meaghen

For the second season... I just... really need Seol Ok to get a divorce as soon as possible because she totally deserves better (and all the more if we see he *truly* fall in love with someone, unlike the kind of pletonic feelings she has towards her husband, on paper)... after seeing how corrupt her husband is/how they interact... it just makes sense for her to do what she wants in life -become a true detective, and thrive. With or witout a guy, but definitely not with that twat. Having her with Wan Seung romantically would be an additional win. I think their chemistry has been fun so far, so I'm all for their comedic interactions/solving more cases in the second season. Because we only get a handful of episodes where their 'Scooby' gang is solving cases. I would love to see more than that. I did like this series, and I'm glad they got the two leads to sign on again, but I hope everyone else does (Detective Bae, and Joon Oh, and Kyung Mi...).

I agree! I'm hoping that they are just trying to cover as much ground as possible. It just sucks to see that she has to cancel contracts... it makes me feel like 'I don't want to think the worse,' (aka we never get to see her on the screen before or after she had the baby -after her fall drama). But yes, perhaps that was the case.

What I don't understand is why they have to shift the focus from her to another character in her fall drama... I know Japanese culture is different from any culture around the world (and vice versa), but I know plenty of actresses/athletes/etc doing television and games/programs while pregnant. It's not like they couldn't get a stunt double if they needed one. Even Lee Si Young (in The Guardians, which I plan to watch!), was a few months pregnant while filming most of her stunts. I think that the marriage/baby thing is accepted in SK if there's a wedding/baby or a wedding/etc. Because whether or not the actress takes some time off, or gets right back into working, there's usually no stigma. But in Japan... even in the case of Maki Horikita, who 'retired' at 27 to become a housewife... like, there's no problem with wanting to raise your family, but in this case, and much of the patriarchal culture, it just seemed so pressuring for these young women to sacrifice their careers because it is expected for them to take care of the house/kids/husband. I want to this to be an exception for Emi, and if we see her take a break for a few years and come back or something, but because of the expectations and the stigma... I just... I really hope she continues acting. She is incredibly talented and so young. I do research, and I am familar with Japanese culture so I know a lot of Japanese women who either choose not to get married (a higher percentage of them are, especially with the declining birth rate), or get married much later in life. I don't blame them either way because of the expectations (ie the unequal gendered division of labour)... but I sincerly hope the best for her and him.

30 hours later... I have SO many mixed feelings about this drama... let me break this down a little... (aka MAJOR spoilers ahead) + definitely an unpopular rating, given the amount of '10s' and '9s' this show has. I'm also not a troll. (the following is IMO)

PROS: P'Suki, P'Jett, Jane and Dao are ahmazing.
Dao is such a supportive friend. She's truly there for Jee, and she's such a selfless/strong person.
Jane is smart, sweet, and kind. I love her bro/sis relationship with Jett. They're adorbs. I also like how selfless she is as well, but in ways that are a sign of maturity.
Suki is... such a babe. He's feisty, doesn't take anyone's sh*t so to speak, and has a hellfire for a tongue. He's super kind and loving to Jee, and I really liked how kind and understanding he was.
Jett was also a sweetie. very innocent/pure in terms of love. I liked how when he told Jee his feelings for her, he was considerate of her, and while he was falling for Dao, naturally, as soon as he realized it --he didn't hesitate and told her how he felt. I liked their scenes together. Compared to the main couple, their love was sweet from the get-go, and they were probably one the best things about this drama. It was just too bad they didn't get much screen time after they get together.

I also LOVED Jee's no-nonsense attitude, and how she, like Suki, didn't take anyone's insults lightly. She knew when and where she needed to reflect about what she did/what happened, but anyone who misunderstood her always got a piece of her mind, or in the case of Thit -made further exaggerations about issues (which got really bothersome at some points), but you get it because Thit is just... a freaking piece of work, which brings me to the cons of this show...

