I have been digesting the final episodes for a few minutes now. I thought eps 9 and 10 oversold what was happening and as a result, undermined the whole experience for me. My mind went to “Reset,” where the writing was so good, it didn’t matter how many times the same end played out, because it accounted for every little detail and managed to keep the narrative straight each time. So, at this point I had written Grid off.
However, the comments by "IM Your Only One" below made me rethink how I feel about Grid. Although I haven’t changed my thoughts re the bulk of eps 9 and 10, the final scenes were illuminating and more in keeping with my expectations with what we needed to see in greater detail throughout the final episodes. So, I liked how it ended, which is not unlike some of the classic sci-fi shows out there: and as a result we now have the endless possibilities by those either for or against the Grid.
So, an 8/10 in the end, when for the first 8 eps I had it sitting at about 9.5/10.
For me, show was a delightful watch. The leads were awesome, as were the secondary couple. Show starts of with some very good comedic elements, which then settles down into a show about an amazing couple and their delightful relationship as the basis of helping each other get through the hurdles of life. Also, their great friendships with the other couples and how they in turned helped each other deal with each other’s challenges was nice to see.
Just the most beautiful show 😊 What a fantastic way to portray a time travelling story without the time travel, through using a drama within a drama. The MDL rankings do not do it justice at all. The Grand Tutor was masterful and nuanced, the Princess an absolute delight. Our secondary couple were well suited too. Aunty Zhou was one in a million, and I have to say Ming Wei’s dad was just as awesome. Take time to absorb Be My Princess - it’s worth the few hours of appreciation 🤩
Sean - I am going to do just that. Starting this today. Thanks for the recommendation!
Phl - Yes, it does feel that way with the ML at times. My thoughts are he is very much working out how to use his authority. So, I think he is not weak, but very unsure. His cleverness starts to shine through in later episodes and FL is a key part of that. I am all caught up and am glad about that - because now I can watch some other shows 😂😂😂
Sean - I am going to do just that. Starting this today. Thanks for the recommendation!
Phl - I’m glad your saw my comment, because I was going to mention to you it’s worth a dabble. My family asked me a couple of nights ago what I was laughing at. So, I told them about some of the scenes re HJ’s knife skills. Show gets better and better 😊
Sean - I just finished the book. I noticed that the screenwriter is not listed on this page. They only show the…
Phl - I just finished eps 27 and 28, and I am very happy with how they unfolded. That’s interesting re the screenwriter. I had a quick look too and couldn’t find anything conclusive. I will try and make my way through more of the novel today. As for their chemistry - you do have to hand it to them. The expression in their eyes - amazing!
One quarter of the way through (9 episodes finished) and I can say I am enjoying show very much. It is funny, the OTP are warming up to each other and the bad guys are played with their tongues firmly planted in their cheeks. So, good all round light hearted entertainment - take a look 😊
I enjoyed eps 23 and 24. I thought there was a good blend of lighter moments, what it takes to be a professional actor and re-establishing of their friendship. I also thought the time spent on the sister’s story was well done - not wasted or trivialised, like we see in so many dramas.
A fabulous show let down by the final two episodes - kdramaland can’t help itself - the writer had to throw those typical tropes in there, even if they had a softer edge to them. Other aspects just fizzled out. Without doubt, the ladies ruled this show - they were terrific, as was Chairman Grandpa - an absolute delight. Show does deserve a special episode just to balance out things a bit 😊
A beautiful show, that although the final episodes themselves were beautifully done, became a victim of past kdramas and how this “type” of show must end. We have had so many shows change things up in kdramaland in the last 12 months, and 25 21 was doing this too - then somehow made its way back into familiar territory.
Was it realistic? Hmmm. Do we become our parents? Hmmm. Is professional pressure an issue - yes. But you know, there are many couples and families that make their situation work - it’s time to see this, instead of floundering, awkward communication from a couple who, were, good communicators! We’re there big gaps in the story in the end ? As others have said - yes. The time skips truncated the issues and the resolution of the diary suffered too. This was the weakest point in my mind.
Did I want a different ending? Selfishly - yes 😊
The acting was superb. The writing, despite where it ended up for me, was very good. The use of dramatic licence (fencing matches etc - so well done) - also very good. The production - once again high quality. Should the actors be proud of what they did here - absolutely.
However, the comments by "IM Your Only One" below made me rethink how I feel about Grid. Although I haven’t changed my thoughts re the bulk of eps 9 and 10, the final scenes were illuminating and more in keeping with my expectations with what we needed to see in greater detail throughout the final episodes. So, I liked how it ended, which is not unlike some of the classic sci-fi shows out there: and as a result we now have the endless possibilities by those either for or against the Grid.
So, an 8/10 in the end, when for the first 8 eps I had it sitting at about 9.5/10.
Was it realistic? Hmmm. Do we become our parents? Hmmm. Is professional pressure an issue - yes. But you know, there are many couples and families that make their situation work - it’s time to see this, instead of floundering, awkward communication from a couple who, were, good communicators! We’re there big gaps in the story in the end ? As others have said - yes. The time skips truncated the issues and the resolution of the diary suffered too. This was the weakest point in my mind.
Did I want a different ending? Selfishly - yes 😊
The acting was superb. The writing, despite where it ended up for me, was very good. The use of dramatic licence (fencing matches etc - so well done) - also very good. The production - once again high quality. Should the actors be proud of what they did here - absolutely.