Zogitt

A superb romance drama produced by adults for adults

In a sea of samey idol dramas, this series stood out for all the right reasons.

The leads are good actors who are charismatic and handsome in their own way. Their chemistry is off the chart. They are madly in love with each other, and it shows. There is a good deal of skinship that feels natural and spontaneous. They can be playful or serious but we are never in doubt about their love. It just feels . . right.

This show is grounded in reality as well. The ML's work in a funeral parlour doesn’t leave much room for glitz and glam. What we get are spontaneity and home truths. The dead relies on him to preserve their dignity as they shuffle off this mortal coil. A mistake of split second could mean life or death. Those stories can be challenging and some will leave an lasting impression. As such, this is not for everyone. While the show handles such passings and their aftermath with aplomb, the stories are mostly maudlin. Anyone who is sensitive to such storylines should make an informed decision.

On the other hand, the writer balanced these low points with the OTP’s love line. There is no syrupy, rainbows and unicorns moments but just real people looking for love and needing to love. Instead of poor communications and misunderstanding at every turn. Our CP talk about everything. Some of their dialogue is raw but you can't deny their heartfelt sincerity.

They both know they have baggage but they are willing to work to overcome them. Once they are a couple, they have no qualm about PDA. It can be a little awkward for the residents of the small town but it is delicious and we bask in their pink glow.

Of course, our OTP face challenges, but the most important thing is that they behave like adults. They sulk and say harsh words which they will regret. However, they do acknowledge their mistakes and try to right their wrongs. It doesn’t always lead to a simple resolution but when the stars are aligned, we get fireworks!

I have already mentioned the top-notch performances from our leads but it also boast a strong support cast. I'm really impressed with the young actor playing the role of the FL's sister. She has great potential and I'll keep an eye out for her in future dramas.

I'd highly recommend this drama for true fans of romance dramas. It doesn’t have a parade of young and beautiful idols but it more than compensates for that with quality performances and depth in the storytelling that will resonate with mature audiences. It is not for everyone but if you can handle the weightier subjects then you will find a heartwarming, realistic and swoon-worthy drama. It has a permanent place in my re-watch list.

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This show doth play it safe for too long

The scheduling god was not kind to this drama. It is released around the same time as the popular k-drama, Love Next Door. Comparison between the two is inevitable. If you filter out the obvious cultural differences and filler subplots, it is basically the same trope. As such, I can’t in all honesty make this show up to be better than LND because it isn’t. Please allow me to explain.

As in LND, the basic premise is the classic BFF to lover trope except in this case, there is the added complication of the ritualistic sworn brotherhood.

Sworn brotherhood is OG. You can see it in classic literature of many cultures. Most are born out of harrowing experiences on the battlefields or during extreme trials. Just ask Henry V or read ancient fables. This is all very well within their historical context but not so relevant in the modern world except for some niche situations. It is all about male bonding but awkward when it is between the opposite sex.

While this is a valid meet-cute, the show really leans into it. When you consider the whole premise is the OTP having a mutual crush on each other for years, this is a millstone around their necks. We are presented with endless horseplay, push-pulls and staged closeness but they all end with the decoration of "Nothing to see! We are bros!!"

Ye gods, what a killjoy! It went on for so long that I became numb. I knew where the show is heading but I lost all faith. The unicorns might die of old age at this rate!

Eventually, our leads confronted their feelings, but their trial is not over yet. First, we have the muddled confession which leads to a period of relationship twilight zone. Then when they are a couple, they enter the Failure to Kiss phase. Just note that this is well past the 2/3 mark of a 30 eps show.

I know the interrupted kiss is such an old cliché in c-dramas but this is taking it to the next level. It is funny the first time, but it wears thin, fast. After numerous failed attempts, I just groan.

I think this is the biggest problem with this drama. It really thinks that the viewer is happy to be baited endlessly. The show kept dangling the carrot before us until we are on the verge of despair. Then we get a little bit of fan service and out comes the carrot again.

Praise be to the Drama Gods when they sealed the deal. It is telling when their best buddy found out, his reaction was “that’s impossible. You are sworn brothers!!” Yes, I feel the same, bro. Of course, it is all sweetness overload from then on.

Our leads really spent too long in the bro zone and their chemistry suffers. It ramps up later on, especially after they dialled up the skinship, but it was lacking for much of the run. Too much fake horseplay and testiness will kill the mood.

There are 2 other pairings. The married couple are there to occupy screen time. The 3CP of the nerdy partner and the movie star was so low key, their confirmation during the last ep was a brief holding of hands. It takes the mutual understanding idea to infinity and beyond. If you blink, you'd miss it.

This brings me to the final point. This show really played it safe on every level and for too long. The romance took forever to jumpstart. The skinship is ok but needs more "heat". The business subplots are just window dressing. You can skip them, and miss nothing. There is a bit of angst, but it is very formulaic. The typical misogynistic boss is front and centre. Every element is there for you to tick them off, for better or for worse.

