Reviews

Compassion versus Law & Mercy versus Murder

My thought when I saw the first episode of the series was that it tried to establish a strong connection between showing mercy to a suffering animal by putting it to sleep and showing mercy to a suffering terminally ill human.

The topic of Euthanasia is very debatable and that's why only few countries have made it legal...there are various concerns regarding the choice of Euthanasia by an individual, whether:

*the person is in a fit mental state of mind to decide.
* The person is being coerced ( by the family)
* Doctors' abusing the power given to them. etc. etc.

I believe a person who is still mentally fit should be allowed to decide if they wish to end their life.

However, Can a person suffering extreme pain whose mind is clouded by pain medications be competent enough to make a rational judgement? Should the family members/ doctors' have the right to decide the fate of a terminally ill patient without their explicit consent (as in the case of putting an animal to sleep)?

The whole discussion is never ending , so in the end it comes down to morality and legality.


I feel the show focuses more on Compassion versus Law and Murder versus Mercy.

In the eyes of the law, things are weighed as per the rules and regulations, no room for feelings.

Freeing someone whom you care about from further suffering is an act of mercy, but law considers it a punishable crime, similar to that of a deliberate murder.

Motive plays a primary role in differentiating between the deaths of various people... how is one person's action of taking a life different from the other killer(s)? when legally all are crimes. The question here is not who the killer is, but why and how that person chooses to take a life.

What is most interesting for me in this series is not the mystery of who dunnit because that is not the highlight of the series. The cornerstone of the series is the moral ambiguity of the characters.

None of the character in the series is pure black or white.

We live in a society of flawed humans. The law has many loopholes and is imperfect but by and large it safeguards our society by protecting the weak.
So the question is left up to the audience as to how they regard the actions of these characters and whom do they sympathise with.


Overall: thought provoking and trying to present various viewpoints on the much debatable, sensitive topic of Euthanasia.


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CHARACTER ANALYSIS::::: CONTAINS SPOILERS from the series in order to discuss their motivation and ideologies on Euthanasia.

(Don't read the review further if you want to REMAIN SPOILER FREE.)


Interestingly all the below mentioned characters were connected to a terminally ill patient, the viewers are a shown a glimpse of their life when they witnessed the suffering of their loved ones how that affects their outlook on Euthanasia.


*The police captain, Thiu strongly suspects Dr.Kan and wants the guilty to be punished as per law but his heart doesn't allow him to remain completely unbiased in this case. Even though Thiu is sceptical , he is ready to accept any slightest evidence to prove Dr.kan's innocence without dwelling too deeper into it. Thiu's mother was terminally ill and he had transferred to a remote place to took a posting there but before he arrived, Dr.Kan had Euthanized his mother as per her request. He was unable to bid her a proper goodbye which remains his greatest regret.

*Dr.Kan may have started on this path for mercy and ending the suffering of patients, but somehow along the way did he become desensitised to killing? What he did in episode 7 to Boss was for a selfish reason and a clear crime. Dr.Kan's mother was terminally ill and he saw her constant suffering and his own father's helplessness that's why he chose to be a Doctor and was an advocate of Euthanasia.

* Boss who has seen his family destroyed due to his terminally ill father (his mother, unable to take care of his father killed his father and then committed suicide herself) admires Dr.kan for his stance on Euthanasia but doesn't understand that Dr.Kan doesn't enthasnise a patient to reduce the burden of care taking from family members' shoulder. Boss doesn't understand the concept of taking consent from the patients. He wants to reduce the family's burden.

* Nurse Onanong, started supporting Dr.kan when someone dear to her was terminally ill and wished to end their suffering. Nurse On tried to perform euthanasia but couldn't go through with it, at that time Dr.Kan like an angel of mercy came and helped her. He showed her the path to reduce the suffering of the terminally ill patients in a painless manner.

* Director Somsak, he was a staunch advocate of the Hippocratic Oath, was against Abortion or Euthanasia. He believed that doctor's job was to care for terminally ill patients to the best of their ability. His male lover who was Dr.Kan's mentor had been terminally ill, Somsak being a loving person wanted to spend the last few months with his lover but was deprived of that solace due to Dr.Kan euthanizing his lover.




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:::::::::::::Trivia::::::::::::

Episode 1 and 2

Just by watching the first two episodes I think the series is posing a serious question as to when does Euthanasia cross the line of showing mercy Versus murder.

So far in the first two episodes, there have been deaths of three terminally ill patients.

1. The police captain's mother ( she seemed to be quite rational and seemed to be in too much pain, but did she choose to end her life? Didn't she want to spend some time with her son who was taking a transfer to be near her?

2. Another terminally ill person, but his family was taking quite good care of him...they were hoping that they could live with him for as long as possible. I don't know if he would have chosen euthanasia?

