Reviews

Not bad, just bland

In the world of Sammon related series, which now I’ve watched 6, Spare Me Your Mercy is better than DFF or Bite Me, but it’s no Manner of Death. Its biggest flaw is maybe being the most boring one, even with just 8 episodes.
The cast is by far the best part about this series. JJ and Tor were the perfect choice for Tew and Kan. Their individual scenes and most non-romantic scenes together were always great.

But I feel like the script got in the way of the scenes where we needed romance/feelings. The romance feels extremely rushed and forced. It could’ve worked in a plot where every move had second intentions. Which maybe was the idea, but not with a great execution. It’s a bland cat and mouse dynamic. No one is ever two step ahead. I never understood if Tew was too gullible, stupid or just pretending to believe everything Kan was saying. Tew caught Kan in lies several times, but always turned around and came back to Kan. So I have to say he’s half gullible and half stupid.

Unfortunately, by the end I feel like Spare Me Your Mercy is basically a watered down version of Sammon’s very own MoD or the sublime HIStory Trapped. It kinda would make more sense, since I never really believed their true love, for Kan to never confess and the couple to end up apart.

I’m really curious to read a Sammon story and find out if her endings are all super rushed as in the adaptations or the shows she acts as a screenwriter.

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a bittersweet ending indeed

okay... *takes a very deep breath* WHY THE HELL WAS THE ENDING LIKE THAT NO 😭😭😭 there were so many loopholes on the ending, tbh. i wish they had a reunion, an update of what happened to some of the characters like to kaist and dr. go... and the most excrutiating thing is...... WHY MY POOR BABY HANYANG ENDED UP LIKE THAT 😭😭😭😭😭😭 i get it that not everyone would have a happy ending, but it's too painful for my heart... coz i expected so much.. let alone that this is a comedy so atleast give us a happy and satisfactory ending 🥹😩 i can only dream of that.. there will be no season 2.. the ending would be perfect if all of them went to je hyeok's comeback in baseball, those minor details would be enough to make this as one of my favorite show.. too bad, the sole ending made my rating drastically low real quick because it ruined everything 😭 i just wanna see all of them happy.. was it that hard to give?

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For mature audience (not in a sexy way)

PSA: One thing that I really appreciate on MDL is that little thing called "tags". It helps you know what you're getting into before deciding to watch a show. Sometimes, I feel they are misused (I had a little rant about it already actually). But most often, they are used the right way. For example, for this drama, you can clearly see "extramarital affair" as a tag, this will help you know if this is catered to you or not. Take me for example, I wouldn't watch a drama with the tag "heavy torture", then give it a 1star and complain about all that torture in the show. Why? Because that would be immature, and irrational.

This show is about real people, living real situations. It's not a romcom, it's a drama, as in, heavy themes being employed here. It's really well acted, produced and written. I found the story absolutely compelling. All the characters were very 3D, and their motives made all the sense in the world. This type of story is very common place actually, even though it remains a taboo topic (illegitimate children being raised in the household). I am not a cinema buff, but even I was able to appreciate the cinematography. I also never really pay attention to the music, and this time around I was hearing it and appreciating it (the use of happy music in very bittersweet moments for example).
What I mostly care about in dramas are the acting and the story. I already gave my opinion on the story, very good.
As for the acting, all the actors did a really good job, especially the two leads. I've known Tanaka Kei from Ossan's Love, let me tell you, this guy can act. You will see a completely different character, deeper, darker and also more restrained. But Matsumoto Wakana (FL) definitely gave him a run for his money, she is great in this.

IN SUMMARY: Watch this if (1) you are a grown up who wants to see grown ups going through grown up things, (2) you know fiction is supposed to make us think of situations that may or may not have happened, so that we can walk a mile in someone else's shoes, (3) you're just a cheating cheater who cheats ;D
PS: there are worse things someone can do to their spouse than cheating. Like raping them for example. Just sayin'

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The main leads makes this drama a must watch

Initially, I was hesitant about diving into another drama featuring a transmigration female lead, especially one that might end on a bittersweet note. Yet, despite my reservations, my curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself clicking 'play' yet again.

The turning point came when I stumbled across a YouTube video showcasing the drama's clips. I was engrossed in it, captivated by the chemistry between the main leads. As soon as the video finished, YouTube's algorithm kicked in, suggesting more related clips, and I couldn't resist watching them, too.

