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First, You Need a Beating
#Halloween Watches
Disclaimer: I started watching in 2023 when it first aired. I was delighted to see Lee Rang (Kim Bum) again, and his interactions with Lee Yeon (Lee Dong Wook) were the very definition of a rollicking good time. As I got further into the episodes, I didn't want the story to end, so I took a break. With Halloween around the corner, it was a good time to pick up where I left off with the ghosts, gumihos, gods, and demons.
The Good:
• The cast was spectacular. The drama was like a big family reunion with all your favorite cousins (and a few of the problematic ones). The main members had chemistry galore. Lee Dong Wook was the very embodiment of a nine-tailed fox—effortlessly charming and dangerous (those suits and coats!). Kim Bum's character took a great leap forward in development (ditto the sharp-dressed man theme). He had been the perfect foil to Lee Yeon, but he came into his own in season 2. Lee Dong Wook and Kim Bum need to work on more projects together. I need them to work on more projects together!
• The ratio of action/comedy/drama was spot on.
• The 1938 timeline added to the drama.
• The story was tighter than the first season. I realize there wasn't the need to introduce everyone and set things in place: the grunt work had been done in the first season. That allowed the second season to be more entertaining and the friendships more enjoyable.
• Ryu Hong Ju (Kim So Yeon) demanded attention when she was on screen and I happily gave it to her. Her fight scenes were sensational (as was her wardrobe).
• It amused me how often the group greeted one another or others with fisticuffs. No "hello," just "first, you need a beating."
• The OST enhanced the scenes.
• The ending gave hope for a third season. Some creative writer needs to find a way to get the Lee brothers back together. And the mountain god trio. And the Old Man and Old Hag.
The Bad:
• A thousand loose ends were left fraying in the breeze.
• There is no season 3 or even mention of one. Lee Dong Wook has moved on and said he felt the story was complete. I can't see a third season without him. It would be easier to accept season 2 was the end if some of the plot lines had been completed and the writer hadn't introduced a new villain and left things open ended!
Is this a masterpiece? Probably not, but it depends on how you view it. The visuals were great, the story was good, and the actors were perfection in their roles. Most of all, it made me feel. It was a great deal of fun with lots of heart and admirable characters. It didn't take itself seriously, and a good time was had by all.
I added a full star because I thoroughly relished the time I spent with the characters. I fell in love with them and hated to see the drama end. That's worth more to me than a tight plot, esoteric messages, or pushing artistic boundaries.
Disclaimer: I started watching in 2023 when it first aired. I was delighted to see Lee Rang (Kim Bum) again, and his interactions with Lee Yeon (Lee Dong Wook) were the very definition of a rollicking good time. As I got further into the episodes, I didn't want the story to end, so I took a break. With Halloween around the corner, it was a good time to pick up where I left off with the ghosts, gumihos, gods, and demons.
The Good:
• The cast was spectacular. The drama was like a big family reunion with all your favorite cousins (and a few of the problematic ones). The main members had chemistry galore. Lee Dong Wook was the very embodiment of a nine-tailed fox—effortlessly charming and dangerous (those suits and coats!). Kim Bum's character took a great leap forward in development (ditto the sharp-dressed man theme). He had been the perfect foil to Lee Yeon, but he came into his own in season 2. Lee Dong Wook and Kim Bum need to work on more projects together. I need them to work on more projects together!
• The ratio of action/comedy/drama was spot on.
• The 1938 timeline added to the drama.
• The story was tighter than the first season. I realize there wasn't the need to introduce everyone and set things in place: the grunt work had been done in the first season. That allowed the second season to be more entertaining and the friendships more enjoyable.
• Ryu Hong Ju (Kim So Yeon) demanded attention when she was on screen and I happily gave it to her. Her fight scenes were sensational (as was her wardrobe).
• It amused me how often the group greeted one another or others with fisticuffs. No "hello," just "first, you need a beating."
• The OST enhanced the scenes.
• The ending gave hope for a third season. Some creative writer needs to find a way to get the Lee brothers back together. And the mountain god trio. And the Old Man and Old Hag.
The Bad:
• A thousand loose ends were left fraying in the breeze.
• There is no season 3 or even mention of one. Lee Dong Wook has moved on and said he felt the story was complete. I can't see a third season without him. It would be easier to accept season 2 was the end if some of the plot lines had been completed and the writer hadn't introduced a new villain and left things open ended!
Is this a masterpiece? Probably not, but it depends on how you view it. The visuals were great, the story was good, and the actors were perfection in their roles. Most of all, it made me feel. It was a great deal of fun with lots of heart and admirable characters. It didn't take itself seriously, and a good time was had by all.
I added a full star because I thoroughly relished the time I spent with the characters. I fell in love with them and hated to see the drama end. That's worth more to me than a tight plot, esoteric messages, or pushing artistic boundaries.
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