mysecretsoul
United States
The misgivings I had about the last episode are beginning to fade. Initially it felt the plot was going nowhere, but as of this one, we're beginning to see the conflict blooming in the background. The previous two apparently were part of a slow build, which is fine since it didn't last long.
Zhou Zhen and Xiao Shu are forming a bond in the mean time; their interactions are always a highlight. The sequence at the baseball match was so sweet and funny! But let's not forget the second male lead played by Lee Jack. He's already got a connection to Xiao Shu--and he's starting to be cute and interesting!
Zhou Zhen and Xiao Shu are forming a bond in the mean time; their interactions are always a highlight. The sequence at the baseball match was so sweet and funny! But let's not forget the second male lead played by Lee Jack. He's already got a connection to Xiao Shu--and he's starting to be cute and interesting!
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A much better episode than the last. Tuesday's installment is exciting and emotional, proving once again Cruel City can easily engage the viewer.
This time around, Shi Hyun's feelings are clearly beginning to compromise his position. Any warm feelings he has for Hyun Soo and Jin Wook are obstacles toward his true goal, but he still tries to keep both safe even as they try to tear each other apart. We're beginning to see more of the human hidden under the cool cover of Doctor's Son. Unfortunately the more human Shi Hyun acts, the more mistakes he makes...possibly including his hopeless choice at the end of this episode.
Also watch out for the pretty new vocal insert, an intensely desperate knife fight, continued bromance, and an ending that'll make you scream. The preview will cue the viewer in that a certain event was somehow avoided...but offers no hint of how. Next week then!
This time around, Shi Hyun's feelings are clearly beginning to compromise his position. Any warm feelings he has for Hyun Soo and Jin Wook are obstacles toward his true goal, but he still tries to keep both safe even as they try to tear each other apart. We're beginning to see more of the human hidden under the cool cover of Doctor's Son. Unfortunately the more human Shi Hyun acts, the more mistakes he makes...possibly including his hopeless choice at the end of this episode.
Also watch out for the pretty new vocal insert, an intensely desperate knife fight, continued bromance, and an ending that'll make you scream. The preview will cue the viewer in that a certain event was somehow avoided...but offers no hint of how. Next week then!
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Love Around seems to rely on the main couple's chemistry, but will that work in the long term? We needed a plot hook this episode, and we didn't get one... despite being promised the shades of conflicts to come. If this drama wants to stay afloat, we'll need a bit more.
It was still a fun episode, but mostly during the scenes between Annie Chen and George Hu. Many supporting cast members had me cringing, especially Zhou Zhen's family during the hospital sequence. I could do with a lot less of them in the future, but I won't hold my breath. Xiao Shu's family, on the other hand, has potential...especially in the tragic history they seem to have experienced.
It was still a fun episode, but mostly during the scenes between Annie Chen and George Hu. Many supporting cast members had me cringing, especially Zhou Zhen's family during the hospital sequence. I could do with a lot less of them in the future, but I won't hold my breath. Xiao Shu's family, on the other hand, has potential...especially in the tragic history they seem to have experienced.
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Though still solid, the weakest installment so far. Some momentum has been sacrificed for necessary transition; Soo Min and Shi Hyun need to start interacting more, so the plot cogs are turning in that direction. Hopefully these interactions will be stronger than they have been. This episode's car scene felt out of place and jarred me a little out of the action; would these two people act like this considering their circumstances? It might just take more time to even out though.
One thing I did like is the conflict between Soo and Jin Sook. It promises to reach boiling point soon and should put Doctor's Son into a very precarious situation. What will he do when two people he genuinely cares for are at each other's throats?
One thing I did like is the conflict between Soo and Jin Sook. It promises to reach boiling point soon and should put Doctor's Son into a very precarious situation. What will he do when two people he genuinely cares for are at each other's throats?
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Wouldn't you know it? This is another great episode. A shocking event happens in the first few minutes that ends the stand-off we were left with on Monday. After this point, the viewer is pleasantly surprised with Ji Hyeong Min coming into his own as a character. He's believably resourceful and determined, even crusading on despite disgrace and injury. It's just great how he's smart enough to shake off short term misdirection that would have other characters scratching their heads for episodes. And his less-than legal actions are being noticed! All that's wrong is his timing.
On the other hand, we're slowly being introduced to the possibility that maybe our gangster Soo and undercover Soo Min will be problems in future episodes. Soo has his own agenda despite the (real!) friendship he and Shi Hyun share. And Soo Min... will she continue helping the police or do a full switch after what happened this time around? Waiting for Monday for the answers will be hard.
(How cute was Shi Hyun during the noodle scene though?)
On the other hand, we're slowly being introduced to the possibility that maybe our gangster Soo and undercover Soo Min will be problems in future episodes. Soo has his own agenda despite the (real!) friendship he and Shi Hyun share. And Soo Min... will she continue helping the police or do a full switch after what happened this time around? Waiting for Monday for the answers will be hard.
