Zogitt

"This is the Potato Lab. Not a soap opera!" Touché

This review is going to read a bit different. Let's start at the end. EP.12 is the best ep by far. While there are nice moments embedded in the previous 11 eps, the last EP is the real saving grace. Not that it is a gem of an episode but at least it has a purpose.

On paper, the premise is functional. The fish out of water trope is hardly new but the rustic setting is interesting. Our leads are news worthy. The ML's profile is undeniable after his lead role in Attorney Woo. He is still handsome and charismatic in this drama, but his role is totally different. He is a model of self control and icy professionalism. If I'm honest, it hamstrung his acting.

On the other hand, the FL is less well known but she has been in the industry for years including time as an idol in a girl band. She is attractive and has good chemistry with the ML. However, we have the opposite problem. She is personality overload. She dominates every scene and not always in a good way.

This yin yang setup should work a treat if the writer-nim allow the OTP to interact organically. Instead, they are placed in contrived scenarios time and again. There is no doubt who is the OTP but the amount of push backs, misunderstanding and confusion makes watching their journey very draining.

Their situation is not helped by the local community of ahjussi and ahjummas. They always show up when it is least convenient, and they are in your face. Then you have the cadre of "scientists" from the lab. I have not seen them do anything scientific. Their presentations are bumbling more than informative. They stumble from one crisis to another. Yes, they provide some comedic relief but that is because they are reduced to cliché caricatures.

If you thought the OTP failed to launch because of a vile SML then you will be disappointed. There is a SML, but he is a sad and broken man by the time we met him. He tried to interfere, but it was ineffective and largely pointless. The SFL does not interfere with the OTP but her backstory with the SML has huge impact on the FL. Yet their relationship feels contrived. It is there and we sat through their sorry tale. Alas, I felt nothing.

BTW, I’m not going to waste bandwidth on the FL’s brother and her BFF. They are the token 2CP and chew up screentime. Interactions between the various characters are wishy-washy and emotions are painted in board strokes. There are lots of tears and shouting. Lots.

The messy and inconsistent narrative makes the show hard to get into. We might get a nice swoonworthy moment and then it is pushed aside by some self-inflicted issue within minutes. Every weak joke is balanced by a cringey moment that makes you question whether they really live in an alternate universe.

In the end, everything worked out. The ending is more like nice-ever-after rather than HEA. I give thanks that I made it to the end, but I don't know why it took 12 eps to get there. A potato is still a potato. You can just watch the first and last episodes and won't miss much. Sure, it won't make much sense but then again, neither did much of the earlier episodes. At least you get the much needed fan service and "funny" moments in a neat package. Peace.

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Ode to camping and that's about it

This is an uniquely Japanese series. Consider it is based on a manga series, it explains a lot. What is not clear is why it was made into a live action adaptation. 

As it stands, it is largely an ode to solo camping and contains some useful tips and tricks. In that sense, it is a mix of infotainment and travel vlog. To be honest, I am confused about the relationship between our leads. The show doesn't need one but once it is there, it went nowhere. To wit, he is an expert solo camper so he knew every trick in the book. He "rescued" a young newbie female camper and decided to take her under his wings. She loves to cook and there are some serious food porn around the camp fire. So far so promising, I have seen worse meet-cute.

However, there is no real plot and both leads are prone to over acting, especially the FL. This is possibly due to its manga root. I have to say that she is kinda cute if you filter out the silly posing. While there is a hint of attraction, it is ambiguous. It works for a manga because it relies on your imagination but a drama is much more black and white.

At the end of the last EP, they declared that there is much more to come in their camping adventure. Is that a hint of a sequel or just wishful thinking? My unvoiced thought at that point was, "is that it?". While it is watchable and chill, I have to refer back to my original question at the start of this review.

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Unexpectedly bland

My expectation of this series is fairly low after reading the synopsis, but I didn’t expect it to be so samey and boring.

The premise of the show is the proposed marriage alliance between the princess of a smaller kingdom to the prince of an aggressive neighbouring state. Of course, there is the usual mistrust and misunderstanding. The enemy-to-lover tropey is front and centre.

There is nothing new with this set up. It has been done many times before. The problem is compounded by the cast lacking depth/skill and the script being too tropey to give the show a boost.

You soon realise the script brought little new to the table. All the usual tropes are lined up like little ducklings. It is serviceable but hardly engaging. As expected, the romance of the leads is the primary focus. Other than the usual push-pull and misunderstandings, there is not a lot to write home about. There is also an inherent problem with their characterisation. The show can do with stronger individual traits but they mostly play with a straight bat.

