Reviews

When Good Writing Is Held Back by Romance

One of the things I miss most about TVB in the 90s is the consistency in script quality and Untraceable Evidence continues to reflect that strength even in its second installment. The detective cases remain carefully constructed and intellectually engaging. Each investigation follows a clear structure that allows viewers to actively think alongside the characters rather than simply wait for reveals. The pacing is controlled and deliberate and the twists feel grounded in logic which maintains the credibility of the storytelling.

The chemistry among the cast remains one of the strongest elements of the series. Flora Chan and Bowie Lam continue to share a natural and restrained chemistry that brings emotional depth without overwhelming the crime focused narrative. Their interactions feel mature and realistic shaped by trust shared history and mutual respect. This emotional foundation is what makes their relationship so compelling and why viewers are deeply invested in their outcome.

However the second installment becomes frustrating due to the prolonged love triangle which extends far longer than necessary. The continued delay in reuniting Tsang Ka Yuen and Pauline Lip Bo Yin feels forced and emotionally exhausting. Tsang Ka Yuen repeatedly proves through his actions that his love is steady and unwavering yet Pauline Lip Bo Yin remains stubborn and emotionally closed off. This creates a sense of imbalance where his emotional clarity is not met with the same openness from her. The irony is especially difficult to ignore. Pauline Lip Bo Yin allows her ex boyfriend who repeatedly lied to her to re enter her life with little resistance yet she struggles to give another chance to a man who has consistently supported and respected her. This contradiction weakens her character development and makes her emotional decisions difficult to empathize with despite her intelligence and professionalism.

Choi Siu Tong arc in the second installment also becomes draining. Her pattern of entering relationship after relationship feels less like genuine healing and more like emotional numbing. Her repeated attempts to present the image that she has moved on while encouraging Tsang Ka Yuen and Pauline Lip Bo Yin to be together comes across as emotionally performative and exhausting to watch. I honestly feel bad for the men she was dating, I felt that was extremely selfish of her because the men she was dating had feelings for her. While it is satisfying that she eventually finds love her storyline is prolonged far beyond what was necessary which further delays the emotional resolution viewers were waiting for.

Despite these issues Untraceable Evidence 2 still retains many of the qualities that made the first installment memorable. The cases remain engaging and the performances are strong but the over extended romantic conflicts prevent the sequel from reaching the same emotional effectiveness. The frustration viewers feel is not due to a lack of interest but because the characters and relationships are strong enough that unnecessary delays feel like a disservice rather than dramatic tension. I can ignore the romance aspect since the drama focuses more the case solving.

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????

What is this? Who even wrote this? I have never rated a drama 1/10 even the bad ones usually get at least a 4 from me. But this one? I genuinely wish I could give it 0/10.
Honestly, I want someone to explain this drama to me, because I truly did not understand what was happening. The story was confusing, messy, and completely incoherent. Who approved this? How did this make it to the screen?
If you’re thinking about watching this don’t. It’s a complete waste of time. I finished the entire drama hoping it would somehow redeem itself or make sense in the end, but that never happened. There was no payoff, no clarity, nothing worth the hours spent.
This is a lost cause.

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Smart Cases Compelling Characters Lasting Impact

One of the things I miss most about TVB in the 90s is the quality of the scripts from that era and Untraceable Evidence is a strong example of why that period remains so memorable. The detective cases were carefully constructed and genuinely intriguing keeping viewers invested from beginning to end. The pacing was steady and deliberate and the twists felt logical rather than sensational which made the investigative process satisfying to follow.

The chemistry among the cast is another major reason the series works so well. Flora Chan and Bowie Lam share a natural and understated chemistry that adds emotional depth to the story without overpowering the procedural elements. Their interactions feel mature and restrained built on trust and mutual respect rather than dramatic declarations. This makes their relationship believable and emotionally resonant.

Tsang Ka Yuen and Pauline Lip Bo Yin are especially compelling because of their professional dynamic. Working in different departments, their paths cross naturally through investigations which allows their relationship to develop organically. Their teamwork is based on shared intelligence professionalism and a mutual desire for the truth. As they collaborate on cases their connection deepens which makes the emotional stakes of the story more impactful.