As such, it is watchable and even enjoyable at times, but it is also forgettable. The production value is decent. The support cast did their best. However, it doesn’t really hit you right in the feels. IMHO, that's a key prerequisite for a good romance drama.

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‘Tis the season where Yu Mi discovers Yu ME

This season starts where S1 left off. In S1, Yumi was a supportive girlfriend and a good mid-tier manager, but she has hit the doldrum on both fronts.

It was no surprise that Yumi was once again looking for love and it seemed to be going swimmingly until the tropes took over. The big plot development in this season is how Yumi discovered self-love and becomes more assertive, a risk taker and is more focused. While this leads to some positive character growth, it also meant that she became more obstinate and, to a degree, self-sabotaging.

This change in focus also altered the feel of the Show. Yes, when the love line is in full swing, it was sweet and swoon worthy but that didn’t last. What replaced it was an air of melancholy. There are ripples of heightened emotions along the way, but it never reached the same heights as in S1. Everything felt muted and there is a strong sense of role playing when it comes to the romance. There seems to be a lack of passion.

Of course, the cells are the glue that held the show together and allow the writer-nim a chance to go off piste with the action. They are cute as ever and have loads of personalities. However, if you remove the animations, what is left is a fairly tropey plot and to be honest, a bit meh. It ticked all the boxes but there is little we haven’t seen before.

On top of the OTP, there are two other pairings. They are cute and provided some distraction while Yumi is beavering away at work. They were almost more fun to watch than our main CP. Acting is fine and felt comfortable with a bit of quirkiness when needed.

Now the elephant in the room. The ending is a total teaser. It left the plot dangling mid scene. There have been persistent rumours that there will be NO season 3 but this ending is shouting the exact opposite. There have been a lot of early chatter about possible endings as followers of the webtoon knew who is the chosen one. So what is going on? It also begs the question why is the Show only 14 episodes long when a normal 16 eps would have given the Show enough time to wrap things up if there is no S3. There will be a huge uproar and backlash if the Show ends like this. There is no news regarding S3 at the time of writing.

In the end, Yumi 2 was enjoyable and watchable but not as good as S1. The cell animations patched over a fairly ho-hum script and carries it over the line. As my friend @Love movies famously said, “I wish it were more yummy!!”. Peace out.

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Never give in! Hwaiting!

This is a quality drama, that I can attest. I wish I can say it is a fun watch for me as well. This is both its strength and its weakness.

Firstly, this show is all about Lee Jun Ho. He is ably assisted by Kim Min Ha. Their chemistry is nice and sweet. There is no doubt who carried the show though. The ML made it watchable even when the going gets tough. LJH seldom disappoints and he brought his A-game to this party.

Secondly, this drama did a great job portraying the so-called IMF Crisis circa 1997-2001. They did well to replicate the look and feel of the era. The A-plot is strongly focused on the fallout of that economic crisis and its impact on Koreans. It is not all gloom and doom but those are harsh years.

We watch the ML and his team struggle. It is not just your typical daily grind. We are talking about extinction level events. This gets even more complicated when you factor in the antagonist's machinations.

Speaking of the antagonist, the father and son duo are somewhat overblown. You’d think they are criminal masterminds. Not so, at least not going by textbook definitions. The father is a shrewd businessman, and he is willing to play dirty to get what he wants. His son is worse as he is a vain, spoiled brat who has some serious anger and daddy issues. I know it is dog-eat-dog out there, but they are singularly focused on the destruction of Typhoon Trading.

As I mentioned earlier, I don't find it a fun watch. The ML and his team worked their collective butts off. They have small wins, but their joy always turns to dismay before the end credit rolls. It is unrelenting.

Your level of enjoyment will depend on expectations and forbearance. The ML helps the medicine go down, but it is still a bitter pill.

As expected, this test the ensemble cast's mantle. The senior cast did well. There is depth to most characters. Having said that, the 2CP storyline does feel a little tacked on. They are a nice CP, but their romance has very little to do with the A-plot.

This presents me with a conundrum. It is a variation of the form over function argument. While I can appreciate many aspects of this quality production. I would be lying if I say I look forward to each episode with relish. Time and again, I groan inwardly as the same "how low can it go" formula is repeated. Not only is it depressing, but it also makes the progression quite predictable. Thankfully, after several iterations, we finally reached the end game.

I'm not go to spoil the ending. Let’s just say it followed the well worn path. While the last ep is probably the most enjoyable in the series, it also feels a little disassociated from the rest. There is certainly a marked shift in tone.

Reluctantly, I have decided to deduct 1 point from my score. I need to balance the style vs enjoyment equation. This is a thought-provoking show. A show that will stay with me for some time, yet it will not be in my rewatch list. Peace.

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A sentimental journey to a simpler time

I'm just going to say it upfront. I want to love this show, but ends up liking it but not loving it.

It is set in 1930's Japan where mass media is limited to newspapers and periodicals. Some live very sheltered lives. Arranged marriage is the norm. In this case, the show builds a lot of the comedy around the cohabitation trope. Not only are our OTP total noobs in dating, but the very idea of cohabitation is alien to them! Neither of them knows how to behave around a spouse who is basically a stranger. We bear witness to their growth, discovery and romance. It does work . . some of the time.

