Pain

Pain seems to be constant with this drama, but as they say, it is always by way of pain one arrives at pleasure. And HS running to Ji Won as fast as he could is truly that pleasure, and the love he's come to understand. I love how much his daughter loves him; it's true what they say the soul is healed by being with children, and his daughter and Ji Won heal him, and they are what he wants to protect the most. Despite what he may or may not be, I couldn't help but feel for Hee Sung this hour. I detest his parents.That mobster wasn't lying when he said he was in the business of selling people. And Doc Baek is definitely right in the middle of it. The way he spoke to HS when giving him the money sounded like someone sending his prey to slaughter. I feel like the Baeks planned everything from the get-go, the sister's flashback memory eludes to it for sure. It was only a matter of time before the cops caught on. And now that the truth has outed the lies, it won't be long before the cops, the villains, JW, and HS converge. I only pray it goes JW and HS's way.

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Goosebumps

This show gives me goosebumps. It’s only natural that Sun Woo is outraged that her evil ex-husband returned to cause friction and turn their son against her. My heart breaks for her – after everything she’s done, her son goes from not wanting to attend his dad’s party to want to move in with him. I am glad though that her son is in counseling and under doctor love’s care no less. He definitely needs help, talk through his anxiety and hopefully, he's delinquent behavioral issues as well. Doctor love is right, Sun Woo needs to let go; her son has to find his own way, that’s if she doesn't want to lose him. Letting the son visit with his dad was the right move, the boy needs that time to understand and accept what matters most and to decide who has his best interest at heart.I cannot stand this town of doom – it’s just filled with evil twisted beings. Be it Je Hyuk (he’s disgusting) and his wife, they truly deserve each other, or Myung Sook, the evil witch, I cannot stand her. And, of course, there is the greedy director and his unpleasant wife; and let’s not forget Do Chul's wife (Sun Woo's lawyer) – all seem to want Sun Woo’s ruin and for no apparent reason other than her strength and bravery reminds them of their weakness. Thank God, Sun Woo has a powerful ally in Chairman Choi’s wife and a friend in Hyun Seo (glad to see her back). I wasn't surprised at all to know Tae was behind the stalking or that Hyun Seo’s ex-boyfriend was involved. Tae’s plan is to make it seem like her home is unsafe for his son, rattle and frighten her into losing her calm to have her declared unfit. Full custody of the son that's really what he is after and in the process her demise.Da Kyung is beyond unscrupulous, she half-heartedly apologies to the son to impress the father but never once tried to apologize to the one person who deserves it the most. She's even more twisted than her husband and will never be happy ever. Sowing the seeds of doubt is all it takes to bring that marriage and mansion crumbling down, and so it has begun. I love Sun Woo, she's my hero and beyond fierce, and deserving of happiness. To that end, I hope she can see how important a friend doctor love is to her – I am falling in love with him and I hope she does as well -- it will be good for her. Today's ending scene was first-rate -- this good for nothing town has messed with the wrong vixen and she’s coming for all of them. God, how I would love to see her gun them all down. I bet the Chairman's wife was like Sun Woo be careful girl, outside it's raining shady bit@#$ !

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Enabling Behavior

This drama is almost painful to watch, not because it's terrible; on the contrary, as an HR professional, it gets my blood boiling, which I guess means it's working. To see such blatant workplace harassment and misconduct and by HR, the supposed protector of a company's culture and provider of its corporate consciousness. The minute Ja Yeong first overlooked her ex-husbands' shenanigans with Ban Seok, she jeopardized the safety of the employees and the health and safety of the company as a whole. So, her attitude towards the sexual harassment case didn't surprise me since I know she isn't motivated by what is right.I genuinely hope there is a development arc for Ja Yeong in this drama because, as she is, she miserably fails at being a good employee, let alone an HR professional. I am sure she didn't start this way but to compromise her integrity for the sake of becoming the first female executive at the expense of the employees she is supposed to protect is quite disheartening. That a non-HR professional like Ban Seok understands that any company's future is growing and nurturing its young talent, and she doesn't or could careless, is troubling indeed.

