Noctis

I Would Just Be The Catcher In The Rye And All..

Was it as good as the first season?? No.. But sequels rarely are.. However, if you watch this drama without comparing it to the first season, it might not be a masterpiece but it's still a well executed drama that evokes a range of emotions.. The friendship remains a standout element as it was in the first season, but this time with new characters..

Park Jihoon is an outstanding actor.. The way he portrays sadness, agony and melancholy is crazy.. But in this season, it’s a bit hard to say Park Jihoon was the true main lead.. Two other characters completely outperformed him, Baku and Na Baek Jin.. They were the highlight of the drama for me.. Si Eun was the anchor of the drama.. But thats it.. This whole season was carried by Baku and Na Baek Jin.. This season had a genuinely talented cast and they delivered.. These are the kind of actors the industry should be promoting, not those overrated ones riding on the hype of obsessive fangirls.. It’s the truly talented people who deserve the spotlight..

Ryeo Un's performance was incredible.. He brought so much heart to the scenes with his friends and undoubtedly he totally owned the action scenes..
Bae Na Ra.. Wow.. He was exceptional.. Really gave those villainous vibes.. The fact that they showed there was goodness in him was a nice touch.. He had a past.. But that doesnt justify his actions.. [ Major spoiler incoming ] I wish they hadn't killed him off at the end.. If there is a third season I hope they build on that.. Because that was such a loss..
Lee Jun Young, even with limited screen time he just gave another really strong performance.. The bad guy rebel vibe is something he pulls off effortlessly as we have seen before.. But man he was thrilling to watch..

This drama had an amazing roster of talented yet totally underrated actors.. I hope we get to see more of them in future dramas.. It’s unfortunate that the industry often chooses overrated actors over true talent..

Jo Jung Suk's cameo was a surprise.. While I liked the cameo and it was nice to see him in that role, he didn’t leave much of an impact.. I felt the character could have benefited from a stronger, more commanding negative presence.. Which unfortunately didn't come through as powerfully as it could have..

In Ep7, Si Eun says sorry to Beom Seok when he was in a coma like situation after his accident.. I honestly don’t understand why.. Beom Seok is one of the main reasons Suho is in the hospital and yet Si Eun says sorry?? What's the logic here??

This might be a bit of a controversial opinion.. But if there is a season 3, I do wonder what role Suho would play in that circle.. Now that we have Baku who I would say not only filled his place but did it even better.. It’s hard to see how Suho fits into the dynamic from here on..

Overall, I can't deny that this drama did everything it set out to and to a very high standard.. I do wish the finale was a bit stronger.. The final clash felt underwhelming.. But it was a thrilling watch.. I am confident there are more compelling stories to tell in the Weak Hero Class Universe, so expecting a third installment as well..

I should mention Park Ji Hoon again.. The nuance with which he creates such a melancholic character who you can't help but feel sad about is awe inspiring..

P.S.. The drama started off with a quote from one of my favorite books.. The catcher in the Rye..

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Dear Hongrang is a total feast for the sageuk fans.. Top tier acting, well paced story and aesthetically pleasing cinematography, absolutely sublime.. But what really stands out is the OST.. Goosebumps kind of good.. Lee Jae Wook is back in his element.. He served.. He had one of the best entrance scene, simple but perfect.. The powerful soundtrack, the family tension, that chilling look in his eyes.. It was the kind of scene that makes you sit up and pay attention..

At first glance the narrative might feel familiar for this genre.. But once The Snow Man is introduced, it becomes clear there is something sinister and haunting underneath all the family secrets, forbidden romance and political schemes..

Lee Jae Wook deserves all the appreciation in the world for his performance here.. He has always delivered outstanding performances.. But in Dear Hongrang, thanks to a well written script and a character that fits him perfectly, he truly shines.. And Jo Bo Ah smoulders and brings Sim Jae I to life.. Her performance was heartbreaking, tender, emotional and quietly powerful..

Every time I see Kim Jae Wook in a drama, he just blows my mind all over again.. He is extraordinarily talented.. Which makes me wonder why isn't he getting Main Lead roles?? Why are we not seeing him in more dramas?? He is such a great actor.. Its a shame his screen time was limited here too..

For me, two aspects stood out as the most intense and impressive parts of this drama.. Both in terms of its execution and the acting.. Absolute perfection..
First, The action scenes.. The action here is really fantastic and the camera work makes the swordplay totally engaging and awesome.. Grounded enough to not feel over the top but just enough to wow you.. Lee Jae Wook, unsurprisingly, was amazing.. He has truly outdone himself in those intense action moments.. Ep 10 was just pure brilliance..
Second, the romance development between the leads.. Their relationship isn’t a fairytale.. It’s messy, raw and painful.. And I guess that’s what made it feel real.. It was a gorgeously melancholic portrait of yearning and emotional fragility..

I didn't like the SML from the beginning.. His character was questionable.. One scene after the SML finds proof that the ML is not Hongrang, he says
" Once you know that he is an imposter, you will return to your usual self.. It may break your heart to know you have been deceived.. But do not worry.. As always I shall be there for you.. "

For me this is SML's character defining moment where he shows his true face.. His obsession with the FL..
Her usual self?? The one who risked her life just to earn money to search for her brother?? The one who woke up crying from nightmares, haunted by guilt and grief?? He wasn’t trying to protect her.. He was thrilled at the idea of breaking her spirit just so he could " be there for her ".. Even if she was suffering and in pain, for him it doesn't matter.. He just wanted her all for himself.. And when she confided in him about her feelings for the ML, he still didn’t tell her the truth.. He could have saved her from that agonizing shame.. From thinking her love was something forbidden.. But he chose silence because if she knew, he might lose her.. So he just let her suffer.. That wasn’t love, it was selfishness and he was a pathetic person..

He also says.. " I am not trying to protect her.. I intend to claim her.. "

For people talking about second lead syndrome for this guy, you people are sick.. He was as evil as every other villains in the drama.. Sim Jae I nailed it when she said,
" It is but an obsession for what you cannot have.. That is your truth.. "

The last three episodes were intense, story heavy, emotion filled and action packed.. All the revelations, the prince’s monstrous crimes.. The horrifying complicity of the father and the painful backstory that tied it all together.. It was painful and tragic.. The ML finally got his revenge and it was satisfying to watch.. But there was no happy ending for the main leads.. Terribly predictable, that was not a surprise for me..

Overall, Dear Hongrang was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.. There is a deep sadness imbued in all the scenes of this drama.. The ending was sad and emotional but honestly it was never going to be a happy one for them.. I just wish Jae I had a child.. Because now her life feels as lonely as it was before.. I wanted her to have something more to live for.. Something that’s truly hers..

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