3.The aged father who was clearly a burden to his children....but for me, his death was a blatant murder... because inspite of his advanced illness and pain, he clearly resisted and showed signs of wanting to live.


So the question is, If Euthanasia was really a choice of the above three people or was it forced upon them?


Episode 3
In episode 3, Dr.Kan injects the terminally ill tribal man after asking for his consent...even though he may not have been responsible for ALL 3 deaths in the previous 2 episodes, he certainly Euthanised the man in episode 3.

So legally he could already be a criminal, as I believe active Euthanasia is not sanctioned in Thailand...

Therefore irrespective of other people who he may or may not have euthanized, he is already guilty and is punishable by law.

Now we just have to see whether there is someone else besides him who is ethuanising terminally ill without their consent.

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Dead Yet Alive, Alive Yet Dead

I was introduced to this drama by a fellow dramalist member and I must say that it is a wonderful recommendation! I love this drama! I wanted to give it a 10/10 actually but I think some minor issues with it took away 1 point.

What I Loved A Whole Bunch:
- The leads and (essentially) the entire cast were pretty amazing. They performed their roles well. Superb acting.
- The plot was intriguing and suspenseful. I was riveted and wanted to know more.
- The ML and FL were well cast. They played their roles well and had chemistry. It was pleasant and sweet to watch how their romance blossomed. I liked how sincere they were to each other and how ML expressed his jealousy and love for FL outright. No guessing games here which, to me, was great.
- There were several outstanding scenes — the scene in which FL played the guqin; how the people of Huaixiang came forward to help Magistrate Xue despite their fears; the sorrowful deaths of ML’s guards.
- The OST was lovely.

What I Didn’t Like a Wee Bit:
- There was a lot of bloodshed especially towards the end.
- Princess Wanning was princess with a bipolar disorder IMO. She toyed with people and that was hateful to me. After watching what she had to endure in Dai Country, I get why she turned out this way but I felt that she had a choice not to be thus ruthless. It was shocking to see that she killed her father. She was ‘cray cray’ from being abused and toyed with and she perpetuated what she had gone through. This was wrong.
- The very sad deaths of both ML’s best guards. I was shocked that they died in episode 40 (last episode). Why?! Oh, my heart. I guess drama wanted us to know that people die in wars.
- So many villains like the Li family and Prince Cheng and Ji Shuran and more … who had no qualms in killing others to protect themselves and to get ahead. The lack of morals is dumbfounding! (I know it’s show/ drama and such characters are needed… just saying…)
- The ending was a little frustrating because it wasn’t the kind of happy ending that I hoped for given that things seemed to be looking up for ML and FL in the end. Episode 40 was hard to get through. I had to watch the special episode - I hope I found the right one to watch - to get proper closure.

Nonetheless, this drama is top-notch and I highly recommend it! <3

Pls watch it! It’s great! Awesome production with fantastic cast, interesting plot and lovely music. <3 I know that I will be rewatching some scenes for sure! <3

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It is a great story about grief and how a loss affects those who are left behind. It's truly a beautiful piece, I am particularly fond of the cinematography which really emphasizes the summer-ness of the film. It provides that nostalgia and calmness that all the summer films we love gives. All I can say is, the vibes are immaculate.

For the story, I would not deny that I shed one too many tears. Mostly because of the exploration of mother-daughter relationships. This theme always gets me. And the fact that they explored not only one but two separate mother-daughter relationships and how different yet similar their dynamics were, already had me sobbing on the floor. They also did a great job on developing the relationship between the four main characters despite the relatively short time.

Although, I do have a little bit of problem. I am disappointed that we never got to know Nara properly. I mean, sure, she's of the past and a big part of the message was to keep moving forward. But, I can't help but think that the storytelling didn't give Nara justice. In the sense that, we never knew why she did it, what drove her to do it, nor clearly say if that really was the case. Nara was a central piece to the story and it just feels like she was merely used as a plot device because of the lack of justification.

Beside that though, I really loved it. It was overall a great watch, a great tear-jerker and family film/series.

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Crappie and illogical storyline

I'm giving this drama 7 star 🌟
First of all let me highlight what I love about this drama.

1) The OST: I'm in awe with the amazing OST which left me mesmerizing, I can say that this drama has the best OST this 2024

2)The Visuals: I love the visual effects of this drama which makes each an every character extremely beautiful and gave them a wonderful visual on the screen. I applaud it for that. And all the characters did a great job.

Here are my dislike and dissatisfaction of this drama.

1) The ml: I feel like the way the ml who was portrayed of being the most powerful celestial creature in this show was overly over hyped.