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Kairos -- very opportune

Despite expecting it to be a painful episode, it still hit me hard. I commend Ae Ri for her mental strength and her trust in SJ. I agree with her; all they’ve been doing is changing events, not the cause. To end the cycle, they need to deal with the problem itself and not the consequences. I’m glad Ae Ri has Geon Wook and Soo Jung in her life, particularly GW. AR’s mom continued to frustrate not just for keeping things from Ae Ri but for thinking she could handle the chairman alone. But then desperate people do desperate things, be it Ae Ri’s mom, the chairman, DG, or HC. Again, I must commend this writer for a gem of a script where every little scene has a purpose, and everything falls into place.They say you see a person’s true colors when you are no longer beneficial to their lives, as is the case with the chairman and past SJ and HC and DG. I don’t feel bad for DG; he let his obsession and HC's greed cloud his judgment. I am sure it hurt to know he was nothing more than a tool. As past and present SJs’ memory intersect, some events and circumstances have started to change. I wonder if it means the past is changing the present or catching up to it. One thing’s for sure time is letting everyone know that all roads lead to the chairman. What a relief it saw past SJ believe Ae Ri finally. But if LTK didn't kill her, then who did? I knew the man we saw in the toilet with SJ right as the building collapsed was Ae Ri’s father. He helped keep SJ alive. Even as it nears its end, Karios continues to shine, never a dull moment with stellar writing, directing, editing, or acting.

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Excellent -- time and time again

Alice, another excellent writer/director duo. A lot happens in this episode, which deserves a longer post than usual. How mighty must this professor (I suspect Shi Young) that his people bow to him even when talking on the phone; I’m curious to find out who it is. That they are time travelers is now clear but are they from Alice, or is there another time-traveling organization, I highly doubt it. I adore Jin; I loved how he tried to comfort Tae the only way he knew how—he has more compassion and empathy in him for someone with his condition than most normal people. I also admired how he lied to Tae’s parents to ease their worry. I credit 2020 Tae’s appearance in his life by helping him try and connect to this emotional side of him. Joo Won and Hee Sun are outstandingly good individually, but together they are exceptional. I had a feeling Jin’s mom approached Oh Won for help. I wasn’t sure why him, but now that I know, I realize his sole purpose is to keep Jin safe to do whatever is needed to stop time travel, making Alice dangerous—and putting him and Jin in danger the same as Tae and her colleague. What I didn’t expect was for the threat to come from Go Hyun Seok as well. I guess I was wrong in thinking he’s working with Oh Won, but I’m having a hard time seeing him as bad. So, I hope like Oh Won; he’s trying to protect Jin while figuring out what is going on at the same time. This episode confirmed 2020 Tae was adopted, and I agree with many here she’s likely the little girl 2050 Tae and Min Hyuk saved when we first saw them, which means Jin’s mom split off time when she decided to stay in 1992.Besides all that, I was glad to see Min Hyuk get involved in trying to protect Tae, proves to be a chore; Jin may need to assign a whole division to her. I hope this incident helps Min Hyuk realize that Alice is may not be what it seems and tries to look into things. I look forward to him joining Jin, Oh Won, and others fight to save the stability of time in their world. This episode had quite a few enjoyable moments. Still, my favorite was the ending scene when 2050 Tae, with little Jin, came across her younger self in 1995—little Jin walks up to younger Tae, and she gives him her balloon—the connection between past and present was an awe-inspiring sight. I love, love this drama.

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Excellent

Excellent episode and am entirely enjoying Oh Ji Hyeok’s detecting techniques but more than anything his resolve and commitment to ensuring that justice is blind as long as it isn’t deaf. I was partially right that thinking Park made up the whole story to bring attention to Lee’s innocence. It seems like everybody may be involved, the detectives, the prosecution, and the judge -- all conspired to put an innocent man in prison -- as they say, the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Do Chang and Sang Mi knew the now superintendent Sang Beom fabricated evidence (that knife was most definitely not the real weapon), yet they said and did nothing, and all to protect themselves. Add to the mix we have Team Lead Nam Kook Hyun; he is creepy as heck, something totally off about him. I get the sense he was involved in the death of the investigator, the one Lee was convicted of killing. I also think the investigator’s wife is on it somehow. Everything points to a major conspiracy with multiple moving parties, working hard to protect their interests without regard to the lives they continue to destroy along the way. This drama definitely piqued my interest, I cannot wait for the next episode.