One things I didn't like is the love triangle involving Tsang Ka Yuen Pauline Lip Bo Yin and Choi Siu Tong. The tension created by this storyline relies heavily on misunderstanding and emotional restraint rather than open communication. Choi Siu Tong feelings for Tsang Ka Yuen create discomfort and instead of addressing her own emotions Pauline Lip Bo Yin chooses to step aside. The reappearance of her ex boyfriend gives her an additional reason to suppress her feelings and avoid confronting the situation directly. This is particularly frustrating because Pauline Lip Bo Yin is portrayed as an extremely intelligent and capable woman. In her professional life she is observant ,logical, and confident yet her emotional decisions don't reflect the same level of clarity. I understand, were all humans, but her ex boyfriend repeatedly lies and displays clear warning signs yet she continues to forgive him.

Despite these flaws Untraceable Evidence remains a compelling and memorable drama. Its well written cases strong direction and layered character relationships leave a lasting impression. The frustrations surrounding the romantic subplot do not erase the strengths of the series but instead emphasize how invested viewers become in the characters. Untraceable Evidence stands as a reminder of an era when TVB dramas trusted the audience intelligence and prioritized thoughtful storytelling over convenience.

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The Real Definition of "I Will Defend My Bias At All Cost"

Idol I follows a lawyer who defends her favorite idol in a murder case, uncovering the dark side of the Idol life and K-pop industry.

The drama started off really strong for me. The premise was solid, and the execution in the first two episodes was excellent.

However, after that, everything slowly went downhill. If you’re going to stretch a single case into a full 12-episode series, the story needs to stay engaging throughout. Unfortunately, here, the mystery isn’t strong enough to carry the whole series. It becomes boring at times, especially when it feels like there’s not much story left to tell.

On the other hand, the romance doesn’t get enough time to shine. The development feels too slow, and the chemistry between the leads is lacking.

That said, unlike some other viewers, I actually liked how they handled the childhood connection between Se na and Ra ik. For me, it adds more emotional weight to Se-na’s decision to take Ra ik’s case, rather than simply because she’s a hardcore fan.

Overall, it’s not a perfect drama, but it’s still entertaining and has some standout moments for me, especially Se Na fangirling life from the early and last episodes.

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Toxic, boring, abhorrent.

Things I loved

1 Nothing. Just to be clear.

Things I disliked

1 The premise. It could be fun and relatable if they had treat it as a rom com. They treated it as a real issue and they managed to offend any decent human being out there. Shame on them for shaming people with a health issue as gaining weight.

Things I hated

1 The way hey made this into a serious drama. What is wrong with everyone involved in this mess? I started thinking it would be fun and lighthearted and it turned out a shame game.

2 The FL. This was my last attempt to like this actress. She ruins everything she's in for me. At first, I thought she'd be one of my favorites but she manages to make me hate each of the characters she plays and she drags with her her male costars. She exudes arrogance, she's terrible at comedy and she makes me depressed. Awful actress.

3 The second couple. I think there was only one other drama then I Married an Antifan or something that had a toxic second couple I hated. Now this one is at the podium as well. Not once ounce of remorse from those two execrable human beings. What kind of story is this where the mean people win?

4 The plot. it was beyond stupid. The family plot, the rich hidden hero plot. Everything was atrocious.

5 The last episode. What the hell was that? He shamed her even at the last minute? Despicable! The more I think about it the more I regret having lost so many hours for this stupid shameful drama.

6 The ML. His character is exactly what any women should avoid. Under the cover of living healthily he imposed his vision on a another human being and shamed her all the way. Shame on him. And in case you wonder. I lost 20 kg a few years ago and I know how hard it is. But no matter if I weight like now 60 kg or like a few years back 80 kg, I never once accepted or will accept that someone shames me. I pity the young women who will consider this romance.

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A guilty pleasure :)

I sometimes stumble upon interesting vertical dramas (like this one, for the Plot)... And I watch until the end out of curiosity, because the lead actors are usually quite talented, BUT...

I cursed the entire time I watched it, complaining about the series' numerous and enormous flaws:
- poor supporting actors
- rushed direction (everything is superficial, poorly executed, no character is properly developed, etc.) not to mention the VERY limited budget (the main actors only wear 2-3 costumes during the entire series).
- VERY poor sound quality
- OSTs borrowed from older series.

