Goodbye Samdal-Ri
I came to watch Welcome to Samdal-ri mainly to see my favorites, Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun. I almost titled this review "Maybe I expected too much" only to be reminded I came to watch with that single motive. I was happy to see their antics and their playfulness both on display on plenty occasions. However when Episode 16 wrapped up I just sat there wanting but unable to identify where the series fell short. I keep on having nagging feelings of uneasiness throughout the show like either the original story started out with less cast or production started before the script was even complete. Did the production budget get cut? There seems to be hastily added storylines which are unnecessary and did not drive the plot.The characters were not fleshed out well either.
I need to see Sang-tae's devastation. What was shows was just not enough that I can feel for him too. Instead he just comes across as a petty father who arrogantly holds his grief over and above everybody else.
Sang-do was not believable. I mean it takes a bit more personality under the hood to drive a yellow convertible. But Sang-do was made so dry he is like toast with no butter. In love for decades and he doesn't behave like a moth to a flame 24/7?
Eun-hye devolved into a shadow of her self from Episode 1 so fast I got whiplash.
Pan-sik was so comically written that his character only worked on the first few episodes. Unfortunately, when things got serious you could say he can be edited out so easily. Shame that the writers did not even attempt to keep him relevant to the story.
To be honest, the actors I felt did well with the lackluster material they had. Not sure what made such stars sign on this project but I would love to be the fly on the wall each time this was pitched.
Sadly, I do not think I will be watching this ever again.
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A Franchise Failing to Connect and Losing Direction
Many trainees ate this season. I will say watch the show for them. They always bring it. The chosen songs to cover were a mixed bag. As for the original songs the trainees worked on this year, they were not my cup of tea. It could be for you though.Onto the review.
The show in a nutshell: A Franchise Failing to Connect and Losing Direction.
This is not only BP vs B2P. This is a franchise series that I connect to the Produce series. IMO, Mnet is trying to run from its scandalous past using little to no effort, other than slapping on a new name on whatever year's version.
Mnet's audience is growing wiser. The jaded older audience, the keepers of the franchise's checkered history, pass this knowledge to the new viewers. Multiplying in exponential proportions, its wary and dissatisfied audience. BP1 MDL rate is 8.3 as I write this. B2P rate is 7.4.
History is known to repeat itself, so it is no surprise the viewers are CONSTANTLY vigilant for:
1) signs of manipulation
2) signs of trainee mistreatment
3) evil editing
4) Mnet's trainee favoritism
Time to go back to the drawing board and strive to make a GOOD SHOW.
1) Throwing money is not going to make the problem go away.
2) Shading trainees. Cheap shot to take, Mnet.
3) Evil editing mentors. So unprofessional.
4) Having about 200 trainees/talent is overcompensating.
5) Having the same format for the nth year? Really?
6) Time to get with the times, it's 2025.
Now getting with the times is more than the fancy sets, digital doodads, lighting, and pyro. K-pop is a socio-cultural movement so Mnet has that sphere to play inside too. Just consider these:
1) Are there translators around to help best convey important thoughts among participants? From what I can see, when the shoot has only trainees, there is no one facilitating the communication process. Why should that fall on trainee shoulders when they hardly have time to practice or even rest?
2) No translators? How about language teachers? Especially for rappers.
3) The underage trainees are lucky that some seniors take the time to look out for them. But producers and creators of the show have a responsibility to provide qualified professionals (plural) to oversee their mental health. Kids cannot take care of kids.
4) Foreign trainees need support. It is likely they do not have the local fanbase and are unknown in the SK Korean Industry.
A little about business.
1) No subtitles equals Little to no interaction.
2) Mnet's target audience versus voting audience versus buying audience. 50/50 split on voting weight? Come on.
3) Offering a 1 or even 2-year contract was ridiculous. Looking at 5 years this time around, until the fine print, I still am skeptical. I am inclined to say Mnet's part is debuting them and couldn't care less what happens after the final live show. I believe this is why they resort to evil editing. Engagement, clicks, comments, and views. Can they get more? Yes but they don't want their thumbs in the pie. IMO.
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This review may contain spoilers
2019 remake that delivers what 2017 could not (CAUTION: SPOILER ALERT)
I started with the 2017 released but was left wanting as early as episode 2. Found this similarly titled series, not knowing it the 2019 remake, clicked on it for that fact alone. To be honest, I was very skeptical as well as dreading it would progress in the same manner as the original or worse as remakes go.Pleasantly surprised this:
1) Had a more focused storyline;
2) Actors were more grounded in their roles;
3) Cast interacted with each other and the camera more naturally;
4) Backstories were put in where it was more logical and natural.
The introduction of an antagonist in Wayo's and Phana's story was surprising but not fully unwelcome. However I wish it was better developed and not inserted here, there and everywhere. Having said that though, in my opinion it is a step up over the multitude of side characters all wanting the Campus Moon in the original. 2017 was filled with women with weak established motivations who only distracted the story from moving smoothly along.
I want to find out what happens with Phana and Wayo's antagonist so I am crossing my fingers that there are plans to develop the couples' stories.
I loved all the couples and would love to know where life took them. Until then, I will spend a couple of weekends watching this series again.
