LA_Drama Fan

what the heck was THAT all about, anyways? LOL

SooJae and YuNa's story is not done yet. He will be there to pick up the pieces when her emotions are crushed again in the next disaster to befall her.

I've got to believe now that she's done her damage, Auntie Gold-digger will be written out soon?

My reviews are getting too long to post here, I will move them to the "comment on current episodes" section of the discussions, starting with Ep 30 tonight. Thanks for indulging me in the comments section.

Episode 29, “I don't think your mother likes me”

Well it figures. Just last week I give the writer bouquets and this week she tosses us this clunker of an episode.

My main takeaway from this depressing episode was the continuing (and increasing) decline of Kyung-Ae’s mental state. Realizing she was kept in the dark, she is no longer able to control her anger at her entire family with the wack-a-mole game, now even frightening her upstairs relative. She is going ‘scorched earth’ on the other 2 sons relationships as well. I cannot imagine, in ANY culture where a rational mother would say “I’ll speak my mind even if it costs our relationship”. And MinHo just stands there saying ‘my goodness’ ‘unbelievable’, etc. I see these scenes and they leave me shaking my head. I mean geez, MihHo, does she need to go around wearing a hat that says “IM NUTS, HELP ME”? Instead, he concedes she is the most powerful person in the house!

History shows us putting crazy people in charge generally doesn’t work well. Just sayin……

By the way….Aunt Home-Wrecker? Not anymore, she’s Aunt Gold-digger and I think we know what Aunt Gold-digger is all about now. Enough said. The Hyun’s have their own problems and she is making things worse rapidly as well. MiRae’s mom’s house of cards is on the verge of collapsing.

And for goodness’ sake, YJ, DON’T BUY ANY MORE STOCK!

So 29 is not a lucky number for the Lee or Hyun families.

Rather than present a long, overblown review that discusses several key scenes, I’ll give a long, overblown review that focuses on ONE scene: Meet the Lee Family.

Instead of giving the Dolts an early green light for marriage, they are going to drag it out, and make them fight for their love until, probably marriage comes somewhere in the mid-40 episode count. UNLESS….YJ finally has his fill of this abuse, takes the lead, and tells HJun they are going to elope (with Grandpa’s approval of course), the rest of the families be darned. (Is elopement a thing in S. Korea?) I would have preferred an early marriage with the rest of their story focused on the challenges these two face trying to balance career, love, finances, and maybe children. Oh well, I just work here.

What is most frustrating for me is that the whole Elevator Issue is so completely and easily resolved by the foreshadowing earlier in the series. I’m no screenwriter but here are 3 alternatives off the top of my head:

-YJ pulls Mom into the kitchen and tells her that HJun screamed in the elevator because he had driven her nuts. And reminds Mom that is the same reaction she gives to him, so she and HJun have something in common, right? Situation defused.

-Grandpa pulls Mom into the kitchen and reminds her of how appreciative she was that he welcomed a frightened and broke young KyungAe into the family. Shouldn’t she show the same courtesy and compassion to HJun? Situation defused, provided KyungAe’s mind is capable of empathy at this point.

-MinHo tells Mom BEFORE the luncheon: “If you do ANYTHING to drive a wedge between our sons and their women, I will never forgive you and our marriage will change forever. I will be colder to you than you can imagine. You have a right to an opinion. You do not have a right to ruin everyone else’s lives with it. I expect you to be charming and on your best behavior. You have been warned.”

(my preference is #2, above, although I think #3 would be more effective).

So this would leave (in KA’s mind), HJun’s age & children as remaining issues. She seems to be the only one at this point for whom her age is a factor. Children are a legitimate concern but since YJ isn’t focused on it, she should shut up too (good luck with that). There may be something going on, given HJun’s response when he mentioned it on the phone, but it’s too early to tell if it’s health-related or career-related. But, she’s right…it really is a topic to be discussed in person.

Was HJun nervous? Darn right. Was she clumsy? Yes she was and is. And although embarrassing and awkward, the combination of the two can be can be forgiven. I once dropped a full glass of red wine on the white carpet at my future in-laws Christmas party. Can you image how well THAT went over? Here is a woman who deals with stressful situations in her work life and who now has to deal with them in her once-boring personal life too. She is SUPER STRESSED-OUT FOLKS. You would be too.

