(s). From my point of view, the 3 FL's are unrelatable, and to a varying degree, unlikeable. The young FL leaps out of tall buildings, runs faster than a speeding car and drinks poison for LOL's. Yet she skins her knees by tripping over her own feet. Why? Because the ML is there to fuss over her. This is not dumbing down, this is frontal lobotomy.

This brings me to the most poignant moment of this show. In ep.3, we have the original OTP appearing in a cameo. OMG, I could cry. Every interaction, gestures, banter reminded me how good was the original. It also dismisses any claims that this show is a reboot with a clean slate.

I watch with dismay what Disney is doing to Star Wars and the MCU. I know Netflix has jumped on the k-drama bandwagon in a big way. I can see this show being turned into a gaudy super hero franchise. Everything is loud and cartoon-y yet there is little substance behind the garish facade. We don't need more of this.

I'm not saying the show is totally unwatchable. There are the odd cute or funny moments. The plots will test your credulity though. If you are hoping that this spin-off will recreate the charm and engagement of the original then you will be sorely disappointed.

I hung on with grim determination for as long as I can, but it is getting too tough. Maybe I'll speed watch the last few eps for the sake of completeness later. Peace Out.

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Confused. Diffused.

There is no doubt this drama starts with a bang. Bold images fill the screen. The colours are striking by design. The theme is noir. I'll try keep this spoiler free.

The writer-nim has a clear focus initially. She has a story to tell, and it was a powerful one. It lost its way over its short 8 eps run. The connecting logic falters. Alas, the sum is less than its parts.

If we just focus on the ending, it works, but it doesn't feel right. It is the ending we have to have because the production won't take the high road.

The case is closed. The perpetrator is punished. All the hard societal issues are still there. So, what is the message? What is the point?

Initially, I thought the writer-nim was building an exposé on our obsessions with luxury goods, acquisitiveness and social status. There are many poignant moments early on. They are stark and impactful.

Unfortunately, the story got tangled up with its own narrative. Our FL underwent multiple transformations. It is like watching someone's holiday snaps. Flick, flick, flick. I understand the FL needs to evolve into her final form. It just doesn't feel like a coherent journey.

On top of that, we'd witness her actions yet her reasoning is more nebulous. Is she good/evil/chaotic/lawful? Sometimes there is a hint of a deeper motivation (mayhaps revenge?), but she will counter that with her next move. It is confusing and unsettling for the viewers.

Where this show excels is the portrayal of excess consumption and decadence. I can fully appreciate how those temples to luxury function now. This is matched by the FL morphing from a salaried Iona to a couture wearing goddess. There is no doubt Shin Hae Sun is the star. She gave it her all. She is the focal point of many scenes.

Here lies the fundamental problem. As a thriller, it is passable. It ticked the boxes mechanically. As a social commentary, it starts strong and then the message got confused and eventually faded away. Instead of a strong "burn the house down" ending, it becomes a tacit acceptance of the status quo. The boat is rock steady.

In the end, this show is watchable in a superficial way. It pains me to write this review as there are scenes and moments that will stay with me. It could have been so much more. Peace.

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