The typical palace intrigue and petty second leads provide the bulk of the angst. It is mostly run-of-the-mill power plays from rival princelings and their scheming wives. Similarly, the second leads are only there because the playbook said so. Our leads have nothing to fear from those quarters.

There is a 2CP but their progress is initially fraught. I know this sounds odd but there is more skinship than I expected but they are fairly wooden. There is a bit of fan service towards the end. However, the ending is oddly untidy and feels rushed.

In terms of acting, the FL did ok. Her role of a sassy princess offers few challenges. The ML mastered the nonchalant stance and the cheeky smile but he is not very convincing as a king-in-waiting.

On the other side of the ledger, the production quality is acceptable. This is hardly surprising as production companies can churn out costume dramas with ease these days. It is practically an industry. The flip side is a tedious sameness unless the production is S class. Sadly, this one sits firmly in the middle of the pack. Not only are the costumes and sets generic in look and feel, the distinction between the two kingdoms is minimal. They’d call each other barbarians but, in most aspects, they are almost identical aesthetically.

In the end, there is little to recommend this show. It is inoffensive and mildly entertaining. It is hardly a must-see unless you are a fan of the leads. It is a classic filler and I'm thankful that it is 24 and not 40 eps.

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More of the same with odd stumbles

I, like many fans, were looking forward to S2 with great expectations. It pains me to make the next statement. I like aspects of S2 but I don’t love it in totality. It improved on some bits, kept a lot of "what is not broken" but also created some new problems.

On the positive side, the ML has matured into his role even though technically no time has passed between Seasons. He does look very thin in some scenes which is concerning. He is no longer a young buck who needs rescuing all the time. The ML has become a real player in the power game. It is great to see him go toe-to-toe with his foes and even some of his mentors. The downside to this is that he is given even more screen time to the detriment of other actors. This diluting of some character interactions really hurt elements of the original story.

I’m glad to see some storylines are still engaging. However, it is not all good news. There are stumbles in the narrative that left me scratching my head. Such as the whole episode devoted to selling Treasury Bonds. It fits into the overall narrative, but it feels like the cart pushing the horse. It is odd.

This also includes the exaggerated use of comedic elements. Some actors overact for cheap laughs which feels incongruous. The worse offender is the use of the yodelling song. Why? It is so jarring.

If S1 has a big cast, S2's is downright bloated. Most of the returning characters resumed their old roles but with developing plots, there are changes. It was quite a neat revelation at the end of S1 when the 2nd prince was revealed to be the hidden antagonist. He was intriguing in S1 but now he feels a bit lame once he openly challenges the ML.

Speaking of expanded cast, Several characters from S1 took on more prominent roles. Rou Rou is definitely one of them. Her role changed substantially. However, I’m not sure about her training to use the Ultimate Weapon. Is that a breech too far?

Another one is Ye Ling Er. Gina Jin took over this role. I'm not 100% sold on her visual and the "changed" characterisation. There is even a hint of a tragic love line brewing. I'm not sure I'm onboard with this but we shall see.

As expected, the story becomes more convoluted as schemes and counter schemes are minted. This does slow down the overall pacing noticeably. The revelation of the link between Xian and the Emperor certainly stirred up a lot of high emotions and opened old wounds. Nothing was resolved by the end of S2 so it is up to the writer to tie in the game of throne plots with the underlying sci-fi theme.

Speaking of ending, I’m happy that we don't have another cliffhanger. It was surprisingly positive and even a little cheeky. Maybe this is because S3 is already in the works so we don't need to force the issue. However, the last few eps did feel a little out of sorts for me. The "invention" of a banking system and the three workshops plot feels a bit awkward. The Ming family storyline is disturbing. It feels ham-fisted though. We become numbed when the body count of faceless victims balloons.

Production quality is decent but a bit inconsistent. There are silly mistakes which should be caught in post production. I know, they must maintain continuity, but you'd think improvement would be universal after 5 years plus a bigger budget.

I certainly enjoyed the drama, but it is not a slam dunk for me. There are some striking visuals and more depth to some plots but at the same time, not every subplot fires. Ditto some roles feels watered down or sidelined. May be there are too many cooks in the kitchen. That is a typical malaise of palace/political dramas. In the end, I'm happy to have watched S2 but I'm not blown away.

Finally, the elephant in the room. There are rumbling from netizens that the adaptation is drifting further and further away from the source novel as the series progresses. I don’t have a strong opinion on this, but it could explain some of the plots, characters and pacing issues.

Bring on Season 3!

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Who said found footage doesn’t work?

I tend to watch coming-of-age dramas in bursts then I'd swear I'll never watch another one! I must be in my manic phase when I watched 3 such dramas recently . . . in a row.