And finally, I’m sure I’m not the only one thinking, “KyungAe, your 40-yr old introvert of a son finally brings home a beautiful, intelligent and successful woman; one who loves him despite his quirkiness, financial situation AND she will help resolve his debts….and you’re going TO FORCE THEM APART? ARE YOU CRAZY?”

And the answer my friends is: Yes, she is crazy. And that’s the problem. For the Lee’s, this entire episode was based on the decline of Han Kyung Ae.

Thank you for listening tonight from a balmy Southern California.

Ep 30 looks like more white water ahead. Hang on tight, it probably gets uglier for both families. I’m not sure I want to watch it, if I believe the previews.

That's an interesting take. Thank you for explaining. ;-)

Bad temper? How so?

I watched ep 27 again last night (thanks, insomnia).
If you get a chance, re-watch the scene where he suggests they marry. OMS is such a good actor. He was so honest and earnest (shown in his expressions, not words) in not understanding why what he suggested was not the right approach, that HJun had to fumble for the words to say, so not to hurt his feelings. You can tell she is trying to make him understand while not being critical. Her telling him to put in more effort and playfully walking away showed she used the right touch. As Mina said before, this is how a mature couple communicates. That scene was so subtle yet so realistic.

have a good weekend, everyone!

I would GLADLY PAY for a subbed compilation DVD of the Dolts story once the show ends. But I dont hold out much hope, as KBS YouTube page doesn't sub (which I don't get at all, given the big international audience) and the KBS World Facebook page doesn't even mention the show!

MIn, I took her comment about "come this far..." was referring to the time she drove there to drop off Grandpa, and I'm guessing there were other times too?

SooJae is 'stuck' right now. He's too proud to come to his parents for help in paying off the loan, but he doesn't realize that he'll never be able to work enough part-time jobs to pay it off. I feel like he's using the part time work as an excuse to avoid his family as much as possible. I don't see much of a role for him to play in family matters in sharing his brother's happiness with their girlfriends. Until he humbles himself and asks for help, he won't develop any further.

Episode 28 – “History Happens Overnight”

Well. That was unexpected.
If they cancelled the series now, I would have no problem. I couldn’t be happier with how the Dolts story is turning out.

Firstly, other news:
The Lees: I wasn’t prepared for MinHo’s crestfallen look when he found out about MiRae’s prior case. She WASN’T married, lighten up Dad. Your son needs your support for when your train-wreck of a wife finds out. JEEZ.

The Hyuns: I’m just cringing at Aunt Homewrecker’s arrival (love that nickname from posts below). As if this family wasn’t dysfunctional enough, why not pour some MORE gasoline onto this dumpster fire? What could possibly go wrong? At least MiRae’s dad grabbed the car keys and drove his wife to the hospital; it’s the first time I’ve seen him being proactive about anything. The part about dealing with Grandma’s broken hip was realistically done…I’m sure many of us have faced this news about one of our elder’s falling. I’ve been thru it twice and hats off to the Doctor’s frankness and honesty with MiRae’s parents.

OK, onto the Dolts…there was so much happening, this post would be unreadable if I covered everything, so lets concentrate on 3 segments:

THE PROPOSAL. This was the most unusual proposal I’ve seen on TV. And yet, all things considered, it works. Proposing at her office did seem like a good idea, his reasoning was sound. Unfortunately, it became a zoo with all the others interfering (HJun’s desperately flicking SungSoo away was great). MiRae’s constant craning her neck around to see the flowers was sweet, and HJ’s “are you kidding me” attitude was spot on. I’m not sure where their ‘usual spot’ is? Outside of the law firm building?

His speech was so touching, honest, and true to his character. And flowers instead of a ring makes sense, given his financial situation, as long as she accepted it. Her “but…I won’t say it” was presumably about why he didn’t say “will you marry me?”, but when she looked at his face, and how proud he was and how hard he must have worked, SIGH…. Words fail me. And kudos for the background song “Thank You” from the OST, which is usually played during celebratory moments (the last time we heard it for them was when he hugged her on the bridge after she confessed about being the tipster).

Do you get the feeling I’m paying WAY TOO MUCH attention to this show? It's after 10pm, am I allowed a drink?

The cherry on top for this scene was the immediate cut to them walking into her condo, with such pretty background music. When she looked at him and said ‘you can stay here forever’ that was it for me. I had to pause the show and collect myself, I was so happy for these make-believe people who speak a language I can't understand, on a TV series from the other side of the planet. His surprising her with breakfast the next morning (GOOD MAN, YJ) and telling her she’d have it everyday was a wonderful preview of their life together. Uhhhh…..I may have re-played this series of scenes several times today.
Several.
Like, you know, a lot.

