I never get 2ML Syndrome, but I'm coming kinda close these past few eps. He's just so darn COMPETENT. It doesn't help that the ML's acting is, imo, quite lacking. I have to remind myself how terrible the 2ML was acting a few eps ago.

I saw the twist with the ML's best friend coming several episodes ago, although I did not suspect the real motive. My husband is wondering if his wife knew either about the murder or maybe they had a very sexless marriage, so that's why she cheated.

Also, it felt kind of inappropriate to throw a party. Like, a girl still died.

Trying to out-Heartbeat Heartbeat, are we?

I'll have more to say it What We're Watching, but I'll give you a teaser now. My preliminary draft of my Killing Vote comment is "Can we vote to kill the writers who stick us with bad endings to shows that started well?" (It hasn't aired yet, but so what?)

Also, they need to clarify how the girl died and why Deuk-chan killed her (if he did). I would have thought that his crush on Do-ha would have made him glad Do-ha broke up with whats-her-name, but I don't see how it would have led him to seek any confrontation with her.

At first I didn't like the reveal of the CEO friend having feelings for him and then I just felt bad for him. This guy's whole world came crashing down in a matter of weeks but this was the straw that broke his back. I thought the actor did such a good job portraying that panic attack; it really did seem like his throat was tightening and I was wondering if he was gonna pass out. He truly looked like he was overwhelmed and had a bunch of thoughts going though his head and I just have alot of praise for his acting in the last episode or those last scenes in particular.

The more I think about it, the sadder I find his character. I don't typically care about characters and their one sided/unrequited loves/crushes but in this particular instance, it made me feel so bad for him especially since he really does care for him. This is the epitome of complicated to me.

I know others can be cut & dry about it: he let Do Ha get blamed for someone's death and kept the truth a secret for years which tramatized Do Ha and inadvertedly led to someone else being nearly killed but I still think it's a situation that could have alot of mixed and conflicting feelings.

I'm not a fan of the "special" person losing their specialness and that's where I see the show going so that's super unappealing to me especially after she was learning to handle it better when it came to forming a more social circle.

*steps up to podium*
*taps on mic*
*takes deep breath*

I knew it.

*exits*

Okay sure, I was extremely suspicious of Deuk-chan from day dot but then I became suspicious of like half the roll call in this show, so yeah probability would dictate that when you consider just about everyone a suspect, you’re bound to get it right but a win is a win and this has been a win for my ✨ Sus Radar ✨

In an absolute hilarious turn of events also, I somehow found myself falling for the SML this week - is it because I got to watching him doing his job instead of making sad eyes at FL? Idk what it was but it got a dry laugh out of me when I realised I was catching slight feelings for the SML, now of all times 💀

So about that reveal. I’d come to this as a possible conclusion - the same way many others also had - when I was wondering why Deuk-chan would give Do-ha an alibi if he (DC) had killed her. I guess I was also assuming that the mum would’ve known/had given money to DC for something to do with Eom-ji’s death, so that bit was surprising, when we found out that she did all this under the mistaken belief that her son was the culprit lol. I will say though, that it feels like a mess in terms of narrative choices still. Although my prediction was right, it was less ‘aha!’ and more ‘oh no!’ - we really could’ve written this out way better I think.

Also I’m not sure if it’s just because I’m tired and projecting, but it feels like both Minhyun and Sohyun are running on the last bit of petrol in the tank with their acting. Reactions and actions seem a bit mechanical, dialogue feels uneventfully delivered. Didn’t really feel the partnership per se emotionally, though I can see it ‘on paper’ given how they’ve been supportive of each other throughout their Scooby Doo shenanigans. I especially liked that scene where Do-ha was like ‘I’m sorry if it felt like I was harsh towards you’ and Sol-hee was like ‘Yeah I was a bit disappointed but I get it’. Communication!! Not jumping to extremes!! Understanding one another!! Couples don’t always have to be all fireworks and overflowing poetic waxing, and I appreciate that our OTP are on the quieter but strong and steady side of things.

Also the lack of ‘oomph’ (a very professional term yes) that I’m feeling with their acting might just have to do with the fact that the focus is now on untangling the story and less on characterisation as it was before too, but even then the plot also does feel like it’s on it’s crawling to the finish line now.

