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…
missvictrix
Currently covering: Mental Coach Jegal, One Dollar Lawyer
Love is for Suckers: Dang, this show keeps doing exactly what I want it to! I really enjoyed this week’s episodes, though I’ll admit the only way I can stomach the reality TV show segments (#death) is because it’s framed in such a way that our leads know it’s a shameful mess. Jae-hoon’s confession was a little soon for me, but I also can’t complain too hard since he’s utterly gentle and devoted with Yeo-reum. THOSE LOOKS!
DaebakGrits
Currently covering: The Law Cafe
Love is for Suckers: This is my favorite currently airing drama, but the whole almost-marriage thing — *sigh*. I would have preferred it if they hadn’t included it at all, but since they did, I wish the cause of the breakup and the timeline of events had been better. I wholly understand and support Yeo-reum’s decision to call off the wedding, but — and maybe I’m in the minority on this one — it didn’t feel like a strong enough justification for a complete breakup. I mean, finding out your one-night-stand is pregnant is shocking, life-altering news, and I’m not sure I would have been able to process that information and find a way to tell my fiancée within two days. So when In-woo showed up at the filming site and seemed to genuinely care for Yeo-reum, I actually found myself sympathetically thinking, “they should be in counseling” instead of celebrating the fact that their break-up means we can move onto the Yeo-reum and Jae-hoon romance — and I’m fully on the Yeo-reum and Jae-hoon ship. Admittedly, we’re supposed to understand that she wasn’t truly in love with him this time around. She was in love with the memory of what they used to have, but even with this knowledge, I wish there had been a little bit of a time-skip — perhaps one that mirrored Jae-hoon’s slow recovery from depression — between the called off ceremony and the start of the reality show filming that chronicled her coming to terms with this knowledge.
Cheer Up: I’m starting to get some Weightlifting Fairy vibes from this drama. Not just because it’s featuring athletes in a school setting, but the overall tone and humor is similar. When Jung-woo tried to save Hae-yi from the scooter-of-doom, the unexpected twist on the trope reminded me of the scene when Joon-hyung uses Bok-ju as a shield when a car drives by and splashes water on them.
Love in Contract: I found my attention waning this week as the love triangle-turned-quartet went off the rails, but I did get extremely fired up over Ji-ho’s ex-wife. Excuse me, Lady! How narcissistic do you have to be to think your ex-husband spent five years in a fake marriage just to spite you? I want to keep watching this drama for Ji-ho and Sang-eun’s roommate, who has quickly become my second favorite character, but I’m not sure I will have a strong desire to watch next week’s episodes when they’re released.
solstices
Currently covering: The Golden Spoon
Seasons of Blossom: Seo Ji-hoon! Why do you make my heart hurt every single week! T___T Knowing how Ha-min’s story ends just makes it all the more heartbreaking, because it feels like I’m in So-mang’s shoes, reminiscing about the past while desperately wishing it turned out differently. The past storyline captures such an evocative balance of heart-fluttering romance and lonely melancholy, all wrapped up in wistful nostalgia. I would’ve watched this show regardless, just for Seo Ji-hoon and So Joo-yeon, but it’s already far surpassed my expectations. I just wish the present storyline was more compelling, because it unfortunately pales in comparison. Though Jin-young has slowly been growing on me, and I’m anticipating So-mang and Jae-min’s journey to healing, so we’ll see!
Transit Love 2: Have I mentioned that I love Hae-eun? She’s such a bright, empathetic, and lovable person. Her emotional journey has been heartwrenching to watch, and I just hope she finds happiness. As for Hyun-gyu — how do I even begin to sum up his attentiveness, compassion, and tact? He’s so swoonworthy I have no idea how he’s real. I feel deeply for Won-bin, who has a tendency to put others before himself, often to his own detriment. I hope he’ll eventually be able to rebuild his self-worth — he deserves so much love and kindness! Tae-yi has always struck me as sensitive and thoughtful, despite his reticence, so I’m glad the other housemates have warmed up to him. And of course, Na-eon is such a gem! I love her candid maturity, refreshing affability, and sharp wit. (If you’re wondering why I’m not commenting on the remaining housemates, I watch them on 5x speed and the rest of the show on normal speed, so I think that says it all.)
One Dollar Lawyer: Help, I can’t stop laughing! Namgoong Min is so much fun in this role (though really, when is he not), and his comic timing is impeccable. I’m only a couple episodes in, since I started it as a light watch to enjoy while I’m sick, but I’m enjoying it so far. Also, I absolutely love the animated opening — I’m not the only one who spotted those Ace Attorney references, right?
Dramaddictally
Currently covering: Cheer Up, Love is for Suckers
Love in Contract: This thing is turning into a Shakespearian tragedy. I sort of feel bad for everyone involved but then it’s too ridiculous to take it seriously. My favorite parts are the superficial stuff. Like, last week Sang-eun was drooling over Yumi and Bobby kissing in the car and this week she got her own car kiss. Aw, good for her. And really good for her that she kissed both guys in one episode. It’s hard to feel bad for anybody with all that going on.
RELATED POSTS
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (October 15, 2022)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (October 8, 2022)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (October 1, 2022)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (September 24, 2022)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (September 17, 2022)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (September 10, 2022)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (September 3, 2022)
Tags: Cheer Up, Love in Contract, Love is for Suckers, One Dollar Lawyer, Seasons of Blossom, What We're Watching
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
1 Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 22, 2022 at 5:00 AM
Young Actors retreat Finale 🥺
They worked hard serving 100 meals, I bet they were hot and tired. I like that they got a group of Sunbaes in from each of the shows such a nice touch. It was really great to see the fans of all ages being so overwhelmed to be in such close proximity. It must have been amazing. That super fan of 11 years who came by herself to see her actor and didn’t even ask for his photo, just talking with him was enough of an event for her to be satisfied. I am so glad one of the Sunbaes sorted a picture for her, as that momentous event needed to be captured.
Great idea for a show and I enjoyed every moment. My only other actors in ‘real life’ show will be the next instalment of In the Soop. The Kingdom of love antics is why I usually steer clear of reality tv.
Seasons of Blossom
🥺 Hamin and Somang’s relationship went from golden to broken too quickly.
Love is for suckers
I spent a lot of time being very loud either shouting at Inwoo the loser to go away or feeling outraged by Kang PD’s moves. Loving the reality tv bts and the contrast between the two PDs styles. The chef is beyond annoying he tried to humiliate Yeoreum but now is acting the role usually given to the second female lead; catty game playing. I don’t get why he would even be on a show like that mixing with normal people when he clearly thinks he is so great.
Mental coach Jegal
🤞 they tie up the ambiguity about the Gil/Gaeul relationship.
Gaus electronics
So many laugh out loud moments. Waiting to see Jang Byung’s power play, as the experienced gamer he will know some moves.
Love in Contract
🥰 the Yumi cells 2 car kiss was a classic.
Now they face the fall out from the public exposure I am wondering whether they will switch things up and rather than do noble idiocy have the three leads work together. They could come up with a plausible plan that will have minimal impact on any of them and avoid lawyer woman being any more annoying than she already is. I am concerned we will otherwise have a return to the randomness of the earlier episodes playing it out for 6 more episodes. We do have the helmet person lurking so I am sure they will come back in to the mix soon.
Required fields are marked *
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 22, 2022 at 5:01 AM
Cheer up
I have two hopes for next week; the Scooby do antics are finally concluded with the hooded culprit exposed and dragged away muttering ‘…and I would have got away with it if it wasn’t for those pesky kids’. They play out the relationship storyline.
Three bold siblings
Why is it bad for a paternal relative to keep in touch with their blood relative when the child’s dad has died. I can understand awkwardness if the couple are divorced but death is different as she has lost not only the father but all ties to his family although it sounds like she had some contact with her paternal grandmother as a child. If the mum was aware of the uncle being dodgy when her daughter grew up and was still talking about wanting to meet him surely you would let her know his past at that stage to protect her from situations like the one she is in now. As soon as he said he had set up a business in Korea the year before I would want to know why he had not made contact at that point.