For me, this show is too cringey. Yes, there are some cute and swoonworthy moments. The show knows this. It loves to recap them for us. That's fine, they are highlights after all. What is less fine is the characterisation of our leads.

As the series is based on a webcomic, there is a lot of exaggerated acting from our leads in every episode. Works well in a 2D panel but live action needs to be more aware of space and timing.

Early scenes when our OTP first start living together made me wince. Both are constantly pulling faces and stumbling around as they try to "hide" their surprise reactions to the most mundane situations. They also use a lot of inner monologue as if their scrunched up faces is not telling enough.

I suppose Japanese audience are more used to this style of acting. I have seen this in other productions, but this is one of the more extreme cases. I pity the ML when he has to put on the "constipation" face so many times. The FL would jerk and stutter repeatedly. Her brain seems to get overloaded and she'd act like an out of control robot. Naïve, stoic and inexperienced does not equate stupidity and ineptitude.

To be honest, you'll need industrial grade rose-tinted glasses to enjoy it to the fullest. As if to highlight this, no other character behaved like them. There is a 2CP who are also navigating their way towards an arranged marriage yet their interactions are perfectly normal. In fact, it is fun to watch the 2CP's verbal jousting as part of their courtship.

The show, like their life, does settle down as time passes. The old tropes like commitment, misunderstanding and jealousy rear their collective heads. Thankfully, they are quickly dealt with and left no lasting damage. This is definitely angst lite.

In the end, it is a fun watch but with caveats. There are some good ideas and the unusual setting spiced things up. It is also interesting to see how the pre-war Japanese society functioned. However, the delivery made it difficult to fully engage.

Another issue is the timing of this series. It is set in 1936-37. Japan invaded China in 1937. That eventually led to an all-out war in the Pacific. While the show ends on a sweet and positive note, there is an amazingly destructive storm on the horizon. I won’t even mention over 300 thousand Japanese sailors died by the end of WW2. Not to mention atrocities and countless civilian deaths.

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A 3 acts play that pits business shenanigans against true love

If I'm being honest, this show gives me Queen of Tears vibe. Not that they share any significant DNA, but they both have traffic stars and are very high profile. At least for me, both failed to shine their brightest.

Our ML is THE Bachelor but remains out of reach to most bachelorettes. That is because his mother is the classic queen bee who vets all his girlfriends and chases them away when they are deemed unsuitable. Her cadre of "friends" turns this into a blood sport.

On the other hand, FL's life was a daily grind. She works diligently but has little to show for it. I'm sure many Chinese Gen Z'ers can relate to that. Her sad upbringing made her insecure. She craves security and she will do anything to get it. She basically lied through her teeth to create a persona to capture the ML and allow her to fit into his world. She plans and plots meticulously.

However, this is a very rickety house of cards. She kept running into people (including her real parents and sister) who knows her past. Such lax writing is almost a trademark of this drama. You can't paint her as clever and resourceful, yet dooms her plans with one obvious flaw. It doesn't make sense.

Her life seems to be perfect once she marries the ML. ZLS is beautiful. She is styled exquisitely. Fast cars and luxury are in abundance. It is quintessential the Lifestyle of the Nouveau Riche. Behind all the glitz and glam, a sense of dread is building. Will their love blossom?

Unfortunately, the house of cards comes crashing down in due course. It was nuclear. All the masks are ripped off, pretences burnt away. It was toxic and confronting.

ZLS really brought her A-game for this important pivot. Emotions ran high. The symbolic cleansing of her make-ups signifies the dropping of all her pretenses.

Act 2 begins with a fresh start. Our FL threw away everything she worked so hard to attain. It was a Bowerbird's hoard after all. She starts small and works with the same drive and dedication as before. Except, she will no longer compromise on her principles. It was a trying and testing time.

In the meantime, the ML realised he made a grave mistake. He thought the FL is happy to sell her soul for fame and fortune. It was a bitter pill for such an egotist to swallow.

I'm not going to spoil it, but it took the ML 16 eps to win back the FL. It was fun to watch the ML eat humble pie, but it was draggy in parts. They could have shorten it by removing some of the business side plots.

Then Act 3 hit us, literally. I’m not going to mince words. It is pure dog blood. Ye gods, it was a tsunami of angst. No one is spared. It is mind numbing. Not to mention with less than 4 eps to go, the clock is ticking.

Sure enough, most of the angst bombs fizzled out. This brings me back to my earlier point about lazy writing. The antagonist are hardly subtle nor original. His lackeys are borderline incompetent. They left themselves wide open to counter attack. Resolutions come at pace, but are contrived.

To pad out the straightforward story we have many business ventures. If we cut them out, we could save 10 eps. At one stage, they spend some time at a place called Gubei Town. It was meant to be an historical town famous for their arts and crafts going back hundreds of years. A quick google will tell you Gubei was built from 2010-2014 just outside of Beijing. It is basically a tourist attraction.

