Between The Lines

I find she has a natural beauty - it almost seems like she isn't trying to be pretty but somehow always is. Plus the fact when she pouts I find it cute rather than irritating which means she's doing something right!

I actually think its a slight issue with story telling in general. So many drama's seem to struggle demonstrating a subtle approach in showing how much the ml likes the fl they end up going a little overboard. It can some across as controlling when to me its just slightly heavy handed storytelling.
This drama is at its best when it just relies on both the leads chemistry - they do cute, awkward and sexy really well.

They are very cute together, i find myself smiling most of the way through each episode!

Yin Guo asked Yin Yang brothers whilst he he was drunk, why he had stopped playing pool - unless they have updated the subs. Its only a minor issue but obviously snooker is very different to pool and shouldn't be confused.

After 14 episodes I think what I've come to love the most is the sincerity of both Leo Wu and Zhao Jin Mai performances.

Leo nuanced performance of the optimism of first love to someone who is still trying to deal with a troubled past has been cute, funny and moving all at the same time.

It would be easy for Zhao Jin Mai to just rely on the cute/innocent role in this drama, yet she has managed to make Yin Guo much more than this. You see the competitor when she plays pool and you see how she is moving towards Yi Yang even if she is unprepared for this at this point in her life.

BTW - I noticed for the first time the subtitles mix up billiards/9 ball/Pool with snooker, Yi Yang was a snooker player.

So many drama's rely on chaos to tell its story. Chaos can come in the form of misunderstandings, poor communication or outright conflict. Chaos is entertaining, Chaos can be be fun.

However, there is another way to tell a story, perhaps a more relatable way, that doesn't require nefarious plots by third wheels or fits of toxic jealousy by rivals.

And this is why I'm enjoying this drama. from the first tentative yet awkward steps towards each other, to the relationship building that is now taking place. Its not chaotic, its not overly dramatic, its rather sweet, its relatable and has an almost kind of purity to it. Its just a guy standing in front of a girl telling her he likes her....

There maybe chaos in the future, but right now, watching the journey take place in front of my eyes is more than enough for me.

In some respects this almost feels like day 1 of Ji Won re-birth. She has had the previous time line to fall back on up until this point. Now she is uncharted waters with only her new self to guide her.

The consequences for Ji Won changing her fate also seem to be coming into play. This should be a huge challenge, her actions have unintended results.

Make the next episodes really interesting.

This is the first C/Drama of 2024 that I've enjoyed every episode of so far.

If the purpose of a drama is make you feel something then episode 9 accomplished this completely as I'm likely to be walking around with smile on my face all day.

There was so much I liked but 3 things really stood out across both episodes.

Chemistry - I try to judge chemistry not just on the obvious intimate moments, as I actually still find the their awkward almost embarrassed moments as the most endearing. Both leads are great here.

I love how desperate both families are to be in laws. Even after only 4days!

Finally, Yin Guo, I loved how she is becoming more assertive in their relationship.

Loved both episodes but ep 9 has made my day

I agree that the FL actually seeking help and admitting she has a problem was realistic and meaningful. Equally her mum's initially reaction - denial was also believable. I don't have a problem with the idea having the ml as first a friend and then a love interest either - they both clearly need someone in their life.

From dislike - to signs of attraction in 3 episodes all with the backdrop of the issues they face, seems to very romantic comedy focused.

BTW - The "awkwardness" of the fl family was kind of ridiculous and a little unnecessary.

I guess I'm nervous to call this a healing drama yet given my take on it so far.

Snooker is a slower paced game compared to pool where tactics and safety play is much more involved. Snooker is based on the accumulation of points rather just clearing the table. The different colour balls have a different value of points with red being the lowest 1 point and black being the highest -7 After potting a red ball you then attempt to pot a colour. In snooker a maximum score is 147. A snooker table is also twice as long as a pool table with smaller pockets. This means retaining control of the cue ball is even more important in snooker. Both games require great skill but snooker is a harder and a more tactical game to play. The drama has highlighted lots of potting - nobody ever misses! In snooker this is rare.

This is a very brief summary, there a number of other differences but i hope this helps a little.

Loved ep 7 simply because they avoided the obvious and didn't create conflict between Lin Yi Yang & Meng Xiao Dong - i was all geared up to dislike Meng Xiao Dong and they had him planning their wedding!

I also loved across both episodes that Lin Yi Yang was not passive in his pursuit, a clear transition in their relationship.

Favourite line - "I'm addicted to his face" - awesome!

I will forgive them the nine ball/snooker crossover - playing snooker on a pool table is kind of cheating!

Using humour to tackle serious issues, can be powerful, but so far it's seemed that the more serous issues are just a set up for the romantic comedy storyline.

Romance/love are not likely cures to mental health issues and the implication that it is makes me a little uncomfortable. I appreciate I'm likely in the minority but the first 3 episodes have not landed well with me if the ultimate goal is to be a healing drama.

For me the jury is still out on if this is anything more than a simple romantic comedy with some drama thrown in.

I think its the contrast that makes it work here, The feeling that is created by using these elements can impactful. The different moods are reflected. When used correctly it it can be powerful, yet so few drama's execute it well.

I like how they have used the weather and lighting at times as an emotional backdrop for the characters.

First episode - Lin Yi Yang fighting his way through the blizzard at night, hunched over - without a word spoken you can feel his troubles.

Then in later episodes Lin Yi Yang & Yin Guo walking together, little dialogue, and yet everything is brighter, the fresh feel of a new snowfall, Almost like a new beginning.

The innocence of first love.

The awkwardness of confessing

Its a simple story - a tale as old as time....

The execution of the story and the performances of the leads is what makes the first 6 episodes impactful.

This was giving me a popcorn movie kind of vibe, fun, action packed with a little comedy thrown in for good measure. You don't need to think to much, just enjoy the ride.

What made it slightly different and added to the experience was Yi Soo conversation with his brother and the parallel's we saw between Yi Soo own experiences. It provided a little more emotional depth than a simple action comedy. Good episode.

So most of the recent attempts at Sports +Romance haven't really hit the mark with me, but this drama is off to a promising start.

I like the awkward chemistry between the leads, it feels natural,. I find this far more realistic compared to the super confident/arrogant approach you sometime see from a ml particularly.

The only thing I hope for is the awkward chemistry progresses to honest chemistry at reasonable pace.

A tale with good characters set in a quirky village setting. A good watch with a satisfying conclusion.

Kim Baek Doo staying true to himself to the end , never aspiring to any big dreams, his happiness was found in those around him.

I've enjoyed this drama with the only minor criticism is that the last episode could have been split over 2 ep.

I agree - She certainly deserves recognition and more opportunities in the future

She's actually a bit of a scene steeler when on screen. From a acting performance she probably my MVP to this point.