Reviews

It was ok, but could have been better

I placed a spoiler at the end of this review.

This was not a bad series, but had an odd mix of moments that ranged from cute to cringe. The script just needed a little more tweaking to help make it better. It did a good job introducing the characters, but not the setup of events and the main storyline. There were also aspects of the script that didn’t make sense. It introduced some key things too late that would have helped the likability level of the main couple storyline. Because of this, the character Jung Ki Sub comes across as a very unlikable person in the first few episodes. However, their storyline became better overtime. I continued watching this series due to the second couple storyline. For me, their storyline was better developed script wise with one exception. I just wish they had more screen time. The actors did a very good job with their characters considering the script was lacking in some areas.

Random Notes:

They could have tone down Kang Hye Jin’s character a bit. They gave good reasoning behind her actions, but went a little over the top with them.

I immediately developed second couple syndrome with this series. I just found their story more interesting.

This is one of those series you can wait to watch until you have some time to kill and have nothing better on your must watch list.




******Spoiler Alert******

The second couple received an unresolved ending which was annoying. However, they can make this up to me by doing a second season focusing on them. If this does happen, it better have a decent script.

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I might have found a new favorite

So, as one might expect, my reviews tend to be extremely subjective. I've noticed that some things that irk me in one series, I don't mind so much in another -and the other way around. Therefore, even though I've read other reviews with some complaints, I just dfc.
I loved this.
There's very few series that get a physical reaction out of me (as in, laughing, getting flustered, etc etc), but this one did it. I had so much fun watching this.

(the very long list of) what I liked:

- Main couple. Shut the hell up with the "They're annoying", "They're silly", yeah they are but who cares? Their dynamic is just so cute. And their storyline isn't that common, either - how many couples start off with one of them already knowing the other likes them? I found that so interesting. And, as I've said, the "I'll sweep you off your feet" premise is very promising, if done in a respectful manner (obviously). I think Gi Seop did that quite well (the tattoo was unhinged though lmao). Gi Seop is a goofball all around, completely clueless, people pleaser to the point of it actually coming back to bite him in the ass, and Jinwoo is methodical, withdrawn, and reserved. I just love this dynamic, and the character evolution it allows (Gi Seop learning to say no and find what motivates him, and Jinwoo becoming more relaxed and open).
- The music is great, honestly. The emotional scenes were often highlighted by the tracks playing in the background, and it really enhanced the feeling they were trying to convey.
- It's just funny! I'm so annoyed at silly characters in other series but idk what's with this one that really got me. Maybe I do like slapstick comedy after all (now that I think about it, I love the Marx brothers and the Blues Brothers and those are both quite slapstick-y lmao), in this case I didn't mind it at all.
- I liked the girl and Jinwoo's friendship a lot :) I'm all for that kind of pairing (kind of like Hashimoto and Aoki from My Love Mix-Up), and I also wouldn't have minded if they had actually liked each other at some point.
- The secondary couple is interesting. The "I'm too poor" argument I've seen in other pieces of media and it always intrigues me, it's such a fascinating premise - the pride, the angst, just aghh. Yeah. They balanced out the MC's corniness lmao

Some things to note? I guess?

- I don't really know why Gi Seop cared so much about Jinwoo liking him right off the bat. I get that he's not used to people not being attracted to him, but it felt very extreme how he was changing his legal name and getting a tattoo to impress this random guy who (allegedly) doesn't even like him?? Idk
- Similarly to that, I wasn't a fan of his "clueless womanizer" persona at the beginning of the story. Like yeah, he's a people pleaser, but doesn't he see what's wrong with his approach to dating? Not even when confronted with twenty-something angry girls? He should have realized that he was being a jerk, even if he didn't mean to. Not being attracted to someone shouldn't mean you treat them worse. Have some respect.
- This is just my personal taste, but the secondary couple was exhausting to watch at some points. The back and forth was too much. Like you kissed in middle school, now you're beating the shit out of each other (why? idk), now you're fine and going on a date, now he's mad, now we're all crying, just kidding it's fine we're going on another date. I guess it's more realistic but damn, I think *I* might need a therapist after watching them
- I saw many people complaining about Jinwoo going on a date with the girl but I didn't mind it, in fact I would've preferred if he was portrayed as bi. We're seriously lacking on that front in BLs, I think I've seen like two bi protagonists (actually bi, not that "I like girls and only one guy, you" bullshit) total.