I am particularly fond of strong female characters, especially those with impressive martial arts skills, and this drama appeared to tick all the boxes.

Eager to learn more, I headed over to MyDramaList to check the ratings and skim through some comments.

I genuinely appreciate seasoned drama actors; I’m drawn to characters portrayed by mature, manly figures rather than boyish ones. This drama certainly delivered on that front, and I was pleased with the performances and chemistry.

While the central storyline wasn't groundbreaking or incredibly innovative, the true strength of the drama lay in its supporting cast. I recognized several secondary actors and actresses who had impressed me in previous shows. Their presence added depth and enjoyment, making the viewing experience worthwhile.

Overall, this drama is a solid pick for anyone looking for entertainment. It’s receiving an underrated rating, considering the competent performances and engaging interplay among the characters.

While the overall drama may not stand out as particularly memorable, there are definitely a few scenes that leave a lasting impression. A solid 8.5/10.

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Sad, funny, wholesome and great

What a nice series. First a story of two brothers were one of them struggles because he is on the autistic spectrum and then the struggles with the estranged sister and her little son. It's a journey of growing and understanding.

The standout of the show was the acting of Bando Ryota who plays Michito. He was so amazing, with all his expressions that it felt extremly realistic. With his painting background he was a perfect choice for this role. Also the other cast did a great job. Cinematography and production value was high, the script was very good.

This series was sometimes very sad, it was sometimes very funny and it had a great balance. I can recommand this series, even when it was sometimes hard to watch.

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This Will Stick with You

This drama deals with the very controversial subject of euthanasia. The viewer knows from the get-go what that the doctor is guilty of doing it--but there's no shortage of questions throughout. I was on the edge of my seat. At one point, I actually acknowledge out suspenseful the music was. I was so tense, but nothing extremely tense was happening at that moment except for the music. It was setting the stage. Wow, is all I can say. It was a great story and a wild ride. Tor in particular did a great acting job playing someone who truly believes they are doing what is right. For anyone who enjoys mystery and intrigue with an underlying touch of romance, this is the drama for you. Brava to the director and cast of this gem.

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Good Rom Com

First off, if you don’t like historical Romanic comedies, you most likely won’t like this one. I love the storyline where the male protagonist, the crown Prince Ji Yuan Su is suspicious of the beautiful Hua Liu Li when she was summoned to the palace. Hua Liu Li, daughter of a powerful general is well aware that one false move of hers will put her parents in danger as the King and other nobles are suspicious of their military power. So she pretends to be weak and fragile when she really is strong, smart and good with martial arts. Comedy ensues when the 2 meets and the Crown Prince tries to reveal her true self and where her loyalty lies. The letters she wrote to him when they were children were really funny, poking fun at him for not even having a cat. So he now has a pet cat. LOL..

The two 2nd leads are also funny and though the crown prince’s brother competes with him, he is not evil and is not looking to kill him for the throne like in many other Cdramas. It is a light hearted story which may not appeal to those looking for a more intense, meaningful storyline. It helps too that I like JeremyTsui who have not had many good main roles and same with Meng Zi Yi but their chemistry was good. The ending is dramatic but a good one where good prevails. All in all, I enjoyed this entertaining drama very much.

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Review: Spare Me Your Mercy (A.K.A Euthanasia)

For all fans of suspense, medical drama, and investigative thrillers with deep questions about morality and ethics, THIS SERIES IS FOR YOU.

I’ve always loved diving into the worlds created by Sammon, and I’m captivated by how she explores and brings to light the underlying themes in her novels. Two of her works that stand out for me—making her a must-read author—are Manner of Death (which tackles human and drug trafficking, sexual abuse, abortion, and homicide) and Triage (which deals with the illegal trade of human organs).

Now, Spare Me Your Mercy is nothing short of a masterpiece. I read the first book of the novel and loved every second of it. It challenges your morals and beliefs about euthanasia, questioning whether states have the legitimacy to interfere with an individual’s right to choose in situations where only pain and tears remain until the final breath.

I was positively surprised by the changes made in the series and found them well-executed. I especially appreciated how the series incorporated the debate about the right to choose life or death in the final stages of cancer, alongside the moral and legal dilemmas surrounding it.