It’s been said a lot but I’ll add it in again; this really could’ve and should’ve been a 12 episode drama. We’ll see how next week goes but I feel like I’m going to end up classifying this one as a drama that was entertaining but became a little bit disappointingly bland and messy towards the final stretch.

My first thought on finishing ep 14 was disappointment. The writers chose the only LGBTQ+ character in this drama to be the bad guy. The closeted gay man murdered his crush's girlfriend out of jealousy. Not cool, show.

How awful for Do Ha, his long time friend. I felt for him here.

I've long suspected Deuk Chan. This would explain why he trusted Do Ha (he knew who the real killer was) and why he created an alibi (to protect himself while appearing to protect Do Ha).

What doesn't make sense to me was why Deuk Chan chose that night to approach Eom Ji. He heard they'd fought and perhaps knew they'd split up. So why then, rather than when that couple were happy together? What was his plan bringing her into the woods? Threat, or murder? Did he choose that location because he knew there was a convenient grave there? Was he that diabolical to choose that night because Do Ha would be suspected after their public argument? Did he think that he could swoop in and be the hero, protecting Do Ha, perhaps guessing most people would be wary of Do Ha the suspected murderer, so he could have a monopoly on him, as the caring friend?? And his suicide plan, what, just...what?! His words to Do Ha at the ceremony made it sound like he was planning suicide. Then why put his brother in prison?

I'm glad Do Ha's rotten mom was exposed for who she really was. And that Do Ha pointed out the obvious when she tried to blame him. No sympathy.

I am still pleased that our couple have stayed together and been strong for each other. I'm also enjoying their expanding group of supportive and caring friends. The surprise party was awesome! I'm thinking Sol Hee is going to need support next, as I'm guessing she will discover she's lost her lie detector from that explosion. Will she be relieved, or sad? And if this is the outcome she will need a new career.

One more week! Let's go.

i knew Deuk-chan was the murderer but i didn't predict he had feelings. now THAT threw me! they were clever enough to write him as a husband and father but i'm still mad at myself for not being able to predict this twist.

now...

the fact that this man married and had a kid means he really tried to get over his feelings so i do feel for him. but the mental anguish you put your "loved" one through is not love but obsession. someone can fight me but that's extremely problematic. but then again, the ex girl was quite toxic and i'm hoping the murder was an accident. but still. ok i am just conflicted at this point. sad as well. poor thing. but not poor thing. true love wants the best for the person, not the worst. WHERE ARE THESE KIDS PARENTS? why are they not good people? children can't raise themselves on their own.

I know there are lots of feelings about the direction this show went (and rightly so!) but I thought the twist itself was done well. It’s very possible that I’m just not a suspicious person, and I was definitely sure that Deuk-chan was up to something that he wasn’t being honest about, but I never suspected that he had the ring made to match Seung-joo’s, not Eom-ji’s. I was totally convinced it belonged to Shady Brother from his stalking activities. And for a long time I didn’t really suspect Deuk-chan of the actual murder because (well, because I was ready to call it a suicide too, but also) I couldn’t think of sufficient motive for him. He still doesn’t really have a full-on one, so I hope they give us some more explanation next week.

That said, I really wish the drama hadn’t made him into a scarily obsessive character (at least it seems that way?) who is also gay. There is not enough good representation of LGBTGIA+ characters in dramaland, so to have the only one in this show turn out to be the murderer was not a good look, to say the least. For me though, it’s not quite as much of a travesty as it could have been because I find him a really sympathetic character too. He’s made so many awful decisions, but I believed him when he said that he regretted it and kept the evidence so he could turn himself in one day. He’s also had some really lovely, genuine interactions with people in this drama (why I liked him so much), and I felt legitimately bad for him when everything around him started to crumble. I hope he lives a long time to pay for what he did, but I don’t hate him as a character, and I’m grateful for that at least.