Reason being because i couldn't feel the aura of a supreme being in him in the screen.
His fight potential as a powerful demon was totally inferior compared to other characters in the show. Like I was rooting to see him unleash that powerful force as he was portrayed to be but was disappointed. Some may come and justify it with many backstory reasons but that doesn't change the fact. We just didn't feel his majestic power in the screen.

Secondly, the ml efforts to cracks jokes when things are getting serious Offs me, like that will just make me lose my appetite of watching for a while or just fast-forward such ridiculous parts.

Thirdly, the ml who is obviously a demon lord being portrayed as a benevolent like Devine-God isn't my cup of tea,
like I'm not into such type of a demon character unless he was portrayed as a devine God.
I only accept a gray demon character and not some sort of God-like character who will be a sacrificial lamb to save the world.
Even if he wants to do so is fine but his character should always maintain gray vibe and not always act all time Holy like a Catholic priest hahaha.

2) The storyline: I think the storyline fails to differentiate the difference between mortal and immortal being. Like I will just get confused when a lowly humans can easily subdue demons who has a supernatural power.

This drama Over hyped humans abilities and limitations against a celestial being.

Secondary the parallel world in this drama sucks, I was expecting the Wilderness to be a distinct realm of demons which is different from human realm and also a place where living human can't go while still alive.

Overall, this drama fails to separate the difference between men and immortal being by giving a mare mortal the ability to subdue and precide over immortal being which is totally ridiculous and illogical to me.

I know I should accept the plot as it is but such an illogical stories are meant to entertain kids and insult Adult IQ and I'm not passive about that.

In this drama, human and demon were just mixed that you will now wonder which is immortal being lol.

I know this is xianxia genre drama but the drama direction was obviously defining Xuanhuan genre which is why everything was contradicted.

In most xianxia genre, only human who was possessed by celestial power can come in contact or challenge demon. And most type of demon in xianxia are human who are possessed by demon. Or some sort demonic Godly weapons and sword.

Unlike in Xuanhuan that portrays direct demon or god.

This whole theory was why this drama fail woefully in this aspect.

Chinese dramas in category of "Wuxia, xianxia or Xuanhuan" revolves around chinese culture and traditions and if any Director or writers who change this definition to something scientifical theories and logic with morden norms, then is no longer a Chinese drama but a Western style drama.

That's my take I hope that helps.

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I watch this for high-quality romance, storytelling, production, and HAPPY ENDING.

No drama works without tropes. Most use at least one or two familiar templates, such as revenge, slow-burn romance, rebellion, or palace intrigue. This drama is no exception. However, it excels through its high-quality production and compelling storytelling for romance and palace politics. I especially love how it leans toward realism and sociological storytelling, and also allows us to process the emotions it evokes in a less dramatic yet still touching and moving way.

I love every aspect of this drama.

Music: The opening theme is my favorite. Its gentle, warm melody touches my heart — melancholic yet intense — evoking both a romantic sense and the struggle to protect loved ones. I never skip the opening.

Production: The production quality is undeniably top-notch. The portrayal of natural, societal, and cultural elements feels poetic and harmonious, enhanced by thoughtful color tones and lighting.

Setting: It seems they filmed in various new locations, as I didn’t notice many of the “overused and familiar buildings” often seen in C-drama productions. This choice adds freshness and richness to the setting.

Costumes, Accessories, and Decor: The attention to cultural details is remarkable. Every character, from commoners and merchants to military figures, nobles, and royalty, reflects the era’s social hierarchy through meticulously designed outfits and accessories.

Storytelling Technique: I appreciate how effectively they use non-linear narratives. The transitions between past and present events are smooth and meaningful, with no unnecessary fillers. Flashbacks provide crucial clues and fresh perspectives, enriching the story. Additionally, the inclusion of “what-if” scenarios and the known alternative endings create a sense of hope for a happy conclusion. This hope makes the comedic and lighthearted moments more enjoyable and emotionally rewarding, as I know they won't be useless in the end.

Characterization: The FL and ML steal my heart because I like them instantly from the beginning. Shou Gu/ Dou Zhou is a tough, smart, pragmatic, adaptive, sociable, and efficient woman. She is also knowledgeable and resourceful. Her career as a businesswoman and a house manager makes sense. We know clearly how she climbs the ladder of success. Song Mo is a strong and loyal military man with firm integrity. He is the hero, the leader, and the backbone of the dynasty. He is ruthless sometimes, but he is also calm. He is not the type of man who would turn weak and stupid because of love. I love how they are already soulmates from the beginning, and their wedding and life as husband and wife are a big part of the story. It makes the romance more beautiful and affectionate. They also cooperate and communicate well, showing us how a healthy relationship should be.

