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Taking Palace Intrigue to the Extreme

So many historical Kdramas focus on the control of power by way of controlling the throne. I've seen many historical Kdramas where there was a plot or subplot of someone (usually a high ranking official) who wanted to assume control of the throne, so they plotted and schemed to get the present king dethroned or killed, or the Crown Prince was killed so someone else's pick for heir would move up in line. This specific drama revolved around the consequences of such scheming for power.

For 30 years, the bloodline and heirs of the king, were mysteriously killed off one by one. Deemed a curse by the pond spirit, the king engaged a young man gifted with the ability to cross over into the spirit world to do battle with this resentful, angry spirt who cursed the royal family seed because she was unfairly and tragically murdered. But once the pond spirit was gone, the deaths still happened. The plot thickens as the main characters discover that the evil doesn't reside with the spirits, it resides with the living. Spoiler alert---Those in power who have committed such atrocities, have to continue to kill anyone who finds out about their secrets. This is the story of murder after murder all for the desire for more power and control of the throne, and to silence anyone who finds out about the secret killings.

This made for a thrilling drama with all sorts of twists and turns. Acting, sets, costumes, fight scenes, and the ghoulish-side of it all were executed extremely well. My only criticism is the confusion of trying to keep straight who did what to whom and why. Plot twists are great in mysteries. Just when you have things figured out a twist is thrown in. I love these. This drama had that, but there were twists upon twists that, in my opinion, made the storyline a tad too complicated.

The two main leads, played by Nam Joo Hyuk and Roh Yoon Seo, were outstanding in their roles and really carried the drama. The visuals and special effects were also outstanding especially of the spirit world. And this drama gave birth to a mischievous little side character/spirit, Kkeomeoksali, who has taken the internet by storm. I predict this cute but evil little creature will be the next trending Labubu.

All in all an enjoyable and thrilling Kdrama, and at 8 episodes, it was just right.

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What Do You Get When You Cross A Black Dragon and a Strawberry....?

A really cute Kdrama rom com that had just enough of a storyline to hold my attention through to the end. What I like about this story is that it didn't have the typical rom com cliches and overacting that was way too unrealistic. The lead female wasn't overly stupid, pathetic, and mean, but instead she was a strong career woman who held her own. The leading male, though dashing, could be really pitiful at times, and wasn't necessarily who swooped in to rescue the leading lady. Instead, sometimes it was our leading lady who swooped in to save the day.

There were some themes and plot lines that seemed to repeat that made some of it redundant. The storyline between the leading male and his grandmother went a little too far in her hatred for him, yet she demanded he work like a dog which he did. I think if that were me I would've said, "Screw you granny!!". That was a little unrealistic as was the sudden overnight change of heart that softened her. This is the stuff of fairy tales.

But, nonetheless, it still was a good story overall. Very entertaining. It kept me tuned in every week. Nothing especially phenomenal. Just purely entertaining, and for that I thank the cast and crew.

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There is ANGST in coupling up

Singles Inferno 3 brought the drama big time, and for that reason, it has been my favorite season so far, and that is saying a lot as I just loved season 2. Love him, hate him, swoon, or wish to throw a drink in his face, Gwan-hee brought the drama. It was entertaining, and it got people fired up and responding to the show. It also supercharged the panel and they were highly entertaining in the commentary of Gwen-hee's antics.

Here are my PROS and CONS for this season:
PROS:
The twist of the two Infernos and mixing up the contestants in the beginning. Loved this! Just wish it would have gone a little longer.

Dex being part of the panel. He really brought an insightful and entertaining contribution to the show.

All of the panel!! I loved their commentary!!

Strong personalities in the cast. I loved Hye-seon and Ha-jeon, their confidence, and not being afraid to speak their mind to Mr. You-know-who when his ego and just all-round jerkness got out of hand.

The drama Gwan-hee brought to the show. Most of the time I wanted to slap him for stringing along the girls, but at the same time, what he brought to the show was highly entertaining.

CONS:
Paradise was BORING!!! All they did was sit in a hotel room and eat. Let them have real dates where they actually do stuff.

The flower petal hot tub scenes were the worst! All the couples were excruciatingly awkward and they were hard to watch. I think it was the producers attempt to bring sexiness to the show, but instead it was just cringey.

I miss the kitchen on the island and the cooking scenes.

While I loved the drama Gwen-hee and his trio of ladies brought to the show, for the most part it seemed staged and fake.

The women in heels and carrying a bag on the beach. Let them wear comfy beach clothing!!

Really good season with a good deal of drama that can't be beat. The panel adds their reaction to the events unfolding both on the island and in Paradise. They are funny and honest in their reactions to the contestants, and brought even more to the entertainment level of the series.

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Resident Playbook has Stolen My Heart

Finished with a bang! Absolutely loved this Kdrama! There is nothing that I can really criticize about it. Nothing irritated or frustrated me. It was just pure pleasure watching it. Well done to the actors and the production crew! I hope, hope, hope there will be a season two!!

After 10 episodes:
First I have to say I have not watched Hospital Playlist, but I've watched clips via You Tube, listened to the OST, read reviews, and with that I knew it was good. I'm also familiar with some of the actors in HP.

With that said....I am enthralled with Resident Playbook!!!

I'm currently up to episode 10 of the series and I absolutely love it!! Each episode are new patient stories, new adventures with the residents, yet surrounded by continuing stories of I Young's family, her crush on Do Won who is also her senior doctor, and the day-to-day "colleagues but enemies but friends" relationship of these residents as they learn and grow into competent doctors.

It's dramatic, scary, funny, heartwarming, and so sad when the medical community loses a life. I've laughed and cried so many times in these few episodes and right now I never want it to end.

I love that they are bringing in surprise guest stars to add to the storyline, and I love it!! But this isn't carrying the story. It's great, don't get me wrong......but the cast is really carrying the story. Great writing, great actors, superior production equals perfection in a drama series. I'm already rooting for the second season.

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