But yeah, none of these things bothered me that much. If anything, this was the best series I've watched these past months, it has the best first kiss scene ever in a BL right after the one in Bad Buddy, and I'm in love. That's all Your Honor.

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Best drama I've ever watched

Explanation for the Rewatch Value: rewatch value is 1 star because I don't usually rewatch dramas.

For me, this is the best drama I have ever watched. It's a complete package, it has suspense, thriller, comedy, tragedy, etc... No scene was wasted, I think, Everything had a purpose. The setup for the plot points, I think, all paid off in the end. I also want to appreciate the OST, besides the songs, the ambient music we hear during scenes were very good. It sometimes makes you think "Woah, why is the music like this? Is something going to happen or not?". I just want to appreciate the subtlety of it, because it greatly adds to the tension or suspense. The acting, I don't know what else to say, was phenomenal! Everyone did so well. Extra shout out to the antagonists, especially Eunseong. I hated him so much LOL.

*Contains spoilers*
The ending I think was perfect. They were still together, even after death. Atleast, that's what I thought it meant. The scene where the old Hyunwoo was visiting Haein's grave was extra special because of the scene where haein thought she saw an old man bringing flowers to a grave. Well, apparently it was hers. Such a nice callback to that earlier scene.

What a rollercoaster of a drama. It made my cry (many many times lol), laugh and sometimes at the edge of my seat. I'm kinda sad now that it's finished. I guess I'll go check out Soohyun and Jiwon's other dramas for now to comfort myself.

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Angsty, Murderous and Twisty

This is one of the darkest cdramas I’ve ever seen. I’ve written the trigger warnings below. The drama is about the female lead who discovers she is a novel character assigned the role of the villain who dies at the end of the story. With the help of the “Book of Fate” (a book that has the future story written down), she begins to fight against fate to change her tragic ending.

POSITIVE:
- Villainous/cunning female lead.
- Heartless/morally grey male lead.
- 100% angst. The plot, the romance, everything is angsty.
- Murderous vibes.
- Lots of twists and turns.
- A pinch of sweet moments. Yes, there are sweet romantic moments but they are very sparse.
- Non cliche plot. The writers really went to places that not a lot of dramas dare to do.

NEGATIVE:
- Too dark at times. Some scenes were very disturbing to watch and very emotionally heavy.
- The male lead was great but at the same time I felt something was missing. Not sure if it was the fact that he has a baby face when his character is ruthless or maybe that he needed to have more scenes at certain plot points that were important for his character.

OVERALL:
If you want a villainous female lead with 100% angsty plot, romance and murder vibes, watch this drama.

TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Multiple attempts of r**e, as well as suicide, abuse and murdering.
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READ THE BELOW ONLY IF YOU’VE FINISHED THE DRAMA!!!!!!!
I saw some comments from people saying that there are plot holes (not true) in the drama and some people being confused about the ending. Here are my explanations about the ending and Book of Fate.

How did the Book of Fate fall into the FL’s hands?
FL began to have desires that were different from what the Book of Fate had written. That’s why in the end FL says to the Fortune Writer “You want to control everything. I’m your worst ending”. In the very final scene, we have a little boy that opens another Book of Fate and the new Fortune Writer says “as long as there are desires, I’m here”

How did ML break out of Fortune Writer’s hold?
Just like the FL, he had strong desires that were different from what the Fortune Writer had written. He was always supposed to kill FL, not protect her. As his desire to love and protect her grew, the hold the Fortune Writer had on him lessened.

How does ML regain his memories?
We see the ML getting glimpses of his memories before he kills himself to protect FL. After FL defeats the Fortune Writer, we see all characters forging their own path. Since ML’s desire is to be with FL, he regains his full memories to fulfil his desired path. In the drama it’s mentioned that 3 months have passed, that is more than enough time for him to regain his memories.

