Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching

by DB Staff

So, what are we all watching this week?

What kept you reaching for more (or agonizing when there was no more), and what made you want to throw your remote through the screen? Time to weigh in…

stroopwafel

Sixth Sense: So much chaos! I’ll watch pretty much anything with Yoo Jae-suk in it, and I was intrigued to see that his latest variety has an all-female cast. While I’m enjoying getting two times my usual dose of Jeon So-min, as well as the sisterhood and banter (plus Yoo Jae-suk getting frazzled by his new, wild castmates), I’m not sure if I can handle Jessi in full doses yet.

missvictrix

Currently weecapping: Do You Like Brahms

Record of Youth: I’m having quite a conflicted response to this drama. On one hand, I found the premiere week clunky and uninspiring, and feel like everything about this drama could be one step better/stronger. I’m not sure why, but I’m having trouble seeing this as anything but A Drama. On the other hand, PUPPIES! I really like the cast, love a crushed puppy underdog hero, and its high saturation and colors make it pretty to watch. (Completely tangential aside: It’s a weird bit of meta that Byun Woo-seok is acting out his exact career path of model turned actor. It wasn’t too long ago that he was an up-and-coming YG KPlus model alongside Nam Joo-hyuk and Jang Ki-yong. Oh the memories!)

Do You Like Brahms: Shhhh, I’m technically not supposed to talk about this show since I’m covering it, but I just needed to sneak in a very loud (and totally secret) shout out, and a little extra space to SQUEE!

When I Was the Most Beautiful: So much dramaaaaaa! Things are getting a little out of control in the melo department, but I’m still watching — and enjoying. Sure, sometimes it’s with a giggle, but I like the construct and the characters enough to shoulder the melo. I struggled a little with the “disappearance” of Jin and our first three-year time lapse, which was basically the last thing I was expecting from Jin and Ye-ji’s marriage, so I kind of feel like my brain was trying to reconcile it the whole time I was watching. Then there was the second three-year lapse (we’re finally in 2020 lol), and a whole new layer of melo. It’s not easy to pull off two three-year time jumps in a single drama week, but I think they did fairly well here. And the transformation of Hwan was pretty epic (*heart eyes*). I’m expecting the second half of this drama to be a giant sweeping mess of love, hate, crying, and reinvigorated triangles. Also, I didn’t realize I was going to be treated to yet another fantastic performance by Kim Mi-kyung in this drama, so hooray for that! ♥

quirkycase

Currently Recapping: Forest of Secrets 2

Answer Me 1988: SO GOOD. I’m so glad I waited until I was in the right mood to fully appreciate this gem before watching because I have thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this lovely neighborhood for the past few weeks. It’s such a warm, cozy show with just the right amount of nostalgia and tons of heart. This one definitely makes my favorite dramas list and is one I can see myself re-watching down the road. Those episode lengths are epic, though.

Do You Like Brahms: I did not expect to be as into this as I am. I went into it for the music aspect, but I stayed for the contemplative, subdued atmosphere and the surprisingly nuanced characters. Song-ah and Joon-young’s relationship is so refreshingly simple and honest – they’re just two nice people who connect and enjoy each other’s company. Joon-young is killing me with how adorably gung-ho he is about being friends with Song-ah. The only complaint I have so far is that I hate Jung-kyung. Like a lot. On a side note, I love that the leads are actually playing their instruments.

Alice: It’s fun so far, and it is nice to see Joo-won back on screen. I’m not super invested, but as long as they keep the policing to a minimum, I’ll probably enjoy it. Because I am seriously over everyone and their mother being police officers in dramaland. Can we please get some occupation diversity up in here?

Flower of Evil: Eh. I’m not a fan of this whole over-the-cop accomplice angle, and I’ve been really frustrated with the writing of Hyun-soo’s character of late. I’d hoped the drama would go a bit edgier with his character and leave him as a straight-up anti-hero, but they’ve been softening him. His sudden development of emotional range feels so inconsistent and illogical. And now we’ve got this abrupt about-face, so I have no idea what they’re trying to do with his character.

selena

Currently recapping: Alice

Record of Youth: Like a crisp autumn day, this feels fresh, breezy, and comfortable to watch. It’s just the type of rom-com I needed! Jung-ha is spunky and relatable, while you just can’t help but root for Hye-joon. I hope that the bromance between Hye-joon and his BFF Hae-hyo is strong enough to withstand the inevitable reveal behind Hae-hyo’s popularity and success. It would be such a shame otherwise.

My Unfamiliar Family: Still enjoying this! Relationships between people are often difficult and messy. I love that this show doesn’t shy away from difficult topics and shows how different people process feelings of hurt. Also, we must protect 22-year-old Dad! He’s so precious.

 
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