No Doubt in My Mind...

...that Queen In Hyun's Man is my favorite drama of the year! Of the whole lot, Episode 11 is the best by far, with another STEAMY kiss and of course, a steamed off DongMin (like what I did there?)



I love Boong-Do's jealousy and his timing. Everything is queued perfectly, every move calculated, every reaction spot on! The acting on this show is just superb, even DongMin--who, let's face it, is hard to truly hate because of his ridiculousness is a perfect fit.



A fist pump must also go out to the show's directors, writers, and editors. This show is beautifully shot as well.



I can't wait for Episode 12; it looks like another treat. Then again, anything with Boong-Do is a treat. ^^

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Irritation

Right now, I'm asking myself the question: Why did I choose this drama? Okay, so Gong Yoo's involvement was a major plus, but I've usually enjoyed the Hong Sisters' dramas.



On both accounts, I'm not sure if I enjoy Big that much now that we've reached past the halfway point. Episode 11, like many of the last four episodes, was another meltdown of ridiculousness.



I mean, who doesn't look at the thing they pick up? Are we supposed to believe that human nature wouldn't insist on our inquisition into such matters? (I'm talking specifically about the picture of Kyung Joon's mom.) The way that this show continues to lag and tease, I don't know if we'll ever get there--wherever there is at this point.



Probably my biggest question surrounds the Kyung Joon / Yeon Jae body switch. Why has it been necessary to keep KJ's body in a coma for such a long time? The coma has long past its run as a plot point in this drama; now it's just pure stagnation to keep it this way.

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Keeping the Peace

I loved episode 8 and how Liang Xiao Shu handled the reveal that Zhou Zhen's dad is Zhou Da Guan. I felt that, unlike many dramas, where that reveal brings about heartache instantly, at least (for now)Xiao Shu worked hard to keep the peace. I know we'll probably revisit this relationship in later episodes, particularly because we still don't know the mystery surrounding her little brother's death, but I'm glad we don't have a whole lot of angst in the here and now.



I'm also glad that the relationship seemed to move forward, and that Gao and Liang are friends again. I like the friendship dynamic of these two, even though I don't ship them at all. I'm hoping that now Gao will start to fall for Ying Ying soon.



Speaking of Ying Ying, I really love her character, even if she's the pampered princess that I usually hate. There's a charm in her that is rarely in the princess-type, and I think that has a lot to do with the character's relationship with her gege.



Overall, episode 8 of Love Around kept me wanting more...more of ZhouXiao, more of GaoYing, and more of its lightheartedness and fun.

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YAY! Romance!

Episode 17 hit me in the gut with laughter, made my heart palpitate, and made my mind reel with happiness. This episode was a wild roller coaster of emotions precipitated by Anthony's "noble idiot" idea to break off all ties and Hyun Min's obvious desire for growth as an actor.



These two characters, for me, made this episode. We see Anthony (Kim Bong Dal-sshi)attempt to push everything out of his life. He creates a list of things to take care of (the Taesan investment, closing WP, finding his PD and staff new jobs, learning Braille, etc.) Whenever he finishes a task, he strikes two bold lines over it. Later, though, we learn of another task--"Forget Go Eun" which is slashed with two lines and dotted with teardrops. (Honestly, this was one of my outburst-of-tears moments).



However, what this drama did was brighten the melo of the episode with some great Kang Hyun Min humor--Kang Min Style (horse dance included). I'm still gunning for the HM/MA pairing, and I think it may have taken another step forward in this episode with KHM's sexy acting improvements.



And, because I can't forget it, the KISS!!!!!!! It was bound to happen, but I am so glad they didn't wait til episode 18. This is another couple who knows how to kiss--thank the drama gods!



I can't wait for Monday--the preview hints that the drama may come full circle. KOD, hwaiting!

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Frustrated

I?ve tried so hard to become invested in Da Ran?s character; I thought after episode 6 that I was back to tolerating her, but I just can?t now. Even though I like the Da Ran/ Kyung Joon relationship, I think that this ?wedding? was unnecessary. So many things in this drama are, unfortunately (e.g. any scene where Da Ran asks stupid questions from Se Young or any other person).



What I do enjoy are the scenes with Mari and Choong-shik. Although part of me hated that she caused danger to Da Ran, I?m glad that it?s a reaction that fits with her character and later adds to her distress. Choong-shik might be the cutest thing on the planet; when he?s heartbroken, he?s the sweetest little kid.



I?m just not sure what to think about this drama anymore. Each new episode either draws me closer or pulls me away?sort of a ?one step forward, two steps back? thing. I will stick this drama out, if only to see Little Kyung-Joon come back.

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A decent episode...

...goes a long way when the main actress is really annoying. For example, I think that parts of this show are written well--particularly Kyung Joon/ Yoon Jae and Choong Shik, but I'm not sure if I like Gil Da Ran's annoying and naive behavior.



In episode 3, we are introduced to Jang Mari, (Suzy's character), who, like Gil Da Ran, is obsessed with her "boy" Kyung Joon, so much that she stalks him. I don't know if I'm supposed to like or dislike her character yet. Her chemistry with Choong Shik is cute though.