CONS:
The violence... I mean, yes... I think I would be incredibly upset if I had to see the person who *caused* my lover to die in an accident roam free. I would probably want to hit them (at least, in my head), and at some point you get that a little reaction from Thit towards Jee is understandable but this MOFO takes things to a whole new level, to the point where you're like... is it even justifiable anymore? Are you even a lawyer? All this talk of karma, and you think you're completely clean of any violence you enacted on her? Like this dude LITERALLY wanted to kill her, changed his 'mind' because he got to know her a little, but then that stopped when he was easily MANIPULATED again... I mean... like really easily, especially with Sitta in the picture, and you sit there like... where's the logic? Couldn't you just tell her that Sitta confronted you? Or that he MIGHT have something more hiding from him because I don't know... he's been a villain in the case you're working on?

There's just plenty of time you're shaking your head as a viewer... and I mean, there's also times when I know I would never do what Thit did. The fact that he also slept with her, although Jee agreed to 'bargain' for the evidence he was holding... he could have just as easily pushed her out of the door. What happened there was coercive and it was rape. I mean... I just couldn't stop watching because I wanted to see what happened at the end, but this drama was too cringy at points. Especially when Thit would emotionally and physically manipulate and hurt Jee. And he kept that up literally until the 29th hour mark... it wasn't until the end of the 14th episode we see him realize he really f*ked up. Also, the times when he would show up to her work place and cause a scene, break into her house alnd assault/threaten her, and chase her down... just... gives you the fuzzy feelings, no? Even if he realized what he did was wrong, it was really too much.

Then, of course, there's Chaiyan and Piak... and to be honest, I could never stand their scenes together (and most of the angst between them was repetitive). Sometimes I had to skip through some because Piak, almost right up until the end, was incredibly jealous/aggressive/unfair to him and to Jee, who took the brunt of her anger. I mean... even Chaiyan at times I wanted to shake him for not leaving her sooner. Or at least not dragging it out in the ways that they did.

6 for me.

OMO did they completely drop Gu Hye Sun??? I know China has their hallyu ban up but WOW... did they re-cast her character or did they just take out her character? That would take a shit ton of editing. I'm hoping Hye Sun got paid... that's awful.

P'Suki is soooooo EXTRA and I'm here for it.
LMAO!!!

There's a lot of great progressive things in this drama, but I can't stand the biphobia, and the myths of bisexuality being perpetuated in this show. That bi people are somewhat less 'loyal,' or that by being bi you can't date them (like Yiwha having reservations about Cho in the first place). Or that by being bi somehow your sexuality works percentage wise, like you'll date 'women' an 'x' amount of time, for instance. Or that gender is the same as your sexuality... It's so painful to watch. That, and although I know it's a drama, but you can tell someone you're into them (as he's already made freaking clear to her by now), and then go from there to see if they reciprocate or so. If they don't want to date you (being gay or not), seriously, move the hell on. Like... I'm sitting here thinking that the stereotypes in Thai dramas about gay identity is just... really problematic. I like that we get to see masculine-of-centre guys in this drama, but ALL WE'VE SEEN, is problem after problem with them. Miscommunication, pettiness, and missed opportuniies to have sincere conversations. Like... damn... I'm ranting now, but as much as I like the fact that the BL storyline is incorporating into the show very naturally, makes me happy. But, the endless arguing is getting to be really off-putting. When I noticed they were going to do a prequel, I was like... hopefully we get plenty of sweet moments between those two. Because the rate this is going (I'm on episode 8), I don't see them 'resolving' their problems until the last or second last episode. Which is a shame, because they hardly get screen time together. Oh! And the whole 'slap his ass' to see if he's gay... girl, if a guy touched your ass without your consent, (like in the earlier episodes when someone literally attacked you), you'd equally respond. The hell with this logic...

Surprisingly, it's been such a joy to see a non-BL character (Yok's mom) turn from a total tyrant to someone totally accepting of her gay son. Like... sometimes we see either the parent who rejects their kid, or completely dotes on them. I find, at least in the BL's I've watched, we hardly see a parent come to realize that they were wrong, and attempt to genuinely re-connect with their kid... so much love for this, honestly. She grew on me a lot, and she had A TON of making up to do.