=> Entertaining, enough to pass a few hours (while traveling, between two serious dramas) while waiting for the main character's reaction when he discovers the truth and the villains' punishment (my two favorite scenes of all dramas).

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A guilty pleasure :)

Je découvre parfois par hasard, des séries verticales attractives (ici, le plot)... Et je regarde jusqu'à la fin par curiosité, parce qu'en général le CL est assez talentueux, MAIS ...

Je peste pdt tout le visionnage contre les énormes multiples défauts de la série :
- mauvais acteurs support
- réalisation rushed (tout est superficiel, mal amené, aucun personnage n'est correctement développé, etc.) sans parler des budgets TRES limités (les main actors ont 2-3 costumes pr toute la série).
- son de TRES mauvaise qualité
- OSTs empruntées à d'anciennes séries.

=> Distrayant, de quoi passer qq heures (en voyage, entre 2 dramas sérieux) en attendant la tête du ML qui découvre la vérité et la séance de punition des méchants (mes 2 scènes favorites tous dramas confondus).

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Between a Fan’s Fantasy and an Idol’s Truth.

A quietly rewarding watch without high- stakes thrills

Idol isn’t a groundbreaking or must-watch K-drama—and that’s precisely its strength. In an era where nearly every show is labeled a “masterpiece,” Idol feels refreshingly normal. It’s a warm, low-effort watch that prioritizes comfort and empathy over shock or intensity. The murder mystery adds just enough momentum to keep the story moving.

Don’t pick it up on a day you are looking for action-packed or fast-paced romance… but tbh its all a personal perspective and experience for everyone.


I watched it during my exam period, and it offered just enough joy to look forward to without demanding emotional or mental energy. The opening episodes are easy and inviting, while the middle slows down slightly, the short 12-episode format ensures the drama never overstays its welcome.

What truly grounds the series is its cozy atmosphere, especially the FL’s home. Filled with sunlight, wooden textures, and a small garden, it evokes quiet childhood nostalgia—even without the typical cluttered “family warmth.” This setting becomes the emotional backbone of the show, reinforcing its gentle and humane tone.

The characters follow familiar K-drama archetypes, but the writing doesn’t force intensity or exaggeration. The ML’s vulnerability and unthreatened masculinity stand out, and while the drama acknowledges emotional wounds, it doesn’t feel the need to dissect them in exhaustive detail—especially as it juggles multiple themes. The thriller subplot remains engaging until the end, and although the investigation isn’t the core focus, the mystery holds attention without becoming frustrating(unless that's the only reason you are watching this).


THE CAST:

Choi Sooyoung is a clear highlight. Her acting feels natural and comforting across all tones—soft, sharp, or restrained—and her presence alone adds warmth to the drama. I do have a bias toward her, and that undoubtedly contributes to my overall fondness for the show.

The ML actor is equally convincing; despite being 37, he never looks out of place as an idol. His portrayal of fragility, quiet vulnerability, and sincere affection has always felt authentic across all his roles in the past, and his dynamic with Sooyoung works effortlessly. I wouldn’t mind seeing him play idol roles for another decade ~~` hehe
The main prosecutor’s character was engaging and layered, though I felt his potential wasn’t fully explored. Still, he remained one of the show’s strongest pillars until the end, and my favorite character.

Woo-seok, on the other hand, was the most pitiable character for me.
I also enjoyed the bond between fl and sml, who felt like two lone strangers who found a family in each other, similar to ml and woo-seok.

At its core, Idol delivers meaningful messages: idols are human, wrongful imprisonment and biased justice have lasting consequences, and second chances matter.

The show raises a few inevitable questions about where admiration ends and obsession begins. Be it relationship or idolizing; Is fandom harmless devotion, or does it sometimes cross into invasion of privacy and entitlement?

Hye-joo’s character further complicates this moral space, making us question if broken people who never received love should always be met with pity and forgiveness. Pain may explain behavior, but it doesn’t excuse it—characters like Maeng or Ra-ik show that suffering doesn’t have to translate into destruction. But it also show how vulnerable and dangerous our emotions and mind can make us.