INFORMING HJ. Shot over 2 locations (His office & the Bistro), I think this may have been my 2nd most anticipated follow-on scene (behind meeting the parents). HJun's and HJ’s banter at the beginning left me thinking: come on Girl, TELL HIM. Her nerves were starting to get the better of her (constantly fiddling with her skirt) but we got the payoff we wanted and as satisfying as his disbelief was, it was even better at the bistro, as he had to sit there and watch his brother and prospective sister in law acting romantically in front of him. Best part – his biting hard on a French fry (?) while watching this. LOL. I only wish MiRae could have been there. I so badly want to see her happiness to the news. Uh yeah, I probably replayed these scenes a few times over, as well.

MEET THE PARENTS. I’ll keep this short, as we’ll see this reprised next week I’d guess. Her nerves at this point are shot, and it looked as if she had been crying when she got off the elevator at her condo to meet YJ. I’m glad he drove, she was in no condition. Her dress was fantastic, BTW and their encounter with SoRa & SungSoo was perfect. “I’ve come this far a few times but have never gone in….” I could certainly feel her dread and anxiety. SDM has so nailed this character, it’s unbelievable. I did appreciate Grandpa wearing the shirt she got him.

And I’ll leave it at that.

I’m considerably older than most of you reading this. I’ve been watching TV since the 1960s here in LA and grew up alongside the entertainment industry. And I have NEVER been so touched emotionally by a TV series as I have by this one. I can’t explain it, other than the Dolt’s story hits a nerve with me, as it parallels much of my life as well. The acting by the cast is just terrific, their chemistry works, the writer (so far) has not disappointed, and the pace of the show is just right. Because I can’t point to one specific thing, I can only say the synergy of the show is off the charts. Thank you, KBS. Please don’t screw it up.

Well it’s late again. Goodnight and thanks for listening from Southern California

I think there is another angle that could be very interesting: Should KyungAe reject MiRae, how would HJun react? She is a professional advocate, MiRae is presumably her best-friend, and HJ is her 'little brother'. I'd guess, although un-mentioned, they envision each other as sisters-in-law. I can't see HJun just sitting by and not doing anything, especially seeing how hurt they would be.

Thank you, Mina. I'll try to watch 28 tonight and update before midnight, this time. This should be an easy ep to watch, if they stick to pattern, they'll give the Dolts a break and something big will happen in 29, or maybe a cliffhanger at the end of 28.

He keeps asking SoRa because she is the only other female in his life (other than Mom). If I were her, that advice would come at a cost: Admit you're dating her, and I'll be more than happy to advise you LOL.

#3 is an interesting point! How will the woman who has used intimidation respond to the new woman who unwittingly intimidates her? Maybe HJun has power that she doesn't know she has?

Episode 27 – “OhMyGosh”

Wow. Where to start? Again, I think I’ll put the Dolts at the end. I apologize for the TLDR nature of these recent comments.

So, first off, the previews suck. Was that really necessary, producer? (Insert Bronx cheer).

Three women stood out to me in this episode, other than HJun: Kyung-Ae, MiRae, and YuNa.

YuNa: I agree with the prevailing sentiment that YuNa is headed for disaster again should she continue to date JungHoo. Somehow MiRae’s mom will find out about the scam and it’s going to be ugly. It will be interesting who informs the Mom… But, I have to ask myself why are they doing this to YuNa’s character? Does she need to be continually crushed? I know life is unfair, but she TRIED to stop the scam, and she confessed when SJ wouldn’t. Give this girl a break. She needs to go to Paris and get out for her own sake.

MiRae: I’m no fashionista, so I’ll withhold comments on her attire. Ms. Bae has also gotten flak for not being up to the acting level of her co-leads. Tell you what: go back and watch the camping scene, when she and HJ go for a walk at night, and talk to each other face to face. Listen to her voice crack with emotion as she talks to him. I don’t speak Korean and subtitles aren’t needed to tell me how she is feeling. That was really well-acted. I just wish MiRae would find a room-mate and move out of her parent’s house. Mom is really out of line now. She’s really waiting up for her grown daughter to get back from a date? REALLY?