Do-ha’s mom is a piece of work. Definitely in the running for one of the worst drama moms of the year. She held up an investigation that would have cleared her son’s name for five years because she didn’t believe in his innocence, and then has the audacity to blame it on anyone besides herself. I hope he can finally be rid of her after this. And speaking of moms, Sol-hui’s dad absolutely laying down the law to her mom over the phone gave me so much life. More of that please! I hope everyone gets to live musically ever after next week, and they wrap things up well for all the characters I still care about (i.e. not Shady Brother, who still doesn’t deserve to have me learn his name, I’ve decided).

Sigh, it is inching along lol. Deuk Chan was suspected weeks ago so this came as no surprise. As for him being in love with Do Ha, sigh, okay.... That being said HMH is really bad in the emotional scenes, it is hard to watch. I am also really happy Kang Min didn't become annoying, SJH really needs to lead a drama next, the acting difference is STARK.

I haven't been invested in this story lately, just chugging along. I had to get on here and mention the parts that bugged me though.

The party was a terrible idea. Why did they have to celebrate his name getting cleared? Everyone finally learned what happened to Eom Ji. She wasn't missing. She actually died. Sure, Do Ha wasn't her boyfriend anymore, but I would have thought he needed some time to process her passing.

I thought it was strange that Sol Hee dropped the bomb about Deuk Chan on Do Ha during a phone call. I guess it was the only way to reach him and she couldn't waste time....

Poor Deuk Chan. The twist of him being gay was unexpected. There's already little representation of LGBTQ+ characters in kdramas, but they had to make him a villain here. They could have written him differently. It feels like they wanted a shock factor more than giving his character some nuance. He could have been angry at Eom Ji for taking up Do Ha's time or distracting him from music. I didn't care for his character, but now he is too tragic of one so I feel a little bad for him. I feel somewhat manipulated in feeling this way though. He still committed an awful crime and should be punished by the law.

Got to give props to Yoon Ji On. He did well in the last scene with Sol Hee.

Sol Hee losing her uniqueness would be another bad move by the writer. It would be better to see her happily accepting her ability and being proud of it.

Looking for the lost turtle? Straight up filler.

I am with you on reserving judgment on Deuk Chan until next week. There seems to be more to the story. But the show handled that last twist very messily. I honestly do not think he deserved to die. I like to think he genuinely cared for Do Ha so it does not make sense for him to kill off the ex-gf and allow his friend to take the blame for 5 years. I would like the writer to make it make sense.

HMH sadly was not able to handle the heavy scenes. It looked awkward. Like that scene when he was trying to emote and their neighborhood group felt sorry for him. I cringed for him.

Another, don't get me started on that "party". Yes its good that he is no longer a murder suspect. But its not a simple breakup that you congratulate someone from ending a bad relationship. The ex-gf was still killed and he still cared for that ex-gf. Wtf!

I hope this show ends well so I can remember it fondly unlike the other recent drama.

I can't believe this.

Despite dropping the drama after ep11, I kept up with recaps and discussions and my god this was not the direction I thought the show would take???
My initial theory was that Syaon was Eomji, she faked her death and went under the knife hence it would explain her obsessive behavior towards Do-ha and boy do I prefer my theory compared to this.

Just how appealing is Do-ha that he has so many people obsessed with him???

Like @mistyisles and @jillian, I am also reserving final judgment until next week, but I truly cannot imagine what this writer's going to do to redeem themselves not only from the narrative mess they've made, but also from the direct disservice that their sloppy and insensitive characterization has done so far to the LBGTQ+ community.

Thanks for the write-up. I agree completely. It sucks to make the only confirmed gay character commit murder (or maybe only manslaughter, we don't know) out of some bizarre unrequited love. I guess I want imaginary gardens with real toads in them (that's a quote from a poem I liked as a kid.) The plot can be as silly as it wants, I just want the emotions and motivations of the characters to make some kind of sense. Yoon Ji-on could do a lot with better parts, and I don't just mean less villainous ones! I mean, if he can do this much with parts that don't make much sense, imagine what he can do when the part has some kind of logic to it.

I am developing a theory of the second male lead. They must be more handsome and better than the male lead! Otherwise, there would be no contest. Perhaps it always has to happen that the 2ML is better in every way, but the ML has something that the FL needs? This show's story certainly leans in that direction. Two competent, good looking guys, one is decent and true and brave, but the other never lies and is sensitive and creative. It's important to the FL to get the guy with the face like a boiled egg....