Overall, Idol I knows exactly what it is. It doesn’t aim high, but it succeeds in being warm, sincere, and quietly thought-provoking—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

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Superb acting chops - enjoyed it very much

**I never know what is a spoiler and what isn't. I'll try my best not to give away important information - but one never knows.***

While I do understand that a portion of viewers may not have been on this ship, I didn't feel the rom in rom-com was central to this series. But as reality has it relationships are as diverse as they are many and I appreciated the unwieldy and awkward spirit to this pairing. It felt intentional and very spot on to me. I found it a refreshing part from the usual suspects of very young girl meets 3 years older oppa. Which is all good and fine, I'll always ship for young people in love with my tired, old heart :D Nevertheless, I was surprisingly on board with this, despite it swimming against the stream.

Anyways, I enjoyed the acting, which I think was nuanced and precise. Acting an actor acting and navigating the boundaries between the season actor's self and the act is not an easy feat, but LJJ nailed it. WJS is an amazing little stubborn lump of a tenacious, competent and sharp journalist without falling into a one dimensional cliché. Smart and tough women are also human with all the trimmings and frailty. The comedic timing was spot on and I found myself enjoying plenty of happy chuckles and a number of belly laughs in between.

SLs and supporting caracters make a drama for me and I was so pleasantly surprised to absolutely LOVE Seo Ji Hye as Chief Yun. She totally surprised me with her hilarious little touches and mannerisms and her roll was unexpectedly delightful. I'm adding everything she's ever been in to my watchlist :D Scene stealer. Another enjoyable character was writer/director Park who exuded depth and silliness all at once, like it was the easiest thing ever. I enjoyed everybody else too, but these stood out for me.

All in all oh so enjoyable and I hope the regrettably low rating of 7.4 won't stop you :D

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Glory… to the FL’s omniscience lol.

Going into Glory, I already had a feeling romance wasn’t going to be the main point here, despite having romance as one of the main tags. I might’ve started this at the wrong time, or maybe I was just expecting a different balance, but either way, the tone became clear pretty early on.

The opening was rough for me. There’s an overload of names, faces, and tropes/themes all at once, and it took a while before I felt grounded. What did stand out early, though, was how deliberately unsettling everyone felt. No one felt neutral, I didn't trust anybody, including those were introduced to us as close with the leads. Some people were obviously scheming, while others hid behind politeness, filial piety, or concern, which somehow made them feel even more suspicious. There were characters who played pitiful a little too well, people who wrapped manipulation in "good advice," and those whose jealousy practically sat on their faces. I didn’t know yet who would turn dangerous and who just needed context, but the discomfort was very intentional.

What kept me watching was the dynamic between the leads at the start, though I still was confused who were who with the side characters lol. The ML, even with amnesia, was sharp, observant and even sly, not the helpless pawn I was afraid he’d be at the start. And the FL was clearly not someone to underestimate. Watching them quietly test each other, circling with their wits, was engaging and entertaining. Early on, it felt like we were being set up for two intelligent leads on equal footing.

That’s also when I started to see why this drama would be divisive.

It becomes clear pretty quickly that the FL prioritizes herself and her household’s reputation above all else, which on its own isn’t a problem. My issue is that the drama still insists on selling this as romance. But over time, a pattern starts to form: she quietly but boldly advances her plans, uses the ML’s wit and influence when it suits her, reassures him just enough to keep him close, and moves on. When he confronts her about being sidelined or disrespected, the conversation rarely goes anywhere. A smile, a deflection, sometimes intimacy, and the issue is conveniently buried before she ever has to take responsibility. The ML, being smart, knows this. He sees the pattern, calls it out, yet still lets it happen. She keeps making unilateral decisions that affect him deeply, often at moments when he’s most vulnerable, and he’s left to absorb it quietly. And then the cycle repeats.

She does care about him; I didn’t doubt that. But she consistently cares more about control, outcomes, and her family’s reputation. Some argue this makes the show female-centric or "empowering," but I don’t buy it. Emotional manipulation doesn’t automatically become empowerment just because the character doing it is a woman. Independence doesn’t mean making decisions while dismissing others’ feelings when inconvenient. Strength isn’t just dominance. It isn’t always being right, staying one step ahead, or avoiding the consequences of your choices. You can be independent and strong while still making hard decisions without using someone else as emotional collateral, respecting those who trust you, and facing the impact of your actions. Empowerment comes from accountability, allowing vulnerability, and treating people who stand by you with respect rather than tools. This isn’t a critique of women-centered dramas. In fact, I enjoy complex, emotionally responsible female leads, but the way FL's character was written here would have frustrated me no matter who was written this way, even when genders are swapped.