Conflict: While not the strongest aspect of this drama, I still find it highly enjoyable. The internal conflicts might be limited, but the external ones are quite compelling. Revenge is a common theme in C-dramas, but what sets this drama apart is how the FL and ML resist the urge to seek vengeance. Instead, they choose patience and navigate their struggles with integrity. They live righteously while protecting themselves and standing against their enemies. I appreciate how the story shows that fate can be reshaped gradually by making the right decisions, even in seemingly small aspects of life and self. Additionally, I love how this drama takes a more sociological approach to explain the nature of the conflict among parties, families, and individuals. Everyone is under the control of social norms, and it affects how they make decisions and solve problems. The hypocrisy regarding women is interesting: Women are not equal to men and their life is controlled by men/ family, yet men are so dependent on them. Independent woman is frowned upon, yet interesting for greedy men.

This drama has a good message for us. Whether you watch it for the romance or else, you get a high-quality story that won't disappoint you. It doesn't only entertain us, but also gives us a chance to celebrate something in the end.

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Maybe an important shoiw that can have influence on public opinion on reunification

This has an interesting scenario for romance story. Romance between a South Korean woman and a North Korean elite soldier must be the one of the most taboo things one can think of when writing the plot for a KDrama as these two countries have high tensions. I dont know how accurate the depiction is of the North Korean part is, it must have fascinated the South Korean audience. The romance is better than many other dramas and the ending of the show is really beautiful. I mean it really is shot on one of the most beautiful places on earth, highlighting the emotions of the characters. I have a feeling many Koreans will be yearning for reunification of the two countries after completing the show.

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A Symphony of Spirits, Sorrow, and Stunning Visuals

The Korean drama Light Shop is not just a ghost story; it’s an intricate mosaic of emotions, unraveling grief, vengeance, and redemption. This is a place where the living and the dead blur like shadows at twilight, and where pain has a pulse that reverberates beyond the grave. At the core of it, Light Shop offers viewers more than chills—it delivers heartbreak, artistry, and an unexpected depth wrapped in just eight episodes. Though brief, each moment is painstakingly crafted, like fleeting light caught in a prism.

Let’s step into this spectral world, illuminated by a dazzling quartet: Park Bo-young, Seolhyun, Shin Eun-soo, and Ju Ji-hoon. These stars do more than shine—they burn, casting both warmth and darkness on a story that dances delicately on the edge of horror and tragedy.

Park Bo-young is the heart of Light Shop, and she plays it masterfully. If you’ve seen her in Daily Dose of Sunshine, you’ll recognize her signature tenderness and resilience here as an ICU nurse who can see spirits. Her character feels like a candle in a dark room, flickering between hope and despair, illuminating the fragile line between life and death. Park Bo-young breathes life into a role that could easily have been clichéd, infusing her character with a quiet strength and weary compassion that makes her ghost-seeing nurse feel achingly real.

Then there’s Seolhyun—a wronged lover turned vengeful ghost. She prowls through the scenes with a wrath that’s as cold as it is beautiful. And therein lies the paradox. Much like Kim Tae-ri’s ethereal presence in Revenant, Seolhyun’s undeniable beauty sometimes undercuts the terror of her ghostly rage. She’s too luminous, too statuesque; it’s like watching a porcelain doll attempting to shatter itself. Yet, her performance is still magnetic—her eyes glimmer with a haunting sadness, a whisper of vengeance that chills your bones even if it doesn’t make your blood run cold.

Completing this triad is Shin Eun-soo, a young talent who conveys vulnerability and strength in a subtle balance. She plays a high-school girl caught in a web of supernatural events without fully realizing the danger she’s in. Her innocence is the lens through which the drama’s darkest moments gain clarity.

Adding emotional weight to Shin Eun-soo’s storyline is the brilliant Lee Jung-eun, who plays her mother. There’s one scene—silent, wordless, yet deafening in its emotional impact—where Lee Jung-eun’s face alone tells a story so profound it feels like time itself holds its breath. In that moment, her grief is a stormcloud hovering just above her eyes, threatening to break but never quite falling. It’s pure, distilled brilliance.

Yet, the heart of the drama beats strongest through Ju Ji-hoon’s portrayal of the enigmatic Light Shop owner. His calm demeanor and sparing use of dialogue shroud the Light Shop in an aura of mystery, making the store itself feel like a sanctuary of secrets. When his backstory unfurls in Episode 7, it lands like a dagger cloaked in silk—a revelation that pierces deeply and lingers painfully. Ju Ji-hoon’s restrained performance adds layers of sorrow and wisdom to a character who holds the threads of fate in his hands, yet remains a prisoner of his own past.