I don't think Eom Ji's death was intentional. I'm thinking she and the CEO friend got into an argument/fight which involved the rings. She probably called him out on his feelings, maybe he called her out on being obsessive which led to her hitting him and he pushed her leading to her dying with the ring near her.

It just doesn't seem in character for him to maliciously murder her even if it were in a moment of jealousy. I mean the singer was obsessive and led to Do Ha's discomfort a few times and he never acted in a malicious way towards her. (Yeah, she was face & talent of his company but he could've treated her with threats or scoldings but he was endlessly patient & considerate. Or am I not remembering right? I was never particularly into this show so I maybe forgetting what's happened)

While like everyone else, I suspected Deuk-Chan, and I also don't like the gay angle, there are still 2 episodes left, and I have a feeling there will some even more ridiculous twist. In fact I might suggest a few:

1. Doon-ha did indeed commit the murder,and that's why Sol-hee's alarm bell went off, and Deuk-chan is covering for him. This will come out in the next episode, and the last episode will be Sol-hee reconciling with everybody's favorite good looking policeman.

2. Do-ha is in fact gay himself, he and Deuk-chan were a couple, and Deuk-chan killed Eom-ji when she threatened to expose them. Deuk-chan goes to prison, and Do-ha and Kang-min fall in love and leave town. This ending is bittersweet, because Sol-hee is left temporarily alone, but there are suggestions that she and the baker will become a couple.

3. A final, "meta" possibility--with the ending looming, the camera zooms out, showing the camera crew, the director, the set, and the director says: "this whole show was a lie! All shows are lies!" and a loud bell goes off as the everything fades to black.

Even though I like this couple quite a bit I have to admit the drama has lost a lot of its charm once it decided to focus entirely on the mystery aspect and used it to keep the couple apart. Sol-hee using her powers to help Do-ha came far too late and by which time I feel most of the characters have become one-note and exist purely to react to Do-ha and things that happen to him. I still don't understand why Dad was bought in expect to serve as filler but the scenes with Ahn nae-sang and Kim so-hyun were at least easy to watch because the emotional scenes with Do-ha have been very hard to watch. Hwang min-hyun did quite well in the first half of the drama with the trauma and panic attack but he's struggling in the second half. I feel like it has to do with the writing falling apart and too many filler scenes that have flattened the bits that made the characters in this drama interesting. I'm also disappointed at how poorly they've utilized Sol-hee and her powers but mostly at how Kim so-hyun is just there to fill screen-time. The only thing I liked this week was the interrogation scene with her in the prison but even then the logic and writing for it were pretty bad. I'm not surprised that the CEO is the real killer and while I don't think he killed her because of jealously I found the LGTBQI+ reveal about his character to be more for shock value than anything. Especially the attempted suicide at the end was very dramatic for the sake of being dramatic. I can't believe the only way they can make Sol-hee lose her powers is through an explosion. Overall I feel the drama lost a lot of its sparkle post episode 10 and could have been better off being a 10-12 episode drama because the first half was really fun and the chemistry was very good. I hope the last 2 episodes can somehow bring back the charm of the drama and while not hopeful I do hope Sol-hee doesn't lose her powers because the interactions with her clients was some of the best parts of the drama. It was interesting to see her grow and learn more about her powers and start to trust and make friends despite her ability. I still want to remember this drama fondly so I do hope they land the ending.

I’m traveling today and have been unable to see these episodes. Looks like a doozy. Can’t wait for tomorrow

I don't really have anything to add that hasn't already been said about these two episodes. I absolutely prefer the scenario that @mistyisles put forward. It would have worked so much better thematically. A lot of what kept me watching this show was the cute dynamic and chemistry between the two leads, and I felt that was really missing in these 2 episodes. Their interactions seemed a little awkward.
Also, 2ML needs to move up to lead in his next drama. I don't know if he's shining by comparison, but the difference in acting ability is so noticeable.

These episodes werent' very clear about Sol-Hee and her father. He has the same power or not? It wasn't clear during the meal. I thought it was the mother's prayers... And why she seems to love him so much when it looks like he abonned her to her mother knowing she's awful?