What made it even more frustrating is that, again, the ML isn’t stupid. He knows what’s happening. And yet he keeps running after her. He keeps forgiving. He keeps absorbing the emotional cost. Watching a character that is that capable slowly get reduced to "he endures this because he loves her and she's all he got" was exhausting. It's frustrating because the drama teased something better early on. I wanted to see two sharp leads working together as equals, combining strategy, trust, and mutual respect. Instead, the story increasingly centered the FL as the solution to everything, while the ML’s struggles, history, and emotional weight were sidelined until very late, and even then, rushed. For a drama with two leads, it often felt like only one of them was important.

At some point, despite all the romantic scenes, it just stopped feeling romantic to me. I kept watching anyway, because I’d already adjusted my expectations, and to be fair, the story outside the romance was still entertaining.

Without the romance, the plot would have been at its strongest. The FL's world felt busy, and this was where the writing felt the most confident. The mix of heritage, control (monopoly even) over the tea industry, internal power struggles, and moral compromise was compelling to watch and unfold. You could feel the weight of legacy pressing down on everyone involved, and the consequences of decisions were elaborate. Supporting characters weren’t just there to orbit the leads; everyone had motives and agendas. At different points, I found myself second-guessing first impressions. It kept me alert, and it made the political and familial conflicts feel vital.

And then there’s the grandmother. I understand the narrative role she was meant to play, but wow, she was exhausting to watch. Her control, cruelty, and lack of faith in her own family caused more damage than any external enemy ever did. Instead of protecting the family, she strangled it. She pitted her granddaughters against each other, measured worth through alliances and appearances, and weaponized authority instead of guidance. The fact that she came from a matriarchal background yet upheld some of the most suffocating patriarchal values felt tragically ironic.

There are also other things I appreciated. The sisters, for all their scheming, actually grew on me by the end. Their conflicts were ugly, but there were lines they wouldn’t cross, and eventually even they recognized how much damage the grandmother’s rigid ideals had caused. Also funnily enough, I've felt more yearning and emotion with the sisters' love stories than the leads. I'm happy they got their real happy endings. Other side characters who initially felt threatening were given enough context to make sense in time, even if I never fully liked them.

Unfortunately, with so much narrative weight given to the FL’s arc, the later shift to the ML’s background felt uneven. The conflicts tied to his family were rushed and compressed. We’re introduced to his mentor, his biological father, his blood brother, and his larger “family,” only for everything to be wrapped up in a handful of episodes in the end. His backstory was supposedly sad, but the drama doesn’t even give us enough time to feel it. Even the issues dealt here was supposed to be for the ML, yet the FL had the spotlight. I also wanted him to have a real chance at happiness, especially with reconnecting with his brother, but of course, that was taken away too. In the end, it just reinforces why he keeps running back to the FL: she’s all he has left, for real this time. And that makes him one of the loneliest male leads I’ve watched in a while.

And then comes the FL, trying to end things for what she thinks is for their own good just barely after that arc, as if the ML had just not been emotionally beaten and drained by his family. Telling him to stop their relationship so she can remember him as he was, before the power and ambition that might change him like his father. The irony made me roll my eyes knowing that she's becoming almost as controlling and emotionally rigid as her grandmother, the very person she just confronted to change ways a few episodes back. And yet, despite her cruelty, he still chooses her, giving up his power to be with her. This may be a happy ending in his point of view, but I just see this as an ending that was very much still controlled by the FL's desires.

By the end, I wasn’t angry nor frustrated anymore, I was just tired. I don’t regret finishing this drama, because I was invested anyway. At the very least, it was consistent in what it chose to be. But my final takeaway is that the “glory” promised by the title ultimately belonged to the FL alone. Everyone else, especially the ML, just had to adapt around it. Maybe it would've been better if the poster had only her on it lol.

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What the hell?

