MakeMate1 (MA1) is not my first K-pop survival show, so I did not have too many expectations. My opinion on this show is quite mixed.

Pros:
Talented Contestants: The show features a diverse group of trainees with impressive skills.
- Most contestants showcased their abilities well on camera, knowing their weak and strong points.
Engaging Mentors: The judges and mentors provide valuable feedback and guidance, adding depth to the show.
- Many popular mentors from other audition programs were featured here.

Cons:
Rushed Pacing: The show felt rushed, leaving less time to fully appreciate the contestants' growth and performances.
- The show was only 10 episodes long, whereas audition programs are usually 12. The constant eliminations every other episode and little to no context on what happened during practice made it hard to follow.
Limited Screen Time: Some contestants were hard to recognize.
- Often, I found myself asking, "Who is this?" when someone was called on or during elimination rounds. Many contestants didn't get enough screen time, making it difficult to connect with them.
Benefit System: The ranking benefits were too impactful.
- The benefits in each round were weighted too heavily. A contestant could be in 1st place one day and on the verge of elimination the next. While the contestants were often shocked, it did not make sense given the high stakes of winning weekly benefits.

Overall, there was no unnecessary drama between trainees. The final lineup is well overall.