Thanks for the weecap @mistyisles so it’s just me that is baffled by the examples of Scooby doo 101 when we have just been shown there is a police officer who is good at his job.

Exhibit one: Solhee is in a police station chatting to a prisoner to get him to reveal the info they need to clear the case. Is that info going to be usable to tie things up?

Exhibit two: rather than debrief so the police can go to the office and collect the evidence that will clear the case, Solhee heads off at speed to sort it herself.

Exhibit three: when arresting a suspect do not ensure he is handcuffed and told his rights instead go from a two person hold to one person holding him loosely and walking him to the car.

Exhibit four: when the suspect runs off and drives off at speed get four people into the car that is following as that extra weight and the non police officers are needed at this crucial time.

@mistyisles

Thank you for such a clear-sighted recap amongst the dizzying mess of the plot and its twists.

The writers sure seem to be over-stressing their points that:
(a) trust needs to be 100% or it’s useless, and that
(b) truth - or what one believes to be the truth - is more complex than what you "hear".

I would be really invested in a drama which builds up these two points through various characters arcs.

The leads, their respective mothers, the three villainous bros (including ex-gf's bro), even our SL, all seemed poised at a point where they would all in their own way have such a revelation.

Even Sol-hee’s dad who seems to have already had this realization just dumped his little girl and (literally) ran for the hills instead of taking her responsibility and helping her better understand and use her powers.

We have our leads imbibing these points and showing character growth by deepening their relationship with mutual trust and being their true self with each other.

However with all other characters each (seeming) step forward leads nowhere. Ex-gf's bro's realization that he was the one who told his sister to focus only on Do-ha was a lot opportunity as he went right back to his stabby ways.

Thus, till now writers don't seem to be walking down the path where their talk seems to be leading to ... and with only two more episodes it may be too little too late, even if they take Jang Shin-yu's expert help in resolving other people's messes!

As you so accurately put it -

"I’d have preferred a scenario where Eom-ji’s death was an accident and Deuk-chan, genuinely believing Do-ha did it, covered it up to protect him."

Also, such a sad treatment of Deuk-chan's character. He really seemed to love his little daughter. When will our dramas give due respect to LGBTQ+ characters... but then I guess that is why we have BL dramas.

Guess My Lovely Liar will go down that list of interesting premise, good start, cute otp, swoons from Minhyun's piano skills, great set-up for tarot cafe .... then mess, messier and drop like a hot potato.

I suspect Deuk-chan is the killer but I can't find the motive and I'm shock about the reason. I think it's accident but maybe it also jealousy? Seems like Eom Ji know Deuk-chan feeling but Do ha doesn't, so it hurts more.

As everything has been already said, I'll only add that imo the main couple lacks of chemistry. They are starting their "love story" and it still seems they are two neighbours/friends who are quite confortable with each other's company, but that's all. I never thought they had chemistry but at least in the first half of the show their scenes weren't so boring 😅

I both applaud the introduce of an LGBT character and deplore its poor execution. Killing out of love is such a common trope, but killing out of single-sided and secrete love feels truly hard to believe.

I would have much preferred to see a different plot line with a different murder and have Deuk-Chan and his husband supporting Do-ha throughout his quest to reveal the truth.

There was the one scene were Do Ha had to be surprised... and Min Hyun had the less surprised/perplexed face of all the drama. Pity.

So the theme of the week is BL in mainstream drama with idol ? That was unexpected.

I'm waiting until the finale to pass final judgement. So far, I think the writers have done a good job of writing a "who done it". Maybe there's another twist or two to be revealed? Deuk-chan being in love with ML makes sense to me, but it doesn't make sense that he killed the girlfriend and let everyone believe ML had done it. I think, like ML's mom, he assumed DoHa killed her, and has been working with the mother to cover it up ever since. I'm really hoping these writers get it right.

"We aDoha you" got me like 🥺🥺🥺

The plot twist (that we all saw coming) just felt a lil homophobic to me. In the year of our Lord 2023, the writers just said, "the killer was a evil gay man this whole time"!! And Doha, frankly, I'd be more offended with the fact that he killed your ex and framed you for 5 years... than with him being in love with you... didn’t like the writing there at all.