I also thought that its confidential until officially released which drama an actor is going to be in so his script being out when he has guests coming round would surely not be sensible and once he saw someone reading it surely he would be concerned about potential leaks.
The brothers ex girlfriend took so many pictures but then only sent one where the girl’s face was hidden . The glee with which she dropped the news indicates she would have sent one with them kissing and she would have just sent the pictures after the first call was blanked to make her point.
One dollar lawyer
It hasn’t been released yet in my zone says there is only epsiode 9 so guessing this is a show effected by events on the day it is usually shown.
100 days my prince
Brought this one off the hold list and it has been a lovely watch it’s a shame I have to endure the usual politics and killing people off as a means to an end.
Completed
Twelve nights
Really enjoyed this one. I love these slow paced character driven dramas. It was full of realistic relationships with the struggles, awkward moments and the cute happy times. It’s all about chance meetings and near misses. I liked it a lot.
Required fields are marked *
OldLawyer
October 22, 2022 at 11:01 AM
The plot holes you have pointed to in THREE BOLD SIBLINGS are almost painful. You are right about the ex only sending the one inconclusive picture. But another is why the sister's boyfriend has not already broken up with her.
Required fields are marked *
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 22, 2022 at 11:13 AM
Yes I mentioned exactly that point elsewhere in the comments as he needs to have a clean background check that matches his ‘we broke up age’ ago storyline.
Required fields are marked *
jillian
October 26, 2022 at 2:05 AM
One Dollar Lawyer only showed one episode last week and only one episode again this week. Next week they will show the final two episodes. I wondered about it myself until I read somewhere thats how the network will divide the final four episodes.
Required fields are marked *
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 26, 2022 at 3:24 AM
Thanks, I heard there was a change in the scheduling and two episodes had been cut so I guess this was the best way to not impact on the network too much as they had to fill an hour slot unexpectedly two weeks in a row. I am sure this kind of thing happens all the time as Let’s Eat 3 ended early as the main actor was called up to the military.
Required fields are marked *
Dorotka
October 22, 2022 at 6:09 AM
Kingdom of Love as a variety show is not my cup of tea either, but I love the drama and the glimpses behind the spotlights. The new tandem of the 2 PDs actually could work pretty well, they could balance each other. Hopefully.
Required fields are marked *
2 miss h
October 22, 2022 at 5:02 AM
Love is For Suckers: I am absolutely loving this show. Yeo-reum’s relationship with her parents is lovely. Jae-hoon was kind of swoony this week. I watch too many reality dating shows so the Kingdom of Love setting is fun for me. I like both the behind-the-scenes stuff and cringey onscreen scenes. Ji-yeon has some game, but I still like her. Hopefully, she and the webtoon writer become good friends.
20th Century Girl: Geez, I’m not watching things set in the 90’s anymore. Why do they have to break our hearts.
Gaus Electronics: Aziz is the best. He’s such a scene stealer. I’m liking the idea of Na-rae and Sang-sik more than I thought I would. Having Na-rae fall for him first makes it work.
Under the Queen’s Umbrella: I liked the first two episodes while also having issues with the casting. I didn’t like Kim Hye-soo’s acting in either Signal or Juvenile Justice, and I don’t particularly care for her here. I’m also having a hard time telling the prince’s apart. I’m loving Kim Hae-sook’s villain era, however. The storyline is nothing new, but I like that the women are the main players. Things in Joseon would have run much smoother if the Kings didn’t have so many kids with different concubines.
Love in Contract: Ji-ho was swoony. Hae-jin was annoying. The kiss was pretty good. Both PMY and GKP are good kissers. Ji-ho should have dumped the ex back when she made the comment about him not knowing how to love because he was never loved.
May It Please the Court: The things I liked about this drama were Chak-hee and Si-baek’s bickering and Chak-hee’s cases as a public defender, and we are getting further away from both.
The Empire: Nan-hee’s backstory doesn’t make me the least bit sympathetic to her. What Hye-ryul’s dad ordered done to her dad was horrible but Nan-hee should take it up with him instead of hurting the most innocent members of the family, like Kang Baek. I can get behind great grandpa's wife’s revenge a lot more since she’s not hurting anyone but him and mostly herself.
Required fields are marked *
Miranda
October 22, 2022 at 7:47 AM
I’m enjoying Love is for Suckers, but I watch basically NO reality TV so keep getting itchy about… all of it actually. I do like Chae Ri though, despite her being utterly shameless and wicked.
I was not at all bothered by Yeo Reum dumping In Woo. This is strike number two on withholding information to try and manipulate Yeo Reum into actions she otherwise wouldn’t do willingly. No matter how much you like the person, tying yourself to someone who not only thinks they know best but will also deliberately put you in a bind to get you to acquiesce… No. That is a very difficult thing to “fix”.
Gaus’s Aziz is awesome. Usually non-Korean actors are awkwardly wedged in and while they say the right lines (though in english, and sometimes with an accent totally alien to their character), everything else about them is culturally “wrong” (an extremely flouncy US military attaché in “King 2 Hearts” comes to mind). Aziz, to me at least, makes sense and doesn’t feel wedged into the story as a character or unnatural as an actor. Not sure how he reads to other cultures, but he’s certainly a step up from kdrama’s “American”s.
Required fields are marked *
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 22, 2022 at 7:55 AM
Definitely agree as the white actors - British in The Princess hours, usually Americans but in Now we are breaking up they were French usually come across with really poor acting because we can hear the words and tone etc. Aziz to my untrained ears sounds fluent tonally. He is getting type cast though as he was in Unicorn briefly and was playing an annoyed person with mistaken identity in that too.
Required fields are marked *
ar_arguably romantic
October 22, 2022 at 8:26 AM
I agree with your assessment of Aziz. He really fits in their world. Having all his lines be in korean and having so many lines help. The way Aziz is written could totally be any ethnically korean side character, but I'm glad the drama went with Aziz. Shows that non-ethnic koreans speaking korean fluently can exist outside of expat communities..
Required fields are marked *
jerrykuvira
October 22, 2022 at 12:48 PM
'Kim Hae-sook's villain era'
Even though I love it, I'm still having a hard time settling into it😔
Required fields are marked *
3 Radily
October 22, 2022 at 5:08 AM
Also watching:
- Seasons of Blossom (Episode 11-12) - Mood: D+
- Cheer Up (Episode 5-6) - Mood: D-
Love is for Suckers (Episode 5-6) - Mood: D
At this point in Song Jong Ho’s career, I do feel for him for continuously getting typecast as a jerk: his acting is pretty limited in range and I think that reflects in his performances, but it must hurt your psyche knowing that you don’t really deserve better roles and yet you need to hustle in order to pay the bills. (Of course, there’re more pitiful stories in the acting industry) The dating show unfortunately doesn’t grab my attention one bit: what’s the point of emulating the crudeness of actual reality show contestants when it’s actually much worse out there? Ji Yeon’s arc looks rather bleak.
May I Help You (Episode 1-2) - Mood: D+
The setup is pretty much your usual cliche bad first impressions + squabbling + forced reliance and the show even had Butler Kim have burn marks so that Dong Joo would have the perfect misunderstanding. And already we’ve drama with him paying respects to the small boy who was her 1st ghost sighting. I have a hunch there’s going to be a love triangle.
Gaus Electronics (Episode 5-6) - Mood: C+
Surprisingly, my favourite character so far after half the show is not from the company itself but Aziz who has the most epic punchline that always gets me laughing. Though it’s nice to see some solid arcs for the supporting characters, I’m holding back my enthusiasm a bit since there’re signs of cliche office drama hitting Marketing Team 3. And Hae Young.
The Golden Spoon (Episode 7-8) - Mood: D
Maybe it’s my own fault for watching the preview showed in Episode 6 that spoiled both cliffhangers of Episodes 7/8? It was mind numbing to watch knowing where the plot was leading up to, particularly so when the writing doesn’t hold up at all. We wouldn’t have had this awful time skip without the murder nonsense, which sadly isn’t finished in the 1st half.