BTW, there is a 2CP and a half-hearted 3CP. Maybe it is the way they are written, but they don't have much traction compared to our main leads.

In the end, the show is decent. The production value is high. Instead of food porn, we get fashion parades. ZLS absolutely owns her role. More power to her!

From my perspective, Act 2 is the heart of this show. The ending is sweet but predictable. We don't need all the excess baggage in Act 3.

I don't get the hype though. Yes, our leads have good chemistry, their romance is sweet. We have passionate skinship and the A-plot is serviceable. It is a good c-drama. Just not quite the best of 2025. Peace.

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Maudlin, depressing, heartwarming and uplifting. Wait! That's just the trailer.

It took a bit of effort to start writing this because I'm in two minds about this drama.

I suppose we might as well start from the beginning. The FL played identical twins with different personalities. Both are in a bad place when the show starts. One is labelled a no-hoper just marking time in her hometown while the other is the breadwinner working in Seoul. The fact that she suffers every day at her coveted government job is kept a secret. An existential crisis caused the twins to switch identities.

I’m just going to declare outright that I’m a fan of PBY so two roles in one show is twice the goodness. Bring it on! :)

This series starts promisingly. The show literally doubled down on the fish out of water trope. We see their struggles and how their lives diverge as they grow up. For a single parent family in a country town, their struggle is real. This is also the ground zero of resentment and preconceptions.

As the drama progresses, we watch the twins discover each other's world. One twin would think that the other is living the best life. You can sense their initial resentment and growing confusion as they find out it was not all beer and skittles. There are moments of lightheartedness and small wins, but the daily grind is relentless. There is an unshakable sense of despondency and weariness.

I'm glad to report that PBY came through again. She delivered both roles adroitly. The young actress playing the teenage version also did well. The MLs and most of the support cast are solid actors. Some of the scenes involving the veteran actors are heart-rending. My issues is not with the acting nor production value, but with the pacing and how some of the narratives are handled.

While the first third of the show is engaging and set up the main theme well, the pacing for the middle third is languid and circumspect. Pot boilers are everywhere, and they are set to simmer.

They faced challenges in the workplace and in the friend zone. We are also treated to historical misunderstandings from different perspectives delivered via many flashbacks. I can understand if this is something horrid and unforgivable, but it was almost trivial once the truth came out. It was a life changing moment for our OTP but it feels overblown.

BTW, can someone please drop the Communication Breakdown trope down a deep hole, pretty please? Our twin sleeps next to each other and the ML is their next-door neighbour. A few choice words would have cleared everything up. It was not resolved for 10 YEARS! I get it as a story element but it is definitely head scratching. I suppose the show would be 6 eps instead of 12. (Laugh/cry/facepalm)

Speaking of EP’s, the length of each episode is LONG. We are talking telemovie length. In that sense, the total runtime is on par with a typical 16 eps run. It can be a challenge to sit through one of the bleaker ep. I won't be surprised if a casual viewer throws in the towel. That would be a mistake because the last third of the show is so much better.

The growth in the characters are rewarding and uplifting. It more than compensates for the nadirs. Not only is our OTP in a happy place but there are gains on many fronts. Lots of fan service and rewarding moments packed into the final hours. Huzzah!

Sadly, it is not all rainbows and unicorns. There's a tearjerker twist which signifies a conclusion, releases and new beginnings. Have tissues handy.

Lastly. we have the unresolved 2CP. Granted they look ready to launch but we are left dangling. Enough with the meaningful gazes! Is it too much to ask, dear writer-nim, to grant us one last "seal it with a kiss" scene? We beseech thee!

In the end, this is one show that the sum is greater than its parts. It helps if you FF some of the more draggy bits. Have faith, this show does deliver. I won’t rewatch the whole drama but the last third will be an easy binge for me.

Always remember, “Yesterday is over. Tomorrow is yet to come. Today is yet unknown.” Peace.

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Who needs Chinese medicine? Just bottle the ML!

I'm only half joking when I wrote the title. While the drama has multiple side plots and an ensemble cast, the A-plot is simply how good the ML is to the FL and why are they not married yet? LoL

Right from the start, the ML took care of the FL. First as her TCM doctor who saw her at her lowest ebb. There is an instant attraction but he kept it professional for as long as he can.

We are never in doubt that he is a pure soul and cares for all his patients. The FL is lucky to be the Chosen One™. However, she is one confused puppy and the last break-up hurt her deeply. While he is helping her to heal, she just can't see the forest from the trees and ended up pushing him away.

Of course, she soon saw the errors of her way but she is still stuck in "no man's land" without a clear path forward.

Then all hell broke loose when her ex-BF shows up to "reclaim" her. That was the catalyst for her to act decisively and break with the past completely.

From then on, it is pretty much smooth sailing for our OTP. There are endless happy couple scenes and a goodly amount of skinship. They even squeezed in a bit of sexy time as bonus. Also bonus points for the FL's parent being so chilled and loving.