The cinematography of Light Shop is a dreamlike experience, a visual symphony of light and darkness. Each frame feels like a canvas splashed with metaphors—some obvious, some whispering from the shadows. One standout moment that lingers in the mind long after the screen fades to black is the scene where Seolhyun’s character attempted to put her boyfriend’s back together. This scene was imposed on a n ECG waves flicker like fragile threads of life. It’s a stunning juxtaposition: the desperate attempt to hold on to love, to keep a fading heart beating against the cold inevitability of death. It’s poetry in motion, a metaphor so vivid you feel it pulse through your own veins.

Light and shadows play their own roles here, mirroring the story’s themes of fleeting hope and encroaching darkness. The colors shift, the shadows deepen, and each scene is carefully choreographed to blur the line between reality and the ethereal.

If Light Shop has a fault, it’s the brevity of its stay. At only eight episodes, each around 45 minutes (save for the 75-minute finale), the drama doesn’t leave much room for sprawling subplots or extensive character backstories. It’s like walking through a gallery and glimpsing masterpieces you wish you had more time to study. Yet, the creators know their canvas well, and what’s presented is honed to near perfection. There’s no fat on these bones; everything serves the story, and what the drama lacks in length, it makes up for in impact.

And that impact hits hardest in the final episodes. The plot twist arrives like a crack of thunder on a clear night, jolting the story into a new dimension of tragedy and catharsis. You think you know where Light Shop is taking you, but the destination shifts, and suddenly you’re left standing at the crossroads of heartbreak and hope.

Light Shop is a must-watch for fans of horror and the occult, but it’s also for those who appreciate stories that explore the raw, tangled emotions of love, loss, and the struggle to move on. It’s more layered than it first appears, like an old photograph developing slowly to reveal more than you expected. The drama may be short, but its impact is lasting. In a world where ghosts linger, memories haunt, and light fights to pierce the darkness, Light Shop is a beautiful reminder that even in grief, there’s a flicker of light—fragile, yet enduring.

Watch it, not just to be scared, but to feel every shadow and every flicker of hope. And bring tissues for the final episode. Because in Light Shop, every light tells a story.

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Rocky start, but will eventually get better

This drama is pretty good. It has Carlos Chan's Fong Yat-Chun (Jason) as the criminal psychologist who helps Hera Chan's Madam Ying to solve high-profile cases, along with their forensic assistant friend Nicholas Yuen's Chong Ding-Kan (Duncan). Something that threw me off at the beginning was the unnecessary sci-fi plot where Jason can have premonitions. It's something that can easily be removed and does not do anything much with the plot. Same goes for him being able to contact Madam Ying's future counterpart Mary, which is just her fake name to avoid getting detected from the cops, can also be removed. It pretty much spoils what will happen at the end so as soon as she said she and Jason are going to become wanted, I can tell Jason would eventually kill Duncan and die somehow (his body covered in blood was shown in a teaser lol) then Mary will be wanted (judging from the promotional teaser).

Speaking about Duncan, his whole character was incredibly well-written. This is by far Nicholas Yuen's best role and his portrayal of a mentally-ill person with bipolar disorder was so well acted. You can feel the anger in his eyes and voice everytime he has a crashout. Which is understandable considering that he is Madam Ying's half brother after her dad got with a prostitute while taking notes for a movie involved in a nightclub, and the woman eventually gave birth to Duncan. His backstory was so sad that you can't help but root for him when he killed his mom, and was eventually about to kill Madam Ying's mother too after it was revealed she paid a guy to hookup with Duncan's mom in hopes to get her husband back. It was a really selfish move and I did hope for her to die, but that just shows how well written she was to be incredibly unlikeable. Mimi Kung did a great job of being a selfish mother who only cares about her own family and not Duncan's, as well as being a mother who supports her daughters. The actor who played the father is also really good, you can tell he was in an inescapable situation and was trying his best to please both sides, but in the end it didn't work, which resulted to Duncan relapsing. But the character I really hate was Madam Ying's sister. She's really annoying, and it wasn't just how her character was written, even the actress who played her makes me so angry whenever she does something, every word that comes out of her mouth makes me want to punch my TV everytime she appears onscreen. I don't know what's with the TV producer in writing these extremely annoying characters, but at least it's only one and not multiple. The other characters are fine. I don't understand the hate against Hera Chan though. She's pretty alright for the most part to me, even though her crying sounds so fake like he just immediately shout cries after someone dies, but luckily she doesn't do that for most of the drama. Even the supposedly annoying To Siu-Bo played by Anthony Ho who has a crush on Madam Ying isn't as annoying. You could tell he just cares about her and the family and means no harm.

I actually skipped some of the episodes of the drama because they got boring, but I started watching again after the case where they had to find out what happened to the missing sister. It still got iffy there, but after Duncan's first breakout where it was revealed he was Madam Ying's half brother, that's where I started to pick it up again. I haven't finished the drama yet, but so far it's been great. Just had a terrible start and unnecessary sci-fi subplot. It could have been just a police investigation, would make the drama much more interesting, but the sci-fi part really ruins it. The lighting is also pretty bad, it's too bright and blue. I would prefer the lighting they used in the teaser but oh well.

