Did I expect more from this plot? Yes. Was it necessary to have an embezzelment scheme in the story? I don't think so. Why did the story spend so much time on the whining and pouting of the ex-boyfriend? He's allowed to return and cause problems but, the writers were bending over backwards to spotlight him. He's not that important.
Why was every pair of glasses hideous?
Why did the director not use the comedic talents of Woo Sik and So Min? Both actors are gifted in physical comedy. But someone was reigning them in. Masquarading as a married couple screams physical hi-jinks and slapstick. I don't think we were given as much as we could have been.
And their love was adorable. That's not exactly a compliment. If they were hoping to be the next legendary, hot couple... I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Don't get me wrong! I prefer PG-13 love over R-rated. But their love was all hugs and head-pats. If I'm to believe this is a tense 'will-they-won't-they,' do something that appears risky.
I didn't hate the show. But I felt that some episodes were a waste of time. I finished them and thought, "Did anything necessary occur in this episode?" If an audience ever thinks that, its a sign that the project did not reach its full potential.
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Was it the actors... or the script?
The synopsis is jam packed with potential. International conflict, romeo and juliet romance, the visible shift of societal roles right before the turn of the century... and yet... there were times when the show was lacking.Lacking what?
Well, depended on the scene. Many times it was a lack of chemistry. Other times it was a lack of logic. Sometimes it was a lack of humor. At times there was a lack of sympathy.
I really enjoyed learning about this time in Korea's history. America apparently played a part, but we don't cover our 19th century relationship with Korea in public highschool. So this was all new information. And it was captivating. I had questions. I looked for answers. This show was 1/2 entertainment, 1/2 history lesson.
The part that was meant to be all entertainment was the sludge. The script expected us to celebrate and praise the characters who actually did the least. I, and the audience, had to watch our male and female lead in slow motion glamour shots, each monologuing about their struggle to balance emotion and... (shrugs) something else, then dramatically part ways to accomplish nothing beneficial to plot in the interim. Why did the writers waste my time with them?
Side characters were the value of this show. Let me be clear, this cast was huge. There's a lot of side characters. I'm not praising all of them. There's a handful. Their presence made the story interesting. Watch it for them.
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