Ecleveland

You simply cannot miss the first great drama of 2026. It is wonderful!

When I come across a production like this, I find myself wondering what to say… how could I possibly encourage others to watch it? But then I stop and think—who am I to recommend anything at all?

And the answer comes to me: I am simply someone who loves everything that is good in the world of entertainment. I adore BLs, I enjoy historical dramas, I love crime stories, I am fascinated by mysteries—anything that makes me think, feel, and truly immerse myself in a story.

So, if you are even a little bit like me, you certainly won’t want to miss this rare gem.

Absolutely loving it.

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Reflection on the eyes that oversee human justice.

I considered Ripe Town one of the most difficult and complex dramas I have ever watched.
Unlike the usual revenge dramas, this one presents us with a tangled story of controversial characters, leading us to experience countless different emotions.

I was surprised throughout the development of the plot and, I confess, there were many moments when I found myself confused, with recurring doubts—even about which characters the scene was focusing on.

The historical period in which the story takes place transports us to a dark world full of nuances, whether in customs, the unscrupulous application of justice, or the ambiguous nature of most characters.

This is not a story about heroes, much less a drama that makes us sympathize with the wronged and, in turn, rally behind their vengeful cause. It is, above all, a story with raw characters—human in their essence, prone to mistakes, missteps, weaknesses, good feelings, or, in some cases, absolute cruelty.

In a story without heroes, at the very least, we must appreciate the expertise and creativity of the criminals. Every crime was meticulously crafted, and even though they occur in different time periods, they were seamlessly tied to the present moment of the avenger.

Ripe Town is a drama that captivated me with its persistence and the desire to unravel so many mysteries. The translation in the version I watched left much to be desired, perhaps due to the complexity of the period's dialogues, which, in fact, made it harder for me to fully appreciate the overall context.

Despite my difficulty in fully grasping the work as it deserves, I really enjoyed the production.

It is not a drama for everyone, but it will appeal to viewers who appreciate a good mystery and a deep reflection on the eyes that oversee human justice.

I loved it!

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A Wonderful World That Gives Me Chills...

I see so many positive reviews about this drama, and I wonder if there’s something seriously wrong with me...

Unfortunately, I consider this drama below average. A weak, predictable story, a poor copy of countless other Korean productions.

Seriously! I’ve seen so many similar productions that I completely lost interest.

In fact, I watched it based on a recommendation from a friend whose opinion I value a lot. She even told me the plot had a vibe similar to *First Love Hatsukoi* (2022), a Japanese drama that, ultimately, doesn’t resemble this one at all.

Teen love, rivalry between classmates leading to a later romantic development—it doesn’t go much beyond a repetitive theme for me. Without a solid story behind it or a well-structured cast, it’s not even worth trying.

It’s the same thing over and over again—a waste of time.

The only part that I partially enjoyed in these 12 episodes was the period when we followed the young cast or the younger versions of the adults.

Of course, I can’t ignore the total lack of resemblance between the younger and older versions of the characters. Whether in physical appearance, mannerisms, emotional expression, or—worst of all—the famous "chemistry," there was absolutely no common ground between them.

Ju Ji Hoon is a very talented and versatile actor, but this character was laughable. The beautiful, brave, and resilient version of young Seok Ji Won died that rainy day, crying for his beloved while sitting on the stairs on a dark night. What remained for Ju Ji Hoon 18 years later (I believe that’s how long the wait was) was a bland, insecure adult trapped by his father’s expectations and a ridiculous romantic doubt that could have been resolved with a vacation trip or an honest, face-to-face conversation. The impression I got was that instead of maturing as a man, he regressed into a weak, indecisive adult teenager.

As for the ill-fated relationship, with its long years of waiting, I can only think of it as masochism, a lack of better options, or simply having nothing better to do in life.

Jung Yu Mi, as the adult Yun Ji Won, was a poor choice. I won’t even bother commenting on her portrayal of the character’s adult version. Just think about the last episode and her wedding dress choice, with a ridiculously inappropriate veil, and you’ll get an idea of how much value her wardrobe or "persona" received throughout the show.

