Good, but Ji Chang Wook is not bringing the magic

The short episode format is a nice departure from average kdramas, but I'm getting the feeling that this drama is sacrificing some depth to save time. Once again, the writing of Kim Ji Won's character is too manic-pixie-dream-girl for my taste, though the very end of this episode gave a valid reason for that. Her performance was sparkling, however. The rest of the characters are clearly stock characters (cold, but physically passionate woman; guy who initially acts like he knows everything about women, but hasn't been on a date for years; young guy who is inexperienced, but who thinks he has it all figured out, etc., etc., ad nauseum). The actors do a fine job, but the writing lacks depth so far.Once again, most of the design was delightful, though there was a scene where Ji Chang Wook was working at a desk, and it looked extremely generic -- like someone found a nook in a hallway somewhere. It was incongruous enough that it took me out of the moment. Still, the surfing scenes were lovely, and the Ikea/American Indian/Latin American touches to the trailer looked super cozy.One thing I appreciated in this episode was a slightly more realistic depiction of intimacy -- no one looked terrified, not everyone was experienced, and it didn't take thirteen episodes to get there. I'm going to be candid and say that a Ji Chang Wook kiss and bare-shoulder shot certainly added to my Christmas cheer.Unfortunately, I still had that nagging feeling about something about Ji Chang Wook being somehow off. I feel kind of like I'm watching a stand-in, like he was replaced by someone who looks, acts, and sounds a lot like him, but who somehow doesn't bring the same energy as the original.This is the first post-military drama of his that I've watched since the others didn't receive very good reviews, so I don't know if this is just who he is now that he's a bit older, or what. I will optimistically hope that he is just a bit tired from working so much this year and from all of the COVID changes. I long to see that magical twinkle in his eyes again, and I hope that whatever seems to be holding him back changes soon.Don't get me wrong, he's still professional enough to give a watchable performance, it just isn't particularly memorable. I find this particularly disappointing since he is working with such a lovely and capable costar. The little twist at the end of this episode was a good one, and I look forward to seeing it play out in future episodes.

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Promising start

Good first episode, though it wasn't exactly revolutionary or inventive; the film within a film format works well here thanks to quick-paced editing.The design of the show is delightful, and there are many visually yummy moments. I was particularly fond of the design of the beach restaurant - it didn't look like anything I've seen in a kdrama before, and it perfectly set the mood for memories of a budding summer romance.The ensemble seems to have chemistry, though the writing leaves a bit to be desired; the non-lead roles are written rather flatly and unoriginally.Kim Ji Won is effervescent in the FL role. I always get Barbara Stanwyck vibes from her (solid acting, beautiful, versatile, and never lacking in verve, or moxie, or whatever you want to call it). In this episode, she elevated the writing, which came off as a little too manic-pixie-dream-girl. Other actresses would likely have played up the quirkiness of the role, but Kim Ji Won created a very human and accessible version of tye character, chosing to play the situation rather than the story. Good stuff.Ji Chang Wook has shaken off some of his "tricks," and he comes across as more human and more mature. While I like the progress he has made as an actor, I still find myself wanting something more from him - something fresh and innovative. Is it vulnerability? I'm not sure yet. Fortunately, he is talented and experienced enough to give a fine performance, even when something seems lacking.One great thing about these two lead actors is that they know how to create chemistry with their fellow performers. Their chemistry was clearly magnetic in this episode, and I'm relieved that I can trust these actors to continue on in the same way.If the writing improves, this looks like it will be a really delightful show. Even if it doesn't, as long as the writing doesn't deteriorate, I think that all of the other elements are good enough to make it at least enjoyable.

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