Decently good watch!
TLDR BELOW!! | Spoiler safe! | Includes some character discussion but NO spoilers!
I'd like to categorize Friendly Rivalry as a perfect show for eating to/after a long day of work or school/reward episodes etc. The episodes are about 30 minutes and for the most part, they are organized well. I really enjoyed the first half of the season and it honestly had such a good hook so it's pretty easy to get in to. I also liked how many of the episodes kinda had like a flashback/context scene for different characters before the intro cut scene (it gave a lot of character context and I'm so grateful for it). Downside though, the last few episodes of the series felt a bit rushed IMO... They brought up a lot of potential problems in the middle of the season and I think it might've not been completely necessary because it made the ending seemed too rushed. For example Nam Byeong-jin AKA the drug provider thug guy TT, I was geniunely so confused with his impact. Like I couldn't tell exactly what his motives/who's side he was on besides the fact that he just wanted to be rich. Which I guess in hindsight would be his ultimate motive but for me it got a bit confusing at points. IDK might just be me though. I think this show was definitely good and enticing but it's ending failed in terms of what it could have been (based off of how good the beginning was)
Moreover, the acting in this show was phenomenal. I specifically want to point out how I LOVE Lee Hye-ri's acting (actor of Yoo Jae-i) Like her micro-expressions are just perfect. Plus her character as a whole was also so interesting. I do agree that it was more fun deciphering who's side she truly was on in the beginning as I feel like it was more obvious towards the end.
I wish there was more context behind Jae-i's father though... (ifykyk) I don't think a season 2 is necessary but if they really focus on one singular point then I think it can be executed well.
BTW If you wanted to watch this for GL I would say this specific show does not go super in depth with that so take with that as you will. However, I don't think it was overdone or anything if anything it was mostly underdone. Disclaimer: I don't watch GL's so what I say might not be completely accurate!
TLDR:
1. Easy, digestible watch!
2. Some rushing towards the end - some parts of the story not completely explained IMO
3. Beginning of the show is great, great hook, acting, plot
4. GL components are primarily tension based except for one scene that is dream based
Other notes: Good music, cinematography, camera skills etc.!
I'd like to categorize Friendly Rivalry as a perfect show for eating to/after a long day of work or school/reward episodes etc. The episodes are about 30 minutes and for the most part, they are organized well. I really enjoyed the first half of the season and it honestly had such a good hook so it's pretty easy to get in to. I also liked how many of the episodes kinda had like a flashback/context scene for different characters before the intro cut scene (it gave a lot of character context and I'm so grateful for it). Downside though, the last few episodes of the series felt a bit rushed IMO... They brought up a lot of potential problems in the middle of the season and I think it might've not been completely necessary because it made the ending seemed too rushed. For example Nam Byeong-jin AKA the drug provider thug guy TT, I was geniunely so confused with his impact. Like I couldn't tell exactly what his motives/who's side he was on besides the fact that he just wanted to be rich. Which I guess in hindsight would be his ultimate motive but for me it got a bit confusing at points. IDK might just be me though. I think this show was definitely good and enticing but it's ending failed in terms of what it could have been (based off of how good the beginning was)
Moreover, the acting in this show was phenomenal. I specifically want to point out how I LOVE Lee Hye-ri's acting (actor of Yoo Jae-i) Like her micro-expressions are just perfect. Plus her character as a whole was also so interesting. I do agree that it was more fun deciphering who's side she truly was on in the beginning as I feel like it was more obvious towards the end.
I wish there was more context behind Jae-i's father though... (ifykyk) I don't think a season 2 is necessary but if they really focus on one singular point then I think it can be executed well.
BTW If you wanted to watch this for GL I would say this specific show does not go super in depth with that so take with that as you will. However, I don't think it was overdone or anything if anything it was mostly underdone. Disclaimer: I don't watch GL's so what I say might not be completely accurate!
TLDR:
1. Easy, digestible watch!
2. Some rushing towards the end - some parts of the story not completely explained IMO
3. Beginning of the show is great, great hook, acting, plot
4. GL components are primarily tension based except for one scene that is dream based
Other notes: Good music, cinematography, camera skills etc.!
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