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This review may contain spoilers
Came for Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun Jin, then left with Jo Yi Geon
The gist of the story would have you go 'Okay, that sounds interesting...' and that is what happened to me. Then I got more enthusiastic after seeing Gong Yoo (Silenced) and Seo Hyun Jin (Why Her?) in the cast. The first episode's opening moments got me hooked and at its end, I was feeling for Jeong Won (Gong Yoo) the most.IMO the writer and its director struggled with the backstories. The presentation just did not flow seamlessly which made my experience with the series quite unsettling and unfulfilling. Like how episode 2 opened with a totally new character and you're thrown in the past grasping at straws to make sense of it all.
Then there is Yun Ji Oh (Jo Yi Geon/ Cho I Geon) who was forgotten in limbo land for most of the episodes. He was, for most of the time, the a$$holic man candy who was quickly shoved into a hero position to save every one.
Then there's the abusive father. His hospital bed scenes were so unnecessary. It would have been more effective had he been in his virile and vile self, in Jeong Won's and Seo Yeon's (Jung Yun Ha) flashbacks.
The acting I enjoyed. No surprise there. It's what carried me through to the last episode. I just will specially mention that as much as No In-Ji raged to protect Jeong Won, it was her soft moments that I find special. I melted every time No In-ji smiled. But I still enjoyed her several displays of physicality.
The music is enjoyable too. Now where is that rock music available?
Unfortunately, there is little chance I will rewatch The Trunk. But I will look out for a spin off. I am curious about Yun Jin Oh. His transition from keeper to husband-for-hire for one. Also, he was tagged by the writer as cruel. To me he was the most straightforward character amongst the lot. He knew what/who he liked and he expressed it. He also was loyal to the very end. There's very few people in the world like that and I am intrigued how he came to be and why he is so devoted to the crazy selfish bish.
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This review may contain spoilers
Watch Starlight Boys for the trainees
The show started quite promising. It is a Chinese-Korean talent search basically with quite a big pool of talented trainees (and some not-so talented ones thrown in the mix) from various countries. The issues started early in the first episode which only worsened in the second nor did it get better in the episodes that followed. There are great moments like epic performances or when coaches would interact and provide guidance/help. However there was not enough to redeem the show. Unlike most survival shows that aired before 2024 the Starlight Boys voting process requires you to essentially buy in order to vote. There are tiers of how many times you can "light up" your favorites and this is based on your active subscriptions. There are other options all of which requiring a purchase. Thus you can say fans bought spots for every single one of the debuting members of Polarix.In terms of talent, if this is not the only survival show you have seen through, there is quite a disparity in skills among the debuting members which in my opinion should be one of the initial concerns for their management. This can be the team's primary challenge yet one cannot discount the portion of fan's displeased by the resulting lineup. Though fan sentiment could be the straw that will break the camel's back, I hope Polarix management will take this as a challenge and transform it into a positive driving force to improve all debuting members of Polarix.
I love music and K-pop. There are reasons to like and watch survival shows like its teaching moments, funny interactions, and trainee camaraderie. I respect hard work and ambition but I found myself dropping this show midway. However, I took it up again to be fair and informed enough to write this review. I watched every single episode, highlight, etc. At the end of it all, Starlight Boys was a SHOW. It really was down to its core. It threw around beautiful words like Polaris and Guider but its significance and meaning was readily lost to serve fans much craved dramatic fodder. As I write this, the world has kindly rated the show a 6.6.
My issue with the show is not with the participants at all. I question the creators of the show for I don't know and cannot fathom who Starlight Boys was created for. The show was fundamentally weak that it was easily derailed and its premise lost. I say, watch the show once for the trainees. You will see how hard the trainees worked with a miniscule chance of debuting. In the controversial episode 2, where many may be turned off by the creators, staff, and judges; you will witness extraordinary strength and resolve. Those who do not make the cut they wore their hearts on their sleeves and showed grace beyond their years.
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Better season due to entertainment value, cast and show format
Each time I go into watching dating shows, I go into it to be entertained, to be moved and be engaged by the cast. To me, the show is a real-time evolving narrative where I only get to see an edited final material. Thus I base my opinion on what I have been fed. Although the characters' were cut from the same cloth as those from previous years, their emotions and thoughts were played out more for the audience to see this time around in my opinion. The show's producers signed on individuals that were more vocal, controversial, spirited and immature then put them in almost continuous jarring situations as soon as they arrive, on their first breakfast in Paradise, and as soon as people get back to Inferno. All of which make for jaw-dropping, tearful, infuriating, questionable, frustrating and explosive moments which for viewers like me was entertainment gold.I admit I came for the train wreck, but I also enjoyed seeing the camaraderie amongst the cast members which came across as genuine amongst some. The pressurized atmosphere was lifted by the occasional display of lighthearted banter. That is another thing this season had shown more of and it was heartwarming.
I recommend you watch Single's Inferno Season 3. Kick it off with a bowl of Bugles with Chex Mix, sit back and enjoy the ride. You may even be compelled to leave a comment, just as I did, for some reason or another. If you judge by the comments, it is quite polarized. Therefore, there is a big chance you come out hating it or loving it. Nonetheless, I wish you happy viewing!
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