Let’s focus on this show for now. Our leads are 16 years old high school students when we meet them. Typically, such shows would cover the period leading up to the all prevailing college entrance exams and some would go beyond that. This show walks the same well-trodden path. What sets this apart is a well written script that contains all the usual tropes, but it uses them rather than being subsumed by them.

On top of that, the leads played their roles well and they infused a certain warmth and je ne sais quoi to their story. The FL is in her elements. Her spunky personality and infectious smile make her so lovable. She takes no prisoners when it comes to dealing with love rivals, but she'd let her suitors down gently.

The pacing of the show is nice and steady. This is helped by a shortish 24 episodes run. There is little need for mindless filler subplots. However, I would venture to say that they probably spend too much time in their early years. Two third of the show is taken up with the first 2 years of their senior high school. The critical Gao Kao year is greatly compressed. Ditto their college years. The first year did get some attention but then it largely skips ahead to their college graduation. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed with this because their school related plots are quite constrained as some topics are simply too taboo for the censors. They can finally explore their relationship to the full after they left school.

Acting overall is solid from the ensemble cast. The 2CP is well matched but they are a bit awkward around each other until they finally confessed their feelings and change status from friends to lovers. Overall, the show is very cute and sweet. The FL's parents are gems. The ML's more problematic but they do change for the better later on.

As I mentioned before, most of the plots are well written with one exception. When the FL worked as an intern, she was taken to a banquet for a big client. The setup is the classic honey trap with the pretty young thing sitting next to the middle-aged client. Of course, he starts to get handsy. This is nothing new to c-dramas and many nasty subplots start from there. Luckily, she managed to excuse herself but her manager later sent her a text saying that she is in the wrong and should self-reflect on her mistake.

Ok, I’m not a prude but in a show full of positive messages about youths and new horizons, this stood out like a sore thumb. How can a young intern be at fault when she is a victim of harassment? Should she have seduced the client instead?! This just served to propagate the horrid cliché. I understand that it allows the ML to play hero and comes to her rescue but the payoff is not worth it, IMHO.

Nevertheless, I still consider this to be a superior show. The positives far outweigh the negatives. I can recommend this show wholeheartedly. OST is nice and catchy. Rewatch will not be a chore.

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Great start, nice middle, disappointing tail

This Show’s premise is hardly original. The FL is a sweet, kind country girl who was thrust into the limelight and more or less onto the lap of a hard as nails CEO. Of course, the enemy to lover progression is guaranteed. What set this Show apart is the chemistry of the leads. Their early interactions are a bit slapstick in nature and their comedic timing is good. They are so cute together which makes it easy to ship them. The melting of the ice king is a delight to watch if somewhat predictable. The innocent yet strong FL easily endeared herself to us.

The story is angst light for the most part. The support cast is not bad. The grandpa is all-seeing and sage like. The gaggle of company secretaries is largely used for light comedic relieve but they are surprisingly effective in that role. They are also the primary cheerleaders for our OTP. The 2CP has a rougher romantic journey and their meet-cute is good but it also included a big plot hole that is never explained. The antagonists are one dimensional and more irritating than dangerous. It provides just enough distraction to reduce the sugar content below WHO standard.

To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised by this show as it tells a simple story well and everything just clicks in the early to mid stages. The romance is the primary focus, and the leads are interesting enough for us to care for them. It will not win any awards but it is definitely better than the typical turn-key productions.

Much to my chagrin, the Show seems to have lost its way towards the end. It is kind of functional but in my eyes, it is shambolic and dubious in its delivery. Trouble started soon after we find out that the younger brother isn’t actually in love with the FL. I'm glad that they didn't throw in the ubiquitous breakup, but we are not out of the woods.

The problem starts to pile up once he decided to really go rogue and try to take over the company by backstabbing all and sundry. We'd have a decent chance to resolve the brothers' problem calmly and logically but the Show just went all in.

Once the escalation starts, the narrative logic starts to unravel. This is not helped by the one-note behaviour of the antagonists. The SFL is single-minded and immature. The business rival is a joke. The uncle is an annoying bit player and so one dimensional. There is no growth in any of the second tier characters.

Awkawrdly, the grandpa just sat back and look on disapprovingly. He should have some reserve power both as the chairman of the corporation as well as the head of the clan. He did the talk but not the walk. It is a very unusual turn of event for a head of a family/business in a c-drama.

Then so much time is wasted on looking for a cure of his condition. Most of those scenes are just paddings. I had to rewatch bits when he said that the FL has cured him. How? I didn't see her doing anything substantial. I watched that scene twice. All he said was that he needed to know that he won't be abandoned again. QED, the FL is the cure. Hmmm, the grandpa didn't abandon him and his brother is his shadow. I am baffled. Not to mention that it is not even psychobabble grade stuff. It is more like a minor lightbulb moment. Is that it? Is it true love or the sex? My PhD is riding on this thesis.