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my happy instances

Ah, this friendship gives me goosebumps, the way they all took turns taking care of Suk Hyung’s mom was endearing and lovely to watch. I was; however, I will not lie a bit disappointed that his mom decided to divorce the father, but I understand life is too short to waste it being angry and hateful. Jung-su made me so sad. He really needs Rosa in his life. I have a feeling they were destined to be together. Ik Jun is the sweetest thing ever, I love his kind and loving demeanor with his patients and their families, but most with his colleagues, his friends, and his sister. He warms my heart. My favorite scene was when he tricked Jung won with “there is Gyeo Wool,” the way he instinctively turned to look for her was so telling. And the moment she rolled up in that swanky car, with that handsome man, Jung won’s reaction was worth a million dollars, but she looks so miserable. Gyeo Wool’s longing looks towards Jung won when he was explaining the surgery to his patient’s mom was so heartbreaking. I seriously thought she was going to reach out and plant a kiss on his neck. I wish she had.It was good seeing the twins again, even if for brief moments, I missed them. It’s official Ik Jun is really into Song Hwa, waiting after his shift to give her ride because it was raining and she didn’t bring her car, now that is love. I am so torn and not sure which ship is sailing. I guess only time will tell. I hate it (not at all) Jun Wan and Ik Soon so happy, but her talk of study abroad, three to five years, had my head spinning. I could see Jun Wan’s working overtime – Ik Soon, please don’t break my heart. I am always captivated by the medical cases and how our team handles them, but the one that touched me the most was Ik Jun’s live patient and her father. When he stopped coming for visits, I really thought him done forever, but to find out that he stayed away to lose weight so he can donate a healthy piece of him to save his daughter’s life left me speechless – a parent’s love truly knows no bounds. I find my happy instances are in the band practice moments and today was one of the best. They always know what to do to bring happiness to others. I hope we have a concert at the hospital before the end. As Ik Jun does, this drama makes me reflect on life – every day is a learning day – never judge a book by its cover – success is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well. It’s always hard to wait week to week for this drama, but it’s worth the wait. See you next week!

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explosive episode

What an explosive episode; I understand entirely why Sun Woo has had a hard time coming to terms with her husband’s deception. He told her he would love her forever — would never lie to her no matter what, but not only does he lie but rumples over her again and again. I won’t lie I exalted at seeing him distressed that his wife may be lying to him. It was about time he got a taste of his own medicine. I took an instant liking to the new doctor, Yoon Gi. He also seemed to take a liking to Sun Woo. I hope she can open up to him as she needs a friend.As good and as meticulous a plan Sun Woo put together to get control of her finances and life -– as fast as it may be unraveling as no plan is full proof. Je Hyuk is a man obsessed, he has been pining after Sun Woo for a very long time, and now that he’s gotten a taste of her, he is not willing to let it go that easily. In Gyu Hyun Seo’s boyfriend is another major problem, he makes me anxious not just because he could ruin Sun Woo’s plans but because he is dangerous to Hyun Seo. That said, I knew Sun Woo would have a plan to deal with Je Hyuk. In Gyu still worries me, though.My favorite scene today was the dinner party at the mistress’s parents’ house. Sun Woo was fierce; the way she ousted them was beyond satisfying, and more than anything, she walked out that house with her head held high, like the beast that she is -– I loved every second of it. And what did the husband do, nothing like the coward that he is and always will be and a hypocrite? He was disgusted with her for sleeping with another man but thought she should be understanding about his two-year affair –- he fell in love –- Oh Tea’s level of despicableness is beyond imagination.