Update episode 24: Man, so the director of the mental hospital really was the killer. Although it wasn't really predictable since I had to rule out so many possibilities and the director was in it, it really was a good twist and thankfully his motive made sense. So after a hustle with him and Duncan, Duncan would eventually die after bleeding out which really sucked because we're in episode 22 and he already dies. The acting was really good here, as you could hear in his voice before he died that he was happy that Jason and Madam Ying no longer thinks he's the killer, but it's still really sad that in order to prove his innocence, he had to sacrifice himself. The thing that did bug me a lot, was to add in another mystery in episode 23 about a 'new' serial killer nicknamed the Midnight Killer. I feel that them pointing out that the director died from slipping on gasoline and getting burnt to death just makes the final case of the series so rushed, because there was a whole lot of build up for the alphabet killer, and now we're getting a last minute addition. The writers also tried really hard to make it connected to Jason so that it won't feel out of place by saying that he used to be Jason's neighbor when he was young and the ruled out suspect was also the son of the director.

Also apparently I would think Madam Ying would go fugitive after killing the Midnight Killer and going on the run, along with Jason dying, which yes I'm still going to think he dies in the final episode, but nope. Apparently the Midnight Killer used her gun to shoot Siu-Bo, and accuse her of killing him by placing the gun under her hands since he wore gloves to prevent fingerprints on the gun. Man I don't know why but everytime Anthony's character dies in a drama, it's always really sad. He really has the likeable charisma to him so I'd always feel heartbroken if he dies in the drama. His character was a genuine good guy and didn't mind that Madam Ying didn't like him back. Her crying did ruin the mood, how is the downgrade from her crying scene in On-lie Game, to this so big??? Anyways, after that she had to run away from Madam Chiu so that she could find Jason i guess? They never really discussed why she decided to run away instead of just being in custody, which would be a much better decision considering she would be safe in a jail cell and not be a victim of the midnight killer, but oh well. Turns out her long hair was a wig, but what kind of wig is that strong since we saw in the future flash that she'd get drowned by an old serial killer that Jason interrogated in the earlier drama, and her wig manages to stick on. Ridiculous.

We also learnt that the explosion of a car was not the same explosion that happened in Episode 4, which yeah made sense since she would eventually find out that someone saved him and he was wearing different clothing. Feel like it was a stupid reason to make him wear a suit in ep4 though during that car explosion, felt out of place since he never had a clothing style similar. And the call from the future still did not make sense. She tried contacting the author of a crime book, but it turned out to be Jason from the past, which helps connect to what happened in the first episode. I still really hate the sci-fi plot. It's absolutely not important to the story, we've made it this far and if it was removed it wouldn't even make a difference.

Update ep25: Wtf was that ending. So we learnt that the new Midnight Killer is actually the director, but guess what. He’s the director from the future which explains how he came back. He manages to kidnap Jason and tie him up telling him about the time traveling stuff. This just proves my point that the whole sci fi aspect of this show is so dumb. He was able to time travel from jumping off a building and falling into a specific patio. Like what’s so special about a patio? Also, when it was revealed that the original Director actually died when he confronted the director from the future, but if they were interacting, how did the camcorder Duncan recorded didn't pick up their voices? It can also be useful to not just close the case and continue the investigation, making the Midnight Killer case not feel out of place and random. So we get this confrontation between them, but Jason gets a premonition that Madam Ying will get kidnapped by guess what, the original Midnight Killer who was the director’s dad. At least that was the only time the premonition was useful, I feel like that’s the only scene they wrote where he had a premonition, but they realized it wouldn’t make sense, so they had to write more unnecessary premonitions for the earlier episodes which is hilarious.

When it flashes back to the original on how she gets kidnapped, the OG (gna call him that to save space) wakes up and tells her that he fell down and then just woke up. Originally I was going to say “How tf did you fall from that height, and just wake up normally 25 years later with no scratches), guess what. When he fell 25 years ago, he only went missing because he ‘time travelled’. So the OG is actually from the past who only travelled to the future. He kidnaps Madam Ying into a school, which used to be a mountain when he buries his victims, and Jason came to fight him before a ghost Duncan comes in to prevent Jason from going into the bad side. He went to untie Madam Ying until guess what, the director came in to kill his father. I really like the director as the killer, but the whole time traveling thing can be removed which bothers me even more. Without it wouldn’t even have an impact in the story.