There is a bit of angst towards the end but inconsequential. For instance, the FL going overseas to study was the sword hanging over their heads for half the series but it ends up being almost meaningless. The only impact is their forced seperation for a few months but they video chat constantly. The studies and internship means little as she ends up managing a local restaurant with her bestie and gets married before she unpacks her suitcase. Where is her growth? What is the point of the trip to Switzerland?

It would have been more impactful if she gave up her study for love and then find fulfilment managing the restaurant.

Ditto, the mum's health scare. It was barely a ripple in the Force. It feels like nothing is allowed to get in the way of the HEA ending.

I can't complain because I wholeheartedly ship the OTP. However, it does feel stretched. I think 24 eps would have been perfect.

In the end, I felt oddly detached. It is like I'm watching my besties getting together. I am very happy for them but I'll be the one teasing them endlessly with "get a room already!".

It is an enjoyable show because it is designed to please. It will give you the warm and fuzzy feelings in spades but I can't, in all honesty, sit through it again.

OST is fine but the love theme is on HIGH rotations in the second half. Production value is good.

P.S. One thing that I'm happy to see is TCM being shown as complimentary to western medicine. This is much more realistic than some depictions that implies TCM is akin to magical cure-all.

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So much guilt. So many regrets.

I would be lying if I call this a fluffy rom-com. Forget about doubling down on angst. Our writer-nim quadruple it by having all the main characters simmering in an bubbling angst stew. It is seriously depressing. Definitely not a breezy weekend binge.

However, if you hang in there, it will draw you in as the story develops and characters grow and evolve. I hope you are prepared, it is going to be a bumpy ride.

It all starts with the family's matriarch suffering a serious injury in a car accident. She lost a foot and ends up spending the next 7 years guilt-tripping her family into a pit of despair. She withdrew into their family home and turned it into a prison, nay, a torture chamber for all who crosses its threshold.

To be honest, I don't understand why she did that. Her kids are decent people. Her husband is loyal and caring. She was in her (late) 40's when the accident happened. Options are there to achieve a good degree of mobility and independence. It is baffling why she chose such a destructive path.

By the time we enter the frame, their family cohesion is largely gone. Everyone is on edge around her. All it takes is the slightest provocation and it is on for young and old.

When she passed away suddenly, it triggers more guilty feelings and recriminations. Let's just say the first few eps should be avoided by anyone who is triggered by this type of events. Forget a storm cloud hanging over their heads. It is an extinction level event. Everything from shouting matches to stony silence are all weapon of choice.

Oddly enough, the breakthrough came when all three reach their nadir. They end up having to talk it out as none of them can claim the moral high ground. We finally have relative peace and a glimmer of hope around the halfway mark. The clock is ticking though.

It should come as no surprise when the angst train hit us several more times. It is a nonstop rollercoaster ride. It is a little less white knuckle with the passage of time.

I won't spoil the A-plot as a lot happened and much of it are interrelated. Some are tropey. They are all relatable. I just wish it wasn't so relentless.

Without going into specifics, the role of communication is front and centre. Some straight talking provided us with breakthroughs. Yet at other times, it would breakdown completely. The show is keeping it real. This is something we all need to work on.

From my perspective, the main theme boils down to the old adage, carpe diem. It is not a panacea though. It offers a path forward for those willing to help themselves and seize the day.

In terms of acting, the ensemble cast did good. There is nothing fluffy about any of the roles. The FL and her father are first amongst equals. The weakest link, for me, is the FL's brother. He plays the angry young man with a touch of toxic masculinity. It is a one trick pony though. The mother deserves a special mention. She has a smallish role, but a very challenging one.

Oh, I almost forgot, the local priest is a delight! He is a contemporary of the FL and definitely not your typical parish priest. He is fed up with his flock using the confessional as some kind of free life coaching/financial advice/relationship consultation. His hands-on approach is a breath of fresh air. ;)

Does the show have a happy ending? I won't go that far. It is more of a promising one. Life goes on. There will be trials ahead. Their revitalised family unit will give them strength. I wish them the very best. Hwaiting!

P.S. One thing has been bugging me. The FL should have told Daniel she will buy him a ticket back to Korea as soon as he turns 19. I think that would be a more satisfying way to conclude this major branch. Those who have finished the show will know what I am talking about. ;)

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It is only logical

Using a savant as the lead of a drama is nothing new. They are both a source of interesting characters as well as pitfalls. One false step and you will be seen as making fun of someone with a disability. This show handles this aspect reasonably well but not faultlessly.

As expected, our FL is not a personable doctor but a diagnostic genius. She is clueless about handling people. She literally has a cheat sheet on how to interact with patients. Some of her interpretations of those pointers can be cringey yet endearing. Her very deliberate staged smile is a sight to behold!

This is where her trusted nurse sidekick and new assistant doctor comes in handy. They are her calming influence, boundary setter, as well as moderator to round off some of her sharper edges.

Initially, I thought it would be just mysterious medical cases where the diagnosis eluded the attending doctors. The first episode was largely that and if I’m honest, a bit boring. There are too many jargons and obscure medical conditions. I suppose it does set the scene and introduced all the characters. However, everything shifted up a gear in the next episode.

