MsBookworm

Great article! I was going to pass by this drama when I saw its page a few days ago but your article has convinced me to give it a try and it's now on my PTW list! Thanks :)

I think Lu Zhao Yao from The Legends and Wei Ying Luo from Story of Yanxi Palace can be added to this list!

You're welcome! I enjoy discussing characters when they intrigue me :) I know, I find myself frustrated with each character at some point but the need to understand what is going on in their heads is stronger than my annoyance hahaha. It's addicting.

I wouldn't necessarily defend any characters in this drama but I don't think there were actually any bad guys here. Each of them had their own way of thinking and interpreting situations. Though we may not fully understand or agree with their actions, it made sense with their character if that makes any sense? You're right, they are all flawed but that's the main appeal to this drama - at least for me!

So.... I feel like the ending was shortened A LOT. Felt like they just wanted to wrap it up nicely with a bow instead of fleshing out the characters and their growth. It's a happy ending in a way but the character growth was like.... fast forwarded? Lol I don't know, I'm disappointed. Not sure why a decision was made for this story to be only 10 episodes long with each episode only 25mins. I feel that if it was a typical Jdrama length (near an hour), it might have felt less rushed?

Despite the disappointment with how this drama ended though, I still rated this drama a high score as it had a refreshing plot and the characters made me think, made me want to analyze them. I wanted to know more about them! The feels were there too so overall (aside from the sudden character growth), it was a good, deep drama.

I like Hase too as I find his character fascinating. His character gives us more to wonder about than Hongyo. Hongyo is just like an enigma whereas Hase keeps showing us all these different (mostly negative) actions lol.

Like pandalla008 said, I don't think you skipped some episodes. Maybe we're just watching and interpreting the characters differently/on different levels - perhaps some of us are interpreting and looking at the characters from a deeper psychological view, coating and reading beyond and some of us are just interpreting and looking at the characters as-is based on the actions/thoughts we do get to see lol if that makes sense.

I think he looked devastated because he actually likes her but doesn't have the ability to express his feelings and thoughts. I also thought what he says doesn't quite match up to how he feels but I wonder if that's just the uniqueness of his personality. He can't share his thoughts and feelings through words and when he does say things, it's like he's trying to play it cool and show it's nothing to him?

Hase is an interesting character - he is definitely manipulative and clearly likes to be in control of things. I think he started to pay attention to Terada because he noticed Hongyo (the guy that rarely expresses any interest or emotion) is affected by Terada which is fascinating to Hase and piqued his interest lol. Also, interacting with Terada doesn't remind him of his mother so it was like two birds one stone for Hase, at least that's what I think lol

Thanks for reminding me about Hongyo's book! Yes I totally agree with what you said about the importance of Terada to Hongyo as it's evident with his book.

Yeah, as much as I understand why Terada is trying to move on, I feel upset about her actions too. She just found out how Hongyo really felt and thought when they were together during their school days but doesn't try to use that knowledge to be more patient and help guide Hongyo with expressing himself and have a better relationship this second time around. Like what the hell.....!? Seeing Hongyo sit by the window also made me feel so sad and hurt for Hongyo...He was trying to poke his head out of his shell by saying he doesn't like her with Hase but then after being shut down by Terada like that, you could see him literally shrink back into his shell as he says "I get it" :(

Akari is definitely a character you like the more you get to know her! As quirky as she is, I really appreciate her straightforwardness and perspective. She's an awesome character!

You're welcome! Lol I think we're all impatient for more! I love discussing characters so thanks for sharing your frustration haha

I watched it with Mandarin subs (they come out fast lol) on Maplestage (http://maplestage.com/episode/AnplL/%E5%8F%AF%E4%BB%A5%E4%B8%8D%E5%8F%AF%E4%BB%A5-%E7%AC%AC9%E9%9B%86-JP190425D-Ep-9)

Ooh thanks for the manga spoiler! Lol though technically, they were together for a bit during ep9, which was how Terada and us viewers knew what Hongyo thought when they dated back during their school days. Do they get back together again in the manga then? That would be exciting lol. They need another chance to be together and have more patience to figure each other out!

I watched it on maplestage (http://maplestage.com/episode/AnplL/%E5%8F%AF%E4%BB%A5%E4%B8%8D%E5%8F%AF%E4%BB%A5-%E7%AC%AC9%E9%9B%86-JP190425D-Ep-9) - they have Mandarin subs though, not English so hopefully you can read Mandarin!