We also got one of the worst endings ever with Jason dying in the end after getting killed by the director. Him dying is not the problem, not all dramas need to have a happy ending so this was a risk well taken, the problem is that Madam Ying couldn’t accept so guess what, she jumped off the building into the same patio and then time travelled to the past when Jason was still studying criminal psychology. I mean it’s not really a bad thing if you think about it, she gets to be with Jason again, Duncan will still be alive so that’s another great thing, if she encounters him she’d be able to fully believe him that he wasn’t the serial killer. But what if she runs into her original self in that timeline? It’s also an incredibly selfish move for her to time travel just because Jason died, she could’ve stayed in her current timeline to take care of Jason’s mom. But not only did she leave Jason’s mom to grieve on her on, now her family won’t even know where she is because of her time travel, so now they’d have to look for her as well. Her character went from really smart at the earlier episodes to just really dumb with her decisions, all because of ‘time travel’.

I know I’m going hard on this because of it, this is why TVB shouldn’t lean into sci-fi stuff if they can’t learn to write perfect stories with them as there are some great time travel dramas, hell TVB even had a great time travel drama, Over Run Over, but that was 8 years ago, and TVB can’t craft another good story with the concept? I have to drop down the score a bit because the time traveling actually pissed me off. Better than Secret Door though, another drama made by the producer last year, but that isn’t really a high bar for it, that drama was just terrible.

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A sweet & satisfying story!

If you’re looking for something messy, angsty, toxic, & overflowing with drama then this is NOT the show for you. But if you want to watch a story about two adults who act their age & know how to communicate + think for themselves, then give this drama a try!

I enjoyed this way more than I expected to. I’d read reviews that complained about the Leads not actually getting married (false) & how they only shared one kiss towards the end (also false) so I was leery to start this one but I saw it was recommended for fans of the drama, “As Beautiful As You” which I absolutely loved so I decided to take a chance on this one. I’m so glad I did!! I don’t know what show those other reviewers had seen, but their complaints were so unwarranted & totally not true!

The FL has recently reentered the dating scene by attending matchmaking events after breaking up with her long term boyfriend. She encounters an old high school classmate at one of the events & he soon suggests they marry as that’s what they’re both seeking. She’s a little hesitant but quickly agrees. After all, they may not have love now, but they have trust & friendship so who’s to say love won’t come?

Unknown to her, though, they do already have love but it’s simply one-sided.

The ML fell for her at first sight in high school but he always missed his chance to confess. He chose to study abroad when she started dating then immediately made plans to come back years later when he learned she was single again. No matter the time that’s passed, his feelings have never lessened or waivered. For him, it’s only ever been & could only ever be her. He doesn’t confess this, though, as he doesn’t want to scare her off or make her uncomfortable. A “marriage of convenience” is still a marriage so he’s okay, confident that affection will come.

A few things happen to keep them from finalizing the marital paperwork (which is different from my country so I can’t fully explain it), but their parents believe it’s already legal so they choose to keep it secret since they plan to rectify it immediately. But then he suddenly becomes her immediate supervisor at the bank where they’re both employed & things get iffy. They work it out, though, but choose to wait a year before finishing the wedding procedures. And maybe this is where the other reviewer got confused? I’m not sure BUT they live like a married couple the whole time. And they do get officially married in later episodes so, again, not sure what that other person was complaining about. 🤷🏻‍♀️

And that’s pretty much how the story unfolds. They have to keep their relationship a secret from everyone but their parents & the FL’s bestie because their employer doesn’t allow office romance. If they’re discovered, one of them will be transferred or fired/forced to resign. And honestly, I was a bit worried this would cause angsty tension but it didn’t! The Leads are both very mature & truly kind people that they don’t let their work affect their personal life. They have great communication with one another, constantly talking out any potential issues & stopping misunderstandings before they can grow bigger.

They are super affectionate too. They’re constantly sneaking touches & sharing flirtatious looks. Everything about them assures the viewers that these two are solid through & through. And seriously, whoever said they only kissed once towards the end clearly didn’t actually watch the show because they kissed all the time!! Sweet nuzzles, quick pecks, slower seductions, & bedroom kisses. They did it all, repeatedly & wonderfully. They have great chemistry! 🔥🫠 I truly enjoyed watching them interact & grow closer. Learning just how much he adores her & witnessing her falling in love with him in return is such a satisfying ride. All the ways they show they trust, admire, respect, & value one another is so beautifully done. I thoroughly enjoyed their story!

The extras:

There are two additional couples &, being totally honest, I didn’t really care for either of them. They weren’t bad or anything, I just wanted more of the Leads on screen instead. That being said, there came a point in the coworkers couple where the man defended the woman & I really started enjoying their relationship after that. They both had great character growth because of the influence of one another.

