Absolute Perfection (Or, as close as you can get)

The Trainee was a heartfelt comedy with a focus on friendship, connections, mistakes, and growth. 

I liked the deadpan humor, running jokes, and natural anxiousness they let seep in. First interviews, internships, projects, dreams, jobs, and career changes aren't just important steps in life. They're a challenge. And not everyone has the same experience, attitude, or surety. Some have no idea what they want out of it all if anything.

I appreciated how thoughtful they were about all of it while still making me laugh.

I would be remiss not to mention the journey they took me on with Bahmee and Tae's relationship. I wasn't expecting the level of depth and nuance they brought. 

I do wish the romance between the two MLs was more of a priority, but I so thoroughly enjoyed everything else that I'm kind of willing to overlook it, even the rushed ending.

If you take this drama for what it is, I think you'll have a good time.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLszepnkojZI7b0q-zvdbbziNCv5VNDufI&si=9vZqgHdoLklXZYRD 

This was a colorful, snappy, office rom-com with enough steam to fog up your chic, librarian glasses!

I knew the leads had chemistry, but even I could not have predicted just how palpable the tension would be, nor how sultry the FLs could get. The looks they gave each other were downright devious and screamed: "Come hither, lover."

Lal and Wine were also intriguing on their own, both being capable, powerhouse career women, bearing the weight of their respective teams on their shoulders while struggling to value themselves.

While Wine was both intimidating and demanding, at the end of the day, she was just trying to do her job as best she could, and even got a little self-conscious about her reputation in the office. She wanted to express herself more and open up, but was afraid of changing/making herself a target again.

And Lal, while confident and quick-thinking, too easily put her health and happiness last on her list of priorities.

It was great to see them both grow and learn from/lean on each other.

And beyond that, the office politics and projects weren't just there for show. They contributed to and even pushed the plot forward.

I would also be remiss not to mention how they dared to go further, utilizing their office setting to highlight the real, underdiscussed struggles of women in the working world. How women have to perfectly conform to their boxes, dress just nice enough but not too nice, wear enough makeup to not look "tired" but not too much, and act polite enough but not too friendly, for the chance of maybe making it and maybe, just maybe, avoiding unwanted attention from their male colleagues. It's a delicate balancing act that shouldn't have to be attempted. And, related to this topic, it was so refreshing to see so many women supporting other women and making choices that were best for themselves rather than "going along to get along."

Really, a very relevant and thoughtful drama.

Can be found on YouTube

Surprise, surprise, Wu turned out to be pretty damn fantastic!

The plot was solid, the pacing was snappy, the fight choreography and camerawork were fluid, and, most importantly, the leads' chemistry was magnetic! There was a pull from the start.

Their bond was one of trust and commitment. And at a certain point, the nature of their relationship began to matter to me less than the quality of it. Because whatever you want to call it, they loved and sacrificed for each other.

I think the finale could have packed more oomph into it. But for the message they were going for, it worked.

Can be found on iQiyi

Things started off hectic and interestingly messy, yes, but it didn't take long for every FL's personal/relationship conflict to thread together into a grander pattern.

I think they did very well covering the serious topics they did. And when the finale came, I realized a real sisterhood had been formed before my eyes between all the girls. Perhaps a snarky/competitive one, but a true I-got-you sisterhood nonetheless.

If I had to settle on an overall theme for Girl Rules, I would say it's support vs sacrifice/selfishness.

How, by caring for ourselves and honoring our desires, we care for our partner; they do not want to see us hide away important parts of ourselves, beat ourselves up, or struggle alone simply to maintain some semblance of personal pride. How a "sacrifice" made for a partner isn't a real sacrifice when, at the heart of it, you are making a decision on your own that they would not be happy with. And at the same time, support is/should be conditional. Time is not limitless, and neither is patience. We don't have to be at our best to deserve love, but we do have to make an effort to match our partner's commitment to the relationship.

I would be remiss not to mention the stellar performances from the main cast. There were a lot of delicate scenes and difficult emotions to convey, and all of the FLs rose to the occasion.

Well done, Girl Rules! Well done!

I think there is enough potential here for a second season. But let me just say/throw some shade that if it were to go in the direction of Only Friends S2, I wouldn't want it!

Can be found on iQiyi

What a journey Blank took me on! I went from not recommending the first season to now saying I'd recommend the second one.

I saw quite an improvement since S1. Anueng, while still messing around and acting cute, acted more her age, which made me feel far more comfortable with her relationship with Nueng. She also bit back and had more sass to her.

Nueng also gave Anueng's feelings more consideration, expressed herself more, and found enough strength within her to stand up and fight for her and Anueng's relationship.

The chemistry between our two FLs also got stronger. Intimate scenes were truly intimate, and even short phone calls had me blushing.

I also felt this season finally managed to strike a pretty decent balance between being truly mature and melodramatic with soap opera twists. It wasn't perfect, but it was done well enough that, at the very least, I was consistently entertained. I found myself fully engaged in S2.

Also, can I just say, I think this was one of the rare times I found the trope of getting in an accident and falling into a coma to actually work. It allowed needed time to pass so Anueng's family could come to terms with Nueng's presence in her life and, even if they weren't glad she was dating Anueng, at least see how she cared for her and would stay by her side. I'll admit its effectiveness here impressed me.

I'd be downright pleased if we got more Sapphic stories like this.

If you're desperate for a solid GL that isn't only seven episodes with a total runtime of 45 minutes, look no further!

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc6EfuKFtZrLLHsGgC9yUTRNQxqB8mffk&si=jR2vDAOBU_qI1ie-

From the start, there was this magnetic pull between Ai-oon and May. With May being a mesmerizing and tender lover, and Ai-oon looking on in complete adoration at someone who spoke/gave with her whole heart, finding the support she never felt she had at home.