To add salt to the injury, the final boardroom showdown is so contrived and jokingly undramatic. The younger brother then just ran home and sulk. That’s one heck of an evil mastermind.

The whole segment about the visting master is largely filler. It is a bit of fan service and it would have worked better if they ejected the back-stabbing brother subplot and kept the narrative light and breezy. Then it would be some harmless, irrelevant fun. Now it is a bit cringey and awkward to be honest. The brother going with the master as his new student isn't a big surprise because that does round out his surprise visit and starts the brother’s redemption arc. The problem I have is the inconsistency in the narrative. The first scene, after a 3 years’ time skip, is the brother being a dick and won't help a girl in the village. Why? Then the next scene he is now the nicest “barefoot” doctor saving the same girl’s life. My head is spinning. Is he good or bad?
It is as if the writer couldn't put up a decent ending for the show and it got worked on by a committee, resulting in many drafts and more revisions. The last few episodes just feel kooky and shambolic. I was really enjoying the show for the most part but I ended up being disappointed in the end. Why does that sounds like a c-drama curse?

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Ordinary show about ordinary people suffering extraordinarily

Sea change and tree change are popular themes of recent dramas. Lying flat is now popular amongst the young as a way of escaping the rat race. I assume the writer-nim wanted to explore these themes and Summer Strike was born.

The combination of those two themes can lead to some interesting scenarios but the writer/director tried too hard to break from the clichés by making the Show gritty and true to life. It meant that we are presented with a parade of difficult, belligerent characters who lives in a dull and rundown seaside village. Add physical/domestic violence, bullying, murders and all manners of societal ills and we have a place that tourists will choose to avoid. Yes, as the show progresses, some of the locals will show their true colours and they are not a bad bunch but most of them are still taciturn.

So rather than the show hooking us with fun in the sun, we ended up with a morbid fascination on how low can the FL go. Of course, it will not hit rock bottom, this is not Eve after all, but the first few episodes are not recommended viewing for anyone suffering from depressions. Even after the FL’s life start to turn around and she made new friends in the village, the focus simply moved to the complicated lives of the villagers. There are not a lot of unicorns frolicking around that village, that's for sure. There are certainly progress amongst the melodramas, but it is a mixed bag of pros and cons.

Typical of this type of shows, there is a turning point where the writer-nim realised that they have gone far enough with the pain and suffering and needs a way out. While she did a decent job turning the ship around, the resolution seems contrived and expeditious. The FL is once again the key to unravelling a years old mystery.

The last episode is pure fan service with the writer-nim regaling us with the theme of the show. The unicorns are finally let out and they milled around uncertainly for quite awhile. This is because the way the Show handles relationship is very ambiguous. The OTP is obviously attracted to each other, but we get the BFF vibe most of the time. It was literally in the dying minute of the Show when we get the confirmation that they have finally move up a pay grade. Even then, there is next to no skinship. The relationship between the librarian and the shopkeeper with the cute son is even more muddled. The SFL pointedly asked him several times whether she should move to Seoul, and he kept deflecting it or resorted to the “Go! Go! See if I care” cliché replies. Why? It was painful to watch the poor man suffer. Surprisingly, it is the senior high schooler couple who is much more forthright with their relationship. It isn’t smooth sailing for them neither (nothing in this show is ever easy) but at least we know where they stand.

There are some high impact and emotional scenes which the actors did well enough. It is the more mundane scenes that I find lack energy. Both the leads are trying to keep a low profile in the community which didn’t help the energy level whatsoever. The ML is very handsome, and he can certainly act cute but I find him a bit stiff when it comes to really emotional scenes.
The OST is unobtrusive to the point that I can’t recall any of the tunes. It is a one-time watch for me.

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Inoffensive Chinese Mills and Boon

With 16, 25mins episodes there is not a lot of air-time to play with. The issue here is not the length of the show but the number of tropes and clichés the writer tries to stuff into the script. It is a cookie cutter show with the lot.

Being a rom-com to its core, we are served a smorgasbord of romances. The OTP is preordained from the first minutes. The main plot then focuses on the inability of the ML to confess to the FL. It is frustrating to watch as EVERYONE knows he loves her and tries to help. Nobody is working against them, other than the ML’s inner demons. After drunken kisses, aborted confessions and many other tropey tell-tales, we only get the true confession at the end of ep.12. I rate this 1 "sigh of relief" out of 10.