The casting of Tor and JJ was excellent, in my opinion. They perfectly embodied the characters, bringing the maturity required for the story. Unlike teenagers, the protagonists are young adults in their thirties, with well-formed ideals and convictions, which gave the series a more mature tone in line with its complex themes.

A standing ovation for Tor! Watching him, I saw Kantapat exactly as I imagined while reading the novel—his mannerisms, suspicious glances, and compassionate approach toward his patients were spot on. The way Tor portrays emotions and pulls you into the character’s journey is remarkable. I cried alongside him in the series’ final moments.

The cinematography was masterfully crafted, the OST was breathtaking with Nont’s voice, and the performances by Tor, JJ, and all the supporting cast were remarkable and a true pleasure to watch.

🚨🚨🚨 SPOILER ALERT ⚠️⚠️⚠️

One of the season’s most intriguing elements was Tew discovering that his beloved was the one performing euthanasia on several patients, including his own mother. It was powerful to see Kantapat offer his perspective, clarifying that his actions stemmed from a desire to relieve unbearable suffering and provide his patients with a dignified death.

The final scene, where Tew gives Gun a flower symbolizing forgiveness and confesses his love, was deeply moving. It was a perfect mix of love and duty as Tew, being a law enforcement officer, ultimately had to fulfill his duty. Despite Kantapat’s convictions, he had crossed legal boundaries.

I sincerely hope there’s a second season. Now, I can’t wait to read the second book and once again immerse myself in the emotional and thought-provoking universe that only Sammon can create.

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A Good drama made like a film

Characters:
In Ji, a woman hurt by the concept of marriage decides to take revenge by joining a company New Marriage, which provides an ideal marriage service for people.
Jeong Won is a music producer and son of a wealthy man who gave him tons of trauma in his childhood.
Lee Seo Yeon is the b*tch and Jeong Won's ex-wife.
Yun Ji O, Lee Seo Yeon's husband and a nice party in the square-ship of all four characters.

What I like:
The premise of the plot is something new. Specifically the concept of how In Ji distances herself as identity from the marriage but does everything in the manual to provide an ideal marriage like holding hands for comfort.
All four characters, especially In Ji, are interesting on their own.
The movie-like production with specific silence-filled moments. The director is good.
How the plot shows marriage, dealing with toxic marriage/behaviour, the kind of down-hole a bad marriage can pull you into.

What I don't like:
It is somewhat predictable after 3 episodes. I could guess the next lines of the character.

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Still as sweet but not quite as good

Just like in season one, this was such a calm, sweet and healing journey.

I liked the addition of Soma and Yui's brother. We got to learn more about Yui, which was also very nice. Motoi and On's relationship with their parents was just as sweet as in the first season. On's change of character was exactly what we needed, just like in season 1, I was amazed at how realistically they portrayed the teenage city boy.

Mugi's talking was still pretty much useless, and Motoi didn't have any character developpement but I didn't mind much because they were still sweet and relatable.

One thing that disapointed me a bit though was the food. In season 1, each episode brought some context, some story to the food that they made, even if it was small (for ex. the pizza, where they have it because On envies his friend who ordered a pizza in New york). Here, aside from the gluten free food for Soma and the donuts by the parents, most of the food doesn't really have a context. We just see them making it in details (which I still loved) and that's it, which makes it less interesting and I felt less emotionally connected to the whole cooking thing. It's something I cherished in season one, and everything else was pretty much on the same level, so that's why I'd say I liked it slightly less.

I doubt there will be a third season, but I will definitely miss them.

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Worth watching

The first few episodes were riveting but it slowed down for me towards the middle where the step mother’s multiple schemes against Dou Zhou became tiresome and repetitive. I stopped and watched something else for a few days and when I went back. Itl picked up for me again.

I didn’t think there was good chemistry between the 2 main leads initially but it was better later on. It could be because the performance of the male lead could be better in the first half of the drama. It’s his first main role so can’t be too hard on him because he got better in the 2nd half. I liked the characters the 2 main leads portrayed. Dou Zhao is a strong and intelligent woman who built wealth with her own abilities despite being shunned by her father and step mother. She is a good match for Song Mo who is upright, honest, loyal and great with martial arts.

The drama has some fresh elements but its shocking how Song MO’s father could be so vicious towards his own biological children with his first wife just because he bears a grudge towards her and her family. SPOILER: Thankfully it was a good ending for the 2 protagonists though I wasn’t sure until the very end….

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