As for the supporting cast, I’ll abstain from commenting as well, except to highlight the worst character of all—the clown, Kong Mun Su. What a laughable role the young actor agreed to take on. I wonder if a character could be more unnecessary to a plot than this one was.

And in the end, sweet as honey, for the umpteenth time, everything works out—every grudge is forgiven, and villains and heroes leave the poorly staged set hand in hand, crying or smiling, happy as can be. Mission accomplished!

A bed of roses...

I must confess, this wonderful world depicted in the latest Korean rom-coms actually gives me chills...

I didn’t like it, and I don’t recommend it.

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Uma promessa ainda engavetada

Infelizmente a trama seguiu caminhos inesperados, morosos e muito à quem do que prometeu no primeiro episódio.
Já perdemos um vilão importante e um herói admirável. Zichuan Xiu está longe de atingir expectativas cativantes como protagonista. E Di Lin, cujo propósito pareceu ter sido apenas roubar as cenas desde o início, também seguiu um caminho obscuro.
Lamentei profundamente pela produção, visivelmente dedicada por um bom trabalho. Uma cinematografia muito bem elaborada, figurino bonito e , por que não, um grande elenco. Sem dúvida, muito bons.
Infelizmente a trama foi fraca, desarticulada, arrastada, com personagens centrais pouco ou nada cativantes, como a princesa Ning. Personagem cansativa.
Sigo na esperança de uma grande virada, embora muito do que pareceu ser um clímax, foi decepcionante.

Considerações finais :
Dos 24 episódios, os 4 finais foram bem melhores. O drama nos foi apresentado como história única, mesmo porquê, segundo algumas informações, o drama foi engavetado por algum tempo e, só agora, em 2024, fora liberado para exibição.
Observarmos que não houve conclusão da trama, o que sugere uma segunda temporada. Não sei se isto me agrada muito, visto considerar o tempo de tela apenas parcialmente compensatório.
Ainda considero Si Yilin meu personagem predileto, assim como, sua história com a linda princesa do norte, a mais interessante. Ambos mereciam uma história à parte, pois possuem uma química encantadora.
Di Lin, ainda que um personagem interessante, seu lado obscuro confunde o espectador , embora sua Irmandade seja admirável em relação a seus parceiros, deixa dúvidas quanto ou até onde irá sua índole ruim.
Já nosso herói destrambelhado, Zichuan Xiu, mostrou ser um bom estrategista. Continuo não apreciando o modo como seu personagem foi apresentado, assim como, seu relacionamento amoroso com a princesa Ning. Um amor pouco convincente e nada atraente. Melhor se nem existisse.
Espero que a segunda temporada não permaneça engavetada por muito tempo, já que a trama pode ser facilmente substituída. Mas, apesar dos entraves, conseguiu melhorar relativamente as primeiras considerações.

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Um pouco do mesmo, porém, evolução positiva.

Este drama teve um começo promissor.
Contrário a grande maioria , não me considero fã de nenhum dos protagonistas principais. Já assisti algumas produções de kim Kang Woo e o considero ótimo ator. Já o belíssimo Cha Eun Woo, assisti muito pouco de seus trabalhos. Não posso falar muito sobre o mesmo, ou sobre sua atuação, já que aqui, até o momento, não observei grandes eventos, mas sem dúvida, cai muito bem como um colírio aos olhos. Kim Nam Joo, cujos comentários nesta produção são bastante negativos, ainda que pouco conheça suas produções, aqui, em especial, estou gostando de sua atuação. O melhor personagem da história.
Infelizmente, como tem acontecido com certa frequência nas produções coreanas, a evolução da trama vem perdendo o encantamento inicial.
E, como já disse, gostei do primeiro episódio, porém, agora, na metade da trama, sinto falta do elemento surpresa o que, tristemente, leva a um desinteresse na sequência.
Tudo muito óbvio e pouco criativo. Apenas mais um pouco do mesmo. Espero, sinceramente, uma melhoria, estou farta de desistir deste tipo de história.
Comecei esta análise no sétimo episódio. Felizmente, faltando dois episódios para ser finalizado, o drama vem apresentando uma evolução bem positiva. Consegui ver bons momentos de atuação de ambos os protagonistas. Em especial, Cha Eun Woo cresceu significativamente em meu conceito inicial.
O elemento surpresa permanece inalterado. Mas a história esta sendo bem construída. Vale a pena conferir esta evolução.

