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Enjoy the Scenery: Mountains, Yi Lin, and Esther Yu

I like sports dramas. I appreciated learning more about snowboarding, but I wish there had been a little more competition shown. Except for two jumps, there was no suspense involving the snowboarding.

There should be an expiration age on full-time aegyo for adult humans, and Esther Yu, approaching 30, has reached it. I didn't mind the childishness in Love Between Fairy and Devil, because aegyo suited the character of an innocent flower fairy. It's different when Esther Yu is playing an adult businesswoman. This is not a criticism of the actress; I like her very much and will happily watch most of her dramas, but I hope she can get more adult-ish roles where she plays an intelligent, competent person without all the toddler, spoiled attitude. What's cute as a toddler just isn't as an adult. I'm not saying she has to take cold, calculated roles, but wouldn't it be fun to see what she could do with a villain role?

When watching this drama, leave logic at the door. FL wore a new snowboarding outfit every day but claimed she couldn't afford to buy fogless snowboard goggles. This from a woman staying at an exclusive resort and taking personal snowboarding lessons. And she carried one suitcase a trip when she wore the equivalent of a complete dress shop. She seriously couldn't get two of her coats in that suitcase, much less all of the boots/shoes/purses/hats/dresses. That suitcase must be like the Tardis: bigger on the inside.

Kudos to the secondary romance of a snowboarder and his ex-skier girlfriend who lost her legs in an accident. Their love story was more interesting to me than the leads. It's not often a disability is done well. Either the person is pitied or made into a saint. The girlfriend was treated like a normal, sweet person with dreams and abilities. The third romance between FL's best friend and snowboarder Lao Yan was weird and unfinished.

Loved the scenery. The mountains were exquisite. It's hot summer where I watched the drama, but I had to cuddle up in a warm blankie to make it through all that snow! Beautiful scenes!

All in all, I'm not mad I watched, but I was a tad disappointed, because I expected more.

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We Are More Than Our Brains

This drama ticks many of my boxes: a plethora of brain conditions/injuries, intelligent characters, and engaging actors. The co-leading man was a handsome psychopath; the other co-leading man was the relatable, comic relief; and the supporting/guest actors were gems. I'm always mesmerized by Ye Ji Won: she never plays a boring part.

I enjoyed all the brain dilemmas, even though the science was flawed. I'm capable of overlooking poetic license for a little drama.

I'm a sucker for intelligent characters, and this drama had mostly smart people until the 15th and 16th episodes, when everyone must have take stupid pills and overdosed. I was cringing at the thought of two neuroscientists being so brainless, and three cops (count them!) being so unprofessional and unprepared. There is also no way a truly psychotic being would have ended the way he did. It was agonizing sitting through all that while muttering, "Call for back-up!"

I wanted to remove a star due to the cringe-worthy ending, but I can't because the leading man had a two-story library and a mouse/rat named Algernon (read the short story Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes; don't read the novelette as the short story is superior: https://www.sdfo.org/gj/stories/flowersforalgernon.pdf). It obviously doesn't take much to make me overlook a disappointing ending. I also liked the philosophy that we are more than our brains. We don't have to be constrained by what we're given.

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The Winner of Worst Wig...

Is Hong Ryeon/Mu Yeon, by a landslide. Wigs are often bad in historical dramas, but this one was atrocious. The actress had dark auburn hair, but her wig was raven black. The actress, Kang Moon Young, did a fine job chewing the scenery in her role as a villain, but I couldn't keep my eyes off her wig. Very distracting. As was the rap music in the fight scenes. Still, time spent with Lee Joon Gi and Shin Min Ah elevated what, otherwise, could been an average offering. I enjoyed Hwang Bo Ra as comic relief, too.

In typical K-drama style, early episodes started promisingly, middle episodes had a tendency to drag, and the last episode had everything thrown into the blender at high speed, then poured out haphazardly. I won't add this to my "Unsatisfying Ending" list, but it just barely escaped. It isn't a sad ending, but it's unfulfilling. It's just enough to leave me disgruntled.