Love in Contract (Episode 9-10) - Mood: D+
It’s standard drama fare for the whole world to block the OTP from having their first real date but it’s super annoying to see a narcissistic and delusional ex come into the plot like a wrecking ball. Gwang Nam’s potential romance does seem to be progressing fine but I dare the writer to develop it all on screen. Well, at least we had the serotonin from the kiss?
Blind (Episode 9-10) - Mood: D+
With the appearance of a new child actor as younger Sung Joon, we now know why he was framed earlier on: he didn’t help to rescue the kids when he stumbled upon them. And I suppose he got Yoon Jae’s necklace during the playground incident? But what about his nightmares and the split personality moments earlier? Those don’t seem to be fabricated.
Required fields are marked *
Dorotka
October 22, 2022 at 6:22 AM
You are holding back your enthusiasm, but I'm still spotting the B grade hanging close 😁😁
(Gaus is a nice surprise, right? 🙂 )
Required fields are marked *
4 Midnight
October 22, 2022 at 5:20 AM
Dropped Duel after 8 episodes. This show was the definition of Murphy's Law: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. It became exhausting by ep 8 and I finished it by reading the recaps.
Dropped Never Give Up after 6 episodes. I just can't watch shows with so much lying and backstabbing and gossiping and secrecy going around. It also became exhausting.
Currently at episode 5 of Your Honour. Apart from the hilarious fact that it is my 4th recent show with one male lead acting as 2 or more characters (2 of the shows even share the same actor lol), it is not at all what I expected, and maybe it is a good thing. It started much darker, but has become quite light and even ridiculous that nobody has yet discovered the truth. I needed something light.
Waiting impatiently for Gaus Electronics and Love is for Suckers to finish airing.
Required fields are marked *
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 22, 2022 at 5:34 AM
Having Gaus and Love is for suckers to binge watch will be a joy both are light so will bring some light compared to the heavy shows that seem to be on the soon to be released list. Most people need to warm up to Gaus as episode 1 is either your sense of humour or not. Thankfully there was just enough to keep me in and the bits I didn't like were toned down in later episodes although I find each episode there is something that is pushing a boundary.
Required fields are marked *
Midnight
October 22, 2022 at 8:15 AM
Thanks for the heads-up. I usually don't like some types of comedy. But who am I kidding. I've been counting the days since I read Sic's post on the recaps😂
Required fields are marked *
5 Dorotka
October 22, 2022 at 5:20 AM
Gaus Electronics - no, you didn't... you didn't use the Korean toilet humour as a romantic gesture... oh, you did. 😆🙈😂 I was laughing so much!... and yet, the gesture WAS touching! This show... 😆 All unexpectedly works for me, being it Maknae Matan and his military training or (with sad undertones) the AI story and I still have so much fun. (I also love Aziz!). It is also the first time I don't want to hear that Go Sunhgee is getting married, because the kiss was hot and I need some time for my shipping. (And the post-preview explanation of the slap was just the cherry on the top 😄)
Having mixed feelings about Love in Contract, that WRONG kiss didn't sit well with me (though other times I just want to hug Haejin). And I usually don't comment on the wardrobe as we all have different tastes in what we find beautiful (and appropriate), but I have to admit that the dresses of Sangeun make me pause lately.
I think they are packing too many things in Cheer Up. I would be content if they sticked to the campus life and family situations (and moms!) and focused on the individual members of the cheering squad (Chohee was a good step!). The thriller part and possible embezzlement of club money (and bullying of Brother?) makes the drama a strange unbalanced patchwork.
Suckers - loving it more and more. I was proud of Yeoreum, she stayed firm... and clearly named the problem. Jaehoon, you are the actual Sucker. I also fully understand that Yeoreum now needs a friend and not a man. Though I hope they WILL eventually turn into lovers, they are both kind people and already love each other so much.
Seasons of Blossom
Webtoon - the translated Winter Season is being published!
Drama - we entered the painful times 😢
Young Actors Retreat (6eps) - my happy pill 😊
Planning to check 100 Won Butler.
Required fields are marked *
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 22, 2022 at 5:42 AM
Good idea to flag the Seasons of Blossoms webtoon here as the final chapter of the story has just started to drop weekly episodes . The webtoon is exceptional and although they have done a great job with the drama I think the webtoon 4 part storytelling style was a better fit as people seem to be missing out on what makes the present day couple really sweet in the webtoon.
Required fields are marked *
Miranda
October 22, 2022 at 8:15 AM
I only picked it up this week, but the style and tone of Gaus reminds me of a short-lived US series called “Better Off Ted”. Really liked that show and enjoying this one in the same vein. It’s not quite surrealist but I’m enjoying this comedy style much more than the usual broad comedies that seem to be 93% poop humor.
Required fields are marked *
6 miso
October 22, 2022 at 5:28 AM
Back from my travels and there is so much to catch up on 😭.
ONGOING
The Law Café - Have missed too many episodes. Will just catch up with this with the finale.
May It Please the Court - The fake-outs were as pointless as the fake confession. Everyone knows he didn't do it except our super-smart FL 🙄.
Love in Contract - Caught up but wondering why. The SML annoys me to death. Watching for Ji-ho and Gwang-nam only.
One Dollar Lawyer - Watched till Ep. 6 and I'm glad we'll get some history on Ji-hoon but I'm confused about the episode changes?
WATCHLIST
Bad Prosecutor, The Queen's Umbrella, and May I Help You are all on the list but I'm not sure which ones I'll actually get to.
C-DRAMAS
Planning to try Light Chaser Rescue because I'm a sucker for Janice Wu.
Required fields are marked *
7 jerrykuvira
October 22, 2022 at 5:30 AM
Gaus Electronics Ep 4 - I don't know if I should be laughing or feel sorry alongside Sang-sik's clearly prophecied rejection. Its a comedy right? That should give some leeway. I felt for him real bad even with the bunny situation and the rainfall scene was perfect to show it all.
I was glad to know he knows it's not his fault she doesn't want to take a glance at him, and that he has validated himself long before this 10th rejection. I do love his loyalty.
Team 3 are a bunch of drama. And the drama Ma-tan x Geon-mi brings is a laughfest. Who else would think the word Power will put you in sore straits :)
Love in Contract : I'm going to pretend next week's impending sad note isn't here yet so I'm just going to fawn over my sweet couple.
And I love Gwang-nam and Mi-ho's scenes. I look forward to them more than that agenda Mi-ho has going on.
And, Hae-jin us driving me nuts.
Love is for Suckers : Take a backseat In-woo. Be a man and take a backseat.
It was comforting seeing Jae-hoon walk Yoo-reum through her grief just as she helped him through his.
And for locking Chef Jang in an arm lock, you get many points, Jae-hoon.
The calmness in Jae-hoon's voice when he confessed his feelings...wow.
Yonder Ep 3: My first Lee Joon-ik experience and well, the praise is true. I like the world building here. The dialogue is really great too. They ask some very good questions.
I'm was drawn into this Shin Ha-kyun in a romantic capacity even though it was just a few minutes and I'm digging it. I hope dramaland gives him another romantic line. And that moustache... perfeción.
I'll take my time to savor episodes 4-6.
On the side, Lee Jung-eun being named Seiren reminded me of Lady Seiren in Naruto. I wonder how it spelt Si-ren on some forums though. The subs for mine says Seiren.
I should pick up Three Siblings Bravery, One Dollar Lawyer, The Empire from where I stopped.
Required fields are marked *
jerrykuvira
October 22, 2022 at 5:39 AM
Oh God. I forgot May It Please the Court. The fake out this time had better be worth it. It had better not be another wild goose chase or whodunnit.
The fire Noh Chak-hee is giving off post-Grandpa's death is intense. And I root for it to do it's work - punish whoever killed Grandpa, and find th truth behind Granny's death.
The scene where she saw Shi-baek as the said killer was powerful. I can't imagine the love she was giving off and the hate she was fighting to suppress. This had better be a bad dream.
Required fields are marked *
OldLawyer
October 22, 2022 at 7:48 AM
GAUS ELECTRONICS is a true comedy and not a romcom as such. There is a romantic element but the emphasis is on the comedy.
