It could have been better

Just like I said in the title, it could have been better.

First of all, I didn't have that many expectations, especially because I do not like Xie Bin Bin's acting, at least according to my experience with his previous dramas.

Honestly, I don't think it's a good drama, however, it wasn't a terrible experience either. It was... avarage?

To begin with, I believe that although the plot is interesting, the silly and meaningless clichés that some cscreenwriters still insist on bringing to dramas, have made everything very lacking in content.


For me, the CONS:

- Jiang Xiu's strange relationship with his "brother" Jiang Jie: is he really his brother? I ask this because, honestly, the writers wrote a character who has many dubious actions. Although she is called the younger sister, in my opinion, she acts like a girl in love with the guy she grew up with. For this reason, I found the way she acted throughout the drama quite strange.

- The stereotype of obsessed SF: I really can't take it anymore, I just wish the writers would extinguish the second female or second lead thing once and for all, because for me it's not realistic, it's extremely irritating and, most of the time, the feelings that these characters have for protagonists are extremely unreal and unfounded in their own idealizations.

- The loss of "timing" for the couple to stay together: In my opinion, the screenwriters wasted a lot of time with misunderstandings and unnecessary nonsense. I would have liked to have seen the characters together much longer and seen them as a couple.

- Very average performance by ML: I don't like to criticize people personally, but as a viewer, I really didn't enjoy Xie Bin Bin's performance. This happened in his previous dramas, too.

- I wish they would have more "chemistry", you know?

- The kitchen part sounded amateurish, although I understand that it was probably the budget


PROS:

- A friendship between a man and a woman without a annoying crush in the middle: Finally we don't have that annoying and heteronormative cliché

- Incredible FL with dualities

- Good acting by Zhang Miao Yi

- The story is interesting, despite the script nonses


This was my review.

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It was good

First of all, I would like to say that I love these two actors, they are both in dramas that I really love.

So, okay: I discovered this drama on Instagram, and decided to watch. I started the drama before all episodes air, so, when I finally got to watch the last two remaining episodes, I was so excited to see how things would end.

Secret Playlist is a delicate drama, with a simple script, but a complex approach to psychological issues, grief and family relationships. Not forgetting, of course, the criticism of the kpop industry, which I think was very strong.

The first six episodes gave me a young romantic comedy feeling that I miss in kdramas. The type of university romance that also brings deeper psychological issues, but without leaving the slice of life part aside. There's the idol and anonymous trope that I personally really like. And the actors' chemistry was ok, I liked it; I just think the kisses were bad, but I didn't expect much from a series that doesn't seem to have an approach focused on more physical love.

Anyway, I really liked Secret Playlist, I think it's a good series about young people, dreams and personal growth, but some elements in the last two episodes made it - a little - superficial.

Maybe I expected a little more from this drama, but I wish the issue of the their album hadn't been resolved in such a superficial way or, at least, that the FL had a chance to develop musically.

In my opinion, we had a great start and a warm ending.

And, yes, i really liked the drama's soundtrack

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surprisingly good for a low budget mini drama

I wasn't expecting this, but surprisingly, this mini drama was great!

In addition to liking that the ML was really a big jerk — without excuses or pretexts that he is "doing bad things for a good reason" — I liked the performances and the power games between the main couple.

The FL is not a fool, so we had her, too, plotting against the ML. I think that's why it was interesting to watch, because no one is totally 100% good or bad, people just have their goals (i'm not including the abuser ex-boyfriend, he is a asshole)

The chemistry between the main actors was pretty good (like, fr), and there is no SF or SL bothering us, because they don't need to, the plot is complicated enough.

I recommend it to anyone who wants to see something that is quick, short, more adult, sexy and is at least, decent mini drama (while still delivering a lot of fun).

But, of course, just warning that it won't deliver anazing and outstading scripts or plots, ok? The ending is very predictable and reminded me of the soap operas from my country, lol

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a good idea, but poorly executed

ok, tbh, I wasn't expecting too much, so I went to watch it without any kind of pretension, but it was worse than I thought it would be

The acting was bad, unfortunately. The only minimally decent performance that I, in my opinion, managed to find good, was that of ML's best friend.

