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I honestly appreciate your reply, but with all due respect it doesn't address my point.
I have never said that the series is bad, or getting worse. I also have nothing against typical dramas (I also said that in my original post).
My point is that the drama no longer concentrate on the business. It is delving in the usual stuff.
Women bonding with each other might be unusual for Western shows, but it is very typical for Korean ones, so this is not new. It is good, and I like it and enjoy it, but nothing new.
What I was hoping for is almost a "work" or "long and hard journey" drama. In other words, much more focus on how to be successful, and more details and screen time about the problems. I wanted them to keep failing for much longer.
Mysteries, marriage issues, potential romance, etc. All these things are enjoyable and I am having a good time, but I can no longer say this drama is very unique. It just has a unique premise, and some bold themes.

While Ju Ri fantasy is not a parody of very famous movie, but it actually reminded me little bit of Jamie Lee Curtis in "A Fish Called Wanda". But Wanda had a thing for Russian lol.
(btw..hillarious movie)

I don't deny that there were some really funny scenes. I really laughed at sexpeare, and was amused by the Titanic & Basic Instict parodies. But, the fight was just slapstick. I didn't find it even the funny type. But, whatever.
However, don't you feel that the series is getting away from its original premise??
They spend just little bit of screen time to show the progression in a substantial way.
This episode was essentially quick exposition, few minutes that had some substance, and the rest was just comedy sketches (regarding the business I mean)
I am not saying the series is becoming worse. I actually liked todays episode, but I feel it is slowly becoming your run of the mill drama (not a bad thing per se). Still enjoyable, but not as refreshing as it was in its early episodes.

E:05.

My least favourite episode so far despite its very good ending.
I am slightly concerned that we are deviating from the main plot, and venturing into tried and trusted stuff.
I felt their business plan worked unbelievably easily. Frankly, I didn't buy the scene at hairdresser salon. The chairman's wife reaction upon seeing O Geum was inconsistent with the recent events between these two.
Idk, things (business wise) are starting to be too easy for them, which is both unrealistic and disappointing from a narrative point of view.
I am also starting to feel the humour starting be more slapstick rather than clever.

Having said all that, I still enjoyed the episode, but lets get back to what the series was trying to do in its early episodes rather than pivoting to your typical stuff.

Romance is certainly not the main plot.
It is not even the secondary plot imo.
As much as I think this series deserves to be watched for its many qualities, if romance is the main reason why you watch drama, then maybe it is not for you.

Believe it, or not, I had the same thought.
It just make a good shock value, but I hope this will not be the case.
In my opinion all the side plots should remain low key, so they don't distract from the main story.

I appreciate how few clothes Jeong Suk has.
Some dramas have a poor protagonist, but somehow she has all these great outfits.

As of E4 no husband (we don't know why), and "blink and you will miss it" mention of a boyfriend. I think she broke up with him.

I would say you can see this behaviour even in the biggest and most sophistacted cities in the world.

I am loving Ju-Ri little son and his facts from Womens magazines lol.
He is a bit sterotyped, but still so loveable.

E03 was much more familiar Kdrama territory. But, it was still good, and I shed few tears.
This drama is shaping to be a really good one.

I see that you rated Shop for killers 10/10.
So, mercenaries, strong violence against all genders and ages, brutal killing in multiple ways, arms dealers, backstabbers, and another whole list of awful human behaviours is fine and ok, but a subplot of cheating (which happens all over the world every minute) is so bad that ruined a drama?
I really struggle to understand your moral hierarchy.

Yes me too.
Ra Mi Ran is such a wonderful actress (if you are fan of her, try Black Dog. A really underrated series imo).
The friendship between Moms in 1988 was marvellously acted. One of the best I have seen. You really believe these were friends for ages. Their chitchats, while many found it boring, I found it one of the best aspects of the series.

E2.
Another good episode, although I had more fun with E01. But, this had a good progression of the story, but still kept lots of humour, although I can't say I laughed this time. Still, I smiled a lot!
I am finding myself really drawn to O Geum Hui as a character (btw..can we all bow to Kim Sung Ryung for looking so well at 57!) . She is very interesting because she is not desperate for the money like the other 3. She doesn't really need the business. She wants it. She is doing it for herself.

Only negative is the confirmation of the suspicion that I think we all had. There is some criminal and secret investigation. If they keep it to minimum like they have done so far, I can live with it, but I hope it doesn't become the main plot and change the nature of the series.

Oh! only after reading your comment I noticed that it is a remake. I haven't seen the original.
Considering the subject matter, I think it works probably even better when set in conservative societies.
It is good to know the original hasn't mystery, but I doubt this would stop them if they want. It might not be a serial killer, but my guess there will be something. I just hope it doesn't take too much time.
The premise is really good and self sufficent.

Watcched E1 today.

Wow! that was unexpectedly delightful first episode. Apart from touching on some of usual social issues, it is tackling rather new subject for K-drama as far as I know. But, it is not only the subject matter itself. It is the concept of going against the grain, and being brave.
We are also developing some heart warming camaraderie!

And, then the humour! I was genuinely laughing out loud. The entire sale scene was SO funny! I mean that was some peak sit-com stuff!
But even earlier in the episode, I really laughed when the husband said "If the Lambs are silent, then give them some medicine" hahaha

I am tiny bit worried though that there is a policeman. I REALLY hope that we don't have a serial killer. I hope he is there just as a potential love interest!

The movie could have been much better if it concentrated only on one topic.
There is so much to like about it, but it is a case where the whole is smaller than the sum of its parts.

Still, it is good and entertaining. It has some very good action scenes.
7.5/10

I think Season 2 is a misleading title.
A much more appropriate title is Part 2.
So, I would say, you kind of need the second part to get the wrap up of the story.

Personally, and this might be very unpopular opinion, I think the problem lies with the writers. 20 episodes were already too much to tell the story. And yet, they couldn't finish it, and needed another 10.
I think with tighter writing , less subplots and going in circles, this could have been very good 16 episodes.
However, I am clearly in minority based on ratings.
Btw..I still think it is good, but overrated.
..and Part 1 is indeed better than Part 2

I couldn't find the malware, but managed to find its name.
It is called "Plot Device" :)

Only teared up? lol
Tears were flowing in my case. I had to stop.
My favourite scene of the series.