(How cute was Shi Hyun during the noodle scene though?)
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The first quarter of the episode feels a little slow for the first time, but is soon back up to standard. We finally get the back story we need on Doctor's Son and begin to see the connections between him, Safari, and the happenings on the police force. Everything snaps is snapping into place neatly. It's also a lot of fun to see more of Soo, though he's apparently an actual serious criminal.
I'd like to see more of how they get Nam Gyu Ri's character ready to become an undercover. She's a tough kid already, but will she really be ready within an episode or two? It's hard to believe Shi Hyun only took training in the same way, with the way he fights and behaves...especially in this episode, since he was just "wow" as usual.
I'd like to see more of how they get Nam Gyu Ri's character ready to become an undercover. She's a tough kid already, but will she really be ready within an episode or two? It's hard to believe Shi Hyun only took training in the same way, with the way he fights and behaves...especially in this episode, since he was just "wow" as usual.
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This is one of the best series openers I've seen for a romance in a long time. It was heartwarming and hilarious by turns; I definitely laughed a lot. You can tell there's a lot of potential despite a trickle of predictability. The time went by so fast.
George Hu and Annie Chen have huge chemistry as promised! Their characters suit each other right off the bat. I have to say that George is particularly lovable and there were three scenes where he actually made my heart throb.
Totally sticking around for the next episode. I'm just worried if it stays this good I'll go crazy waiting week to week. (And how about that insert song? It's gorgeous!)
George Hu and Annie Chen have huge chemistry as promised! Their characters suit each other right off the bat. I have to say that George is particularly lovable and there were three scenes where he actually made my heart throb.
Totally sticking around for the next episode. I'm just worried if it stays this good I'll go crazy waiting week to week. (And how about that insert song? It's gorgeous!)
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If by some chance you needed a final push for Cruel City to hook you, this episode will do the trick. Peppered with surprises throughout, including a major tragedy and a completely unexpected reveal about the mysterious Doctor's Son, I guarantee number four will floor you. The true female lead is being pushed to the front now and so is the actual conflict. On more superficial notes, the music remains perfect and unheard tracks were rolled out for dramatic scenes. Another Jung Kyung Ho alert: this time we get laughing, smiling, and tears, all of which are effective since they've been so reserved until now.
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The scene flow and the pacing is still whip quick, but the episode ended on a note that is making the wait for the next abysmal.
Lee Jae Yoon's character is becoming more intriguing, which is good considering how captivating Doctor's Son has been in comparison.
There's a bit of ab action (Jung Kyung Ho) in this episode, as well as a quick, cute, almost rom-com moment that's actually jarring in context. I found myself smiling until the drama pulled me back with a vengeance into the gritty action.
Generally, the violence and blood seem to be increasing episode to episode. I feel like that's to be expected for the future as well. But the censored knives are sort of distracting....
Lee Jae Yoon's character is becoming more intriguing, which is good considering how captivating Doctor's Son has been in comparison.
There's a bit of ab action (Jung Kyung Ho) in this episode, as well as a quick, cute, almost rom-com moment that's actually jarring in context. I found myself smiling until the drama pulled me back with a vengeance into the gritty action.
Generally, the violence and blood seem to be increasing episode to episode. I feel like that's to be expected for the future as well. But the censored knives are sort of distracting....
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The atmosphere is solidified in this episode as it begins to delve into the characters and their various allegiances. As far as the development went in the first episode, we were given the minimum in order to heighten curiosity in suspense. This drama is even more exciting because it seems the writers are going for gray characters; these characters have a mature nuance which I hope lasts. For those seeking the action aspect only, don't worry. There's an amazing road stunt in this episode for you. For the blood-shy, well... later on, be ready to cover your eyes.
As a side note, I'm willing to bet that "Doctor" will be a fan-favorite among viewers should the drama continue its wonderful momentum. The second episode is on the same level as the first, which is a great sign.
As a side note, I'm willing to bet that "Doctor" will be a fan-favorite among viewers should the drama continue its wonderful momentum. The second episode is on the same level as the first, which is a great sign.
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Just completed this episode and, despite this not being my usual genre, all I can say is "wow." What an incredibly stylish drama! The cinematography is top-notch and I'm already convinced I want the OST; the only word that comes to mind when considering the two elements is "elegant." There was a bit of violence in this episode, but that's to be expected.
The first five minutes will get you hooked if you're anything like me; the mystery and suspense is palpable even from the word go. I'm not sure about the characters yet, but I love the atmosphere (am I the only one that feels a sense of oncoming tragedy *already?*) and solid story foundation this first episode sets. A promising start; if it can keep this up, Cruel City should be great.
The first five minutes will get you hooked if you're anything like me; the mystery and suspense is palpable even from the word go. I'm not sure about the characters yet, but I love the atmosphere (am I the only one that feels a sense of oncoming tragedy *already?*) and solid story foundation this first episode sets. A promising start; if it can keep this up, Cruel City should be great.
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