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Short on Angst, Long on Charm

The ML was played masterfully by Wallace Huo. He depicted a man newly turned 40, set in his ways, and encumbered by neurodivergence. ML was brilliant, but he was hampered by his OCD, his lack of filter when he spoke, and his inability to read social signals. He had learned to navigate life by isolation, the protection and intervention of his business partner, and the defensive speech he used to keep people at arm's length.

Zhu Zhu depicted an older woman successful in her profession who was unwilling to settle for the sake of marriage, no matter the pressures society and her father placed upon her.

What unfolded was a mature love story. Some might find it slow and lacking in the romance department, but I was fascinated with ML's journey and evolution. Wallace Huo fleshed out a character I will long remember, and he did it in a stylish and heartwarming manner. Unlike so many dramas that have disappointed me, it managed to have a sweet and satisfying ending.

I quibbled with myself over the rating, but my enjoyment of Huo's character made me come back to rate the drama higher.

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Loopholes, We've Got Your Loopholes of All Sizes Here!

Nothing was explained or made sense: why was a modern woman outrageously, belligerently fearless in an isolated area when a man repeatedly tried to kill her (with arrows, sword, and knife!); if she was from the future and had foreknowledge, why didn't she make better choices or give out warnings; why would cooks well-known for their knife skills choose wooden spoons as weapons to save their lives; and why was the king's mother killed? The ending is equally nonsensical, and the writers even admitted in a sideways fashion that they couldn't come up with a viable explanation. As for loose ends, the whole drama garment was frayed! If you don't need logic or explanations, this is the drama for you.

Even so, I enjoyed myself. The leads and supporting cast were fun. I enjoy food dramas, and I could happily watch the ML eat in slow motion for an entire drama. Which is, basically, the main reason to watch this show. I've added an entire star for the ML's acting skills in relishing each bite.

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Every Trope Known to Drama Lovers!

This is a satire written for drama lovers, as only they can fully appreciate the many tropes. There are also puns and references that only those who know Chinese culture and language will comprehend. Even without those understandings, anyone can enjoy the drama even though they will miss some humor and foreshadowing. A Dream Within a Dream is so rich in music, art, poetry, philosophy, lush cinematography, Easter eggs, and tropes that missing a few allusions won't matter, as the story holds together without needing total awareness.

The cast was exceptional, from the charismatic leads to the wonderful supporting characters.

If I had to quibble about anything, it's that a character with foreknowledge should use it to her advantage. If something horrible is going to happen in the forest at night, don't decide to travel through it at that time. It was frustrating to experience the FL floundering and making foolish choices. She took excruciatingly long to wise up to those around her, and it wasn't until late in the game that she tried to use the script to her advantage.

I found ADwaD to be fresh and innovative while using old, tired tropes. I generally don't enjoy slapstick or overt silliness, but they fit well in this parody.

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I Think I'm Fated to Watch All The Versions of This Story

I didn't expect to like this rendition as much as the Korean one (Jang Na Ra, Jang Hyuk, and Choi Jin Hyuk were wonderful in their roles and set the bar high), but I was pleasantly surprised by the Taiwanese leads. The ML was appropriately alternately angry and tortured, the FL was a long-suffering sacrificial lamb, 2ML was sweet and supportive, and 2FL was a horrific excuse of a human being.

The story was much the same, but there was more slapstick comedy to angst ratio, and I didn't mind that too much, as the Korean version was emotionally painful to endure. I could have done without the FL's family, though. They were so loud and annoying! And Anson. The best thing about him was when the ML would zip his lips! I never wanted him to unzip them. Some of their scenes could have easily been cut to tighten up the drama; 24 episodes weren't necessary.

The OST was mostly lighthearted; the Korean OST was heart-wrenching ("Goodbye, My Love" by Ailee is one of my favorite songs from a drama: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=UEVjA5CdkPk).