It's not a bad thing that they tweaked things or continue to change elements. It's a remake, so it depends on their production. What the writer/director/etc envisions. I don't quite feel like it's missing something myself. Yes, American television series run 42 mins in the hour (with commercial breaks), and run about 22 episodes per season. I don't feel like the CM in SK is 'missing' out on anything because although it's trying to be episodic, there's still an underlying major case they're dealing with --the Reaper, and the case that ties Hyun Joo and Sun Woo together. So, I don't quite agree with you, but IMO. I know what you mean, but I don't fully see this as American. I understand that the vibe may be similar, but even while watching, it isn't an exact copy of the original. I watched the show religiously so I know.

Yes, those networks are great. tVN is doing this one, and I think they're executing it very well. Again, I still don't know what you mean by keeping the basic concept of CM? They're following procedure, doing the profiles, trying to gather data about the unsub/etc. If they just solely focused on SK cases then yes, that would be cool, but they're still bringing in unique elements within their series. In fact, I think the 'villains' in this series are doing such fantastic work! Like, I suspected they would all do well, but all of them are showing such great complexity with their mental disorders, pains, and violence they may or may not realize they're doing is ethically or morally right (if they're sociopathic). So... yes, I think I would need more clarification about how this would be more 'Korean,'? Because they're in SK, solving cases in SK, even if the 'story' originated from the first two seasons of the original (As I've noticed). Yes, they are changing things slightly, and it's not a complete mirror image of the original. That's why I'm interested in this series. And I just checked out this episode, and yes, this episode is based on the episode Imentioned.

OHH they changed it up. Instead of Reid's character (aka Dr. Han) getting kidnapped, they replaced it with Min Young!!! OMO! Interesting... and they tweaked some of the religious elements to it... wow, very interesting. I thought this referred to the case with Tobias and I was right...if I'm also correct about this upcoming episode, it'll be the 'Riding The Lightening' episode in the original about the couple serial killers. It'll become clearer in the next episode... I'm pretty sure.

The series is debuting Newyear... and he's been publically 'out' for I think like... 5 or so years (or more?? Can't remember!!). He and his partner are really popular on Instagram. So either they cast him in order to do a BL love line, or he'll be a BL character... or not lol it just depends. I know what you mean!!! But thankfully it's a Thai drama, so if there is BL, it won't be censored :) I wish MDL would have a tag for BL!!

Two Days Later. I Binged This Show. I Regret It Sooooo Much.... why do I do this to myself with airing dramas????? OTOKE!!!

It's interesting to me... as someone who watched about 7 seasons of the American show, to see how the original series is adapted to suit the storytelling in this kdrama. I didn't expect certain things to be so dark so quickly in this series... but wow, this is turning to be quite an interesting take. My only two complaints would be Dr. Han (who is supposed to be our 'Dr. Reid' in this show), and Na Na (who is our 'Penelope Garcia). Dr. Han barely gets screen time to be the 'genius' he is. I thought it would be more consistent, but he only chimes in with a few observations or intellectual thoughts sparingly (maybe that will change? I just hope they don't get him kidnapped in this series... it was painful to watch that in the American one. Actually, who the hell doesn't get kidnapped or hurt in the original... seems like it would be kind of an impossible request). I think Na Na is good... but I feel like... her attempt at being the spunky Garcia is just... not doing it for me. I think once we hear more of her background as a hacker, I might not be as critical, but the rest of the NCI members I like, Sun Woo (who is kind of like Emily Prentiss), Hyun Joon (who is kind of like Derek Morgan, minus the flirty business with Na Na), and Min Young (who's literally JJ's role). I'm in love with Ki Hyung's portrayal (whose Aaron 'Hotch,' in this case). I feel like there will be more character developments needed for me to fully appreciate Dr. Han (aside from seeing his six pack a few eps ago lol). This team is unique, and has its' own flare. I really hope I can continue watching this fully beliving that tVN made their own unique take on the series, which I think they're doing a good job of so far. I think it's interesting how they're weaving stories together. I have an appreciation for the plot so far. There's so much blood and weapons blurred out and I get that SK has some obvious censorship... but it's a crime/investigation show... in any case...since I have a CM encyclopedia brain (I used to be addicted to it), and if this is the case I think it is... MY GAWD it's sooooo sad. So sad. I mean, not totally dreadful, but very sad. It should be the Mosley Lane episode when we see episode 9.