It's complicated, cause I don't like to say that someone IS bad at acting (for me, It depends). For example: I believe that the ML's actor played a good role in the drama "Butlerflied Lover", so I think that a good performance depends on good direction, a good script and good resources/budget.

That being said, in my honest opinion, "A Different Mr.Xiao" was a good attemp, but not well executed.

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a cute, realistic and health representation of what love should be on dramas

I don't know what I was expecting, but it definitely went way beyond my expectations, for better and for worse.

Overall, it's a light drama, so don't expect complexity and plots with great subjects to be explored.

it's a drama that realistically talks about how a fake relationship REALLY works. There aren't that many clichés, in fact, I think there could be more and maybe, who knows, the show would be more enjoyable for me.

It's a show about relationships and life, but not only that, it's also about timing. Unfortunately, for me, although the construction of the MC was really interesting, I still think that the writers miss the timing. The couple could have more romantic interaction from the moment they made their feelings clear, but that didn't happen. Tbh, was quite the opposite scenary, cuz we basically didn't have moments of them together, only in the final episode

Despite everything, it's a good representation of what romances in dramas should be: no arm pulling, a respectful and calm ML, who knows how to respect the FL space and understands what individuality means. While we have all these positives and even decent chemistry between the main actors, the story didn't have enough interesting content to keep me 100% focused on it.

I think the drama of the secondary couple was a little annoying, and that helped me want to end it quickly.

And, of course, the unfilled gaps were also an issue for me.

I would like to add that I didn't really like the performance of the main actress, I thought she had little expression, but I don't know if that was intentional, since her character seems to be more introverted.

Otherwise, I felt that the good chemistry between the main actors was wasted, which is a shame.

It was an average drama that, while cute, I wouldn't watch again.

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cute, but got boring in the end

This will be a short review, cuz there isn't much to say about this cdrama

if i'm being honest, i only decided to watch this cdrama because of Miles (Zhe Ming). I don't really like Xu Lu's acting (I'm basing it on her dramas that I've watched, but I have nothing against her, she looks sweet and gentle).

And the drama is actually quite interesting. FL is a hard-working, creative, and a determined woman, who is not afraid to move heaven and sea to achieve her goals. She is very admirable.

ML is the typical role that Miles usually plays (he needs to change a little, choose different characters), although I think this time, he is a more mature and charming character than the usual.

Despite these interesting points and the fact that it is an office romance, which is one of my favorite tropes, this cdrama failed to be a good experience for me.

Due to the excess of clichés that I already know after watching so many Chinese series and combined with the tepid and boring last chapters, this cdrama became another forgettable one among the many we saw this year.

Furthermore, I really liked the friendships in this drama. I really LOVE that the FL managed to have male friends without the cliché of them being in love with her. Thank god the writers discovered that men and women can, in fact, be friends.

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a cute romance, but nothing reaally different from the others

what can I say? it was a cute and simple romance to watch, but there's nothing too elaborate about it. nothing unforgettable or anything like that.

Despite the good chemistry and the interesting script - with great phrases and good narrations from ML -, I think it's a forgettable series. I don't want to sound rude, but I think it should be the kind of drama that you watch without any kind of pretensions. just watch to relax on the weekend.

The actors performances were ok, I liked it.

the story is cute, etc., but I really didn't like - and still don't like - the way the cdrama deals with the subject of "harassment". I don't like how, most cdramas, use harassment as a recurse to make a male character seen as a "hero", or, worse: bringing the topic of harassment into the series but not discussing it, leaving those who practice it without any resolution or punishment. This keeps happening in the cdramas I watch, again and again. it really bothers me.

just to add that I liked the way they worked on anxiety and panic attacks, and I identified with ML, I can't stand fights, I normally prefer to stay out. I found this part very sensitive and delicate.

but, well; in general, it's fluffly, clingy and a cute series.

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Good acting, great chemistry, but too much melodrama

Okay, let's start this review by praising the highlight of the drama: the performance of the two main actors. They did really well, whether it was their solo scenes or the ones they acted together.