The 2OTP is the typical noona romance with the obligatory drunken tryst and birthing a super clingy 2ML. The 3OTP is only there to park the SFL somewhere out of the OTP’s way. They all have their CP moments. Sometimes they are cute and occasionally swoon-y. Their progress is on rails and their chemistry is questionable. I’m too jaded to ship them unreservedly.
The token antagonist is one-note and transparent. He appears when the Show needed a bit of angst, advanced the plot and promptly exits stage right. The trials of the ML's shop are unrealistic. If they are the #1 dessert shop in the city, I’ll return my mail-order MBA. ;)

On the positive side, I do like how the ML creates desserts that mirrors his feelings. The young kid is cute and not in your face which I’m eternally grateful. He has some of the better scenes.

Another “positive” is how inoffensive the Show is, but this is a double-edged sword. For instance, there is a SML who might have spiced things up, but he is rejected offhand by the FL. He took it on his chin and is SO understanding. No fuss, no try-harder. This means the whole subplot is a non-event and the SML is instantly forgettable. Ditto the FL’s parents. OMG, they are so sweet and understanding! Yes, they get excited once in a while and can be a little shouty but when the crunch comes, they are saints. Not a whiff of drama from that quarter. I’m getting a tooth decay just typing this paragraph. ;)

As you can imagine, the budget for the Show is limited and it shows. The production value is ok but feels a bit bland. There are only a handful of sets, and they get a workout. OST is ok but they pump up the volume on the love songs as soon as a hint of romance is on screen.

Acting ranges from amateurish to workmanlike. Nothing offensive but no breakouts either.

I was once in a walking tour of Paris. We walked for hours and visited many landmarks. However, we were not allowed to go inside any of them. We got the iconic photos of the Notre Dame and more. It was all about the facades and ticking boxes. Would I do it again? Non, merci. This is how I feel after watching this show. Peace out.

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Pantomime, Korean style

From time to time, I’ve made remake like “your mileage will differ” in my reviews and it applies doubly to this Show.
The reason being the Show amps up certain aspects of various genres like a pantomime. It has over the top characters, barely there plots, questionable logic and even a dose of magic/superpowers. Yes, it is a mashup that can do your head in, or it can be a lot of fun. It really depends on what you are looking for and your tolerance of this style of production.

Without spoilers, it is a fish out of water type tale with both leads finding out what life is like outside of their respective "bubbles”, and what bubbles they are! One is a superstar with a troubled upbringing and a basic distrust and distain for people while the other is a country bumkin (their words) who lives on a tiny island lost in time (the 80/90’s).

Of course, romance is a foregone conclusion once the initial push-pull is over. It is this romantic thread that tied the show together. Without it, it is just a bunch of weird subplots, standing jokes and crass humour. Because of this. the storylines and cast of characters probably will resonate much more with the local audience rather than an international one. Speaking of the cast, some of the roles are so exaggerated that they are caricatures. I’m sure the older cast members had a blast playing those roles. I almost half expecting them to break the fourth wall and give us a wink. Both leads put in solid performances.

My only real gripe (other than the overuse of toilet humour) is the application of the misunderstanding/noble idiot trope around the 2/3 mark. It was the only real angst in an otherwise swoon-y love line. It was resolved satisfactorily within a couple of episodes, but it felt heavy-handed while it runs its course.

Production and OST are both fine. Rewatch is possible but a liberal application of the skip button is probably a good idea when it comes to some of the banalities and silly side plots. The last episode is worthy of a rewatch.

In the end, it is a harmless and mostly enjoyable romp for me. Some may love and laud it while others will disagree strongly. Individual taste will be the ultimate test in this case and (wait for it....) your mileage will differ. :D

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Delicious by name, delicious by nature!

At the core of this complex drama is the relationship of three contemporary Chinese women living and working in the same city. They are around 30 years of age and well educated. They were in the same class in high school but their trajectory after school were completely different. What doesn’t change is their very closed sisterly bond.

Each FL seemed to lead a fairly stable if humdrum life. All that changed when covid-19 hit their city. It was a stroke of genius to coincide the start of the drama with a city wide lockdown. Each vignette of their lockdown life will strike a chord with most people. The enforced closeness wore down the veneer of civility and laid bare some home truths. Only then did they realised how they are all trapped in their individual life cycles.

One lead was confronted by her husband's cheating via a very public disclosure. She knew something was amiss but decided to ignore the telltale signs as a way of self preservation. Another realised the boyfriend of several years whom she has "collected" as a milestone in her successful and thoroughly planned out life was someone she doesn't really care for. The last member of the trio had to confront the societal and familial expectation of holding down a boring 9 to 5 job while being labelled a leftover woman. The pressure to get married is relentless.

