14
37
3
1
1
5
2
Came for the MC's chemistry... but stayed for the 2nd couple's actual one.
DISCLAIMER: This review may contain (very) mild spoilers
I quite enjoyed the first 2/3rds of the series, but the last 6–8 episodes drifted a bit too far into makjang — or gǒuxiě, in this case — for my own taste. The tone suddenly became heavier and more exaggerated as some conflicts were pushed a bit too far just to create drama.
Personally, I found the final stretch of the narrative overly centered on the ML’s family, which made the story lose some of its charm. At that point in the story, the family drama overshadowed the romance and slowed down the pacing, especially compared to the much more engaging earlier episodes.
Frankly, I couldn’t have cared less about the ML’s mother and her backstory. She was mean through and through, and her villain arc wasn’t even remotely interesting to watch. Her motivations were inconsistent and unreasonable. And, honestly, compared to her unrealistic toxic character, the other “villains” were at least entertaining.
On the brighter side, the second couple (and the too-wise-beyond-his-years child) was genuinely delightful. Their scenes were sweet, funny, warm, grounded, and surprisingly moving. Their dynamic added a softness and emotional sincerity that I really appreciated, and I honestly wish they had been given (a lot) more screen time. THEY’re the reason this drama ended up with a high 8.5/10 from me.
I quite enjoyed the first 2/3rds of the series, but the last 6–8 episodes drifted a bit too far into makjang — or gǒuxiě, in this case — for my own taste. The tone suddenly became heavier and more exaggerated as some conflicts were pushed a bit too far just to create drama.
Personally, I found the final stretch of the narrative overly centered on the ML’s family, which made the story lose some of its charm. At that point in the story, the family drama overshadowed the romance and slowed down the pacing, especially compared to the much more engaging earlier episodes.
Frankly, I couldn’t have cared less about the ML’s mother and her backstory. She was mean through and through, and her villain arc wasn’t even remotely interesting to watch. Her motivations were inconsistent and unreasonable. And, honestly, compared to her unrealistic toxic character, the other “villains” were at least entertaining.
On the brighter side, the second couple (and the too-wise-beyond-his-years child) was genuinely delightful. Their scenes were sweet, funny, warm, grounded, and surprisingly moving. Their dynamic added a softness and emotional sincerity that I really appreciated, and I honestly wish they had been given (a lot) more screen time. THEY’re the reason this drama ended up with a high 8.5/10 from me.
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