So after episode 9, we got to know more about their history, more specifically what Hongyo thought when they dated back in school. I'm so curious what Hase said to Hongyo though. I feel so... sad for Hongyo. I wish Terada had let him explain near the end of the episode but I get why she didn't want to hear it since she's decided to give up. But man his expression, so heartbreaking for me.... Hase is so manipulative which makes him so fascinating - I'm intrigued to find out (if we'll ever find out) what his angle is.

So with one more episode left, I'm not sure how they're going to end it... and I'm REALLY hoping for season 2! This is seriously not enough to unpack the character of Hongyo and the other characters.

Ah okay thanks!

Is the manga complete online somewhere with English translations? Or did you read the raw?

If you can read mandarin subs, you can watch episode 8 on Maplestage (http://maplestage.com/show/%E5%8F%AF%E4%BB%A5%E4%B8%8D%E5%8F%AF%E4%BB%A5)

It's out every Thursday night and if you can read mandarin, Maplestage (http://maplestage.com/show/%E5%8F%AF%E4%BB%A5%E4%B8%8D%E5%8F%AF%E4%BB%A5) has really quick subs - it's where I watch it every Thursday night!

Episode 21 was a bit weird/crazy but as I've read some comments and spoilers below, I know there's more to come lol. That aside, on episode 22 now and omg, Zhao Lan Zhi was so mesmerizing during his duel with Mu Le and telling him how to be better - so main lead worthy lol. Totally have SLS here... I had to laugh out loud though seeing that scene of Lan Zhi telling Mu Le "a story" while hold him down because it totally reminds me of a VERY similar scene from Le Coup de Foudre Special. The actor for Lan Zhi and main guy from Le Coup de Foudre is the same and they literally say the same thing to a love rival hahaha!

I also recently finished this drama. It took me some time to get through even though it was only 11 episodes long. I needed to take breaks in between - it was definitely not a binge watch for me.

I 100% agree that Utada Hikaru's Prisoner of Love was not only perfect but also addictingly good lol. (I've actually heard this song many years ago but it was upon watching this drama that I rediscovered this song and fell totally in love with it). It was super fitting for this drama!

The character of Michiru was weak for sure and not a character I'd typically like or enjoy watching but given the content and plot of this drama, I understand it and hence, I finished it and was okay with her growth or lack of lol.

Ueno Juri is amazing. Her acting and portrayal of Ruka was just perfect and I just love her. I teared up with her and felt with her. I just have to point out, the ending of the first episode was just so amazingly done lol.

The character of Sousuke was intense and scary but there were definitely pockets of moments where I felt for him. He definitely needed serious help and support in terms of his mental health.

I wasn't sure how this drama was going to end but I have to say I was satisfied with the ending. The friends all had a good and reasonable ending. In fact, I think I love it.

Good! I'll look forward to seeing Oh Sunny grow when I start it up again soon :) And yes, I'll have to just move on from Na Wang Shik's change lol though not looking forward to the ending for him... :( It's unfortunate that it turned out that way!

I can tell you put a lot of time and effort into the articles! They're all so beautifully written and fascinating reads! I'm almost done the "Common Visual Cues in K-Dramas" series and already looking forward to the other series and your future ones :) By the way, I totally agree that simplicity trumps extravagant vocabulary as it is definitely more helpful and efficient!

It definitely shows in your writing! (I've started reading your other articles and you've got me hooked - I'm starting to notice extra details as I'm watching dramas! As another commentor mentioned, I sense it - the visual cues and have the feelings for certain scenes but couldn't put words to it and you've done it beautifully!)

I had wanted to drop this drama because I wasn't into the character of Oh Sunny. I found her to be too naive and easily tricked. However, you were persuasive with how Oh Sunny changes and I do love a good strong, logical character growth. Also, I couldn't get over how "drastic" Na Wang Shik changed or how he managed to survive what he went through lol. I understand it's drama and I need to suspend my disbelief but it was hard. It's ironic though since I was interested in this drama because of Choi Jin Hyuk lol.

I was going to drop this drama after 9 episodes in but because of this article, I'm going to pick it up again soon! You have such an amazing skill at writing. I love how eloquent and clear your writing is in conveying your ideas and viewpoints. I wish I could write like you! I also have a background in Communications but I'm no where as analytical and concise as you lol. Thanks for such a convincing article!

I thought it was a bit weird too that it took them so long to find out the wife died already but I think there was a small scene where SWJ told his mom that he hasn't registered her death yet or something like that so there's technically no record of her death as she was in private care.