This all happened very early on in the show, so I won't call this a spoiler. The rest of the show is a skillful piece of writing and acting as the trio try to find a "new" normal after the lockdown. This meant an almost complete realignment of their views and circumstances.

In terms of plot and pacing, it is a delicate dance of interweaving stories and the writer set a cracking pace. With only 20 episodes to play with and a lot of tales to tell, there is very little bloat. The lives of the three female leads pressed on ahead with scant pause for breath. The only time they slow down is when they are together, usually sharing a delicious meal or relaxing at home after work. Their conversation ebbs and flows naturally with an ease that only old friends can sustain. They knew each other so well that they don’t have to lie to each other, and they also knew when one of them is backward in coming forward. It was a joy to see how the writer used their seemingly mundane conversation to tell us their inter thoughts as well as provided a barometer of their emotional states. Some of those scenes are deliciously wicked. ;)

In terms of acting, it is very good all round. There are many characters in this drama. The leads, their ex’s, new love interests, family members, co-workers and more. Good actors filled the key roles but they are not A-listers. Even the young actress playing the daughter of one of the ML is a lively little minx. The writer gifted her with some killer dialogue, and she made the most of it.

There was no shortage of emotional scenes to test their mettle but it is not all gloom and doom. In fact, there are more genuinely funny moments than sad ones. The mood of each episode swings and changes with finesse. The FL's tackled their roles with gusto. It is cathartic to see their characters grow and heal over time.

The CP's have very good chemistry and there is a decent amount of skinship and even racy scenes. The Show did seek out its traditional rom-com root towards the end but it is a bit of fan service and I can't complain.

All in all, the show is very entertaining and rewarding but it is a thought provoking journey. It laid bare a lot of societal issues in present day China which will resonate with its target audience. Hat off to the production team for their commitment to breath life unto a challenging script. I would highly recommend this show to anyone who want something more than the artificially sweetened rom-com clones that are being mass produced right now.

P.S. You must not miss the forth wall breaking moment at the very end of the show. :) What does it signify? A sequel? That would be delicious!

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Light rom-com to bring a smile to your face

This show is the distilled essence of a rom-com packaged in neat bite size instalments. It doesn't have a convoluted plot but a reasonably fleshed out story. It covered most rom-com tropes but the fast pace doesn't allow the tropes to linger and turn sour. Twelve 15-16 minutes episodes doesn't give you a lot of time to present a story and it is light weight fluff but it never pretended to be serious drama in the first place. The story moved along at pace and the editing is tight. Not much time is wasted. The OTP has awesome chemistry, both are lovely on screen. Their confession will bring you joy, their romantic scenes are swoon worthy. Support actors are good, they did their job to move the plot along. You don't need to wear rose coloured glasses but it is pointless to compare it to a masterpiece. Judge it for what it is. All in all, totally rewatchable and it will only take you a lazy afternoon to binge the whole show. Highly recommended!

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James Bond has nothing to fear

I am confused. This series started as a kind of action comedy, but it got dark quickly. Then it yo-yos all over the place. There is a bit of romance, schoolyard drama, slapsticks and some well choreographed action sequences. This series is a jack-of-all trades but master of none.

A lot of that comes down to its setting. A prestigious school is a challenging ecosystem. We have all the standard bullying and schoolyard tropes. However, they are only half-hearted attempts. More done to show off the righteousness of the ML and his good looks. That's fine but here lies the second problem. The ML is over 30 in RL. Sure, in earlier scenes, he can just about pull off looking like a late teen. Lighting, camera angle and some filter magic helps. However, the further the show progresses, the older he looked. It really makes it hard to suspend my disbelief at times.

Then you have the spy drama. Oh boy, what dramas! I don't know what's the reputation of the Korean NIS but most of their agents seems to be incompetent or corrupt. It is not a good look. Even the good guys are not much more than cannon fodder for the slapstick routines. They are ineffective or have to be rescued by the ML. Sure, they have their moments, but it is few and far between.

However, the biggest problem for me is the antagonist. She swings between manic to evil to delusional and back again. She definitely descended into insanity towards the end, but we are told that she has been running that school for over 20 years. How is that possible? She is no educator even though she thinks she has the vision. She seems to have many “friends” in high places under her thumb but why don't they betray her when she is out of control? It can't be loyalty. Is it blackmail? Greed? She seems to get away with literal murder, yet she can feel straitjacketed at times. There is a logical gap between who she is, what she wants and how much power she appears to wield. The show seems to have a very laissez faire altitude regarding this.

If that is not enough, the school principal is a murderous thug who has been loyal to her family for 40 years. It is one thing to be a figurehead, but this is a high-profile school for the elite. You might be able to fool people for a year or two, but this is a whole generation!