Who is the ultimate Fortune Writer?
In the final scene, a little boy gets the book and thus a new cycle begins. The boy is just like the FL that will start fighting with the new Fortune Writer. The point is that everyone in this drama is a book character, so as long as they are book characters there will always be a Fortune Writer that they will fight against. The characters and the Fortune Writer are interconnected. Every story needs a writer. And every writer needs its characters.

The drama also mentions “Zhuangzi's dream of a butterfly”. Fortune Writer also says that in the drama “Am I dreaming or are you dreaming” “Are you real or am I real”. The dream of a butterfly tells the change in consciousness between reality and illusion. To me this shows that FL “awakens” from the novel and becomes her own real self. So from another perspective we can see the Fortune Writer is another part of the FL. Both are playing their respective roles. When you think about it, even though Fortune Writer seems like the enemy, he actually pushes FL to awaken and break free. Otherwise why would FL gain the ability to see the plot before it happens. It's all connected.

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Refreshing (SPOILER MARKED)

I never planned on watching this drama because I thought it wouldn't be something I'd enjoy, but I was so wrong. I really didn't expect to like this drama this much.

I loved Lee Se Young (Choi Woo) and Yoon Shi Yoon (Hyun Jae) in this one a lot. The first drama I watched with LSY was 'A Korean Odyssey.' Her acting was pretty great, but as she wasn't one of the main roles, she didn't stand out to me. I loved seeing her in this one. Her acting is really great, and the character she plays matches her energy. This is also the first drama I've seen YSY in. He did great! I also found this role to really match his energy. You could see that he was immersed in it.

The chemistry between both leads is amazing. I'm happy that we got an enemies-to-lovers story where the 'enemy' status doesn't go away as they fall in love. They still teased each other!

Story-wise, I'd say it was also pretty interesting. I liked the time travel concept. Without the time travel, it wouldn't have been as funny and interesting as it is. There were mysteries that needed to be solved, but the main plot was really just Hyun Jae adapting to the new life and finding a family in the trio. Some things that made me give this show an 8 instead of a 9 are the plot holes we ended up with.

SPOILER

We didn't really find out what kind of sickness Hyun Jae had and never got to see the reaction of his friends nor him getting treatment. I would have liked to see that. Also, how come the future didn't change when Hyun Jae disappeared in his time? Was there another Hyun Jae that replaced him? Also, I really wanted to know more about the backstory of certain characters, especially Choi Woo and Hyun Jae. We were told some stuff but never got to see the depths of it. What exactly happened? How did they live their lives after the hardships? Mostly, I would have liked to know more about Choi Woo. We've seen some short clips, but they were never explained well.

SPOILER END

I wanted to have answers to my questions. It really just needed 15 more minutes. Sadly, they didn't give them to us. Also, I really wanted Hyun Jae to start becoming an idol again. I can totally understand that he did not want to, but it still made me sad because I felt he was made for that role.

Anyway, let's just say that it was his choice to make and that it isn't really such a big deal.

One more thing I wanted to say is that the character development is really great for Hyun Jae. You could see the change in his demeanor, his eyes, everything. I loved how he became a better person without changing his personality. Thumbs up for that!


SUMMARIZED

This drama was really refreshing. The story and characters were all enjoyable. There were a few plot holes, but you'll live through them. Many scenes made me laugh, and I could just enjoy the feeling of an "old" drama.

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What Campus...

While I don't mind low-budget productions, an empty campus without any other students is just ruining the premise of the title. And what's with the over the top lipstick in the opening scene (and other), but forgetting to face-powder the one actor in the next? I don't really feel a professor who gives "love" advice. And finally why end a series with a cliffhanger? Sometimes I was reminded of Thai shows with the silly sound effects which are still annoying as hell.
This was an easy story but I guess the third person could have been spared and they should have more concentracted on character building. So few cast was a downer for me, but at least we get sensible kissing scenes which don't look forced at all.
So, this is an ok show with some length in the story telling and for me some unneeded scenes and a cliffhanger. I suppose an ex will come up in Season 2, if there is a Season 2.

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Disgusting!!