Chemistry on point, with great dynamics between the two main actors.

To me, the romantic scenes felt extremely natural. And , yes, the kisses! We had REALLY great kisses, like, real one kisses, not those ridiculous closed mouth kisses like in "Date With The Future". Long story short: i loved them both together and their development as a couple.

Speaking of the story now, the drama got off to a good start, despite the tone...a little? melodramatic and over the top, I really enjoyed this FL's dynamic working and struggling to rebuild her life after her father's death and the "marriage" to that asshole scumbag had come to an end.

However, after ML left the dessert shop, things got a little boring. I would really prefer him working there or opening his own branch. Despite that, watching the character maturing and seeing him become a man was really pleasurable.

I don't have much to say about the FL, in fact, in my opinion, she is the best character in this drama. She's an admirable woman, she knows how to defend herself but doesn't lose her poise or elegance -although she has many reasons for that - and she's never been mean to anyone, even though most characters behave like human garbage in this series

On the PROS side I would also like to add the abortion's discussion, the topic regarding sexism and prejudice towards women and their choices, especially divorced women, privilege and connections and the meaning of love.

On the CON side, as always, the over-the-top, Machiavellian family's interference bothered me, and it often comes across in a very unrealistic way. I can't believe it gets to this point in real life.
Also, female rivalry and the writers' vice for writing female characters as being extremely pathetic and dependent on male validation. That makes me sad. I really can't believe that the other two women on the series regular cast spend 24 episodes chasing after men who don't give a shit about them, and when it's finally over, they no longer have any lives or roles of their own. Well, at least ML's sister got some character development, even though she behaved like a child.
The FL's mother...oh, her.. honestly, she is an idiot. She left her daughter alone to support the two of them and still complained most of the time. I really could not stand her.

Well, in general, despite the typical and unnecessary female rivalry, melodrama and some caricatured characters, it was an interesting cdrama. Perhaps, having more episodes it would be possible to develop it better.

PS: It probably won't happen in the near future, but I hope to see these two actors as a couple in another drama

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Sometimes I think the writers do it on purpose lol

I didn't have high expectations, I just excited about the farm romance theme.

However, I didn't expect it to actually go downhill.

The drama starts out very interesting, it has the vibe of a funny romantic comedy, and in fact, it is. However, it seems to me that the screenwriters purposely made the worst choices! It is not possible that anyone thought the narrative choices were made in this story were good.

What was supposed to be interesting, especially seeing the male protagonist struggling to adapt to life on the farm and even further exploring the female protagonist's choices in leaving the big city, became a big mess. In fact, it became a love competition.

Obviously, the scriptwriters brought in the old tactic of the second lead and the second female, but with an awful detail: the second female is the FL's BEST FRIEND, and the second lead thinks it's a god idea to live in the FL's house because, of course, he has been in love since college, so she "needs" to accept him.

I don't blame ML for being bothered by the situation, after all, FL playing dumb with the closeness that her friend has with her is eye-rolling. But.. ok. Nevermind, she didn't know *yeah, right*

For me, if the story were *just* the two of them adapting to farm life and ML's complications in having to choose the big city and be with the woman he loves, it would be much better, but it seems to me that, honestly, the writers cannot make reasonable choices.

Furthermore, I thought it was a wasted chemistry between the actors, and I would really like them to explore FL life more; I missed knowing more about her.

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a long review for a for a rollercoaster of emotions

I have a lot to say about this drama, so if you haven't watched it yet and want an opinion (beware of spoilers!) feel free to read my LONG review.

I'll say one thing: Gen Z is a good drama, but it suffered from repetitive and dumb script choices.

If there's Lusi and the topic interests me, I'm in. That's how I got to Gen Z. I thought about watching it while was airing, but I decided to watch it when I was ready to really dive into the narrative.

This cdrama was a rollercoaster for me. I felt anger, hate, sadness, pride, happiness, anger again, warm in my heart, and many other sensations.

I had never seen anything about Chinese medicine, and I found it very interesting. Despite a lot of information that I couldn't understand - about 75%, if I'm being honest - at various times I managed to apply the things that Dr. Ren taught, in my life. Although, of course, I think that not everything is beautiful and not all things in life you will achieve just by wanting and having faith.