There is no amount of Me and Thee, Sangmin Dinneaw and Jack and Joker lunacy could have prepared me for this. It's good that it was done with the most outlandish plot cuz nothing else would have worked. You want to but you can't look away cuz you have this need to know what else could they possibly do. Turns out, a lot. Pockets of entertainment.

Overall, there were humerous moments throughout with a heavy dose of melodrama. The father was a trip. Loved his performances. He had the uncanny ability to show up just at the right moment. I liked the craziness of it all. It was light, fast moving and ultimately entertaining tho a bit redundant. Too many unnecessary clashes.

Donut's voice is something I cannot get used to. Even with a lowered volume and 2x, it felt like a drill into my brain. Didn't like it in TBNW and here. I will say he has potential as an actor. Forth is effortlessly natural. They're good for each other.

Is this format a plus for them? Who knows. I'm reminded that TleFirstOne began with a 2 min vertical series and their popularity has grown enormously. So here's hoping they get to that level also, tho I consider this a step down from TBNW. Probably they haven't found their niche.

Brain activity needed - none. Watchable - yes.

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soft and nice bl

Rating: 8/10
Perfect Propose is a soft and comforting Japanese BL that I enjoyed overall, even though it didn’t completely blow me away. The story is simple and warm, focusing more on emotions and daily life rather than heavy drama, which I appreciated.
The chemistry between the main leads was good and felt natural. Their relationship had a gentle, healing vibe that suited the tone of the series well. It’s the kind of drama you can watch when you want something calm and easy.
However, I was really frustrated with the main lead’s boss. He was extremely strict and unreasonable. The fact that the main lead couldn’t even go to the festival with his boyfriend because the boss forced him to work more made me genuinely angry. That part was realistic, but still very upsetting to watch.
Overall, it’s a good series with a nice atmosphere and decent performances. Not perfect, but still worth watching if you like slow, slice-of-life Japanese BLs.

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I don't understand the reviews

I think perhaps it's because people are more used to other Kdramas. But I don't think this is worth such bad reviews. It's a good show. It's quite unpredictable, and it's clearly a coming of age story where the main characters all find where they want to be in life and how they want to be living along with coming to terms with how the real worlds functions. No, it's not supposed to be hyper realistic. It's fiction. But I don't think anything that happened is unjustifiable with the circumstances presented, especially when you know how hard and how far one of the parents pushes their children. If you want something pretty different from most kdramas, it's good. If you want something similar to most kdramas, you might not like it. But as it stand by itself, it's good.

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2 only for Xiao Ding

Things I loved

1 Xiao Ding. he's the only one in this drama who deserves wasting my time to write a review. It was already clear that he would be a great actor and he is. In all of his other dramas. The rest is dull, stupid and frustrating to watch.

Things I hated

1 Yes, you may call me superficial, but I don't see why to show her character we should go as far as give her that atrocious hair cut. She's beautiful and people can be beautiful and come in all kinds. Stupid as the heroine, kind, mean etc. So this hair cut was just to make us hate her? It was mush better in the last episode.

2 The last episode. So much time wasted in nothing and only 2 minutes in the main couple.

3 The FL character. other than the haircut I thought the actress was decent. But her character was awful. I didn't feel an ounce of sympathy for her and that says it all.

4 The whole script was flat and had no swoony or fun moments. Just angst and unoriginal scenes. Awful.

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50-Minute Test of Patience, Free Time, and Emotional Endurance

Tide of Love is the kind of show you decide to watch purely out of free will during your free time thinking it will be a light and enjoyable experience. However, once it starts, you quickly realize that you are signing up for a full 50 minutes of emotional resilience training. And you just have to really endure it all trying to make sense out of that shitty storyline.

The storytelling tries very hard to be romantic and heartfelt, but instead delivers an impressive amount of awkward moments that make you pause, sigh, and I just find my self laughing because what else to feel?

To its credit, Tide of Love does succeed in one thing: it keeps you watching, not because it is captivating, but because you want to see just how much more awkward it can become. It’s the type of show that works best if you enjoy cringe story with lots of cuts or need background entertainment while questioning your life choices.

Overall, Tide of Love is not something you casually recommend, but rather something you survive. A unique viewing experience, unintentionally funny, mildly exhausting, and strangely memorable.

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