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You'll Laugh, Cringe, and Fan Yourself

This was the equivalent of Cheetos, dipped in chocolate sauce, topped with whipped cream, and garnished with pickles. It didn't make sense, and it wasn't good for me, but I enjoyed it anyway.

Passionate groping and steamy kisses were interspersed with nonsense. I obviously watched it in the right frame of mind; generally, I would have looked askance at a drama that was so silly (when it wasn't trying to be campy), but it made me laugh (rather unintentionally, I'm sure).

I snickered when the ML tore off his shirt, and his torso glistened with oil. Well, with a torso like that, a guy should oil up on the off chance he's going to rip off his clothing. My eyebrows rose when the bride-to-be made out with a stranger at her fiancé's funeral--on top of his coffin, no less. The FL had to have hemorrhoid surgery, something I've not encountered in a romance before. The FL was forced to marry the psycho because he put a bomb in her bridal bouquet. ML was viciously knifed and in a coma for days. When the FL walked into his room, he was standing and fully dressed right after awakening. Those are some killer genes that provide instant healing! And kudos to the ML. That actor approached every kiss like an Olympic event in which he was going to set a record. The man was enthusiastic!

I laughed, I cringed, and I fanned myself. It wasn't a cinematic masterpiece, but I had fun.

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A Drama About Nothing That Touches Everything

When teacher Park Ha Kyung needed an escape from her life, she'd take a day trip. She didn't pack for overnight, as that would be too much trouble, and, ironically, she didn't enjoy traveling. The drama revolved around her walking and eating in different locales, and that could have been extremely boring, but Park Ha Kyung had the gift of observation and appreciation for the small things. A quotation attributed to Albert Einstein states: "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." Park Ha Kyung doesn't look for large miracles; she is content with the tiny, healing ones that come from simple acts such as sincerely apologizing, sharing a meal with a stranger, or attempting something new. Definitely not a drama for thrill seekers or romantics, but I relished how different, subdued, yet rich, it was.

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I Can Watch Ahn Bo Hyun's Dramas Now

The best outcome of watching Flex X Cop is that I finally got over my aversion to Ahn Bo Hyun. His character was so despicable in Itaewon Class, that I stopped watching Yumi's Cells when he appeared as the love interest! I was like, no way, no how. He'd sneak up on me in supporting roles, and that helped, somewhat, to desensitize me, but I think this drama has erased the visceral reaction I've had to him. Chalk it up to good acting; I have nothing against the actor. He was perfect in this role (he was perfect in Itaewon Class, too, but eww!).

The initial fish-out-of-water scenes with ML as a pseudo-police officer were crazy and chaotic. I loved the brashness and sheer bravado of the ML. Then, it became predictable. I kept saying to myself, "Please don't let XXX be the baddie!" It would have been refreshing if it hadn't turned out that way, but the drama fell into an old cliche. Very disappointing. It was fun until then. I'm thinking season two, with all the childhood trauma behind him, could allow the zany, fun side of the character to return.

I must make mention of ML's stylist. His ensembles were amazing. Even great coats, watches, shoes... the whole look was sharp and perfectly chaebol.

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Everyone Wants Arthdal and I Don't Know Why Because It's a Toxic Place

It's hard when actors replace the established actors of beloved characters. I had that initial disappointment when I saw the sweet cherub face of Song Joong Ki was now represented by fierce Lee Joon Gi. SJK was perfect as the naive member of the Wahan clan; LJG was equally as perfect as the Inaishingi warrior. LJG was better suited for the new physical demands of Eun Seom; he's always a pleasure to watch in action scenes. Playful, willful Tan Ya"s Kim Ji Won performance was replaced with a quiet, bland adaptation by Sin Sae Kyeong. I had to remind myself the characters were bound to change with the passage of eight or so years and the trials they'd been through. I never warmed to the new Tan Ya, but the part wasn't written to endear me. There was nothing left of the original Tan Ya's personality for me to recognize. And Saya—what a change: from effeminate schemer to masculine evil. His former personality was unrecognizable.

