V-Focus (2016)

Despite the average plot, V-focus managed to keep me interested until the end. It ended up being a lot funnier than I thought it would be, especially with cute elements like K.K. (the little AI robot). While the drama did drag in certain areas, considering this drama was extended, I think the pacing was pretty decent(particularly for the first half of the drama). V-focus also included some very interesting couple pairings. I loved the noonamance in this one. Also, there was a super refreshing love triangle, which I consider a breakthrough for Taiwanese dramaworld. I also loved the soundtrack, but by the time I got to the end of the drama I was so sick of the intro song (since they play it so much for break scenes). Overall, a light and fun watch to kill time, but don't expect an amazing plot.

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T-dramas have really been stepping up their game the past few years! Bromance & Better Man were thoughtfully well done, and V-Focus kept me riveted until the end.

Yet I'll confess... each time these series keep increasing their episode count a piece of me dreads the extensions. More often than not, drama extensions, especially those exceeding more than 2 episodes (and this one started at 40 and went ALL the way up to 65) is a turn off for me. I put a lot of dramas on hold or stop watching them because of unnecessary dragging, but this drama IS SUCH A GREAT EXCEPTION.

Initially, I was drawn to this drama because of the unique premise: bodyguard meets passionate journalist. Their two professions are polar opposites of one another, and yet, sparks fly in more ways than one. They clash in more ways than one, and sometimes Melvin Sia's robotic face made me feel like the dude couldn't act, I even warmed up to him after a handful of episodes and character development.

STORY: As I said, the premise is unique. I haven't seen a drama with this exact plot line. That being said, there are elements in here that are somewhat cliche, but at the same time, a lot of drama cliche's are turned on their heads. Especially concerning the strong women in this series who take the lead' in more ways than one. For reals strong: like emotionally, physically, and verbally. I didn't dislike any female character in this drama, and I was absolutely shocked that 65 episodes went by and there were womances, and women who supported each other. Of course there are adorable bromances as well. It was nice seeing characters supporting each other. Not too much angst, just a little here and there. You start off with introducing everyone at V-Focus, and then at Krisis, and from there their 'businesses' continue to interact. Moving forward, there are several sub-plots in this series that are neatly tied up in a bow by the end (which, surprisingly, I was pleased they didn't leave anything out). You can expect to have a few 'scandals,' and mysterious that DRQ pursues alongside her colleagues. You can also expect JZH lead Krisis and 'protect,' his clients. I don't want to spoil much here, but the plot only gets somewhat draggy around episode 50, but picks up shortly after. I can promise you there are certain steamy kiss scenes and I won't spoil who or whom, but lets just say we get plenty of that, and it's glorious. It's such a sweet romance story as well, and I hope people who are interested in this series do see that it has love stories/romances in it that are very fulfilling.

CHARACTERS:

Ding Ruo Qin: Bubbly. Smart. Passionate. A kick-ass reporter with no filter. I loved her. I found her pursuit of the truth to be a reflection of her loyalty to V-Focus and a promise she made to someone close to her. You watch her character grow, fumble/make mistakes, but continue to mature over the course of the series. I liked how she always stays true to herself, and yet at the same time, can be playful and also super caring and thoughtful of her family and friends.

Jiang Xhi Heng: Stern, but still very likable. When you first meet him you think he has a 'I'm the best,' kind of arrogant attitude, but as you learn more about his story, you can understand why he acts the way he does. I like the fact that he respects DRQ. He worries about her, but he understands her passions and dreams and is supportive of her -in dramaland, you got to love these guys.

Zhou Xin Yi: I liked how steadfast she is. A little jaded at times, but is one of the most sincerest characters in this show (like DRQ). She cares for the people in her life, to the extent that she would go through leaps and bounds to make sure they were safe or protected. She's smart, elegant. and strong. She's someone that you can get a little tiresome of, but you understand her.

Ke Guo Long: THIS SWEETIE PIE X1000. Plus KK (and you will know what I mean when you watch this!). He is like... boyfriend goals. Or partner goals. I liked the fact that he was super innocent, but also kind, and supportive, and willing to maintain boundaries so as not to upset anyone in his life. He is such a refreshing character.

SOUND/OST: Absolutely suitable for this series. The singer for one of the songs sings the main theme song in Behind Your Smile, and her voice is PERF for this series too. I liked that some characters story lines with other characters/the way they interacted with others had soundtracks to them. You expected certain songs or sounds to be played at moments. It's endearing and suited the moods very nicely.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: I can't believe this series was 65 episodes. After the first 20 episodes, I wondered what would happen to each of these characters, and I never anticipated the amount of character development on many ends of the spectrum, including supporting characters in this series. What I liked about V-Focus was its ability to keep the viewer interested. There was always something going on at Krisis or at V-Focus. DRQ was always on the move, and JZH was always involved in some newer case which (coincidentally) tied to stories that V-Focus was covering. You get to see an array of emotions, thoughts, and feelings expressed by lots of characters, and events that made this series unique. I think if you end up giving this show a try, you may end up surprised. I think the charm in this series was its balance between progressing the plot forward consistently by unraveling secrets and intentions behind people in the series, unveiling events and tensions, and managing budding romances. It has a lot packaged in this series. I think the characters are definitely worth while here. Especially Guo Long. Happy watching

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