If they are relying on the teachers to deliver, then I'm even more confused. Sure, the FL is conscientious, but not the majority. The head teacher is a buffoon.

Essentially, this drama is a mesh up of different genres. Plots start and run on for a bit. Just when you think you know what is going on, it would abruptly change tack. Such tonal shifts can be jarring and unsettling.

If you think the plot is messy, it overflows to the acting. It is a large ensemble but most of the roles are one dimensional. The younger actors fulfil the typical school drama roles with ease but there is little depth to their characters.

I already mentioned the NIS mob but some are seasoned actors and they are forced to clown around as the script demands it. It can be very cringey. I can't unsee the agents fighting like ahjummas.

Our leads turned in solid performances but hampered by the writing. They tried their best but it is a no-win fight. I really appreciate the ML giving us his all as this is his comeback role after enlistment. Good luck to him!

There are so many issues with the antagonist role that I kept asking how, what and why. She did her best but the script is not helping.

We finally have some clarity in the last couple of eps. This means all those mystifying subplots are tied off with pink bows. Not every resolution makes sense though. There is peace in the classroom. Enemies are now friends. The school carries on as if nothing happened, even though it went to hell and back. Punishments are dished out to our transgressors. The OTP’s romance is fated and basically on rail. It is a shame that the chemistry is weak. It is nice, yes, that's the word.

The only way I managed to sit through it all is by switching off my brain, all of it. The many plot holes, oddities and inconsistencies just sail by. It is not unwatchable but a rewatch? You jest.

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Whodunit? Who cares

J-dramas are full of quirky and off kilter characters and plots. This one is an odd mix but not in the usual way. Nothing outrageous or controversial. It just doesn't sit comfortably within any particular genre.

This drama draws us in with an autumnal romance between our leads. It was supposed to be love at first sight, yet it felt contrived considering their personalities and circumstances. Ask no questions, chingu. I am intrigued though. Will their whirlwind romance blossom?

Things get complicated when we are introduced to the FL's family. They are an odd bunch. Each have their own foibles. At least they are friendly and welcome him into their fold. Yet, something feels amiss. An unspoken presence lurks around the edge of their congenial gatherings.

We soon learnt that the FL's boyfriend died mysteriously 15 years ago. It was ruled an accident. Yet, one of the officer investigating was not convinced. He pushed to have the case reopened after all these years. He has his own reasons which I shall not elaborate further. As this is a murder mystery, I'll try my best not to spoil it for you.

If I'm being honest, I don't feel the mystery plot is well constructed. The writer-san drip feed us titbits of information and lead us down the garden path a few times. It is functional, but lacks the intricacies of a top tier crime friction.

Discounting a random killer, there are only 2 or 3 people who could have done the deed, we are literally running out of suspects. Fine, we can overlook the wobbly narrative if the romance is something special. Alas, I find this wanting as well.

While our leads would declare their love for each other from time to time, I'm not convinced. I even started to suspect the FL is using the old honey trap to get the ML involved as he is a high-profile lawyer. IMHO, it would have made more sense that way. I was perplexed. Is it really true love?

Here lies the problem with this series. It seems to think by throwing in the odd red herring and a bunch of eccentric characters, it can glow up an ordinary murder plot. It is a paper thin facade.

When we have the final reveal, I was not surprised. There are literally no other options. It was Occam's Razor after all. Having said that, there is a minor twist towards the end which was delicious.

Personally, I'd have preferred a stronger whodunit or a more swoon-y love story. What we got is a grab bag of eccentric characters pushing and pulling in their own orbits. I get the messages about family ties and freedom of choice, but the show took its time delivering them.

We got there in the end. I'm not sure the destination is worth the journey. Given the decent performances and on par production, this is a shame. Peace.

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Inception, Chinese style?

When it rains it pours. A while ago we have the BFF to Lover prize fight. Now we have the "embedded world" showdown between this drama and First Night With the Duke. There are obvious similarities but they are also quite different. Let's focus on this show for now.

Dropping a modern boy/girl into a fictitious ancient world is hardly original. Most are based on the fish out of water trope. This series is no different. If anything, this drama never lets us forget that. We are constantly reminded of the link between the worlds. The in-jokes are everywhere. When the FL asked one of the random merchants his name, the reply was NPC A. The FL names their humble abode "Male Lead's Manor". Say no more!

Sure, the FL uses all her wiliness to fit in into the script world, but she also subverts it at every opportunity. She even educates the ML in the minutiae of plot devices and the power of the god like Scriptwriter. ;)

Alright, maybe the reference to Inception is a bit loose but it is not way off base. The title is a giveaway for starters. The ML also questioned whether the FL is part of a higher level script. A story within a story, so to speak. Her present-day reality is no more real than the ancient city surrounding them. Intriguing!

