olewis
This review may contain spoilers
A wonderful balm for the soul
During these rough times, what a joy it is to have a sweet, wholesome show like Hospital Playlist. Where Season 1 introduced us to the lovable main cast and their charming sidekicks, Season 2 builds on those relationships to complete a thoughtful and engaging portrayal of hospital daily life. While the main cast's group chemistry and antics continue to anchor the show, some of the more episodic subplots also captured my attention this time around. I liked how this season featured more multi-episode patient arcs, as opposed to one-offs. And I loved getting to know more of the key supporting players, especially Chu Min-ha, Do Jae-hak, Jang Gyeo-ul, and Rosa.
As a slice-of-life drama, HP does have its fair share of slow-burn romances and plotlines, but they never feel dragged-out thanks to the captivating on-screen action and chemistry. Additionally, Season 2 adds many first-rate tunes to its "playlist" by effectively showing off its main cast's impressive vocal talents.
My only main criticism is that the season (and I'm assuming series) finale felt a little unsatisfying. While the main couples had all more or less gotten together, I would've liked to see a more concrete send-off to some of their stories. For instance, there were hints of a showdown between Seok-Hyung's mom and Chu Min-ha that never materialized (possibly for the better--goodness knows the disapproving mother-in-law is a tired K-drama trope) But seeing Seok-Hyung confront his mom in-person would've been nice. And after Jeong-won's incomplete first proposal attempt, I kept waiting for him to propose again, but it never happened; instead the show abruptly sent him and Gyeo-ul to America. (Well, at least they stayed together). Like many lesser shows, when it came to the newer pairings, even HP fell prey to the old pattern of killing a couple's screentime once they get together and hardly showing them actually be a couple.
Oh and this season had entirely too little screentime for U-ju. Where did he go? What a missed opportunity for cuteness.
Nevertheless, overall, Hospital Playlist is excellently executed by the actors, screenwriters, and directors. Not only is HP one of the best K-dramas out there, but watching it is definitely a form of self-care.
As a slice-of-life drama, HP does have its fair share of slow-burn romances and plotlines, but they never feel dragged-out thanks to the captivating on-screen action and chemistry. Additionally, Season 2 adds many first-rate tunes to its "playlist" by effectively showing off its main cast's impressive vocal talents.
My only main criticism is that the season (and I'm assuming series) finale felt a little unsatisfying. While the main couples had all more or less gotten together, I would've liked to see a more concrete send-off to some of their stories. For instance, there were hints of a showdown between Seok-Hyung's mom and Chu Min-ha that never materialized (possibly for the better--goodness knows the disapproving mother-in-law is a tired K-drama trope) But seeing Seok-Hyung confront his mom in-person would've been nice. And after Jeong-won's incomplete first proposal attempt, I kept waiting for him to propose again, but it never happened; instead the show abruptly sent him and Gyeo-ul to America. (Well, at least they stayed together). Like many lesser shows, when it came to the newer pairings, even HP fell prey to the old pattern of killing a couple's screentime once they get together and hardly showing them actually be a couple.
Oh and this season had entirely too little screentime for U-ju. Where did he go? What a missed opportunity for cuteness.
Nevertheless, overall, Hospital Playlist is excellently executed by the actors, screenwriters, and directors. Not only is HP one of the best K-dramas out there, but watching it is definitely a form of self-care.
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