All_In

I find SHK to be "one dimensional" as someone already stated but chemistry is a two way thing; a couple either has it or not. I don't think one actor should take the hit. A comment someone made about this couple on a different site really said it all: "there is no way that man wants to have sex with that woman." LOL I haven't seen episode 10 yet so don't know if it changes anyone's mind.

I thought SHK had good chemistry with Rain in Full House and with Jo In Sung from That Winter the Wind Blows and solid but not outstanding chemistry with her now husband in DOS. I don't know how she fared with Hyun Bin who I believe she also had a relationship with irl because I have never seen the drama. All just my opinion though.

I was fine with the slow moving story until episode 9 and then I realized nothing happened for an hour. I hear it picks up but having trouble jumping back in. I am a sucker for romance but will probably let it finish up before finishing up with some judicious skipping (which I haven't been doing so far).

I have stalled on the drama at episode 10. I originally liked the ex because he let her go. So I was hoping his character, who at some point in the marriage fell in love with her enough to let her go, would cheer from the sidelines as she tried to live her life because he knew that she didn't love him back and he didn't stand a chance and his mom was making her miserable. Again, I've stalled so it sounds like it went a different direction which is unfortunate as they've basically turned him into a more typical 2nd male who wants what he wants regardless of the feelings of the woman involved. I was actually hoping he'd get his own loveline in the drama because it is very slow moving so they could have fit it in.

Basically they've made this guy make no sense because the whole scene in episode 9 where he's asking for another chance comes out of nowhere. This is also known as poor writing imo.

"I am curious how you people watch this show?" I mean, you did ask the question...

So at the time, I thought it was just a polo match. Oy Vey

I have an issue with the story in that it seems like the Princess should have told Qi Heng the situation of the family much earlier. I think she would have so I blame the writing. I guess one could say she was just used to dealing with everything but to kill his servant/friend and THEN tell him the family is in a kerfluffle because you were such a cutie at the polo match was a bit much.

I also don't blame him for not being like Gu Ting Ye. That's not who QH is or has ever been which is why he was wrong for MingLan who would have come into the hornet's nest of his house. He would not have been able to protect her.

I love this drama, but I totally get it isn't for everyone. This is a character driven drama and is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. For example, the whole thing about the divorce versus the amicable separation might have bored some, but I found it a nice insight to something I was totally unfamiliar with. I would definitely drop it if I were you because life's too short.

If you haven't checked out the Story of Yanxi Palace, you should because it moves quickly. I liked it quite a bit but just a totally different style of storytelling.

I really enjoy this drama, but I am gonna be bummed if this is going to end up being the big bad step-mother trope.

I have been invested in this drama from the get go, but from around episode 15 (the polo match episode) it becomes more plot driven with lots more going on. I think this probably helped with the ratings.

Yep, I think you pretty much have said it. The main complaints I see are that the drama is slow, they like the 2nd male lead and, lastly, wishing the lead guy didn't have a gal and kids already. I love the drama and once past the initial episodes where one can believe it is the standard drama about mean women being mean all the friggin time, it turns into as you say more a slice of life. I love it and it has turned into one of my fav c-dramas.

While once watching The Virtuous Queen of Han, someone commented they were dropping it because the emperor had more than one woman in his life...I kid you not.... and the viewer didn't approve. I dropped it because I got bored but that comment stuck with me. Some are not meant for Chinese historical dramas.

Yeah, that was a weird combo of dramas and definitely when I think Korean family dramas, it's the long ones.

Also, in no way did I ever consider The Smile That Left Your Eyes an action drama.

ooops: more than one wife.

The actor did so well in that scene. It was funny and I thought at the time this is the reality of having more than wife. Ain't everything it's cracked up to be.

I just realized that the three sisters are all teenagers in the drama (up to this point) because, of course, none of them look that young. That and the fact Rulan's matured means that sister has grown on me. She actually in her way notices things that others miss.

It took me 6 to 8 episodes to realize this wasn't going to be the average C-drama. I love it and really like it not taking the usual path of historical C-dramas focused on the fated love of the two leads.

Yes, I am going by spoilers so I can't speak to the veracity, but it sounds like by the time she gets with the guy there are no other women in the picture. Just because 2nd son has a concubine now doesn't mean she is still in the picture later basically. Again, I haven't read the book so this could be wrong.

This is really a drama about the whole family. I really like it but it you are just in it for the romance, this might not be for you. I like those dramas as well but this just isn't that. I don't know how much you've seen but through 15 or 16 episodes, the two leads just casually know each other and she calls him uncle.

Just Between Lovers worked for me not just because of the love story between the leads, but in putting a light on how different people deal (or don't deal) with grief. Some wallow, some struggle, some move on, some compartmentalize. Many times I don't 'get' some aspects of what is in k-drama because I'm not Korean, but the theme of this drama transcends cultural difference because human nature isn't much different.

It wasn't a perfect drama; the big dilemma toward the end of the drama was unnecessary imo but such a solid watch overall.

I was trying to think of a way to describe this drama, and you've done it perfectly. It took me around 10 episodes to get that this wasn't going to be the regular historical C-drama. You really get a feel for how it might have possibly been to be in one of these families so I'd put it at realistic-ish.

I really like this drama and just love the whole melo, dramatic vibe. However, while the plot point of trying to break up the couple worked for me at first, we now know how desperate the 2nd male lead is. And he holds all the cards. All he has to do is say to his ex, you'll get tested to see if you are a viable match for kidney donation. If you are, you'll do this or I will expose you. Period- end of story. The gal's mom coming in and threatening him was a joke. Threaten him with what. I get he doesn't want to put his daughter through publicity but it's to save her life and they can just go back and live a life in Hong Kong. It seems maybe he's holding out that she will see the light and want to be a mom to the girl and I guess that's the only out. My rant is now over but I am really liking the chemistry between the leads who are always so good together.

Yes, I agree especially because there is so much to understand about the family structure. I understand how this works in a harem drama with an emperor like Story of Yanxi Palace, but I'm actually glad they are explaining things so I get more about the culture and family politics. I get the feel more of how the multiple wife thing probably actually worked and all the frustrations that abounded.

Having said that, when I see the dad being snowed by the 2nd wife, I might have to skip. I get so mad!

I have no issues with the pacing because I feel a solid foundation is being put in place. I actually like the 2nd lead and hope he doesn't end up in a regrettable situation. Totally rooting for the leads though because that's the way it's gonna go and I find it interesting they're married in real life.

I think it is 2 episodes per day M - F and then one a day Sat and Sun. Not 100% sure though.