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Peace, yeah right

Two years of peace and so much good that has done; Sun Woo is bounced back into her obsessive ways by the news that her ex-husband and his new wife are back with their daughter. And it becomes evident by the end of the episode that the husband, rather than learn from his mistakes, has been encouraged to add to them because he wants to take the son and effectively do away with Sun Woo altogether. I feel both furious and tense at the prospect that Sun Woo is pulled back to her own bitterness all over again. By God, why can't she be left to live her life in peace? Now more than ever, I want her to win and stay winning. I am disappointed by the son's behavior, but at the same time, I feel for him as he's the collateral damage left behind in the end. I hated seeing her trying to snoop and getting caught by "him" nonetheless, I guess it was better him than her. If I were the new wife, I would keep a very close eye on this husband as he is nowhere close to being over Sun Woo. Two years on, this couple is still desperate to get a rise out of each other. It's true when they say no one can hate you with more intensity than someone who used to love you. This drama is full of broken people. And the clever writer knows how to keep us hanging on. I am both profoundly depressed by Sun Woo's renewed obsession with revenge but, at the same time, rubbing my hands with anticipation as to what's to come. This time the husband threw the first stone, literally.

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My Happy Place

This show is my happy place now that Hyena ended. I have to say I love Ahn Jung Won’s mom and Ju Jong Su relationship, they have a fantastic connection and always seem to have fun together. They are my favorite right now, and I hope they end up together they fit each other so well. The fight scene between Ik Jun and Jun won had me on the floor. I couldn’t; I just couldn’t. And to top that, there is the all you want to know about the five professors’ group, OMG I just can’t take it anymore – I love everybody at this hospital; no, I love everybody on this show. I am glad Jun won allowed Dr. Do to shine, I love his personality, he deserved it, but I am anxious about his new lease I have a feeling it’s a scan. It was good to finally see the twins I had missed them and their drama analogies.I was on pins and needles waiting on Song Hwa’s biopsy and knew at least one of her friends would be there early in the morning waiting right there with her. It made perfect sense that it was Ik Jun -- nothing, and I mean nothing beats this friendship. I wasn't surprised to know Ik Jun has always liked Song Hwa but never pursued it because his friend liked her too -- that's a true friend indeed. I think she likes him also. I so felt for Ik Jun when Dr. Ah told him he liked Song Hwa but that she was not ready to date -- he crushed him, another obstacle in his way. I hope he doesn’t give up that easily though. Oh my God, I screamed when Ik Soon finally got back to Jun won. I love this man, and seeing him smile puts a smile on my face. That said, I hope Jung Won ends up with Gyeo Wool; and Suk Hyung with Min Ha. Next week’s episode looks to be a bit on the heavy side -- at least we have a week to prepare.

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I love, love their relationship

The twins, man, I love them; their answer to Dr. Do Je Hak's question on who is the best cardiothoracic surgeon was to die for, I laughed so hard -- hail to Ji Sung (my third favorite actor) and Teacher Kim from Dr. Romantic -- his expression and response, I about died. I swear with everything that is going on, this drama defines my Thursdays. I was pretty sure Gyeo Wool liked Jung Won, I was right. I love, love their relationship; it just flows. My favorite is Yang Suk Hyung. I love his style, the way he talks -- he really doesn't say much but his peculiarity -- makes me smile. Kim Jun Wan (Jung Kyung Ho) has my heart. I don't know what they mean about him being rude. He is just a matter of fact kind of doctor, not much of a sweet talker. I love that about him. Jang Won is the sensitive one; he is so sexy. Chae Song Hwa is the level-headed one. I am glad she is a doctor, singing is not her forte, my ears cringe every time she sings. Lee Ik Jun is the easy-going one, fun and positive. They each have something that appeals to me and what's more important they have each other to lean on when the going gets tough.