It helped for continuity that the king and queen were played by the same actors. And what acting it was. Jang Dong Gun and Kim Ok Bin were scene stealers. They were magnificent villains, real and raw—the type of evil that was explained by their circumstances and born out of necessity. Fabulous portrayals of damaged people, who even at their most repugnant moments could evince their vulnerabilities.

The story was bleaker in cinematography and tone than its predessors. There were few happy moments to bond with the characters. It was understandable. They were at war. Treachery, treason, and death were the constants. I couldn't help feeling that the script had been infected with George R. R. Martin's nihilistic approach to killing off beloved characters in a meaningless, abrupt way. I really hate that. I was also frustrated through many situations when it seemed no one could think logically; I really dislike sloppy writing that relies on the characters to be stupid to advance the plot.

The ending wrapped up the current arc but gave a preview of trouble in paradise. There could easily be several more seasons of Arthdal adventures if the Powers That Be want it, as there was no resolution with Saya or Taealha; the Neanthals may want retribution; and, personally, I want to see more MoMos.

I gave Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy and 8.5 rating (it was tasked with setting up the story and introducing characters); Arthdal Chronicles Part 2: The Sky Turning Inside Out, Rising Land (2019) was rated 9 stars (the story took off); Arthdal Chronicles Part 3: The Prelude to All Legends (2019) continued the excitement and was rated 9 stars; and Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun (2023) was given an 8 star rating.

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The Demon Slays in Versace and Hermes

Gentle viewer, be forewarned. This has graphic violence too often and for too long. There was torture and gore.

The Good:
• Park Shin Hye was amazing. She was mesmerizing on the screen. Killer acting (pun intended).
• My compliments to PSH's stylist. Her clothing, earrings, handbags, and shoes were exquisite. The beautiful visuals helped offset some of the darkness of the drama.

The Bad:
• I like Kim Jae Yeong, but I couldn't quite believe the romantic relationship between the upstanding detective and the demon who enjoyed hurting people.
• It didn't make sense that when the female detective went missing that her faux son didn't go crazy looking for her. It didn't make sense that the demon didn't pursue that either. Even if she didn't care about the female detective, she wanted to catch the serial killer, and that was the best lead. She had the ability to view the detective magically but decided, meh, she'll show up.
• The demon judge seemed locked into proceeding with a trial and then releasing the criminal afterward in order to exterminate him. I never understood why she didn't eliminate the murderers before trial. It would have been much simpler and left her out of the spotlight.
• It's a K-drama, so there was a stupid time skip and an inexplicable separation. It was done poorly and made no sense. The drama should have ended before that happened.
• The plot holes were many and few issues were resolved as the first season was dependent upon a second. I had to rewind, because I couldn't accept that the director had chosen to stop filming there. It wasn't an ending. Just a stop. Nothing resolved.

I generally complain that K- and C-dramas overlook, forgive, or reward the villains. I can't make that claim here! The evil-doers got what they had dished out, and then they were taken out. It was cathartic to a point, but I never want to get too comfortable with the idea of violent retribution. It didn't help that I'm reading a serial killer series at the moment (Dan Wells' John Wayne Cleaver series: I highly recommend for those who find sociopaths and other neurodivergents interesting; very fascinating character). That was too much darkness at once. I need to balance that better.

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Hard to Like a Drama with an Unlikeable Lead

I was disappointed initially that this wasn't a continuation of the original ML/FL from the first Soundtrack drama. This has lesser-known actors, but it was an improvement over the first drama, because it actually had a story (albeit, annoying) and some substance.

The drama suffered from having an unlikeable FL. She was rigid and unreasonable. I have to admit she reminded me of myself when I insist on doing things on my own, often to everyone's discomfort. It was baffling to me why the ML loved that sour, disagreeable face. I didn't like her: why did he? In true K-drama fashion, she flipped a switch and changed her personality in time for a happy ending. If only life worked like that. Give me some of what's she's drinking!

I liked both new-to-me actors. I hope to see them in something I enjoy more.

I added a half star for Steve Noh's jawline. So sharp, it could cut diamonds!

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