If an exploding car "cures" her of her abilities next week, then ik for certain that the drama has gone off the rails. Like what??

and not Solhee confronting killers on her own, without her professional bodyguard, multiple times. we stan an unbothered queen

but I must admit, the party scene was really cute and him telling off his mom was cathartic. the jealousy and oppa scene next week also seems adorable.

Clearly in the minority but I love this show even more and felt that it’s finally back on track this week!

I feel like people often forget or don’t bother considering that HMH is only on his first *real* lead role. I get that he still has a way to go but it’s just sad that he’s consistently being compared to the SML who has been acting in how many dramas now? Yes, people need to show they deserve the role they’ve been entrusted with but there’s a difference between constructive criticisms and basically just putting other people down. Anyway, I see HMH is doing his best and he’s been steadily improving over the course of the drama. I particularly love the scene where he overheard DC’s confession. 🍑

I love that Solhee is back to being her cool self and it’s great that she has a major role in getting to the bottom of the mystery. I just find it completely unreal that she can so easily access Deuk Chan’s office, even if she has Jae Chan’s ID. I hope the origin of her powers will be clarified next week because it sounded like her dad actually passed it down on her. Or I probably missed something.

Going to the big reveal - yeah, I totally got it wrong. I don’t think the writer did it to paint gays or the LGBTQ+ in a negative way. Probably chose it for the impact. If anything, I love Doha but I really felt sad for Deuk Chan. I think it was an accident. In the preview, it sounded like Eomji knows about his feelings so maybe they argued and the truth is not very far from Jae Chan’s statements. And of course murder is terrible but the other Doha-obsessed ladies don’t look like they won’t be able to commit such a thing.

I appreciate now why the writer chose to conceal a lot of the events earlier in the drama. The pay off was worth it! That said I still think we could have had better filler or maybe I won’t mins having a 12-episode drama instead if I dont need to sit through the SH’s mom’s scenes (how does she not run out of those ancient prospects?) or salad girl and bar owner — but I appreciate the party they threw for Doha. Eomji’s been dead for years and they don’t know the girl so why would people think they’d be sensitive about the confirmation of her death? The party was simply meant to celebrate Doha’s innocence and I didn’t find it off at all.

I hope they show wraps up in a good way next week and I hope Solhee will get whichever she really desires — get rid of the power she never asked for and finally be ‘normal’ or keep and embrace it now that she appreciates having one!

I knew that Deuk Chan was in love with Do ha when he found out his wife was cheating;
1) He was literally shaking his leg waiting for Doha to text him back. That's why he didn't even notice his wife was texting someone else.
2) Which man finds out his wife is cheating and doesn't do anything. No crying, no yelling , no filing for divorce. Nothing. ......... ...

Other than that, I didn't think he killed Eom ji. I spent this whole episode beng suspicious of him and I also think we are being led to think that he is way more malicious than he is.

For example, when he gives up the CEO position to Doha, I was giving him some serious side eye. But when Doha declined, he asked him to accept it. Genuinely.

And after the party, he was going to turn himself in. That's why he was in his office. But then Solhee already has the evidence and Doha finds out so instead he chooses death. Why do writers like culprits committing suicide once they are found out? (crash course in romance, I am looking at you. )

Finally got my Wi-Fi back, starting to catch up on the shows.
Episode 13 was all about Kang Min’s detective work. Nothing much else stood out.
So he let Do Ha take the fall for years, then gaslighted him when he suspected his brother, then asked his brother to turn himself in, telling him he’ll be acquitted since there isn’t enough evidence, then when he is exposed, tries to kill himself. It’s hard to imagine that DC always meant to surrender, just needed time to settle things. I mean, initially there wasn’t even a company to protect.
I can totally see what beanies mean when they say HyunMin struggles with acting. It was pretty clear in these episodes- case in point, when Sol Hui is caught in an explosion, and he looks less shocked or traumatized than I did when I watched the real has come. It’s especially stark when you contrast him with the other actors around him, who make it seem so effortless

"and everything clicks. Deuk-chan is in love with Do-ha."
Me: DUHHHHH Sol-hee!! I could have told you that 10 episodes ago! 😂