Unless you're some sort of disgusting fetishist I do not recommend. I seriously tried to watch this and even got to episode 10 but It's absolutely ridiculous how this is so highly rated. The brother stuff is insane and whenever they sort of explain it away they immediately throw it in the bin by showing a flashback of a grown man and a child. That is the man who raised him how could they get together romantically it's disgusting. Maybe if the age difference was less and they were in their older teens when they met it would be fine but this was just gross. And also the sister having the same situation it's insane! It's like the writer/director had some sort of age kink and/or wants to get together with their brother but can't so they had to make a show about it instead.

To end off on a positive note though the acting was good and I enjoyed the cinematography, just wish they could've done something different here.

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If you can overlook the silly slapstick elements it is season 2 enhanced

10 is my rating. This is a 2023 South Korean Supernatural Action Drama with 12, 61-74 minute episodes.

First I provide a Unique Synopsis then Review

Synopsis

This is everything season one was but with more intensity. While they defeated the evil spirits in season one as was sinisterly predicted by the level three they extracted, evil is back but even stronger. Ga Mo tak (Yoo Jun-sang) returns and is now back on the police force so arresting the host after the evil spirit is removed is easier. Do Ha na’s (Kim Se-jeong) ability to to sense the evil spirits is no longer as useful as the evil spirits have learned to see the territory and avoid it. Choo Maeok’s (Yeom Hye-ran) ability to heal makes her an emphasized target for the evil spirits who have also absorbed the ability to heal and understand the importance. So Mun’s (Jo Byung Gyu) abilities have now far surpassed that of any other counter. There is a new counter Na ro bong (Yoo In Soo) who is clumsy and oafish but has the ability to “sniff out” evil spirits. The evil spirits in the second season have the ability to absorb counter’s special abilities especially Hwang Pi kwang (Kang Ki young) who has psychokineses on par with Mun and absorbs the abilities of those counters he consumes. Gelli Choi (Kim Hieora) is his right hand evil henchwoman who is a third level with a spike globe that enhances her physical damage by causing britally deep gouges and cuts in her victims. Like Ha na, Gelli can read and erase memories. Their third evil spirit team member is Wong Li Qiang (Kim Hyun Wook) who absorbed the ability to heal but takes psychotic delight in brutalizing his victims.

A third-level evil spirit specializing in speed who scratches, stabs, cuts, and kills. She can also read and erase memories. Mun struggles with concepts of good and evil when someone he greatly admires, Ma Joo seok (Jin Seon kyu) turns evil after his wife and unborn child are murdered. With evil spirits more powerful than ever, and the lines between good and evil blurred, can the counters prevail against seemingly insurmountable odds?

Review

Could you skip two and just watch season one? About the only thing you might miss is Mun becomng even more amazing. But they are fighting new evil so it is a little bit stand alone. In my opinion it is better than season one just in terms of how much stronger and more powerful both sides have beocome. But, the silly slapstick elements incorporated in season two were a huge detractor made some determine they could do without it. It ends well and everything is resolved yet there are onvious openings for additional season(s).

Spoilers*.

I like Yoo In Soo and was happy to know he was going to be in the 2nd season.That is until they introduced Na Ro bong and his character was ridiculous. The whole dung and potty humour was too much. Ok we get it you worked with cows. And his ability to smell evil? That could have been interesting I am thinking of “The Girl Who Sees Smells” but they made it so he would put his head out the window like a dog. And he wasn’t even that great at it. He would lose track and misdirect. He was useless in the physical fights and, if anything, put the others in danger. He had the mentality of a young child. If they had left that character out the show would have been better.

They put way too much slapstick comedy style throughout the series. Reapers are a serious thing in all the other South Korean shows I have watched. The “counters” were serious bad asses in the first season. This season they trivialized their role by making it over the top silly. I mean, the main counters were still serious, but they interacted with Na Ro bong, and he was so silly that it made everything silly.

Once again Netflix deviated from the elements of South Korean drama that most fans love. Repeat after us Netflix kdramas should be one season with 16 episodes. Supernatural beings are serious characters.

One well written plot twist was when Gelli Choi discovered she could see by reading their minds when and how the counters first got their abilities. I thought “big deal what can she do with that?” Then she was fighting with Mun and realized the only way to defeat him was to steal his memory of gaining his power. She did that and it took Mun out for a significant portion of time. I did not see that coming.

From season one I really wanted to see Mun and Ha na become a couple. If anything in season two they mive farther from that. Ha na even has a side romance. The romantic in me still hopes for a season three and they finally get together.