The parents. I loved them all. The FL’s parents are so solid & supportive, never pushing her to do or be anything she doesn’t want. They never oppose the Leads or in any way act controlling or toxic. The ML’s mom is also precious. She, too, is never anything but 100% for the Leads being together. 🫶🏻

The love rivals. The couple handles these situations wonderfully, imho. They’re not cruel, but are firm & don’t leave room for misunderstandings. However, the delulu female wanna-be rival chooses to interpret things her own way & acts annoying for a good portion. I don’t like her at all. Why she thinks manipulation & threats would make her desirable to the ML is something I can’t comprehend. 🤯 I was very happy when she was finally put in her place with no way for her to twist his rejection. And I will say that she earned a bit of my respect when she herself came to the conclusion that I wish more drama love rivals would realize - “That’s not love. It’s obsession. Self, it’s time to wake up.” That was a definite “good job, girl!” moment. 👍🏻

The music. I really enjoyed it. It always seemed to pair well with the scenes without overpowering the acting, if that makes sense. And the lyrics are truly beautiful & match this drama so well. ❣️

Their jobs. Okay, I admit I skipped through some scenes that were purely job related as it’s a lot of banking jargon that I don’t understand. And it being the customs of another country which operates differently than my own made it even more confusing for me, haha. So yes, I skimmed through those scenes but it didn’t at all take away from my understanding of the bigger picture/theme/plot/storyline. 🤗

I highly recommend watching this if you’re in the mood for a sweet story where the Leads don’t engage in lots of drama nor do they make your heart race negatively from fear of their back-and-forth tension. This is an easy & sweet watch. 💗

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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- F(r)K : 9💋
- 2G : 3 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BU : Nope 💍

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A Hidden Gem: *19th Floor* Delivers Thrills and Gripping Performances

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*19th Floor* is an exhilarating drama that masterfully blends suspense, excitement, and exceptional storytelling, yet it remains vastly underrated. This is a show that truly deserves more attention and praise for its captivating narrative and outstanding performances.

From the very first scene, *19th Floor* hooks viewers with its fast-paced and thrilling plot. The drama skillfully balances intrigue and action, creating a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps you at the edge of your seat. The writing ensures that every twist and turn feels earned, making the viewing experience both unpredictable and satisfying.

The cast selection is impeccable. Each actor brings depth and authenticity to their roles, breathing life into the complex characters. Their chemistry is palpable, making the story even more immersive. It’s rare to see a cast so perfectly aligned with the vision of the narrative, and *19th Floor* excels in this aspect.

While the drama occasionally delves into elements involving artificial intelligence, which may leave some viewers wanting more clarity, this minor flaw is easily overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of the rest of the story. The AI subplot could have been explored in greater depth, but it doesn’t detract from the overall impact of the drama.

In a sea of overhyped shows, *19th Floor* stands out as a true hidden gem. Its thrilling pace, stellar performances, and engaging storyline make it a must-watch for anyone seeking quality entertainment. If you’re looking for something gripping and unique, give *19th Floor* the recognition it so rightfully deserves—you won’t be disappointed.

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Wholesome fluff, top-tier chemistry, and the destiny trope done right.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the destiny trope Apple My Love gave us. Another unique GL trope in the bag.

From Kris's horrendous self expression skills, the show dives into sweet, simple moments that do exactly what they’re supposed to: make you smile and feel warm.

Kris’s friends? Absolute gems. They’re supportive, adorable, and might just be the best friend group in any GL ever. And let’s give props to OrmFolk because they are straight-up masters of fluff. The sweet and flirty scenes were so good they carried the show, making the simple plot feel exciting and fun. Kris and Karn’s chemistry was top-tier in every soft moment. Even the love scenes were a pleasant surprise.

Kris’s character development was a slow burn, but it worked. You could see her putting in real effort to grow, not just for herself but for Karn too. And the guys in this show? Surprisingly great. Except for that one jerk (looking at you, Toy), the men were actually helpful and even funny, making the show even more entertaining. They represented healthy, supportive relationships which is refreshing.

At its core, this show isn’t about big, dramatic conflicts (except for the last episode). Instead, it’s about Kris and Karn facing hurdles in their relationship and helping each other grow, both as people and in their careers. The communication and understanding between them are what really stand out.

So, if you’re looking for a show with minimal drama, tons of fluff, cares about its side characters, and a genuinely healthy relationship, this is your go-to. It’s a feel-good, stress-free, easy watch that will leave you smiling.

The downside? Six episodes weren’t enough. Budget restrictions led to rushed pacing of the most interesting and lovable details in this series in the last two episodes. With more time, this could’ve been even better.

Trigger warnings: Hetero sex scenes.


2024 GL Ranking: https://mydramalist.com/list/Ln8MOBO4
My Top 10 GLs of All Time: https://mydramalist.com/list/4vGQqnb1

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