You're forgetting about the one guy who locks up a woman because he wants to get with her (can't remember their names), until she gets Stockholm Syndrome (call it as I see it) & starts falling in love with him. I know Thai dramas sometimes execute slap & kisses or rape in their dramas, but this was just painful to watch. The lead actor literally is painfully expressionless --he can't act for shit, and the only person, the lead actress (and her cute classmate, who could act), were the only interesting characters in this series. Yeah... the context of this drama was trashy to begin with. Beauty in the eye of the beholder? Yes, he wants to literally 'own,' her sister in the beginning, and before he even considers her, she goes through so much... like, it's actually so uncomfortable to watch. I think I gave it a 5 because of the two actors mentioned. Romanticizing the amount of violence experienced by anyone is just really awful. And where it all lead to... controlling her (even if she's a strong/independent person). She's 18 and he's like what... supposed to be 10 years or so older than her and has her life mapped out for her in the end. I don't agree with you. But IMO...

What a... silly way to almost drown... in context, I thought it was a boating accident, or she fell out of a boat... come on writer (I know this was a book before, unless the screenplay changed), but stepping a few feet into a lake... and sinking to the level that has been shown since the beginning of this series... just doesn't make sense at all). Also, Yun Duo, bish if you can't swim, get someone else to help get the ball out... ffs. Drama logic indeed.

The interactions between Yun Duo and Yi Bai are the cuuuutest! I am so happy we get to see more of the sport aspect in this series, rather than focusing solely on the romance (like the Weightlifting Fairy, even though I loved that one too!). My only complaints would be the unfair standards put on deemed 'un-feminine' women or the expectation to date (only in context). As well as the fact we NEVER see any of the women swimmers do their thing. Like you think by now we'd see Yang Yang swim in competition. I know it's *focused* on Yi Bai's story, and because he's on the men's swimming team, we see the guys compete... it just makes me want to see more sports themed dramas with kickass women athletes.

That would be your opinion then. I've watched her dramas and I like her acting. So it's a matter of opinion. I never said she was EXACTLY like her, I was comparing them/how it reminds me of Eun Hye. Did you not read my comment? I also haven't seen any of So Min's dramas a part from this, so maybe my mind would change if I watched another one of her dramas. But it still stands as an observation on my end. If you haven't watched Missing You, or Lie to Me then you probably wouldn't see what I mean.

Does Jung So Min remind anyone of Yoon Eun Hye's acting? It seems so uncanny sometimes (unless this has been pointed out before, my apologies!). I haven't watched any of So Min's dramas, but WOW, there's so much emotion in her speech and gestures/gazes. It reminds me of Eun Hye.

Update: just watched this. It looks good... so I literally don't agree with you. But... that's my opinion.

I have no interest in American television or most cinema anymore. A lot of remakes, unnecessary prequels and sequels, and overall unoriginal screenwriting... HOWEVER, when it comes to BIPOC films (Black/Indigenous/Persons of Colour), THERE ARE a ton of films that fly under the radar or are widely ignored/underrated because of the ways in which whiteness and white-washing infiltrates Hollywood. The industry is racist. We have seen a lot of white imaginations, and not many from BIPOC communities on the large stage. I'm so happy to see this changing. Moonlight, Hidden Figures, Get Out, (upcoming) The Black Panther, Netflix's series Chewing Gum & films featuring racialzied and queer folks...it doesn't mater if it doesn't feel the same. I was a little turned off by the adaptation because I'm like... come on, get a big more original, but for real... the fact that people are opening up their damn blinders and are appreciating cinema from around the world (especially SK, there's also a remake of Good Doctor now too), makes me feel like these representations do matter. The fact that it is starring a black person makes me happy.