Right now, I'm at an impasse. Part of me thinks they are moving a little too fast if they are going to have a Da Ran/ Kyung Joon OTP. I don't hate the idea of teacher/student, but I think this drama is delving into dangerous territory rather early on.

On the other hand, I think the drama is moving too slow with the whole "cheating" (or maybe that's the feeling I get from Da Ran's denial).



Overall, I'm still enjoying this show, and I can't wait to see episode 4.

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This again?

This episode was a good one, particularly with the dynamics between Xi Huan and Han Xiang. I like how this drama has approached their relationship, and also how Xi Huan takes his brother's rejection. Instead of stomping off and pouting, Xi Huan actively seeks to reunite himself and his brother.



However, amnesia again? Why does plot scheme always appear with rich boy, not-as-well-off girl rom-coms? Suddenly, because of the fight, the Mi En that Xi Huan comes to find is now the Mi En that Xi Huan doesn't remember. My question is how Mi En will take this bout with amnesia, seeing that this time, it's real.



I just hope they don't drag this out too long. They only have 2 episodes left, so I hope we are not kept wondering until the very end whether these two will ever get together. I want to see some cute XiHuan/MiEn and HanXiang/AiLin moments before the end.

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Oh Damn...That'll Be the Books

Well, here we have another sageuk drama predicated on the predictions of a book and someone who can read that book (and faces too, of course). And of course, the book has monumental ramifications for the vitality of an entire state and its affairs, lest we forget. Also, as if we didn't already know the importance of this book, we get a nice scene where an entire library of books is made into a mess the likes of which have not been seen since a full-torsoed floating apparition made its way into the New York Metropolitan Public Library.



All of that aside, however, and The King's Face's first episode did a pretty decent job of identifying the main "goodies" and main "baddies"--the face of the drama, if it pleases you. We see King Seonjo basically going off of words from a book to decide which wife, son, etc. is worthy of his investment and him being pretty basic to some common folk who are genuinely suffering. (I think we're not supposed to like him much). Next, we meet Gwanghae, who's cheeky but actually has a decent head on his shoulders, and who at least is cognizant of the rotten state of his father's affairs (at least somewhat).



Then we meet a scholarly-looking person in a bookstore who looks slightly feminine and is reading a book and if you think you've seen this in another show, please tell me. (kekeke) She (he) just happens to know the reference to an important plot point and well, there ya go.



As snarky or as sarcastic as I sound, it actually was a decent first episode. I wasn't bored by it; the tension between father and son was stated blatantly, the king's two-faced nature examined quite firmly, and Gwanghae's thirst for understanding why his face shape is so important explored matter-of-factly.



The only thing the first episode didn't have was Shin Sung Rok, and I can't wait to meet him!

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Cooked Ketchup and Minced Onions: I'd Eat It

I loved this episode! My favorite scene was Do Han coming into the girl’s room with the bear stethoscope; Shi On’s reaction was too cute for words.



I think the show has finally gotten to the place that I wanted it to get to from the beginning, that is, that it has decided to focus on these relationships and the building of them. We’ve seen little snippets of that here and there, but now we’re seeing it a lot more.



One of the biggest developments of episode 15 was the ability for Shi On to stand up against his father. I’ve been anxiously awaiting the moment where he flat out says “No, don’t do that” since his dad came back. I can’t wait to see how Shi On grows from here.



Lastly, as if I could forget it, I LOVE the interactions between Yeon Seo and Shi On in this episode. I’m glad they are on friendly terms again, but hopeful that the little dot of jealousy that Yeon Seo had is the start of something for these two romantically. However, I’ll be content with a slow pace for that because making it too fast seems unrealistic (especially considering the progression of these relationships so far).



Can’t wait for tonight!!

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Let the Flames Begin

This episode lit up the flame within the hearts of Anthony and Go Eun, lit up the flame of jealousy in Min Ah, and possibly lit a fire in Kang Min (?).



The episode also lit a literal fire, which may or may not have adverse effects on our characters, namely Anthony, the sweet, old actor, and our Director Goo. I have a feeling that whatever caused Director Goo to quit as a director 5 years previous can be pinpointed to a tragedy.



Things I liked: Kang Min and Min Ah owning up to their bad behavior on set after the smackdown by the Director. As much as I like their bickering, they are, in the Morning in Gyeongsang's world, preventing the drama from being finished.



2)Director Nam--what can I say about this guy? He just threw away the career of a lifetime because he knew that he possibly gained his position illegally. Way to go for characters who don't waver in doing right. It's a nice balance to those who don't waver in doing wrong (Chairman and Ji Wan).



3) Kang Min and Go Eun--I really like this noona/dongsaeng relationship that they have. KM's teasing of GE reminded me of a brother who teases his sister about boys, yet he can't really handle his own girlfriend and her 80 bajillion phone calls.



Things I didn't like as much: I didn't like that we had to have the characters in a "hug me, I need warmth" situation for this relationship to somewhat progress. I understand it in terms of the drama, but it's an element that tends to be overused.



Along with that scene, the leaving of a cellphone in the car irked me, especially because they probably could have found a rock to bust the windows.





Overall, however, I really enjoyed this episode and can't wait for tomorrow! `

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