Following the trajectory of the main character, Tou Tou, was my motivation to finish this drama, to be quite honest. Yes, the core of the family is interesting, but the lawyer and that envious poor boy got on the nerve. Until now, I don't know what Shen Pen saw in her, for God's sake. Well, he was the one who married her, not me, lol.

Anyway, I didn't find anyone outside of the family nucleus, apart from the best friend, interesting to follow. I thought there were so many people that it ended up being poorly developed. Interesting characters, like the doctor of Western medicine, or, as I said before, the best friend, could have been explored more than the annoying lawyer who, despite having evolved, was just annoying and a snob.

Now talking about unnecessary characters: Meng Meng.

I don't think her story wasn't important, but her existence within the plot had no use other than developing the ML's romance with the FL, and make he grows up as a person (and it's good that he became better at some point because, for the love of God, he was such a spoiled brat).

In my opinion, I would have had no problem placing her as a student or as a second female; I would prefer that to simply watching a huge disservice to psychological disorders by placing a character who clearly had a compromised mental condition to be stuck with a 25-year-old guy who basically played the role of her pseudo-boyfriend (and, no matter what you guys say, it did look like a boyfriend. sorry, guys).

There are a lot of things in this drama that I can tolerate if I try really hard, but not this one. There is no plausible and justifiable reason other than that they needed a way out for the two main characters to get even closer and decided to make the worst possible choice: creating a poorly developed female character that will only serve as a development tool for the male character. End. As always.

Like, why does she live in ML's parents' house without any psychological support? is there any logic to this? It's OBVIOUS that whoever watches it will be annoyed by the character, because there's no explanation for 27 episodes about what the hell could have happened with her!

Now, let's be honest: this drama was a representation of the patriarchal system in practice.

Basically, we had all men (the father, the ML, and the poor envious man) making mistakes after mistakes and having the women (whether the wife or the FL) wipe out and take the hit for them. This irritated me SO MUCH throughout the drama, but so much so that it got to a point where I just wanted to curse the writers.

In my opinion, the drama wanted to show that not all the wisdom and altruism in the world is a solution to pettiness. And that's exactly what pp's mother said: we give our best to strangers.

The father, basically, has all the ideas and dumps them in everyone's lap to solve them. my wife to clean it, the other one to lend it to me, this one to solve it for me, my disciple to solve the shit I caused by lying to two patients, and so it goes. Everyone smoothed things over for him, and I thought the words his son gave him was well deserved; He is extremely selfish, indeed.

The son is not left behind, obviously. He almost killed FL with his irresponsibility, he let her take the blame for him TWICE and it took the girl almost dying for him for him to become "a man". At least, he evolved, right? There are people, like the poor envious man, who spent the entire drama lamenting how difficult his life was, humiliated the FL, set her up, and other awful things but, of course, carried on as if nothing had happened, like ?????

Well, I've been through a lot of emotions with GEN Z at many, many points. I don't think it's a bad series, I just think that maybe it tested the intelligence of those who watch it a little, putting things that don't make any sense to the plots, actions without consequences (especially if coming from men), and endings without... Outcomes (?). To this day, I wonder whether or not FL is the successor.

The writers were like: Could it be? find it out!

Other than that, I loved it. I complained, but I liked it. I just thought it was kind of silly that the actor didn't kiss because he was an idol; There are so many idols out there who do this and it's fine, you know? He looks like that boy from Miss Crown and Mr. Lizard, who can't kiss because of his wife. If you want to become an actor and have these silly impediments, honestly...

Anyway. Watch it, give it a chance. Lusi puts on a great performance, we have good performances from other actors too, interesting reflections, beautiful people, hints of romance and a wonderful protagonist.

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Much better than many hyped cdramas out there

In my opinion, 2023 is the year of mini cdramas, because, with "Miss Mystery", we had another mini cdrama that was much better than several hyped and large budget cdramas out there.

An interesting script, great chemistry between the lead actors and a story that makes sense, at least to me.