She ends up being drawn into more dramatic cases, some involving the police. Most of these happened either in her hospital or another medical facility. She would either stumble onto a mystery or be called in. That's the through line.

Other staff involved are often nonplussed and resent her intrusion. Her blunt approach and off kilter personality rubs people the wrong way. Her actions often challenges the status quo. It is ML’s full-time job just keeping her from flying off the handle.

Now let’s talk about the bread and butter stuff. Acting is on par for a j-drama of this length and decent production quality. There is always going to be some overacting for a show in this genre. The FL did her best to stay in character. I don't know if it is a realistic portrayal, but she throws herself into the role. There is a surprising amount of physical comedy.

Overall, it is quite watchable, but don't dig too deep. Most cases conclude within one episode. This is no singularly focused, intricately crafted whodunit. Each case is logical once she solves the puzzle, but she held most of the cards. She would do a final reveal and pulls all the dangling threads together. It is good enough for the general audience.

Now, the big question, will there be a second season? Nothing is official, but the foundation is laid for a continuing series. There is a budding romance. Her staffs are loyal; the department is finally on solid footing. Given the series is based on a 13 volume manga series, there is no lack of source material. There is even a 12 eps anime series released this year. The question is whether there is a will (and viewership) to make it happen.

In the end, I won't say this is an unmissable drama. I did enjoy my time with it. Rewatch is unlikely as once the mysteries are solved, there is little to sustain your interest. Peace.

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Juicy gossips dressed up as a show

I must admit I was drawn to this show by the initial premise of a strong FL who overcomes personal tragedy as well as business challenges to make a fresh start for herself and her newfound family. A solid premise if I say so myself.

The FL inherited 4 brothers-in-law’s when she married her beau. Potentially, it is a gold mine of subplots and characters. That is certainly true, and, in that regard, Oprah Winfrey would be proud. There are 6 CP's, multiple weddings as well as babies by the end of the show! On the other side of the ledger, there are troublesome ex-wives and a persistent antagonist. They also get the Oprah treatment when it comes to redemption. Everyone wins.

As the show went on for over half a year, I don't think there is much point in going through all the twists and turns. I'll keep things relatively high level.

Let's be honest. This show is a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. It is sort of makjang, part-time rom-com and certainly melodramatic. Many clichés and tropes are hurt in the making of this drama. However, it doesn't push any boundaries. The bubbling cauldron is full of ingredients, but the flavour is muted.

This becomes increasingly evident as the series progresses. I was baffled at first and then I had an epiphany. This is a weekend drama designed to be viewed by a multi-generational audience. There are many situations and themes that a mature audience will be familiar with. This show is safe to share with your grandma. She might tsk-tsk here and there but she is more likely to be wearing a knowing smile.

On top of that, all the CP are pre-ordained. Sure, there are the usual push-pulls. You can put money on the pairings, and no bookmakers will accept the bet. It is that obvious.

This is the same with most of the side plots. They are old tropes. There are the odd angsty bits, but resolution is never far away. Everything just plods along.

What doesn't move along is the progress of the 1OTP. They are forever dancing around each other. Even when they are finally dating, they are still awkward around each other. Jane Austen would call this "having an understanding". In many ways, this show is timelessness.

With so many characters and subplots, there are lots going on, but they are tame. One CP did have a one-night stand, but they are the thorniest pairing. Everyone else is prim and proper.

This raises the fundamental question. Is this show for you?

Do you prefer to be hit by angst bombs? Or would you prefer something mellower? Do you want one or two fiery, passionate love stories or many low-key ones? Final question; cute babies or cute dogs? Answer me! 😉

In the end, this is an easy, undemanding watch. I just don't think I'm their target audience. The sunk-cost fallacy kept me watching but diminishing return is real. In hindsight, I would have preferred to have access to all eps from the start. Having to wait week after week for the next release is definitely a con for me.

The show does deliver on its premise, and the acting is solid. Somewhere along the way, it morphed into something bland and predictable. I don't vibe with it and that is on me.

BTW, The ending is beyond sweet. It is sugar overload and should come with a health warning. At least it left no stone unturned.

My suggestion is read reviews. Sample a few episodes before jumping in for the long haul. Caveat emptor, chingu.

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It’s not ok to be just ok

I'm just going to say it up front. Dear Hyeri is not good. Watchable but it could be so much better. It starts well but the middle was muddled, and the ending was sweet but uninspired. It is not quite bait and switch but at times, it comes close.

Let's take a step back. Mental health as the main focus of a k-dramas is rare. There are several good examples but it is mostly used as a plot device to provide the pro/antagonist with an excuse.

In this case, our FL's Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) was front and centre and forms a very compelling narrative. It allows Shin Hye-sun to showcase her acting abilities. While the first few episodes were, to be honest, confusing and counterintuitive, it is engaging and draws us into a troubled and fascinating world.