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wonderful

Brilliant!
I didn't have high expectations. I started watching because of the actors.

It's impossible not to watch something produced by the talented and wonderful Gong Yoo and the phenomenal Seo Hyun Jin.

But wow!!! I loved it. It went way beyond my expectations.

Impeccable acting, amazing script, perfect OST, and stunning chemistry.

The entire supporting cast was wonderful... the psychopath, my goodness! Excellent performance.

I never thought I would see Gong Yoo so handsome and flawless... I was so impressed that I'm even thinking of rewatching the unforgettable Coffee Prince (2007), by the way, one of my all-time favorite dramas.

Anyway, highly recommended!

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Truly captivating.

First of all, I want to make it clear that this is not a BL series, but rather a mature, realistic, and politically charged story in which two men fall deeply in love.

Wi is openly gay, while Nong is heterosexual. The relationship that develops between them is, above all, rooted in respect, admiration, companionship, and mutual trust. What follows can be understood as a natural consequence when love transcends sex and gender.

Nong is a rural doctor, deeply loved by the public for his professional competence and his humanitarian dedication to the village population. He is a mature man, around 35 to 40 years old, both handsome and rugged in equal measure. His honest and engaging personality leads several political parties to see him as an ideal candidate. Nong, however, despises politics and politicians, which makes him firmly reject every proposal presented to him.

Wi is the youngest son of a powerful political leader who heads one of the most corrupt parties in the country. He is young, between 25 and 30 years old, educated abroad, refined, attractive, proud, and unwavering in his choices. He decides that Nong is the perfect candidate to run in the next election under his father’s party. He does not accept refusal and relentlessly follows Nong wherever he goes.

For this occasion, Nong’s sister suffers an accident due to the exhausting workload at the hospital where she worked as a doctor alongside her brother.

This event leads Nong to enter politics, driven by the desire to fight for better working conditions for doctors.

At this point, little imagination is needed to foresee the countless complications that Nong and Wi will face within the deeply corrupt political environment of their country.

If in so-called first-world countries corruption and fraud tend to operate behind a veil of discretion, in the Thailand presented here, these practices occur openly, without the slightest sense of shame.

And yet, the drama unfolds beautifully. Despite the rigidity of its political subject matter, the narrative remains engaging, accessible, and genuinely compelling to follow. The dialogues are coherent, fluid, and easy to understand.

That said, I can confidently state that *Mandate* has one of the best-written screenplays I have ever seen within this genre.

As a soft, gentle, and at times even humorous backdrop, our couple grows closer step by step, and our affection and admiration grow alongside them.

Truly captivating.

Their actions, words, reddened eyes, and restrained tears tell their story. The wait for their reunion is long, but deeply rewarding.

The final episode is devastating and breathtaking. I was completely taken by surprise and came very close to tears from pure emotion.

Flawless performances and a perfectly chosen cast.

Please, give this series a chance. I guarantee you will not regret it.

The only thing I want now is a second season. The ending strongly suggests this possibility, and I will honestly be waiting for it with great anticipation.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely. It is entirely worth your time. We are looking at a masterpiece.

One of the very best of 2025.

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Especially to those who believe there’s more to love and destiny than meets the eye.

“But above all, I wish that God may take care of you and continue to protect you, even beyond the limits where I can no longer go…”
This was one of the phrases I once received from a dear friend in the past, and I have carried it with me, close to my heart, wherever I go… That is more or less what this drama represented to me. A message of immeasurable love, one that neither time nor space can ever erase.

It began as just another Xianxia, filled with revenge, melodrama, sovereign gods, terrifying demons, and stylish celestial battles, but slowly it transformed into one of the sweetest love stories among the latest c-dramas.

Rarely have I had the pleasure of following such a captivating couple. Affection, tender touches, and kisses were present in nearly every episode from the moment they first came together. In a few words, I can say it was intoxicating, charismatic, and truly addictive.

I’ve thought this before, and every time I watch a production like this, I can’t help but think it again: even if I spend the next tem years of my life watching Chinese dramas, I will still not truly grasp this culture, this spectrum of productions, and this vast range of artistic talent that sustains them. It’s surreal!

As for Arthur Chen, this god of beauty—majestic and imposing no matter the role—this was actually my first time watching one of his dramas. I’ve been eagerly awaiting China’s release of *Immortality*, na original BL work (censored, of course, but adapted as bromance) based on the web novel *The Husky and His White Cat Shizun* by the phenomenal author Meatbun. In that story, Arthur Chen plays Mo Ran, disciple of Chu Wanning. I’ve read the books and I’m waiting with great anticipation for the drama.

So, when I saw that *When Destiny Brings the Demon* starred Arthur Chen, I decided to watch it in na attempt to ease my anxious wait a little. To my surprise, I ended up falling equally in love with his partner in the story. Wang Yinglu plays three different characters, and she is absolutely dazzling. Beautiful, funny, moving, and with a unique chemistry alongside Arthur Chen. I had also never seen any of her works before, and I don’t know much about her other roles, but here she was simply wonderful.

It’s true that in the first arc of the story, both Arthur Chen and Wang Yinglu faced a greater challenge, since it was longer and more intense, but I loved all three arcs almost equally, as well as the changes in their characters.

If I have one complaint about the production, it would be the distribution of time between arcs. The first, in the Immortal Realm, was perfect. The second, in the Demon Realm, could have been shorter. The third, in the Mortal Realm, was not enough. The story set in the empire was intriguing and deserved better development. And the time given to their reunion in the modern era was far too brief. I wanted more, much more.

Yes, the plot had a few flaws—it’s true—but the main elements were completely satisfying: from the costumes, setting, and OST, to the dialogues and directing. At first, I thought of giving it a nine, but in the end, I gave it a tem. It’s not every day that a drama holds you from beginning to end with such lovable characters and moments of pure delight.

As always, it’s hard to say goodbye, but what can we do? As the story itself showed us on many occasions, no pain surpasses the pain of parting. I’ll continue here on my solitary journey, hoping that the wait will one day end in a destined reunion.

A beautiful drama. I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially to those who believe in things far beyond what our eyes can see or our imagination can reach.

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In the end, it was an interesting drama, but one I will not carry with me among the best.

At last, I have finished it.
I must admit that I delayed a little during the final episodes, yet I do not regret choosing this drama.

Indeed, it is a difficult choice to make. Chinese productions are so numerous and diverse that it is truly impossible to give proper attention to, or fully appreciate, the majority of them.

Perhaps it would be a bit easier if I were to focus on a specific genre—but that is not the case. I enjoy them all, except for comedy. Therefore, if the plot is good, that is enough for me. In fact, I am currently watching an excellent crime drama, *The Perfect Suspect* (2025, Chinese), though unfortunately it seems to be rather underappreciated.

Now, let us talk about *Legend of Zang Hai*.

At first, the drama struck me as intense, vibrant, and full of great expectations—be it for the cast, the script, the direction, or the grand scale of production.

There were memorable moments, filled with suspense and mystery. The construction of the plot, paired with strong villains portrayed with outstanding performances, was truly remarkable.

The decision to focus on vengeance and keep the romance minimal seemed to me quite tasteful. Although I appreciated Xiao Zhan's performance, I could not bring myself to feel truly captivated by his character, Zang Hai. His younger version was brilliant, but the adult man, though attractive, lacked charm.

Zhang Jing Yi, as Princess An Tu, delivered a solid performance, yet her character promised much and contributed little—both as an individual and as a romantic partner.

It might have been better had the character been male, or not existed at all. She was, in truth, irrelevant.

On the other hand, when well executed, a revenge arc is very compelling. However, once numerous innocent lives begin to be taken without reason, the thrill becomes bitter, or loses most of its appeal.

The mysterious object of desire, the Gui Seal, proved ineffective, unremarkable, and far below the expectations it set at the beginning. Truly a disappointment—poorly explored, left unresolved, it appeared and vanished without offering any substantial contribution to the plot.

In the end, it was an interesting drama, but one I will not carry with me among the best.

My apologies to the fans.

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Kudos to the cast for their outstanding work.

As expected, Weak Hero Class 2 doesn’t disappoint its fans.

The story sticks closely to the formula established in the first season.

Even with the writer stepping in as director this time, the core premise remains the same:

Violence... violence... and more violence.

The absence of family ties, academic mentors, and the famously ineffective police force continues — which, honestly, stretches believability. It’s hard to imagine a country being so negligent. But that’s not really the point here, and it never was.

As predicted, what we get is relentless, gratuitous, and often meaningless brawling in every episode.
It’s unfortunate, especially considering the brilliant performances from the cast — Park Ji Hoon, Ryeo Un, and Bae Na Ra all deliver exceptional work.

With a script as weak as the first season’s, the show’s real strength lies in the powerful and mesmerizing performances of its actors.

The highlight is definitely the finale, leaving fans even more eager for what’s next.

Kudos to the cast for their outstanding work.

I definitely recommend it to fans of the genre.

Personally, I enjoyed the drama, though I have quite a few reservations.

Cheers!

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A playful flirtation between the pair, two thumbs up for revenge, and one for love

Whenever I dive into a drama, I always find myself wondering what I should talk about first. The best I saw... or the worst? That’s the question. In the end, I settle on an unconventional mix. Forgive my lack of technique—I’m not much of a writer—but I put a lot of thought into what I read.

A fellow MDL reviewer deeply moved me with their evaluation. Their opening line was: "A Shakespearean Genius of a Drama".

There’s no need to share spoilers here, but I’ll leave this as a tip: read their review and let yourself be captivated, just as I was.

I must confess, I couldn’t agree more with their words, including the brilliant Shakespeare quotes they included.

This drama came to life with a flawless cast, a well-adapted screenplay based on a web novel, breathtaking cinematography, solid direction, and electrifying chemistry between the characters. It’s hard not to highlight the latter because, for me, that’s where the heart of the drama lay.

I’m no expert, nor do I claim to understand the art of scriptwriting, but I was a bit surprised to discover that, in the original web novel, the heroine Xue Fang Fei truly dies and is reincarnated as the magistrate’s daughter, Jiang Li, while retaining memories of her past life to fuel her pursuit of revenge.

I don’t know if the decision to keep Jiang Li in Xue Fang Fei’s original body was meant to simplify the story, avoid religious controversy, or was just a creative choice. I only learned about this after finishing the drama. Even so, my opinion of the show remained unchanged. The drama, in its entirety, was a near-perfect delight.

I rooted for the intelligent and resilient heroine, just as I did for her captivating and cunning hero.

Wang Xing Yue, as Duke Su, despite having less screen time than I’d hoped for, was absolutely brilliant in every scene he graced. A man of few words, with a restrained smile, impeccable costumes, and an intense gaze that spoke volumes. He had moments of sheer brilliance in his performance. Every detail was so well-crafted, and his open-field battle scenes were simply mesmerizing.

It’s no wonder he was honored as one of the Young Rising Actors of the Year at the 2024 Weibo Awards.

For those who doubted his chemistry with veteran actress Wu Jin Yan (34 years old), let me just say: his 22 years of pure talent did all the talking.

Together, they were enchanting. Their playful flirtation brought a certain charm to the story where a more explicit romance might have been expected. While some viewers may have been frustrated by this subtlety, I felt it perfectly aligned with the drama’s tone. We knew from the start that this was the kind of romance we’d be getting.

The cultural barriers around age-gap relationships in Asian media still run deep, but Wu Jin Yan, with her elegant and timeless presence, was phenomenal throughout.

I adored her portrayal of Xue Fang Fei and Jiang Li. Her flowing red dress, paired with her graceful and commanding presence, elevated every scene. She brought elegance, wisdom, and emotional strength to her role. Her character’s tragic backstory, noble heart, and sweet smile made her unforgettable. I can’t imagine anyone else bringing this character to life.

I also found myself intrigued by the wicked princess and her cold-hearted “dog.” Despite their fractured souls, they were united by the same poison: the complete absence or loss of love. While they believed they controlled everything and everyone, in truth, they were empty... clinging to illusions. As one reviewer aptly noted, Princess Wan Ning/Li Meng was ultimately just a pawn in the hands of men.

Pain, suffering, and humiliation should never justify cruelty, but at times, my heart couldn’t help but ache for her.

The true villain of the story, Shen Yu Rong, remains a character I can barely define. Was he inherently evil, or did he become corrupted over time? The drama left this unclear. Perhaps the novel delves deeper into his twisted nature, offering a better understanding of his dark origins. Still, I doubt any explanation could justify his actions. Liang Yong Qi’s portrayal of this character, however, was exceptional. It was also a treat to see him guest-star in the second season of Under the Skin.

If I had one critique of the drama, it would be the way it indulged in China’s tradition of crafting overly realistic tragic moments, often at the expense of beloved characters.

The drama could have ended with the triumph of the palace struggle. There was no need to add more pain to the heroes’ journey.

In my opinion, these gratuitous losses didn’t add anything to the final act of a production as remarkable as The Double.

Still, it was a fantastic drama and an absolute joy to watch. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of the genre. It truly deserves its place among the best C-dramas of 2024.

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Great cast, beautiful characters.

Why complicate it? There are so many beautiful things in simplicity.
It took me a long time to watch this drama. I could have had this joy much earlier. But, as the wise saying goes, better late than never. Just joy, romance is fun.
I'm not in the habit of watching Taiwanese dramas. I spent a lot of time just in Koreans. Today, I am grateful for preferring the Chinese and for making my escapes to other Asian countries. It is very gratifying to discover that, despite prejudices, good productions have no nationality.
The Antumn Concerto was a find. I read an analysis here from someone I follow and I was enchanted. I put it on my wish list and it was on hold. If you're reading this, don't be like me. Watch without much delay.
Forget the clichés, the lack of good editing, the countless interruptions during the episodes, absurdly repetitive Ost, among countless other negative reviews you may receive.
This drama deserves a chance for its interesting script, the consistent performances and the emotion we feel throughout the story. I loved the characters and I loved the little boy Xiao Le twice as much. It's a shame that, nowadays, the child actor who played him hasn't pursued his career. On the other hand, it is with great satisfaction that I see the success of the other actors. Mainly Wu Kang Ren, better known as Chris Wu. Totally deserved. Great cast, beautiful characters.
My only reservation is the rushed result. The production deserved a better performance in the final moments.
Anyway, I really liked and recommend.

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Is beautiful!

I ended up looking for the film by coincidence. I was researching the backgrounds of the actors in Antumn’s Concerto when I saw the story of Tiffany Hsu’s marriage to actor Roy Chiu, co-star of her film Man in love/2021.
I was curious, since the actress had a very intense love life and her relationships were long. I got to know Roy Chiu a little and loved his cinematic history.
The film was a choice by affinity. Is beautiful!I loved! I found the performance of both protagonists exceptional. He was a spectacle in itself...it's not without reason that he received several awards for the character. Bright!
Great film, Great distraction...although, I was sad with the ending.
Anyway, very beautiful, I recommend it from the bottom of my heart...

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I loved it, it’s thoroughly entertaining.

Different. Unique and timely.
With so many stalkers harassing actors nowadays—especially in China and Korea—this is undoubtedly a very current theme, one that truly deserves attention.

More than just a BL, it’s a sweet story of enduring love.

Although classified as a Thai drama, it was entirely produced in Korea.

The main leads are newcomers to the entertainment industry, but don’t be fooled. Their performances are outstanding, delivering both tender and daring moments that could easily rival seasoned actors. The kisses were absolutely delightful—I found myself replaying those scenes more than once. Pure indulgence, honestly.

I watched all the episodes back-to-back. Following the advice of a fellow MDL user I trust, since the drama relies heavily on flashbacks, it’s easier to follow when you don’t leave long gaps between episodes.

If you’re unsure whether it’s worth your time, I can confidently say: it’s thoroughly entertaining.

Highly recommended—. I loved it.

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