Kyung-Ae: I think she is showing signs of mental illness, tbh. They’ve given us enough hints in the prior episodes, especially with MinHo saying “she’s gotten increasingly aggressive in the last few years”. Hello? MinHo needs to wake up. Being deceived by her most beloved son has really sent her over the edge. And her resentment of YuNa is out of line, MinHo knows this as well. Have you noticed she rarely is seen sleeping now? And when she tries to, it’s unproductive in the mid-day & interrupted by the kids upstairs? She clearly resents years of being the ‘bad cop’ to MinHo’s ‘good cop’ in the good cop/bad cop method of parenting she & her husband chose to raise their sons with. And now she realizes that something is going on with YunJae and his girlfriend, and she’ll realize how much she’s being kept in the dark shortly. Being kept in the dark by her own family is not going to help her attitude. And there are anger issues too, obviously. I’m afraid she’s going to wind up as some kind of wrecking ball to her two son’s relationships.

OK, on to happier topics. I believe the Dolts are the most realistic (despite the humor-angle) couple of those on the show. I’d be happy to debate that later.

First off, was the “mix up” in communication about HJun’s being in the ER deliberate by SoRa? I’d be curious to hear other’s opinion.

You’d think YJ would be tired of asking SR on advice on dating/proposals/etc? He just can’t bring himself to tell her the truth. And the scene where HJ interrupts lunch with HJun & MiRae was pretty funny, and a continuation of a theme we’ve seen with these three. And yeah, HJ, it would be a good idea to have “security” around when you meet with an unhappy client. Sheesh. Better late than never I guess. At least they addressed it.

I’m glad they resolved the money issue at the beginning of the episode. Although when he said “I’m in debt too”, I had a brief vision of her saying, “uh……” But to tell him, “All I need is love” was maybe the sweetest thing I’ve heard her say. He was so taken aback; he didn’t know what to do. Bowing his head to her was the exact right response.

So, the hospital scenes: This is the first time we’ve seen our mild-mannered YJ really stressed and his outburst in the ER was stunning, not the least to HJun who didn’t know what was going on. Nice little details: He runs to the door too fast for it to open, and has to open it manually; the out-of-focus background reactions to his yelling; carry-over background ER noises while they sat outside. Odd little omission: I’m surprised they didn’t show him asking what actually happened, but I guess that occurred between the back hug and the bench-sitting scene? Once they sat on the bench and he could unwind HJun managed to get her man’s mind straightened out and calmed down. This is how a mature couple acts and was really touching. I’ve mentioned in previous discussions how mentions of her childhood and solitary life deeply affect him, and our girl knows her man: When she started talking about her family, she knew that would touch a nerve (he goes from looking into space to suddenly staring at her eyes). We finally get a brief back-story on her, and you knew the minute she mentioned her parent’s passing and asking if her Mother sent him to her, his anxiety instantly melted away and she had him, hook-line-sinker. YunJae, you’re done – you’re getting married.

And of course, in the next scene we see his logical mind work, and just ask to get married. Although he’s grown greatly over their relationship, he still hasn’t completely figured out her need for romance, and how she values traditional things and customs. (I am surprised she didn’t insist on the bended-knee approach). “Next time put in more effort”. She knows exactly what to say to him and how to motivate him.

Although this episode didn’t give us the warm-fuzzies the roller rink/condo scene did, I think the Dolt fans know what is coming. Question is, how long will it take?

And lastly, we’ve never heard either of them confess their love for each other. We know they do. They know they do. We never get anything more than ‘like’. So why not say it? Cultural differences?

On pins & needles for Ep 28….

Thanks for listening to my rambling & a very late goodnight from Southern California.

PS - My girls tell me this is the group therapy I need to cope with K-Dramas (they think K-Dramas are addictive and are telling me to limit them to 1 ep a day/1 series at a time). LOL

oh geez. OK, thank you Mina. I'll try to watch 27 tonight. Maybe a late night review tonight.

I've been avoiding the spoilers and youtube. (I concentrated on 25/26 which aired here locally this weekend in a butchered-format on KBS America).

How badly did they hurt HaeJun? Is this show going down the YLAG drain too? If so, I'm out.

Mina, I think they are setting us up for that. Note that HJ even mentioned "they were seeing a favorable factor". A soaring stock price (buyout offer from competitor?) would change his fortunes. HOLD that stock! :-)

I can see a scenario where they agree to engage, but hold marriage off until his finances come in order, which would cause some tension in their relationship. I'm thinking wayyyy too much.