The mood of the drama is dark, mysterious and sexy at the same time, so I think that anyone looking for a cdrama in this style, "Miss Mystery" is perfect.

The FL is an anti-heroine, and I love it when FL's are like that, because generally cdramas like to infantilize women and make them exist just for male validation. At the same time that she is strong and powerful, she also had the chance to experience love.

I like it when female characters are simply normal, able to move between vulnerability and strength, and not just be "cute" or just "independent". Women can be several things at the same time.

Furthermore, the story, despite being short, delivers a good conclusion. I really liked it, and I will definitely rewatch it at some point.

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It had great potential but it didn't work for me

Let's start with a fact: I only became interested in watching this drama because of Xing Fei.
I love her and her dramas, so, even though I don't really like historical dramas and i don't often have this genre on my "tbw" list, I decided to watch the drama while it was airing. Just because i was curious about these two actors together.

Okay. I want to say that I enjoyed a lot their pre-couple dynamic, and I think that although there were several plot holes, like ML quickly learning to use technology and FL's parents being so "understanding" about the presence of an unknown man Inside the house, I decided to just not think too much, not take it too seriously and just have fun watching. Until it started to not be that fun, and it became repetitive.

The "CON" side:

1. ML being extremely jealous to the point of being exaggerated: I really didn't like the restaurant scene. I understand the clichés, and I know they flirted, etc., but it still bothered me. I thought he was a bit controlling to a certain point.

2. Annoying SF: I always complain about this, but I can't take SF or SL anymore. I just think it's almost 2024 and that doesn't happen in real life. Sorry, it's so outdated.

3. Annoying young brother: There is already "the time" complication, in my opinion, it wasn't necessary to place ML's younger brother as his "rival", you know? He seems like just a boy who didn't have much love and recognition in his life, FL was just someone who gave him what he needed and he mistook that for love.

4. Repetitive plot: that's it. We just watched the same things again and again

5. Bad kissing scenes: Despite the good chemistry with the ML actor and good acting, Xing Fei's kiss scenes are usually bad, and in "Love Is An Accident" we have the same situacion. In my opinion, the actress seems very mechanical in this type of scene.

6. Too much episodes

The "PRO" side:

1. Carismatic FL: I love Xing Fei's acting, and in this drama, she did a really good job.

2. Really likeable SC's

3. Amazing chemistry between the leads

4. Romantic story

5. Really beautiful scenery

6. Light and funny, overall

So, that was my review.
I don't think it was a bad drama, I just think it could have been better.

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The perfect drama to watch and forget about the world a little

I really enjoyed this cdrama, more than I expected. I thought it was going to be a low budget and a cheap drama, but it was really decent and touching.

First, I enjoyed how the timeline of their relationship and life stages developed.

I thought it was cool that everything was natural. The FL started being a naive and childish little girl to become an incredible woman, but without losing her essence. I really liked that the character has matured, but who she is has just evolved.

The ML is ok. He is quiet and reserved, respectful, the typical clingy and super passionate boyfriend of these youth Cdramas, so, after all, nothing much different or special about him. Jun's performance was average, but he did well and surprise me in the marriage proposal scene. it was really emotional for me.

I thought the FL actress stole the show for her, this girl is super charismatic, lol.

The chemistry was great, I LOVED them together, not to mention the kisses and their evolution starting to have an interest in each other, the sexuality and desires topics were approached as something natural and not seen as taboo here.

Overall, "Exclusive Fairy Tale" was a great drama, but I really think that topics like harassment could be better addressed and seriously treated, and, of course, I would like to see a little more of their development at work.

I also missed finally having an inclusion of an LGBTQIA+ character in cdramas, as, in my opinion, Yin Zi Han is. It's pretty obvious that he spent his entire high school - and probably life, lol - being obsessed over a guy for no reason, and that fixation wasn't just a desire to prove himself better. Tbh, even the cdrama made a joke out of it, with the fact that he and Ling Chao they are "a match made by heaven".

Despite those things, i really enjoyed the experience and have nothing to complain about it. It's a good drama, I liked it a lot.

