John Smith

Zhang Fan and Lin Sen. Pan Xiao Chen went solo. I am trying to remember if Luo Xiao Xiao ended up with her school friend or not. I thought the focus was on the three FLs interactions. The actual romances were not really developed in a way that connected with me.

In most of these situations, maybe the romantic in me feels like one always starts to like the other from the very beginning because it would really smooth any inconsistency from a bumpy beginning that contract relationships are bound to have. I really like how this drama is developing so far. Both leads seem to be mature with how they are dealing with issues that arise, and I hope that continues even when they start to feel romantic about one another. I appreciate the fresh view of a contract couple versus the bully/possessive/demeaning dominance of one (usually the ML) over the other (usually the FL) in the name of romantic comedy.

I am sure it could be explained away, but I think if one of the princes can be hanging with the ladies (and what that may imply), then why do they have to explain anything?

Not overtly.

I am current. In the history of contract relationship based Chinese dramas, this drama is better than most, especially since it was not overwhelmingly one-sided. Anyone could understand why the FL needs him to stay her husband, but it is a bit harder to believe that he needs her to get what he wants. The ML seems easy going, so perhaps he reasons that he is just going with the flow. I am sure most of the usual contract tropes will follow, but I hope the fact that their relationship began on a more even level will mean less angst. I am enjoying the fact that both appear relaxed around each other versus what you might usually see.

Maybe it is just Li Wei and Yuan Ying trying to help each other and growing closer, but a few times I have caught myself wondering if YY likes (has feelings for) LW.

I do not totally agree with the OP, but I think the problem with the fake husband is more along the lines of why did the ML cede control of the situation to the FL. The ML did nothing wrong, and had nothing to lose so was smart to dictate terms for the divorce. Then somehow he "needs" her and is forced to accept her terms, and even risks liability. I know it is a drama and just about all fake relationship setups can be eye-rolling, but I would have liked to have seen more desperation on the ML's side before being "forced" to accept her terms.

Here is hoping the few minutes we have seen so far were not the only good ones.

I hope we are not catfished by this drama.

It was a team effort.

I thought it was going to be really good, but have to say it is just pretty good after the last few episodes. It is unfair to the drama, but I will mostly think of what could have been in this drama versus the actual finished product. If you only get one chance (season) to make a great drama, it just shows how difficult that really is. I feel this drama was lesser than the sum of its parts. I would say it is like a chef that had all the ingredients, tools, and skills to make a delicious chocolate cake that someone ordered, but in the process, the baking powder spills on the floor. Rather than stopping, and going to get a replacement, they decide to use what they have to make brownies which do not require a leavening agent. Brownies are good, but when you are expecting a chocolate cake you have some disappointment. Maybe I should eat before leaving comments...

I think it is pretty good, and still would recommend anyone to give it a go. i would probably just tell them to temper their expectations because the first half is much better than the second half.

You are most graciously welcome.

You said automatically wrong, not me. I used the phrase "might wrongly disagree." I am not quite sure where you get the word salad from, but I am used to being misquoted. If you view dramas as a personal preference, then of course you will see it as arbitrary. By extension, I would be wrong. I am okay with that. I have noted your refusal.

Why cut it? What about just using pixelated or blurred images during those scenes? Or can we at least get them back together to shoot a handshake (a high five might be too much) scene that can be inserted to the edit?

Automatically wrong sounds dismissive. A harshness that just does not go with the softer tone I was trying to convey. Perhaps there are reasons that lead to disagreement. For example, what if someone believes that dramas are solely in the camp of personal preference, while someone else thinks there are standards by which you can objectively critique dramas? Or someone believes it lies somewhere in between? It is also possible to be unhappy and right or happy and wrong, so what would it even matter as long as you are happy or recognize the fact that you are not. It could also be a bit of flair to spice up an otherwise routine comment.

I have no idea where you heard that from, but it actually seems more reasonable because it implies there was a financial reason (TV broadcast spot) for the delay as well.
I think international viewers will be disappointed because it is just a drama, not some life-changing experience. The Oath of Love was hyped up beyond belief as well, and was just two famous leads in another romance drama. It is not like it is delayed to make the drama better, and most dramas do not age well like fine wine.
Are we going to get a "we waited so long for this!" or are we going to get a "we waited so long for this?"

Purely by definition of romance, there is some, but if you mean rom-com scenarios or overt romance between the two main leads, then no.

Regardless of anything else, I do agree that a lot of Korean dramas I have seen tend to start well, drag somewhere in the middle, and rarely stick the landing when it comes to the ending. I have actually liked that more dramas are moving away from the 16 episode format (I have noticed 12) because there is a greater chance that four less episodes will be four less from the last two points (middle drag and shaky ending).

I see more (but not total) objectivity in the analysis of dramas, but recognize that there is more than enough subjectivity to go around.

I would like to think I know a bad drama when I see one, so I cannot understand why someone would not recommend giving this drama a chance. Perhaps I strayed into hyperbole territory in previous remarks, but feel the drama is worthy of a chance to be seen.

I would like to offer a different recommendation. If you have just started watching this drama, treat yourself to your favorite snack because you did well and you deserve it. I feel like I am preaching to the choir because those who have started this incredible journey that is known as One Dollar Lawyer already know how lively this drama is. Like a master tailor, it seamlessly threads together many genres into one fine work. Law, comedy, melodrama, suspense, and romance blend in various degrees of intensity to produce an entertaining drama. I understand that there will be people out there that do not get it. My heart aches for those who are unable to truly experience this drama in the way it was intended. I need to move on to more positive thoughts since I am tearing up a bit thinking about the place in peoples' hearts that this drama could fill. If I could address those that have not started this drama and are reading the comments looking for some sort of guidance, I would say what are you waiting for. I would be the first to say this is not as great as the wheel, indoor plumbing, electricity, or the internet, but dramas are not supposed to be that. It is really good though. Really. And if you are willing to open your heart and open your mind, I think you will feel the same way too.