The small, quiet moments they had together resonated with me the most. From May giving Ai-oon constructive feedback on her book and preparing her a meal to Ai-oon taking May for a ride on her bike and reading to her.

I also appreciated the background they gave for Ai-oon's sister, Ob-oom. While I didn't find every action of hers able to be forgiven, I understood more why she made the choices she did.

It could be a bit convoluted plot-wise, and, admittedly, I wasn't entirely satisfied with how the ending came together, but with a solid cast and leads with chemistry from Earth to Pluto and back, this drama was undoubtedly a bright spot amid many average GLs in 2024.

In particular, I want to highlight Namtan's stellar acting—she played both twins, Ai-oon and Ob-oom, so well and distinctly as to make them recognizable, whether alone or in the same room—as well as May's; there was never a moment I doubted her inability to see.

Recommended.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLszepnkojZI6L1DHV2vEaGdjo_QkQizF_&si=9M0jh2CAW5kt9d4o

This was a step up compared to other GLs. The two FLs were complicated and driven individuals; the stakes were high, the consequences terrifying, and the love story itself was moving. The particular stand-out aspects for me had to be the use of the powers and the sister's dynamic. I only wish we got more time with our leads as an official couple just to make the ending that much more impactful.

Can be found on Netflix

What a time! This was very energetic with a thought-out romance.

I never got the feeling that the architecture work was being shoved to the side or merely used as a prop for the FLs to catch feelings. The projects had real weight, and so I cared when everyone pushed themselves so hard to create a beautiful design for the client.

As for the FLs, they both had strong wills/personalities. Which made it interesting waiting to see who would bend to their feelings first. And when they did bend, it was flirting/cuteness overload!

All in all, beyond solid and certainly worth watching!

Can be found on free websites

Great, yet frustrating for one reason: What school would possibly tolerate a student repeatedly assaulting another, and not expel them immediately?!

I love the chemistry between the couples, and this drama is a slow (despite the shortness) and intriguing watch.

I also have to commend them for their showcasing of some difficult topics such as violence, heartbreak, and the lingering effects of a physically/emotionally abusive relationship.

The actors did an amazing job. So amazing that I have reconsidered my rating, and am rating this drama 9/10.

I really didn't expect to love this so much!

Can be found on LineTV

I'm not exactly sure what I just saw. Or, at least what REALLY happened. But, it was REALLY good though. Not just good, great. Truly.

The acting was amazing, the shots were fantastic, and it almost made me cry. Scratch that, it made me cry.

Can be found on GagaOOLala or YouTube

This really was very Classic K-Drama reminiscient. I felt very relaxed and light while watching it. Took me back. At the same time, things were improved here.

The FL could be silly, but she was also very thoughtful, quick-thinking, empathetic, and not to mention snarky in the best way possible. At the same time, while the ML could be arrogant due to his skills and status, he was also childish himself, considerate, and a sappy romantic.

I really grew to love the main leads together and root for them in all their endeavors.

Now, onto the pièce de résistance: My favorite side couple.

It took me a bit to see it between these two, but once I did, I was all in. I loved the way Wang Mai Zhi was not only charmingly and hilariously cocky, but also almost a tsundere, and Wei Qi Zhen took his teasing but didn't let herself get walked over.

I heartily recommend giving this drama a shot! 22 episodes will feel easy, trust me.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This was a real treat of a modern C-Drama!

The leads were true, rounded, mature adults, both coyly and intentionally romantic, and highly ambitious and supportive of their partner.

They played "games" until they decided enough was enough, "I want to commit to you."

I felt warm all over watching them climb over papers and have their own personal realizations about their lives, ending the day coming home and sharing it all and enjoying each other's company.

Truly, a drama for the thoughtful romantics.

Highly recommended.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I had such a lovely time watching this.

This is the fluffiest of fluffy romances, perfect for some guaranteed butterflies with zero conflict!

I loved how delicately the ML and FL talked to each other, as if the other deserved only a soft-spoken tone and sweet words. This couple felt like a hug and a sunrise rolled into one.

And the ML! This ML had no concept of toxic masculinity. Man cooked, cleaned, listened attentively, was never pushy, and supported his girlfriend's dreams and respected her abilities.

If you want something with a deeper meaning or to experience ebbs and flows in a relationship, this is not the drama for you. But if you want comfort and romance? Look no further!

I have no doubt I will rewatch this again, if only to see this couple fall for/get together all over again!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This was great! Strongberry always seems to do an amazing job with their short films.

I really liked the dialogue, acting, and the way it was shot. I'll definitely be watching it again. Honestly, it's amazing how much you can accomplish in 7 minutes with a short film.

Link to watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTa92oDTLqA 

Wonderfully shot and subtly told! Loved this!

Can be found on LineTV

Let me take this moment to be a spokesperson for this drama: If you're looking for consent like in Lovely Writer, it's to be found here. If you're just looking for good consent in general, it's to be found here.

There are flaws in certain plot points of course, but I still felt things played out in ways that made sense taking our characters' personalities and backgrounds into account.

Some of you may come for just those "scenes" but will hopefully stay for more, that being the consent and communication shown between not just the main couple but the side couple as well.

Regarding representation, because I would be remiss not to mention it, we had a confirmed Pansexual SML who was specifically called Pansexual at least twice and was described as being interested in/having dated men, women, and nonbinary people.

 Link to Review: https://kisskh.at/profile/8835865/reviews/171825

Can be found on LineTV

I know I'm putting this here. I just know.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki