KDramaFanatica

Still processing episode 15. When I saw spoilers showing that LEO and PJW were headed for a break (not a break-up because PJW seemed pensive and calm and at peace at the end and LEO reassured it wasn’t an actual goodbye since they’d still see each other at work on that project that’s still pending) I couldn’t help but feel some disappointment and frustration. There’s only one episode left to explore this and the other relationships so not much time for much else. But that changed when on re-watch I saw none of the couple convos were a true goodbye to the relationships. They seemed more a goodbye to LEO using romance and PJW’s love for her as an escape to avoid her issues. And for SY to stop her reliance and co-dependence with what could have been with KG or hoping that he would prove she was loveable. So I guess it WAS was a goodbye to that idealized relationship, and the blossoming of hope that LEO can figure out what PJW already knows: that yes, LEO created a persona but how can any human do that without having parts of themselves shine theough? I’ve seen people’s frustration on other boards that the writer seemed to treat the interview and phone call, both serious conversations, between LEO and PJW as comedic but I as a viewer thought the comedy was reassuring. There’s an underlying comfort in laughing at the ridiculous behaviors the character have fallen into (PJW as a pushover and LEO as sardonic persona to keep herself from getting hurt) and it seems that the characters are finally recognizing they’re unhealthy and yes lovestruck and not really able to give each other what they need/deserve or, at least the current versions of themselves. And they can take it not so seriously but actually CHOOSE change. I believe they’re all headed towards growth on the final episode (not counting ep 17 that will focus on policeman Minho), I’m guessing. On a side note, how lovely that friend scene was with LEO, KG and RY?

Interesting. I think people might say the same about this drama. ;)

LOL. That one I understand why it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I am all about slow developing dramas that take a while to build but understand that it’s not for everyone. But the writing, acting and cinematography were superb in that one and made up for a lot, imo.

My gosh, I LOVE what they’ve done with this drama. Disclaimer: I am a professional counselor and in a real world setting , the relationship between LEO and PJW is SOO full of red flags and emotional codependency and unhealthy need for validation and self-esteem issues that I would (in real life) recommend that they take a break and each go to counseling and work on themselves first and then see if there’s anything there to work with. But as a drama? SUPERB. What was supposed to be a rebound, fun relationship for LEO as she shed everything she thought had made her cheating fiancée reject her and present only the ideal parts of herself turned into a potential for real romance. Except it couldn’t evolve past fantasy and an idealized relationship because LEO was only presenting the best and most superficial, carefree parts of herself while PJW was leaning into HIS carefree, dedicated and prince-charming persona (but as we find out later, he’s more sarcastic, caustic and neurotic than he led on). THAT PJW was PERFECT for THAT LEO in that summer romance. But the summer romance didn’t have depth, which I thinks is where people don’t give LEO enough credit. She saw how superficial that summer relationship was (although the feelings between them were very real) and was more pragmatic about superficial not being enough to stay long-term so she cut her losses and ran. Further, after her having been in a relationship that she assumed had depth in the past (with cheating fiancée) and where she presented the entirety of herself only to up being deeply wounded and rejected she’s not eager to go down that path again. Based on KJW’s acting choices you can just see how terrified she is as she is essentially being begged by PJW to reveal her true self (as he is starting to reveal the entirety I of who HE is with his banter, teasing and frustrating her) and feelings and thereby (in her mind) he is asking her to set herself up to be rejected by this intense guy she cares deeply for. But her defenses remain and it’s going to be quite an uphill battle, I suspect, for PJW to get LEO to agree to that risk her heart again. I think this is one of those dramas whose pacing suffered from the scheduling. I hope people give it another try and re-watch it from start to finish.

I love this show too! I’m sorry that I held off watching it for so long because of all the negative reviews, comments and feedback I saw on various message boards (including this one) but the directing, writing and ACTING for this drama had been top notch and I can say that this, along with CLOY and When The Camellia Bloom has become one of my favorite K Dramas of all time!! Tomorrow cannot come soon enough!

Good take! But I wonder if she pushes him away or tells him they have to start all over because he doesn’t know the real her yet? I think it’s the latter since then it would make sense why he’s so frustrated in a goofy way vs. the melodramatic, sad way we’ve seen him act. Looks more like he’s throwing a tantrum vs. him being in despair. It would make sense that LEO would want to take things slow given how badly she was hurt when she presented her true self to the fiancée that on her. Only problem is there’s only 2 eps left after tomorrow’s which doesn’t leave much room for taking it slow.