This is clever writing as most shows in this genre have trouble melding the worlds once the main story arc finishes. The lead might wake up from a nap in the dying minutes of the show. S/he then magically runs into the other lead in the present and is gifted the HEA ending. It is usually rushed and contrived. In this case, the ending is sweet and rewarding, but it is consistent with the overarching main plot so there is none of the crash landing back to reality malarkey.

So, does ADWAD deliver? Other than a few minor niggles, absolutely!

The basic plots are as old as time. The cleverness comes from the bending and blending them into Weapons of Mass Diversions.

You just never know when the cliché plot devices will be turned on their heads, and be totally subverted. This is particularly true in the last few eps. When most shows are winding down, this drama shifts up a gear and doubles down on the crazies!

More than once, I sat staring at the screen wondering whether the writer has been smoking a certain type of medicinal herb. The twists come on thick and fast. We recognise them individually, but the totality left me dazed. It twists the dramaverse into a pretzel. The audacity! Did they hire Doctor Strange as a consultant?

However, I think it did trip up a little mid show. It seems to be having too much fun with one particular cliché trope and got a bit carried away. Thankfully, the writer pulled back just in time.

One other minor niggle relates to the plot about the beloved Queen. Once the historical misunderstanding was resolved, the tone changed within minutes. When you consider the ML was castigated for 20 years, it feels . . off. Let bygones be bygones. Kumbaya, anyone?

In terms of acting, our leads are in their element. The romantic Force is strong with them. There is a decent amount of skinship as well, and they feel right. The support cast earned their keep. I’m sure they had a blast making this series.

The production value is consistently high. Most sets are lush and elaborate. Special effects are of good quality. The OST is pumping. It has everything. From classics to pop to hip hop. There was a bit of imbalance in the volume level in the beginning. It was soon corrected.

This show surprised me repeatedly and in a good way. This show is very self aware and indirectly fourth wall breaking. I certainly had more than the odd chuckle. It was a struggle to decide if I should rate it higher. In the end, I have to accept that It is close to, but not perfect. Kudos to everyone involved though. Its subversive nature might cause purists to roll their eyes. I for one, give thanks for this unconventional gem. Peace.

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The tail wagged just in time

I’m not going to mince words. This show feels humdrum for most of its run. Yes, it has its moments and when the romance is in full flight it can be heart fluttering. On the other hand, it is a tedious watch for the longest time.

The old enemy to lover trope is front and centre again. The ML is charismatic, and the FL is attractive. Both are approaching middle age. They seemed to hate each other on sight but there is something unspoken just under the surface. It is a promising start. However, the apple cart starts to wobble soon enough. So much push backs! So much snarling and cattiness. This went on and on.

As soon as they accepted their destiny, the unicorns are freed and all is forgiven. I know they are making up for lost time but scene after scene of snarly exchanges cannot be unseen.

Unfortunately, as soon as it got interesting on the romance front, the side characters start to bay for attention. For instance, the teachers at school are so nosy. Village ajummas need to take note. On top of that, the head teacher is next level. His sole aim is to be a pest and get drunk after work. Any excuse will do. The fact that he is the head teacher makes it so cringey. They sucked a lot of oxygen from the A-plot.

The writer-nim also ran through all the dating tropes. Sometimes, it can feel a bit surreal watching scenes you would associate with young actors being enacted by our 40 years old leads. It can be cute but it is hit and miss.

Then we have the patriarch of both families. The FL's grandfather is a decent man but stubborn as a mule. The ML's father is an obnoxious nouveau riche who is hellbent on exacting revenge on the grandfather because of some historical slight. Our leads are the meat in the sandwich for obvious reasons.

This lead to a series of unpleasant interactions between our leads and the patriarchs. They are close to 40 yet they are treated like kids. Verbal abuse and corporal punishment is the norm. Speaking of kids, the show did devote a fair amount of time to their school yard meet-cute and flirtation. Those flashbacks are quite sweet and certainly shows up their present day counterparts.

I was feeling lukewarm by the 2/3 mark and kept putting off chasing the next episode. Given the acting of the ensemble is solid, especially the main characters, this points to some questionable writing being the culprit. I was thankful when the last two episodes dropped as they lifted the show significantly.

Those last episodes flipped the narrative. Not only a key historical grievance was resolved but it also brought the families together at a critical time.

As expected, the last episode is pure fan service and happy endings are handed out like lollies. I won’t complain. The reward at the end made the time sink bearable. That will do. Peace.

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