#UncannyCounter2 #YooJungSang #KimJeSeong #SungJiRoo #JoByungGyu

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I found out about this show after my viewing of Physical 100 and I could not get enough of the genre both shows reside under. I am glad I found this show because unlike Physical 100, it was much longer and included full matches of all different teams. I also enjoyed the ending of this show with the final matches and I believe the winner was much deserved.

The main issue I have with this show is due to Physical 100 and it's magnificent cast. I believe this series suffered a lot due to the cast not being particularly known or high level athletes which made the show sort of redundant and unnecessary because of knowing that the athletes competing are not the best of the bets unlike Physical 100 where all if not most cast was revered and respected throughout Korea for their accomplishment in some sort of setting.

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a mixed bag.

I didn't like the forced living together in Episode 1. Where does something like this fly today? Even if you would like that person, you would not start living together out of the blue. The rest of the story for the main couple was ok-ish. The side-couple was more or less wasted with too little in depth storytelling. They should have the flashbacks for both couples in the beginning which would have helped tremendously. The drama of Kim Jin Woo daddy was there to support the point that he's afraid of not connecting with the people he loves. Contrary he did connect with the girl in Ep 4 which didn't make much sense to me. If you are a loner, reclusive you don't connect with people in no time.
I wish they would have just concentrated on the lead couple and had a series for the side couple, maybe with even only 6 episodes per series.
The friendship between Jung Ki Sub and Choi Balg Eum was the highlight of the series for me. Overall it was an ok-ish series, not earth-shattering story-wise with some fluffy moments, but also not bad.

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MaxNat Supremacy

This is absolutely worth a watch. It's a unique concept told with a lot of heart and emotion, which I think Max and Nat do such a beautiful job with.

I do think there were some pacing issues so the story started to feel slow in the middle, and I found myself not caring much about Phupha's story. I wish we'd got a bit more time with Jao and Wayu's storyline as well because they had such great chemistry from the start with their constant bickering.

I don't think I've watched anything like this so far, and honestly love to see Max and Nat's acting improve with every project they do together.

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Cute BL love story

Cute ??? I liked the story and especially the playful acting of Nam Shi An. The ending was a very good one, i am satisfied. Some people are disappointed because of the second pair, but it's not a bad ending, it's only that they needs more time.


Cute ??? I liked the story and especially the playful acting of Nam Shi An. The ending was a very good one, i am satisfied. Some people are disappointed because of the second pair, but it's not a bad ending, it's only that they needs more time.

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"Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again."

This drama is a one-of-a-kind experience that truly stands out. The actors gave phenomenal performances by portraying the characters and capturing the mannerisms of the BTS members with remarkable accuracy. Their dedication and attention to detail made the characters come alive, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

Although it spans only 12 episodes, some viewers might find the plot occasionally draggy. However, for those who appreciate slow-paced dramas, this could be a positive thing. Personally, I found the pacing enjoyable, as it allowed for a more thorough exploration of the storyline. Plus, I had a personal attachment to the storyline (it reminded me of the old times when I used to draw flow charts trying to solve the BU mystery ?).

One of the best things about this drama is how it sticks to the original storyline, which fans like me will definitely appreciate. The flawed characters blend harmoniously, crafting a drama that feels genuine and raw. It's what makes this drama feel so... authentic, you know? Perfectly imperfect, just like life itself.

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the ending?

I’ve got some mixed feelings if I’m being honest. at first the sound effects annoyed me, it honestly didn’t feel like I was watching a KBL, more like a Thai BL. fortunately, they died down a lot as the series went on.

this is a very simple, sweet, story which we all need at times. there isn’t a lot of depth and there are a lot of plot holes still left… however I did enjoy it… well up until the last 2 mins. I had no idea this was going to end on such a cliffhanger. BUT with that being said, because of the cliffhanger I’m wondering if we’ll get more episodes that will fill in some of the missing bits.

I do have to note it was really weird for it to be a university campus and there were no students anywhere in the background. it gave the whole things a weird vibe, but if you can look past that, I think overall it was a decent watch. especially if you’re looking for something light, some good kissing, and a handsome cast.

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