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Disappointing, but had good potential

To be honest, I was really excited to watch it the moment I saw the poster, and even more so after seeing the trailer. Sadly, it turned out to be disappointing.

The first 11 episodes are great, lively, manage to mix romance and office business very well, however, after the following episodes, everything became boring. In my opinion, unlike "Here We Meet Again" - using a fresh drama as an example - "Sweet And Cold" failed to convince me of the balance between romance and office. Which is a pity, cause I think the chemistry between the actors was sorely wasted. To be honest, the secondary characters' relationships were more interesting to follow than the main characters', especially the best friend's relationship.

I really found it positive to bring more conversations about feminism, domestic violence and female independence into a Chinese drama, and I'm really enjoying the trend of talking about it, such as "The Love You Give Me". That part was what I liked the most.

But I missed them as a couple, I missed the male lead having more initiative towards his father, you know? It was a very dumb and disrespectful idea to his girlfriend to fake a marriage while he was in a relationship, even though he discussed it and was sincere, it's still so silly! After all, the male lead must be around 27, 28 years old, right? How can he let his father tell him who he should marry? So what if his father's company goes bankrupt, will he sacrifice his happiness for it? This is something I just can't understand in some Asian dramas no matter how hard I try.

The whole part about the female figure and misogyny was well put, maybe if the drama wasn't sold as an office romance, but a drama focused on women and their relationships, I would have liked it more, as I wouldn't have expected to watch it an adult romance with flirting, relationship building and work balance.

Overall, despite having several interesting topics and a good female lead, "Sweet And Cold" wasn't that "sweet", to be honest, it was even a little bitter from so disappointing. It's really a pity, cause I enjoyed the FL so much, but I find this cdrama habit of thinking that because a woman is very strong and more introspective she needs to be "cold" and has no right to be delicate, it's as if women don't could have dualities, you know?

Despite everything, at least we finally get to see 3 healthy relationships at the same time. No arm pulling or childish exaggerations.

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a good attempt overshadowed by poor narrative choices

The drama had all the aspects to be light and assertive in terms of romance and life in general - slice of life type -, but it failed in bad and lazy narrative choices. We love cliches, but you have to know how to make a good cliche. Otherwise, it becomes silly and average.

The beginning and even the middle was cool; The characters have a somewhat unusual relationship for dramas - at least the ones I've watched.

While it is obvious that there is a flirting game that makes them much more than just friends, ML's emotional complications and FL's financial difficulties make it very difficult for the two of them to stay together, considering that FL needs to make difficult choices to survive

I liked that they have a few kisses before they officially become a couple; It's more realistic than giving a kiss and automatically starting a relationship.

Still talking about the PROs side, it was cool to see how FL helped ML A LOT to loosen up and get rid of his guilt and his past. In fact, one helped the other and one sacrificed for the other.

But, apart from these aspects, the NEGATIVE points really stood out to me;

1) Very annoying second female: no one can stand anymore the way cdramas still bring in SF or SL plots that have known the protagonists for 10 years and have never managed to win them over and think that by setting up, pranks or female rivalry they will be able to "win" - like it's a competition... tbh, SOOO silly and childish.

2) the best male friend in love with the female friend: I don't even need to talk about how cdramas have these heteronormative things where men and women can't be friends. Lazy. Boring. Updated.

4) The protagonist's mother appeared for 2 episodes to be unbearable: I think the title says everything. She had no use other than to piss off and meddle in the life of her daughter whom she never bothers to visit. The FL is almost in her 30's and the mom wants to decide her relationship. i really can't stand those family's plots anymore, for real.

5) Female rivalry: as I said before: I'm tired of female rivalry, it's almost 2024, c'mon, writers

6) Too passive ML: Okay, this is the last item, I promise. ML really should have been more assertive; make everything clear and clarify your feelings, especially since your best friend has tried several times to disrupt your relationship. Sincerely? I think he secretly enjoyed being "chased" by two women. In my opinion, he could have more attitude.

Other than that, the drama is pretty average. The emotional and relationship part is interesting, but, in my opinion, there wasn't that much plot for 24 episodes, it could easily have been 20.

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