The odd thing is that once the FL addresses her condition, the show begins to falter. In part, this is due to the focus shifting from the FL towards the 2 male leads. Don’t get me wrong. Both actors are handsome, and the older ML has the acting credential. The problem lies with the script. Both characters are flawed, especially the 1ML. He dated the FL for 8 years and then dumped her 4 years ago. The excuse was vague and unsubstantiated. He loves the FL and yet hurt her deeply and is a key reason why she developed DID. He is totally clueless about her feelings. It makes him looks like a self centred tool.

In the mean time, the 2ML fells in love with the split personality of the FL. That is all well and good but how he behaves after the FL came out with the DID diagnosis is harder to accept. Both ML’s have their redemption arc but it felt contrived and self serving.

In fact, the script completely changed its tone at around the 2/3 mark. Effectively, we have the first 1/3 being very focused on the mental state of the FL. The second 1/3 has some kind of self-discovery plus flash backs to the start of several key events which path the way to the here and now. The last 1/3 seems to belong to a different show. Eh?

Yes, the revelations and expositions along the way did clear up some of the misunderstanding, but it also highlights how bad the 1ML was. Yet, as soon as they are back together (literally within 1 scene), everything was forgiven and forgotten which I find jarring. They behave like teenagers in love from then on. The show inserted more flashbacks to their happier times and it only reinforced how much the FL loves the ML and how heartless/clueless he was.

Even now, I don’t fully understand his rationale for the break-up. We are told that he doesn’t want to hurt the FL and decides to carry the burden all by himself. Is he talking about his found family? That is BS because the dysfunctional family we were shown doesn’t match up with the present day one. Since the breakup, the horrible grannies become loveable eccentrics. In fact, the FL handled them with ease and they welcomed her into their fold with nary a complain. So, what is this burden the ML is talking about? He also said that he will never marry but he proposed. What gives? This is a gap of 4 years, not 40.

If you watch the last 2 eps separately, it is a very sweet and swoon-y rom-com but when you combine it with the rest, it becomes a confusing mess. This series has potential to be original and groundbreaking but took the easy path in the end.

I suppose the writer-nim wanted to end the show with a conventional HEA ending, but it made the earlier plot largely superfluous. Thought provoking ideas about mental health, love and lost are pushed aside by the stampede of unicorns or reduced to greeting card trite in the end.

It would have been a brave choice to allow the DID plot to run its course. The ending might be unpredictable but I'd take that over the pedestrian and overly sweet one we got. The only other show in recent memory that has a similar course change was Love in Contract with PMY. In that series, the change saved the show. I’m not so sure this time around.

Finally, while the production value is good and the OST decent, the support cast is an odd mix. There are many good-looking actors involved but most of their roles are either shallow, weird and/or unlikeable. I honestly think that one or two of them needs psychiatric help more than the FL. Peace.

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Welcome to Ji Chang-wook!

Fans of small-town dramas will feel right at home here.

To be fair, the village based plot doesn't start in earnest until a few episodes in but once in place, all the typical elements are on full display. Bucolic setting, tight knit community and "colourful" locals all slot in seamlessly.

It doesn't mean this drama is all sunshine and sea breezes, quite the contrary. The first few episodes can be titled, "How low can the FL go?". The simple answer is very low. Not only did her professional and personal life collapsed in Seoul but her troubles follow her back to her hometown on Jeju.

To be honest, the first few episodes are hard to watch. Not because of bad acting but it was an endless series of setbacks, angst and tears. There is little concrete reasoning behind her fall from grace other than the A-plot demands it. The problem is that the shouting and crying only got worse when she arrived home because now it involves the whole family unit and sundry other characters. It was surprisingly relentless when you consider this is supposed to be a rom-com.

Fear not, Ji Chang-wook is here! Our ML is the soothing influence, the voice of reason and the mirror for the FL to see the truth behind all the ill feelings and maltreatment she has suffered for years. Members of the 5 Eagles Brotherhood helped as well. They might not be the sharpest tool in the shed but their total dedication to Cho Sam-dal is a sight to behold and woe to anyone who stood in their way.

Thankfully, the feel of the series changes completely once the OTP acknowledge their feelings for each other. There is nothing a united village can't handle and while they still face challenges, we know they are just speed bumps on their road to success.

Speaking of romance, the OTP is always going to be front and centre, but it is relatively uneventful once they clear the air. The shaky romance between the eldest sister and her ex-husband is more engaging. Props to the actor playing the ex-husband. He could have been a typical spoiled heir, but he is so earnest and sweet that you just have to love him, warts and all. The scene with the cockroach is unmissable.

As I mentioned before, the show is angst heavy, but it is not well balanced. This is largely because the antagonist is light weight. There is no dastardly master plan. She got desperate and the fourth estate took care of the rest. She rode the tiger but have no idea how to get off. This also means the resolution, when it came, felt underdone. It closed the chapter but there is not a lot of satisfaction to be had.

The last EP is total fan service. There is a lot of lovely scenes that wrap up the various threads but the best one is probably the photo exhibition. It is a lot more about the ensemble cast of locals than the weather and it was very touching and uplifting.