I do believe that Sangsik's loyalty is one of the reasons his character is romantically attractive together with his optimism and generally sunny disposition. What comes at the end of episode six is really not surprising at all.
Required fields are marked *
hmwtx
October 24, 2022 at 12:30 PM
"And for locking Chef Jang in an arm lock, you get many points, Jae-hoon."
This. I really like this show in general, but this scene - even if it was a minor thing in the course of the show - was *everything.*
I am a little disappointed that Jae Hoon chose to follow Yi Jeon's ludicrous "plan" to "pretend" (we all know you aren't pretending, missy) for the fake show, but I realize that this is important in allowing the real show to build up some tension and let Yeo Reum wallow in even more doubt and failure to see Jae Hoon's true intentions. But still - ugh.
Required fields are marked *
8 cat-cric-kat
October 22, 2022 at 5:33 AM
CRICKET - https://twitter.com/TheCricketerMag/status/1583771517938454528
WHAT a start of the world cup - upsets and more upsets.
And today kiwis won in Australia after 11 years. a big moment.
Time to dance and have some tears of joy.
2nd math going on and already so many good catches. Fielding is awesome.
Required fields are marked *
cat-cric-kat
October 22, 2022 at 5:44 AM
JAPAN - The new dramas have 1 or 2 interesting one and the ones i don't want to see as Tv dramas. I don't think slice of life manga can be come up as a good tv dramas, especially with such writer+director and so called actors.
From now on actor word won't use. None deserve this much respect.
New advertising poll has celebrities and most of them females our from earlier time 2005-2010 - all in their mid 30's - many married - a few of young 18-25 who are in - are in because of their agency.
That's why japan outsourced its dramas to korea - teens are more into and know about korean romance dramas than their own media and we have a whole japanese magazine for koreean tv media.
Required fields are marked *
cat-cric-kat
October 22, 2022 at 5:59 AM
KOREA - I have mostly stop even giving points. so low quality stuff not even deserve any rating. This season is complete heroine tramp season.
Teen heroine does have some personality but her biggest screentime is getting drunk and washroom tourism - toilet paper company a sponser?
another heroine - raising eyebrows, twitching lips is selling suits. other one played trumpet for the hero
another heroine is indulge in noise pollution against baby boy - selling noise cancellation ear buds?
This heroine from big law firm selling glycerin and getting some importance b/c guy is treating her as cheap labour.
another heroine is living her own reality show - the time of interent explorer.
Resume has all the buzzwords but almost all heroines are too low to even get attention.
Help Yourself - too many coincidental meets. kid - heroine
hero - kid. heroine seeing things and then hero with father. and next week they become neighbours. too much. without seeing nonsense and too many meets it could have turned out good.
WHO IS - Show of the season still is Judge Bro vs. bro. and ally heroine( a rare sensible korean heroine) Tis show has logical errors and a lot of them but still it stands tall because everything against is so low quality -
Loud mouth aka swanky hero can't beat it. Brothers soap opera can't beat this action. And we have yet to get who is doing all that.
Required fields are marked *
9 Kurama
October 22, 2022 at 5:41 AM
The Law Cafe Just for the bean at this point.
Cheer Up Why Her was so disapointing for Baek In-Hyuk, at least his role is better, a better drama could have been nice too.
Mental Coach Jegal I'm kinda scared by the turn the story can take at this point. Mu-Gyeol forgot his own trauma, he saved Ga-Eul but since he didn't swim...
Love is for Suckers The male actors blew up the one shower scene clause in their contract.
May I Help You I hesit to test this one.
Gaus Electronics It's still hilarious.
The Golden Spoon At this point, I think we understood that rich people are bad...
One Dollar Lawyer I don't mind the only 12 episodes thing but I'm against a second season !
Under the Queen's Umbrella I really liked the first 2 episodes and I'm already rooting for the 4 Princes.
May It Please the Court The writting is really weird. The story is lacking a backbone.
Seasons of Blossom Watching this drama is like watching a truck of doom in slow motion, we can't do anything to change things.
Silen It's a Japanese drama and I really like the main actress. The first 2 episodes were pretty sad.
Young Actors Retreat It was a great idea to reunite them in a TV show! I really liked to see them together again, especially MDBC casting. They have a strong bond even if they didn't really see each other since.
House on Wheels The rivalry between these 2 ahjussis for fishing is so funny! They're so competitive over webfoot octopuses. I like this show because we can see actresses who don't really see on media anymore. Kim Ah-joong was a great guest, she looks funny and caring. I'm very excited to see Kim Ha-neul in the next episode. I laughed a lot watching Rowoon being scared by webfoot octopus eyes 😂 He's a big eater, he made everyone happy just by eating their food.
20th Century Girl I was scared they did like Our Time by changing the actors when they're adult... They actually did worse. But otherwise, the movie was cute. Kim Yoo-Jung was perfect in this role. They forced a little too much on the 90' filters.
Required fields are marked *
cat-cric-kat
October 22, 2022 at 5:48 AM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
beffels
October 22, 2022 at 5:11 PM
Lol Love is for Suckers is basically an extended excuse for Choi Siwon to get his abs out (this is not a complaint 🙊).
Required fields are marked *
10 welh
October 22, 2022 at 5:52 AM
HAEUNDAE LOVERS (2012) (Ep 8-10): What I like about this drama is that the story line moves along with plausible (mis)directions of characters not learning all the facts. The viewers and one character, Joo-Hee played by a very young (22) Kang Min-Kyung, know all the information being hidden from our leads. With information comes power as Joo-Hee steers grieving widow Se-Na out of the fake wedding and later out of the hotel to possibly claim Tae Jung as her own. Meanwhile, Tae-Sung becomes heir apparent to hotel gang which jeopardizes his relationship with So-Ra. Old k-dramas emphasized “family” and Tae-Sung is caught between three of them: his adopted family and wife; So-Ra’s family; and his birth father’s family. Amnesia aside, all three groups have the right to be betrayed by him as the set up is his final choice, legality and morals notwithstanding. At this halfway point, there are three groups hoping to keep/take control of the hotel; each circling like vultures around a wounded animal.
Variety:
THE ZONE, SURVIVAL MISSION: This Disney + 8 part variety show had the star power of Yoo Jae Suk, Lee Kwang Soo and Kwon Yu Ri. But industry reports stated that viewership was bad (less than half the expected views). I can see why: the premise of the show’s star was to “endure” a situation. This led to more inaction than “action” (the lone exception was the last episode, a paintball shoot-out with trained marksmen). It also led to less comedy elements most Korean variety shows are known for. Despite the network disappointment, there appears to be a second season in the works.
Required fields are marked *
blessingwind
October 22, 2022 at 9:20 PM
I remember watching this drama HAEUNDAE LOVERS during the time it was airing, I still recall some funny moments like the gangster group at the funeral. Quite a fun rom-com drama. The amnesia part was so frustrating to watch sometimes. I loves the main leads together
Required fields are marked *
11 Lord Cobol (Kdramas, like water, flow downhill)
October 22, 2022 at 6:04 AM
Gaus Electronics: 8.5 It took me a while to adjust to the idea of Go Sung-hee being good -- she's never impressed me before. Her character here is completely opposite to what she had in Mother, and it looks like she's found her niche.
One Dollar Lawyer: 7.5 (day 8)
Cheer Up: 6.0 Could we please have more cheering and less stalking / bullying / attempted murdering / drinking? If I wanted those there are so many other kdramas I could watch instead.
Tip of the Day: when you have something even a bit interesting and almost sort-of slightly semi-unique, run with it instead of turning yourself into a boring clone of 800,000 other shows.
Law Cafe: 5.5 Bean watch.
May It Please the Court: 6.5 Jung Ryeo-won watch.
Love in Contract: 6.0 Why watch?
Love Is For Suckers: 7.5 Mixed results on the lesson from Cheer Up. They failed to run with dirty jokes this week, but might do ok running with the contest / mating game instead (?)
May I Help You: 7.5 The first few minutes reminded me of the beginning of Master's Sun even more than I expected from the show description. There are many, many worse things to say. Sadly, one of them is "Hyeri", but you can't have everything. I tuned in mostly for everybody's favorite WTf cousin from Business Proposal / imposter girl in Alchemy, but she hasn't had much screen time yet.
Three Times: 8.0 (2005 Taiwan movie) I watched it on cable years ago, and am rewatching due to nostalgia attack - the 1966 segment reminds me a lot of my time in Taiwan in the 1970s. I've been in some of the places. The bicycle, road signs and even envelopes remind me of those days.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Times
Required fields are marked *
darwi
October 23, 2022 at 1:22 PM
> Sadly, one of them is "Hyeri"
That is exactly my fear about this drama... So I'll read with attention what you'll say about it to have an idea if it's worth enduring her.
Required fields are marked *
12 Alluvial_Fan
October 22, 2022 at 6:05 AM
Started several current dramas but nothing has really captured my brain. Finding Love in Contract to be tolerable but mostly annoying. Watched the first two eps of Queen's Umbrella and it has potential despite the FL's over-emoting. Keeping an eye on Beanie comments regarding but wasn't engaged enough to finish ep 1.
On the bright side, I was able to see Broker yesterday at a film festival which made me dance with joy. It was everything I expected from one of my favorite filmmakers (Koreeda) and featured a full slate of some of the best Korean actors around. Even the infant was terrific. IU drew on some of her performance in My Ajusshi but created a distinctly different character. Due to be released in the US on 12/26; I'll be there in line to watch and re-watch.
Required fields are marked *
tabong
October 22, 2022 at 6:15 AM
Broker is such a warm film.
I've only watch Nobody Knows from Koreeda so I was kinda scared haha. I thought I was going to cry all night again.
Required fields are marked *
knewbie
October 22, 2022 at 7:10 AM
I recommend Our Little Sister and I Wish for more feelgood Koreeda. (Shoplifters had me crying my eyes out though.)
Required fields are marked *
tabong
October 23, 2022 at 11:38 AM
Thanks! ^^
Required fields are marked *
Alluvial_Fan
October 22, 2022 at 1:15 PM
Gosh, all these years later I still remember the visceral gut punch of the last few minutes of Nobody Knows. But it wasn't gratuitous violence so prevalent i today's films. It was the warmth and caring of the siblings that stayed with me through the years.
Required fields are marked *
tabong
October 23, 2022 at 11:45 AM
"It was the warmth and caring of the siblings that stayed with me through the years." The siblings we'll never forget.
Required fields are marked *
Alluvial_Fan
October 22, 2022 at 5:04 PM
Spent time reviewing Kore-eda's filmography today. I know we all had some suggestions for writers regarding source material to spice up Kdramas. Dang, just the side stories in any of a dozen Kore-eda plots would suffice.
Required fields are marked *
13 tabong
October 22, 2022 at 6:11 AM
—Gaus Electronics: Aziz was like "I called it" lol he's so happy for the couple.
I love how seriously Sang Shik took the whole thing. He didn't get scared of his feelings or ran away.
—Season of Blossom: Ha Min 😭 😭 So Mang... 😭😭
—The Love in Your Eyes: bring me the romance, ome.
—Three Bold Siblings: this is a loop. How many time are they going to say "Let's not see each other again"? We'll literally see them together two scenes later.
—Love is for Suckers: Yeo Reum and her mom 🥺💚
—May I Help You: So everyone knows everyone and everyone is connected to everyone? And this is all about fate and karma? I'm lost.
—May It Please Be Court (EP7): Tell me the ship sails!!
—On the Verge of Insanity (EP13): I've never seen a show with a title this accurate. This drama stresses me out. 😂 I love it but dang, give me a break.
—Roomies Poongduk 304: the toxic "friend" gotta go.
—Innocent Man (hate-rewatch that I enjoyed).
Required fields are marked *
14 Unaspirated
October 22, 2022 at 6:45 AM
I pretty much didn't watch any dramas last weekend, because I felt conflicted about what to watch after I finished Glitch. Should I finish Little Women? Should I start Under the Queen's Umbrella? I was feeling so meh about these options, and when I finally asked my heart what it wanted, it instantly answered that it wanted an unrealistically female-empowering fusion sageuk. So I started Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryeong. And it fit the bill perfectly.
I'm having so much fun watching. I love the prince's commitment to wearing pastels, which also fit his personality perfectly. I love Hae-ryeong's principled stance on everything, and how she inspires others around her to do the right thing also. I am also liking that you can feel a larger story unfolding in the background, but we're in sort of a unique position in that neither of our leads know anything about it. So while they might encounter various people and names and situations that have to do with our undercurrent overarching story, they don't have enough information to be truly suspicious about any of it yet. I'm sure other people found this frustrating and slow, but I think it's really interesting, and maybe a little more realistic (not that that's at all why I watch these things) for how the characters would actually behave.
I also watched Rampant with my partner last night, and we had so much fun! We kept up a running commentary pretty much the whole time about who we thought was going to make it to the end, speculation on what the evil minister used to make his zombie-ness onset slow down so much (we're split between bee pollen or turmeric), and what kind of final fight scene we thought would be the most satisfying (we were not disappointed). He had the nerve to insist that dramas are too long, but then whine about how much development a couple of the characters got, but I reminded him that would leave less room for zombie fight scenes and we could always rewatch Kingdom. Much fun all around.
Required fields are marked *
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 22, 2022 at 6:58 AM
Is this a first watch of Rookie historian? I liked it 🥰
Required fields are marked *
Unaspirated
October 22, 2022 at 7:24 AM
Yes! I've had my eye on it for a while, but decided it was time. It's been so much fun so far!
Required fields are marked *
Alluvial_Fan
October 22, 2022 at 5:17 PM
Me too and I never understood why it was so under-loved. What's not to like (besides the ML): loving books, writing, women's empowerment as humans with brains; brotherly support, vaccination, understanding the joys and sorrows of regular folks? I've read some dis on the FL on other sites. What ev.
Required fields are marked *
LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
October 22, 2022 at 7:16 PM
I don't know either, apart from the Sageuk purists (and don't know why they would be watching a fusion anyway). Rookie was a nice watch, a celebration of knowledge over superstition, with nice themes about Korea clashing with the modern world outside is borders in the 18th and 19th century. It's a female-centred story that never wavers on who its main character is and it subverts many classical Sageuk tropes in delightful ways at various points (not least by having its male lead be the traditional Sageuk female lead).
Its tone is also even so it's not like, say, Nokdu where the second half is so tonally different from the first half that it's jarring.
It's measured, intelligent and deeply feminist.
Required fields are marked *
Unaspirated
October 23, 2022 at 7:15 PM
I didn't realize it was underloved, but certainly not from me! I absolutely adored the swapping of traditional gender roles and the exploration of Western ideas influencing society in 19th century Joseon. And what other sageuk (even fusion) is so pro freedom of the press? Count me in.
LiSsi
October 22, 2022 at 7:53 AM
Rookie Historian was the first Kdrama I ever watched and totally drew me into this new world - so glad to see it mentioned here!
Required fields are marked *
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 22, 2022 at 7:57 AM
What a great first watch. So glad you continued to watch as I think the sageuks are an acquired taste.
Required fields are marked *
bbstl 🧹
October 22, 2022 at 8:51 AM
Your watch of Rampant sounds so fun!
Required fields are marked *
Unaspirated
October 23, 2022 at 7:18 PM
It really was! My partner and I have both been into East Asian action movies for pretty much our entire relationship. We dated through every old-school Hong Kong action flick we could find, and now Korean action movies are the thing I can reliably get him to watch with me. Always a good time!
Required fields are marked *
Isa is always time travelling
October 22, 2022 at 4:25 PM
Rookie Historian was quite good. It was one of my first k-dramas and the first one with Cha Eun Woo. I can't forget his character's smile. He smiled a lot :)
Required fields are marked *
Unaspirated
October 23, 2022 at 7:06 PM
His is such a sweet smile! I love his character and his unwavering support for our heroine.
Required fields are marked *
15 Dorotka
October 22, 2022 at 6:55 AM
@daebakgrits
I see it differently. Yeoreum did very well to break up with Inwoo. The reason was not the actual pregnancy or that he needed a couple of days to process the news. The reason was that he wanted to marry her FIRST and THEN (maybe) tell her. Thus basically putting her in a very very difficult situation. And it was a repeat of the situation before when Inwoo decided about them without her (assuming she would drop everything and follow him).
So basically, Yeoreum was never a partner for Inwoo... and not only in this big case, but also in the small cases (like the public marriage confession at work) little respect and big manipulation was seeping through Inwoo's acts.
Required fields are marked *
Blue (@mayhemf)
October 22, 2022 at 6:59 AM
Agree. It was the reason why they didn’t work the first time around. He makes decisions that affect her as well and expects her to accept them.
And he repeated the same thing again after 3 years. He might love her (which is nice that they didn’t make the 2ML a jerk) but he doesn’t really respect her.
Required fields are marked *
DaebakGrits
October 22, 2022 at 8:12 AM
For me, this is 100% a reason to call off the wedding, but I wouldn't say it's grounds for a breakup because I don't feel like it's cut and dry evidence that his recent lie of omission is part of a pattern of behavior. Applying for and accepting an overseas job without telling Yeo-reum involves a lot of conscious decisions, planning, and time on his part. It was obviously strike one for him, but I wouldn't say the present situation is a repeat of his past behavior. Learning that he's about to become a father did not involve months of planning, and the fact he kept it secret (as wrong as it was) could have easily been a part of his denial over the whole situation. He's literally only known about it two days, and in his shoes, I'd probably still be in shock, too.
So is it reason enough to call off the wedding? Absolutely! But I wish that there had been a little cooling off period where Yeo-reum contemplated trying to make it work, but -- because her love bubble has been burst -- she realizes slowly all the other reasons they're incompatible and then calls off the whole relationship. It feels like a more realistic reaction to me because she wasn't exactly marrying him for all the right reasons either (e.g. her age, loneliness, nostalgia for the past), and I would have preferred that transition before she begins her relationship with Jae-hoon.
But hey, that's just my personal opinion, and it's probably worth noting that I'm someone who has had literal nightmares about finding out I'm pregnant, and I know for a fact that I would be in denial for a lot longer than two days if I got a positive pregnancy test. So even though I loath In-woo, too, I can kind of sympathize with his panic. hahah.
Required fields are marked *
bbstl 🧹
October 22, 2022 at 5:28 PM
Did I dream this, didn’t Yeo Reum at an earlier time tell him she one day dreamed of living in NYC? That made the situation more understandable to me (only) in a kdrama way, like in Love in Contract Ji Ho bought the wife her dream house without telling her that’s why he was working so hard and saving (so she left him).
Required fields are marked *
Dorotka
October 29, 2022 at 4:57 AM
You are more lenient to Inwoo than me 😅
My personal experience has been screaming already long time Run, Yeoreum, run! (and that was NOT based only on those 2 major events).
I agree that in real life the break-up process would probably take longer (though I do have real life friends who are able to make quite a clear and definitive cut quite fast). But then we would have a completely different drama, I guess. 😁 (And I'm not sure I would want to watch that).
I'm taking Inwoo's speedy story as a closure of one chapter in Yeoreum's life... making way for Jaehoon 😁
And... I sincerely wish you that your nightmares one day turn into a blessing 👶🙂 (If that's your (at least slightly) planned future, of course.)
Required fields are marked *
16 Blue (@mayhemf)
October 22, 2022 at 6:56 AM
Love is for Suckers This show is so good! There is a lot of mess but it all just feels real. The whole reality segment makes me cringe but thankfully all we see is BTS. we know it’s going to get ugly and I am not ready for the mess.
Cheer up This show is my little happy pill.
Love between Fairy and Devil slowly moving forward. At Ep 30!
I need to check out ‘May I help you’.
Required fields are marked *
Dorotka
October 22, 2022 at 7:15 AM
Those final episodes of Fairy and Devil are intense. If I had more time, I would rewatch the show...
Required fields are marked *
stpauligurl
October 24, 2022 at 5:37 AM
Actually I've rewatched it a couple of times - and just ff'd through all the scenes the fairy and demon weren't in. It goes by much faster. And I still caught things I missed in the first watch.
Required fields are marked *
17 amfalulawatching
October 22, 2022 at 7:01 AM
Not sure this is a smart strategy, but I’ve made a promise to myself to finish my unfinished dramas before I can start anything new. Most of these unfinished dramas were abandoned by me with only a few episodes to go.
Finished:
It’s Okay Not To Be Okay: 1.5 speed was not fast enough to get me through the last 5 episodes of this drama. I know people loved it, so perhaps I’m just missing something. I should have left this dropped but all the hype/love made me feel like I needed to give it another chance and when I gave it that second chance it just left me bored. So bored.
Itewon Class: Not sure why I paused this (around episode 12), but when I got back to it, I was entertained. Nothing groundbreaking in this drama, just decent entertainment. But, still I did leave this show and had to force myself to go back to it.
Next up:
Red Sleeve: I cued it up and realized I forgot so much I have to go back and rewatch at least episode 12. I stopped watching at 13. I’m hopeful I’ll change my mind and enjoy the final episodes.
Attorney Woo: If I get through Red Sleeve this week, this is up next. I abandoned it at episode 8. This show actually reminds me of older US TV shows. Episodic genius stories, not sure it is my cup of tea. But, I’m keeping an open mind!
Required fields are marked *
sorrynotsorry
October 22, 2022 at 8:35 AM
I have so many times tried to do this. I literally have dramas with one episode left. I have no trouble officially dropping a drama (I did Atty Woo) but the ones I just kinda forgot to finish tug at me.
Required fields are marked *
amfalulawatching
October 22, 2022 at 10:32 AM
It is so difficult to really drop a drama. But, then, there seemed to be no logic in forcing myself at 1.5 speed to get through a drama. Like dating, sometimes it is just so hard to break up after so much investment in time. Then, there is always the question: if everyone else likes this drama, why not me???? Hmmm.
Required fields are marked *
emsel
October 22, 2022 at 10:55 AM
if everyone else likes this drama, why not me????
I know this feeling. When I was a novice Kdrama watcher, I used to watch dramas based on online recommendation and was always frustrated when I had to force myself to finish them because the reviews were great. I hoped they would get better, I would gain new wisdom, but in the end it only left a bitter taste of wasting time.
It was akin to hate watching, but over the years I learnt that I never liked those dramas because they were just not my taste. Not liking a popular/critically acclaimed/raved drama does not make one's preferences any less and it is important to put personal enjoyment over social pressure.
Required fields are marked *
OldLawyer
October 22, 2022 at 11:06 AM
You are exactly right about that.
Snow Flower
October 23, 2022 at 10:11 AM
My k drama watching experience has been very similar.
darwi
October 23, 2022 at 1:43 PM
I'm so adverse to social pressure that I do not want to watch dramas that are too popular.
mmmmm
October 22, 2022 at 11:48 AM
Same here re IOTNBO. I tried twice. Lasted a couple of eps, then I stopped both times. I was tempted to try again, but I think it’s ok to not feel ok about some hyped dramas.
Required fields are marked *
amfalulawatching
October 22, 2022 at 4:00 PM
I regret my perseverance! I think in this case, it's okay to feel ok about not finishing a drama! I wish I had let go!
Required fields are marked *
bong-soo
October 22, 2022 at 12:15 PM
In JTBC’s ITAEWON CLASS Park Seo-joon was terrific in the role of Park Sae-ro-yi. The ratings ranged from 4.983% for episode one to a series high of 16.548% for final episode 16. You see the trajectory.
I really enjoyed Gaho’s OST ‘START OVER’ which I play from time to time.
Required fields are marked *
amfalulawatching
October 22, 2022 at 4:02 PM
He was terrific!
Required fields are marked *
18 antonio83
October 22, 2022 at 7:20 AM
I started Today's Webtoon and I don't understand why it got so little enthusiasm. For now it seems very light and pleasant. The KSJ smile makes me fall in love every time.
I remind everyone that the Cdrama to see absolutely is always The Story of Xing Fu, which in my opinion is a true masterpiece.
Required fields are marked *
sorrynotsorry
October 22, 2022 at 8:37 AM
I liked the first half of Today's Webtoon but it lost a lot of steam in the last half. I don't know if this drama was originally meant for 12 episodes and went to 16 but it wouldn't shock me if that was so.
Required fields are marked *
OldLawyer
October 22, 2022 at 11:09 AM
The much better Japanese original, SLEEPEER HIT, only had ten episodes and was a far superior show. TODAYS WEBTOON was a good show and we enjoyed it, but it was too long and suffered from comparison to the original.
Required fields are marked *
19 OldLawyer
October 22, 2022 at 7:37 AM
My wife and I now have two favorite on air shows: GAUS ELECTRONICS and LOVE IS FOR SUCKERS. They are both wonderful, each in their own separate ways.
I have a real thing for strong women, which is why I am a sucker for any romcom featuring a female bodyguard, even when they are small and cute (because that means that her strength is all that better disguised- and effective). So along comes a C-drama named CUTE BODYGUARD and of course I am watching. Is this the greatest C-drama of all time? No, not even close. But they have catered to my personal tastes, so I am watching it anyway. It is entertaining if not dramatically deep.
This week my wife watched the Chinese Costume Drama A FAMILIAR STRANGER and really liked it. She followed this with a British drama: THE CROWN which was very well done.
She also really likes the new Sageuk UNDER THE QUEEN’S UMBRELLA. She has also been enjoying CHEER UP.
Courtesy of You-tube I enjoyed the C-drama DON’T MESS WITH EX-GIRLFRIEND.
The new weekender THREE BOLD SIBLINGS is still largely devoted to the story of our oldest sibling and the FL with a further digression in having our FL being scammed by her uncle. If ratings are to rise this family story needs to become better balanced. The writer seems to be stuck in sixteen episode rom-com mode and the audience is shrinking to fit that. What happens when we get to episode seventeen? What makes weekenders unique is that they tell a story of a family or families- and the stories of that ensemble intertwine. In a weekender the ML and FL simply provide a focal point- theirs is the central story but the other stories are a fundamental part of the show. We are actually only seeing a relatively few interactions outside of our central characters- and no character development at all. This is a real shame because the setup for this show is really quite good- there is huge potential here: The problem is one of execution, not concept.
For comparison with the current weekender I have been watching OJAKYO BROTHERS, which is one of the better past family weekenders.
MAY I HELP YOU? Arrived just in time for Halloween and my wife is really enjoying it.
Required fields are marked *
ar_arguably romantic
October 22, 2022 at 8:13 AM
I agree that the execution of Three Bold Siblings is off.
I think Tae-joo's story is interesting, and I really like the theme of how family sacrifice can get toxic. We're getting more screentime with the Pilates sister's cheating bf than with little doctor bro, who is one of the few likable characters on the show, which is frustrating.
And it's bugging me that there isn't a hint of whom the siblings would be paired off with! I know they don't have to be romantically paired off, but with family weekend dramas, we're supposed to get multi-romances. Now we got multi-cheaters! After weeks of watching the central romance, it's definitely not enough to power the drama.
Required fields are marked *
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 22, 2022 at 8:46 AM
I like the brother too he is really caring.
I don't understand the time share element of having an affair for the Pilates teacher’s cheating boyfriend it’s in his interested to end it already. He needs to have a good background check when his rich girlfriend has to ask her parents to allow her to marry someone who is a lowly employee. It’s so unfair to the Pilates teacher to drag it out. I think the actor’s cousins are going to play a part in the relationships of the sisters not sure which.
I have not watched a weekender for a very long time but I think that the siblings will all have great relationships or careers or both by the end of the drama. The evil grandmother will have to change and the actor’s mum will have sorted her career so will be less invested in who he goes out with. I think the actor will end up with Taejoo they will just have lots of drama which could involve her being in a Some relationship with the guest house owner which doesn’t last.
I watched a drama where the female lead played a long game to get revenge on a Chaebol family by marrying into it and having children. So we have lots of scope for the relationship options with any of the siblings and side characters.
Required fields are marked *
OldLawyer
October 22, 2022 at 11:16 AM
Your point about the younger sister's guy stringing her along is on point: She is his backup plan if things go south with the heiress. But that can only last so long.
It would not surprise me if ultimately a new female character is added to be a new partner with our doctor brother. His ex is on the way out so a new female could be added.
Required fields are marked *
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 22, 2022 at 11:43 AM
My ideal is for Taejoo’s paternal step grandmother to have some health scare that makes her reflect on life. She was so out of order before her son’s marriage that they left her alone and she came to her senses but then she clearly got comfortable and started with the emotional abuse of Taejoo. Taejoo’s mum needs to accept that she made a choice to tolerate that behaviour but Taejoo has every right to stick with her plan to not be involved with someone who constantly abuses her. Her mum also needs to stop interfering with Taejoo’s love life.
Taejoo to have a fresh start with her love life whoever it’s with and they will be adults together without influences of others who can’t even sort their own lives out!
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 22, 2022 at 11:50 AM
Taejoos brother would meet a really nice woman he can love for who she is and she loves him for who he is. They marry and have children.
Taejoo's sister gets to develop her business with some great high fee paying clients who love what she does and she becomes involved with someone who treats her with the respect her soon to be ex offered until he saw a way to get into the lifestyle styles of the rich and famous. I either want him to be rejected by the family as a money grabber or be treated disrespectfully by the father in law as he knows his daughter loves him but he does not feel the man can see beyond the money.
Taejoo’s friend would settle down and marry the PD/Director of their show who is clearly besotted with her and they will be happy.
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
October 23, 2022 at 12:32 AM
Couldn’t tag you directly to my fan wall post creating a drama hangout for this drama if you are interested see you over there no worries if life is short and you’re not that invested in this one.
Required fields are marked *
OldLawyer
October 23, 2022 at 12:57 AM
I probably have some things to learn about navigating to it. But it would be useful, I think, to have that.
Required fields are marked *
20 LiSsi
October 22, 2022 at 7:56 AM
Law Café
A heaping dose of sugar from our main leads, I loved it! And I also appreciate how “Me Too” was explained as comforting and strengthening to people in similar situations.
Seasons of Blossom:
These episodes were wonderful, so sad but beautiful. The balance and the connections between past and present were perfectly done.
Love In Contract
A lot of the time, this looked just like finding opportunities for PPL was most important? E.g. the drinking scene and the banana seaweed… Also, flying yoga and golf… But, both MLs acting was great to watch.
Love Is For Suckers
Glad to be at the dating show stage now, that’s what I wanted to see, and it’s pretty funny! I wonder how they will fill out 16 episodes, though…
One Dollar Lawyer
The episodes about the past were so tense and sad, the whole show felt totally different. I loved Namgoong Min’s restrained acting and the way his present was explained through the past, down to wearing sunglasses in the present.
Gaus Electronics
How can this be more than halfway already! The funniest show I’ve seen since Waikiki, I love it. And romance also thrown in is a great bonus!
Blind
I still trust no-one here, and I refuse to believe that the brother is the culprit. Surely there must be a different explanation…
Glitch
Started this up to Ep.3, wasn’t really convinced I needed to go on watching, then read several people saying it does pick up at Ep.4 and watched the rest of the show in one day. It did pick up, it was fun, and I liked that it went back and forth between the different scenarios for aliens, especially in the last episode. And having female friendship as the center of the show was great!
On the train, I watched several episodes of Hwarang. Such fun!
KDrama friend project:
Golden Spoon is still great, intriguing and beautifully shot, but we were a bit confused with the story after a bigger pause.
Looking forward to The Queen’s Umbrella, May I Help You and possibly Yonder, but I need to finish some dramas first…
Required fields are marked *
OldLawyer
October 22, 2022 at 11:18 AM
GAUS ELECTRONICS is already at the halfway point? Please say it isn't so. We need a full 16 episodes or better yet 20.
Required fields are marked *
bbstl 🧹
October 22, 2022 at 5:30 PM
Heyyyyy! I like Hwarang, too! 👋🏽
Required fields are marked *
21 ar_arguably romantic
October 22, 2022 at 8:01 AM
May It Please the Court: I look forward to this the most each week. The biggest draw to this drama is the sparkling Chak-hee and Si-baek back and forth, but this week has barely any of their interactions due to plot, and the interactions they did have were fraught with hurt and drama. Finale week is next week and looking forward to it! 12 episodes does seem the right length for this drama.
Gaus Electronics (ep 5-7): Rising up to the dramas that I really look forward to each week. So many LOL moments, though I think my fave it is the lonely coworker - Jang Byung- who became emotionally attached to the AI. He's been coming to the front as one of my fave characters. I also loved seeing how Sang-shik and Na-rae are catching feelings and Ma-tan and Kangmi's hijinx.
Three Bold Siblings: Three of the characters getting cheated on by their romantic partners is too much. Then you've got family scammers too! I'm invested in Tae-joo so I will keep watching. It's sad that she's in this situation because the uncle is the only one she thought of as her true family. She got a new loving dad, but it came with a toxic grandma and changed her dynamics with her mom.
Love in Contract (up to ep 8): I'm like a week behind. I hate how they brought back the ex-wife - the fact that they did it and in the most ham-fisted way possible. Sang-eun/PMY is all of us while watching the car kiss scene in the second season of Yumi's Cells. I'm not invested in the romance, but I am invested in the characters finding peace as individuals.
Mr.Bad (up to ep 21): I love this c-drama so much. Even when they hit the usual, expected dramatic beats for this type of story- fictional guy in real world- they don't bog down the drama. They're able to add warmth and humor to those moments. And we've got two sensible ladies matched with their less sensible (which makes for great humor) partners.
Required fields are marked *
22 StacyA
October 22, 2022 at 8:01 AM
Finished Love Between Fairy and Devil and I've realized that I made a big mistake. I should've watched a few other shows first, because LBFAD has ruined me. Everything else I'm trying to watch now seems so....mediocre.
That said, I did start The Blue Whisper because I adore Dilraba. And my daughter and I have started marathoning Bones, starting aaaaallll the way back in season 1. We'll probably finish around this time next year LOL.
Required fields are marked *
wapz
October 22, 2022 at 10:38 AM
Welcome to LBFD hole. I stayed a whole month inside doing a rewatch only then I could slightly come out lol.
Not sure how the Blue Whisper is but it is at least by the same novel writer so that should help a little.
Required fields are marked *
mmmmm
October 22, 2022 at 11:54 AM
When I saw StacyA’s comment’s on LBFAD I thought I would see @wapzy’s comment under hers and I wasn’t mistaken! Lol
Required fields are marked *
StacyA
October 22, 2022 at 12:57 PM
I really enjoyed the novel for TBW but the drama is very different in many respects. Some changes I like, others I don't. It took several episodes before I felt fully invested in the story, but that was mainly because the sets and special effects are lackluster compared to LBFD.
Required fields are marked *
wapz
October 23, 2022 at 7:22 AM
Its hard to find special effects like LBFD's in cdramaland. Thankfully the production has brought the rights of I guess all of JLFX's works. So I'm hoping the other ones (Love You seven times will release in 2023) will be at least production quality wise up to par.
Required fields are marked *
stpauligurl
October 24, 2022 at 5:44 AM
Oh dear this made me laugh out loud! Welcome to my world. I actually watched it two more times before coming out of that hole. Then started watching A Romance in the Little Forest because of her and discovered Vin Zhang as a result.
But I keep wanting to watch LBFAD again. sigh...
Required fields are marked *
StacyA
October 24, 2022 at 6:15 AM
Little Forest is on my short list to watch, but I think I'm going to watch Mr. Bad first, after I finish Blue Whisper.
I keep getting LBFAD interviews and BTS clips on my youtube feed. Those have been fun to watch :)
Required fields are marked *
23 wonhwa
October 22, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Love Like the Galaxy: Still loving Cheng Shaoshang as a character, although at 30-some episodes in I'd like to see the show give her more opportunities to get out into the world and do things.
Required fields are marked *
kiara
October 22, 2022 at 1:49 PM
I left it somewhere around the 30-ish episodes. Maybe someday I'll go back and finish it.
Required fields are marked *
wonhwa
October 22, 2022 at 4:32 PM
Yeah, it's a bit slow at the moment - I'll let you know if it picks up steam again.
Required fields are marked *
24 bbstl 🧹
October 22, 2022 at 9:06 AM
Watching [b]Love in Contract[/b] for Ji Ho while being pretty strongly annoyed by everyone else and all the PPL (what’s with all the suspended-ballet exercising, anyway? not to mention pushing banana seaweed, bleah 😬)
[b]Love is for Suckers[/b] I like it. Keep wondering where all the cameras, personal vjs and microphones are as characters keep having one-on-one conversations 🤔 At least Chef Jang’s tacky comments got picked up, which he intended. Yeo Reum knows something fishy is going on when Jae Hoon picked Ji Yeong (but why wasn’t his whisper picked up by their body mics?) I don’t trust Ji Yeon for one second with her wide-eyed sweetness and lies that he should just use her. Does her game go beyond “getting” Jae Hoon to something more like revenge? 🤔 again.
Required fields are marked *
Dorotka
October 22, 2022 at 10:29 AM
You are on the good way with the bold text, just replace the brackets - use the pointy ones, the smaller than and the greater than.
Required fields are marked *
bbstl 🧹
October 22, 2022 at 5:14 PM
Oh dammit! I was so sure I had it right this time, I never remember! Thank you very much, @dorotka! ☺️
Required fields are marked *
Elinor
October 24, 2022 at 12:46 PM
Were they wearing mics? I went back to the shirtless wrestling scene - purely for verification purposes, of course - and didn't see any. The men didn't have anywhere to hide them and the women were about to get drenched. The conversation could still have been picked up some other way and be used against them or edited to make it look like they're already interested in each other.
Required fields are marked *
bbstl 🧹
October 25, 2022 at 9:33 AM
I see. I was thinking of when Yeo Reum reached behind Jae Hoon and flicked off the mic I assumed was in a pocket or attached to rear waistband and told him everything he said was being recorded, so to turn off the mic if he wanted to say something privately. You’re right, there were vjs all around with boom mics.
Required fields are marked *
25 Scottie
October 22, 2022 at 9:09 AM
So many funny, laugh-out-loud scenes in GAUSS ELECTRONICS! And Aziz has some of the best moments, pointing out that the 'cultural' kiss he received was very different from the one Sang-sik received, he, he. My favourite drama now.
Closely followed by LOVE IS FOR SUCKERS. Jae-hoon is such a fantastic friend to have. He knew what Yeo-reum needed after cancelling the wedding, having gone through difficult times himself. He never asked questions, just whisked her away to a safe place - what a star! Glad that the drama focuses much on how fake these (and cruel) the reality shows are.
I still trust the writer of COACH JEGAL to avoid the romance between and coach and athlete. I actually liked how the characters are starting to question what their real feelings are, this looks more realistic than the typical K-drama romances. The coach - athlete relationship must be complicated in the real world. It is normal to see young athletes hugged and comforted by their coaches during competitions, the emotional bonds must be very strong.
A couple of very strong episodes of MAY IT PLEASE THE COURT. I admit that I did not foresee the reveal of who Dal-jae really was. Great performance by Jung Ryeo-Won, going through such emotional turmoil. Love how the main villain is throwing tantrums when his plans don't go as well as he wants!
Dropped LAW CAFE and CONTRACT LOVE and started QUEEN'S UMBRELLA and MAY I HELP YOU instead. Quite like the not very typical Joseon queen and the four princes. It is surprisingly easy to tell them apart. Not yet sure about May I help You, it hasn't gripped me yet, despite Lee Jun-young, but it is early days.
Required fields are marked *