Decent Start, Waiting for More
NOTE: This review is based on first 2 eps. No spoilers.
After the first two episodes, I don’t have many strong or lasting impressions, but the drama was decent enough that I didn’t feel like I wasted my time. It sparked enough curiosity to make me continue for now, even though I’m still unsure if I’ll finish all 16 episodes.
As someone who usually struggles with historical dramas (especially palace politics and power plays) I appreciated that those elements were somewhat balanced with lighter moments. What really kept me watching was the female lead and her life story. She’s portrayed as strong, smart, and resilient, and her journey is easily the most engaging part so far.
I also see potential in the dynamic between the leads. Their bickering was fun and they have some chemistry, but their interactions lean heavily into a fairy-tale, cinematic style with dramatic eye contact and “love at first sight” moments, which didn’t fully work for me emotionally yet.
A large portion of the episodes focused on side characters and political/palace affairs but they didn’t hold my interest as much, and the cartoonish comedy, especially early on, set a certain tone. The acting felt a bit theatrical at first, though I adjusted to it. Visually, the drama is beautiful, and I especially liked the use of animation and drawings throughout.
The upcoming body swap element from the premise feels like a strange fit and a bit unexpected for the tone of this drama. It adds a fantasy layer I didn’t anticipate, and while I’m not fully sold on it yet, it did make me more curious about where the story is heading.
Overall, To My Beloved Thief had a watchable but not gripping start. I’m continuing out of curiosity, and my rating may change depending on how the plot and characters develop.
After the first two episodes, I don’t have many strong or lasting impressions, but the drama was decent enough that I didn’t feel like I wasted my time. It sparked enough curiosity to make me continue for now, even though I’m still unsure if I’ll finish all 16 episodes.
As someone who usually struggles with historical dramas (especially palace politics and power plays) I appreciated that those elements were somewhat balanced with lighter moments. What really kept me watching was the female lead and her life story. She’s portrayed as strong, smart, and resilient, and her journey is easily the most engaging part so far.
I also see potential in the dynamic between the leads. Their bickering was fun and they have some chemistry, but their interactions lean heavily into a fairy-tale, cinematic style with dramatic eye contact and “love at first sight” moments, which didn’t fully work for me emotionally yet.
A large portion of the episodes focused on side characters and political/palace affairs but they didn’t hold my interest as much, and the cartoonish comedy, especially early on, set a certain tone. The acting felt a bit theatrical at first, though I adjusted to it. Visually, the drama is beautiful, and I especially liked the use of animation and drawings throughout.
The upcoming body swap element from the premise feels like a strange fit and a bit unexpected for the tone of this drama. It adds a fantasy layer I didn’t anticipate, and while I’m not fully sold on it yet, it did make me more curious about where the story is heading.
Overall, To My Beloved Thief had a watchable but not gripping start. I’m continuing out of curiosity, and my rating may change depending on how the plot and characters develop.
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