All in all, it is an uplifting story that ticked a lot of boxes. Fans of JCW will rejoice. He is such a versatile actor nowadays. Honourable mention must go to Kim Mi-kyung. The veteran actor really gave us her all. Bravo!

Is it the best example of this genre, not quite. There are shows which nailed the formula better and/or the ensemble cast turned in better performances but it is good enough to earn my recommendation, for now. Enjoy!

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A perfectly engineered drama for mass consumption

Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed this show very much and I binge watched it from start to finish even though I have every intention to take it slow. That got me thinking, why did I do that?

It might be serendipity when I just saw a YouTube video about fast food and how they are created by science to give us dopamine and endorphin hits as quickly as possible. The amount of salt, sugar, fat, etc are precisely controlled. It even goes as far as using highly processed ingredients that requires minimum effort to digest so you don’t feel sluggish after a meal. You just feel good and want more . . with fries.

So, if we were to engineer a drama equivalent for the massive Chinese audience what would we need?

• A lead that is long suffering, but s/he has a strong, righteous personality, and a backbone of steel so that s/he can rise above.
• A romantic counterpart who is the rock for the main protagonist to shelter against the worst. S/he will do enough to make his/her intention clear, but it will be a slow burn.
• An antagonist who is despicable but not totally evil. Just bad enough that we look forward to his/her fall from grace.
• A bunch of one-note side characters who will do the dirty work of the antagonist or trigger events and move the plot along.
• The main theme shall be growth and redemption. Angst will be under a tight rein. Hope and despair will be in fine balance. The big payoff will be at the end.
• It should not be an all consuming revenge drama as that will corrupt the leads. However, wrongs will be righted, and the wrongdoers will get their comeuppance.
• Solid actors who can breathe life into their roles.
• Above average production.

To put it simply, this is Alliance in a nutshell.

There are minor deviations. For instance, the 2FL is a little surprise package as she flipped from the classic SFL to become the BFF of the FL. I liked that and it was good to watch her grow and mature. However, some of her subplots are contrived. More suffering for the sake of suffering.

The despicable antagonist is front and centre. The array of side characters are armed and ready. There are some social commentaries, but none are particularly hard hitting nor unique.

Add solid actors, a quality production and we have all the ingredients for a binge worthy drama and that is exactly what we got.

The story of Alliance is ageless and boils down to watching the FL struggle up a greasy slope. She will slip back down and skin her knees repeatedly. We all know that the reward is at the top of that hill so we wait in anticipation.

This is where a good script helps. There is despair but it is not soul destroying. Emotional scenes are well acted but mostly at 7/8th level with rare boil-overs. There are occasional sparks of joy to keep our hopes up and swoon worthy moments to let us know romance is not dead.

It ebbs and flows but the outcome is largely preordained. Plots are designed to hit us with the feels, and they get the job done.

Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not. As consumers of dramas, we crave those type of shows. Maybe they are formulaic, and leaves only a fleeting impression but we shall be hungry for more . . . with fries.

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Easy to watch rom-com that is big on COM but not always hit the mark

The show had an interesting concept. Instead of the usual computer game competition and using the game as a back drop for a modern day story. The show started in the present but moved pretty much the entire show into a fictional historical game world. The FL was tasked to rescue the ML from that virtual world as he was trapped there but he didn't realise that his whole world was inside a computer.
There were some clever use of the fact that the FL was fully aware that she was inside a game so it was very much fourth wall breaking and self aware. Some scenes were quite funny and clever with translation of modern idiom or technologies into the ancient "game" world. Unfortunately, there was a lack of consistency. Sometimes the jokes came in thick and fast but then it might have a complete shift in tone and became a standard melodramatic historical drama. It then flip and became self aware again. Scenes were included that didn't make much sense plot wise and there were definitely plot holes and head scratching moments.
I would have prefer to see the FL use her modern knowledge to solve problems and truly influence that world rather than mostly just go with the flow as another character. On the plus side, she was given a +10 martial arts skill bonus which led to some funny set pieces. Speaking of the FL, there was a lot of overacting. I don't know why but she sometimes looked great in period costumes but in other times, she looked mousy. Once in awhile she also did this silly penguin walk which I find jarring. Was she told to do that by the director?
The ML was fine, standard stoic male lead type. Decent skinship and chemistry with the FL. The 2OTP was surprisingly draggy. They almost behaved like the normal OTP which I suppose made sense as the OTP was already a couple so some of that push-pull duty went to the 2OTP. The 3OTP was quite awkward especially the role of Jenny Zeng's character. Her character arc was poorly written in my opinion, especially the last 1/3 of the show.
The OST was ok. Some catchy tunes. Rewatch value is low. The story telling was a bit messy and the funny scenes will lose most of their impact on a rewatch.
While the show wasn't draggy per se, I think there just wasn't enough material to last 30 episodes. Maybe 20ish episodes will allow a tighter rein on the main plot and cut out some of the more melodramatic elements that did not sit well with the overall feel of the show. A filler between better shows.

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