It's good that the script doesn't shy away from the fact that Eui-jeong's inclusion in the operation is a double-edged sword. It's a trade-off not a solution -- it distracts momentarily but it creates another set of issues. That's far more realistic than if everything went their way. It's a complicated situation made much more messy with her in the mix. And I'm here for it 100%. More thoughts under spoiler tags.
I read in so many places that after doing very average dramas JCW is finally doing a good one..I don’t get it.…
Ji Chang-wook has always been highly regarded as an actor but his script choices post-military hasn't had broad appeal. The last show of his I managed to finish was Suspicious Partner. I tried watching Melting Me Softly and gave up after 2 episodes. Same with Lovestruck in the City and If You Wish Upon Me. I wasn't interested in Backstreet Rookie or The Sound of Magic. There are so many dramas these days across genres and most people are spoilt for choice. Often times a good actor alone can't keep their interest.
Episode 7 was really good and that ending... wow. The implications for future episodes is huge. Fantastic. That's what I wanted from the show. Before that the show was just treading water but the show really upped the ante in Episode 7 and did a couple of things I didn't expect.
Yes.And can you recommend similar setting shows to me? Maybe chinese show? I want realistic show just like how…
I recommend Shadow Detective Parts 1 and 2 also on Disney Plus. It's really good. No romance but the acting is top notch. I also liked Decoy from earlier in the year.
I'm finally done with this. Great performances by the cast. I appreciated the slightly more optimistic note at the end although I think the first season was tighter and maintained a higher level of realism. S2 was more of an exploration of guilt. It's amazing too that it managed to give every single one of the main characters individual arcs in 6 episodes.
I personally don't find it that difficult to believe that Gi-cheul would make a play for Eui-jeong's affections. It's reasonably consistent with who he was... and has become. I don't think it's just nostalgia either because he is still wearing the pendant from their church days. The crucial aspect of his character to highlight here is that he's a risk taker or a gambler that's driven by resentments. While he is calculating and astute, he is also motivated by the need to gain a measure of respectability which we saw in Episode 1. He hated being trampled on by his wealthy clients and his immediate supervisor Sgt Jang so he staged a coup... which he got away with by waving around more money to the biggest noises in gangland. And then he did it again and won.
So what did he learn from those events? Well, money solves everything. And that fortune favours the brave. Money not only made everything possible in these instances but his risk-taking paid off. A common trait about smart people is that they often overreach. Because they get away with wrongdoing repeatedly they are emboldened by their successes. It’s hard to say if Gi-cheul is egotistical enough to believe that he will win the girl as much as he likes the challenge of gaming the system. As far he's concerned he has already done what's impossible by founding the Gangnam Union and taking ownership of most of the nightclubs in the area. The irony of course is that while he believes he has a shot at the prize, he’s already lost the game.
His is a story of not just of greed but pride as well. Things have gone his way for too long and there are social consequences. No individual can do whatever they want without paying the price. He is already doing so for his lawlessness. He can't really trust anyone even his oldest friends. Even his allies could turn against him at any time. The lifestyle he's chosen comes at a cost.
Ultimately it doesn't matter what the audience thinks of him but what Eui-jeong thinks of him. She won't fall for him not just because he has become a threat to public order but because she perceives him as an impediment to her husband's safety. She serves not only as a lifeline but a moral compass for everyone involved (which includes Jun-mo's handler Capt Seok and the prosecutor-in-charge) and Gi-cheul. I tend to also agree with the idea that she will be the one to set him on a course to redemption if indeed that is possible.
It's certainly a testament to Wi Ha-jun's portrayal (and the script) that Gi-cheul garners a certain amount of sympathy.
4 
https://40somethingahjumma.substack.com/p/my-dearest-2023-episodes-11-12
https://40somethingahjumma.substack.com/p/my-week-in-dramas-14-october-2023
And I'm here for it 100%.
More thoughts under spoiler tags.
The crime genre is my favourite.
The entire cast is doing a really good job.
And Ocean Guardian is a hoot.
So what did he learn from those events? Well, money solves everything. And that fortune favours the brave. Money not only made everything possible in these instances but his risk-taking paid off.
A common trait about smart people is that they often overreach. Because they get away with wrongdoing repeatedly they are emboldened by their successes. It’s hard to say if Gi-cheul is egotistical enough to believe that he will win the girl as much as he likes the challenge of gaming the system. As far he's concerned he has already done what's impossible by founding the Gangnam Union and taking ownership of most of the nightclubs in the area. The irony of course is that while he believes he has a shot at the prize, he’s already lost the game.
His is a story of not just of greed but pride as well. Things have gone his way for too long and there are social consequences. No individual can do whatever they want without paying the price. He is already doing so for his lawlessness. He can't really trust anyone even his oldest friends. Even his allies could turn against him at any time. The lifestyle he's chosen comes at a cost.
Ultimately it doesn't matter what the audience thinks of him but what Eui-jeong thinks of him. She won't fall for him not just because he has become a threat to public order but because she perceives him as an impediment to her husband's safety. She serves not only as a lifeline but a moral compass for everyone involved (which includes Jun-mo's handler Capt Seok and the prosecutor-in-charge) and Gi-cheul. I tend to also agree with the idea that she will be the one to set him on a course to redemption if indeed that is possible.
It's certainly a testament to Wi Ha-jun's portrayal (and the script) that Gi-cheul garners a certain amount of sympathy.
https://40somethingahjumma.substack.com/p/my-week-in-dramas-5-october-2023