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The value of life is in the people you choose to have around you

The strong prey on the weak, that's what the President believed his whole life, but he never once accounted to one day being the weak. Life is but a series of learned lessons, and if one pays close attention, they might be blessed enough to understand its power and the fact that every weakness contains within itself a strength. For me, the biggest takeaways from this drama are that one should focus on character, not reputation, and count their blessings rather than their misfortunes. In the end, revenge was a proper fuel to get Sae-yo-ri to where he needed to get to, and once he got there, he understood it was time to let it go because revenge only makes wounds fester. The value of life is in the people you choose to have around you. It is too short to waste on people who don't respect, appreciate, and value you.I enjoyed this drama a great deal, with all its subtle difference in, or shades of meanings, expressions, and actions. Most importantly, I appreciated the writer, director, and actors for tackling sensitive matters such as racism, transgender, relationships, and love in all its forms. True love is to love with all of one's being -- provide support and love to that person through anything and everything. Love hard, with everything you've got. I also appreciate this drama for all the heated and passionate discussions and for helping me understand that the meaning of life may mean different things to different people. Still, we are all just trying to live to the best of our abilities.

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Life is indeed nothing but a series of choices followed by a series of consequences

Oh My God, what a powerful and yet emotional episode, the best of the whole series. Life is indeed nothing but a series of choices followed by a series of consequences. I loved how the writer narrated today's episode through Sea-yo-ri's unconscious state of mind – a spiritual journey, connecting the past with the present, and even the future -- what was, could've been, and what it became – the value of life. A son connecting with the father who made him into the great human being he became. And what a personal and emotional journey it was of letting go of the pain, loss, and hatred for the future, for survival, for Yi-Seo – I loved every single moment of today's episode.Yi-Seo's frank exchange with Geun-soo was what he needed to hear; in his bid to bring down Sea-yo-ri, he lost what's most important, himself. I hope he takes what she said to mind. I can't say I was glad to see Soo Ah finally get the courage to regain control of her destiny, as it was all too little, too late. What I didn't understand though is how she let Sae-yo-ri and Danbam go through all that heartache when she had everything she needed to bring Jangaa down, its all about choices I guess. History has a way of repeating itself as one's past does not exist independently from their present. I knew Guen-won (miserable idiot) would be the President's downfall; and he has nobody but himself to blame. In a way, the President was the one to bring down the company he valued even more than his kids by the choices he made -- all this for what to bring Sae-yo-ri down on his knees; sadly the true meaning and value of life is forever lost to the President. And what a dynamic confession of love to end to the episode. I do not want this drama to end; just the thought of it makes me sad.

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Betrayal

Even though I was expecting Geun Soo to do what he did, I couldn’t stop my tears from falling not because of the betrayal but for the loss of innocence and the thought that winning mattered more than friendship. I was deeply saddened, but his choice only made DanBam stronger. A desperate team is a dangerous team. They are like wounded animals, fighting for their last breath. I love it.As expected, that investment company was too good to be true; it was too much too fast, but who knew grandma would be the savior and the hero of the day, she is fierce, I love her. Yi-Seo is like a rock, steadfast, never gives up, fighting to the end. I like her new approach, which made me smile. I have a feeling Geun Won will be the one to bring Jangaa down -- beware of a caged animal. Now that would be a fantastic twist.

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Life is a series of Choices

This show continues to be about choices -- love turned into blind jealousy is toxic to the soul. Guen-Soo can say he did what he did because of what Yi-Seo noted, but, ultimately, he chose to undercut a friend, so blaming his choices on Yi-Seo won’t cut it. All that crap about him not being able to stop is on him, especially since the reason he chose that path was to get her, and he lost so, why continue; it’s beyond YS now. Unfortunately, the Guen-Soo we loved is no longer, there is no coming back for him. Guen-Won is back, and DanBam goes global; everyone seems to have moved on, but the feel of the underlining calm before the storm looms heavily and sooner or later it will explode. I don’t know what I expected, but nothing about Soo Ah changed; it’s strange, but for the first time, I felt pity; for the lonely life choice. Everyone faces tragedies, trials, and obstacles; the way I see it, Soo Ah, the President, Guen+2 are but products of their choices, not victims of their circumstances. I Loved Sae-yo-ri’s closing words, yes please live on. I did not want the episode to end, but alas, another great one!

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