Goodbye Samdal-Ri

I came to watch Welcome to Samdal-ri mainly to see my favorites, Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun. I almost titled this review "Maybe I expected too much" only to be reminded I came to watch with that single motive. I was happy to see their antics and their playfulness both on display on plenty occasions. However when Episode 16 wrapped up I just sat there wanting but unable to identify where the series fell short. I keep on having nagging feelings of uneasiness throughout the show like either the original story started out with less cast or production started before the script was even complete. Did the production budget get cut? There seems to be hastily added storylines which are unnecessary and did not drive the plot.

The characters were not fleshed out well either.
I need to see Sang-tae's devastation. What was shows was just not enough that I can feel for him too. Instead he just comes across as a petty father who arrogantly holds his grief over and above everybody else.
Sang-do was not believable. I mean it takes a bit more personality under the hood to drive a yellow convertible. But Sang-do was made so dry he is like toast with no butter. In love for decades and he doesn't behave like a moth to a flame 24/7?
Eun-hye devolved into a shadow of her self from Episode 1 so fast I got whiplash.
Pan-sik was so comically written that his character only worked on the first few episodes. Unfortunately, when things got serious you could say he can be edited out so easily. Shame that the writers did not even attempt to keep him relevant to the story.

To be honest, the actors I felt did well with the lackluster material they had. Not sure what made such stars sign on this project but I would love to be the fly on the wall each time this was pitched.

Sadly, I do not think I will be watching this ever again.

Read More

2019 remake that delivers what 2017 could not (CAUTION: SPOILER ALERT)

I started with the 2017 released but was left wanting as early as episode 2. Found this similarly titled series, not knowing it the 2019 remake, clicked on it for that fact alone. To be honest, I was very skeptical as well as dreading it would progress in the same manner as the original or worse as remakes go.

Pleasantly surprised this:
1) Had a more focused storyline;
2) Actors were more grounded in their roles;
3) Cast interacted with each other and the camera more naturally;
4) Backstories were put in where it was more logical and natural.

The introduction of an antagonist in Wayo's and Phana's story was surprising but not fully unwelcome. However I wish it was better developed and not inserted here, there and everywhere. Having said that though, in my opinion it is a step up over the multitude of side characters all wanting the Campus Moon in the original. 2017 was filled with women with weak established motivations who only distracted the story from moving smoothly along.

I want to find out what happens with Phana and Wayo's antagonist so I am crossing my fingers that there are plans to develop the couples' stories.

I loved all the couples and would love to know where life took them. Until then, I will spend a couple of weekends watching this series again.

Read More

Better season due to entertainment value, cast and show format

Each time I go into watching dating shows, I go into it to be entertained, to be moved and be engaged by the cast. To me, the show is a real-time evolving narrative where I only get to see an edited final material. Thus I base my opinion on what I have been fed. Although the characters' were cut from the same cloth as those from previous years, their emotions and thoughts were played out more for the audience to see this time around in my opinion. The show's producers signed on individuals that were more vocal, controversial, spirited and immature then put them in almost continuous jarring situations as soon as they arrive, on their first breakfast in Paradise, and as soon as people get back to Inferno. All of which make for jaw-dropping, tearful, infuriating, questionable, frustrating and explosive moments which for viewers like me was entertainment gold.

I admit I came for the train wreck, but I also enjoyed seeing the camaraderie amongst the cast members which came across as genuine amongst some. The pressurized atmosphere was lifted by the occasional display of lighthearted banter. That is another thing this season had shown more of and it was heartwarming.

I recommend you watch Single's Inferno Season 3. Kick it off with a bowl of Bugles with Chex Mix, sit back and enjoy the ride. You may even be compelled to leave a comment, just as I did, for some reason or another. If you judge by the comments, it is quite polarized. Therefore, there is a big chance you come out hating it or loving it. Nonetheless, I wish you happy viewing!

Read More