Crashed into my watchlist that's for sure

This was a surprisingly fun addition to my forever long currently watching list and I hope it stays that way.

The pilot episode begins with a bang, with a side of female badass. From the very first scene, things are fast-moving and explosive and as expected cool car scenes (thanks to the director). there is barely any lingering which works best given the series length. The team here comprises of four people. 1) So-hee (FL) who is a passionate and talented crime investigator cop and stops at nothing to see cases through (even if it means bending the rules or sacrificing herself), 2) Chae-man; the chief and creator of TCI who is similar to So-hee but softer in that regard, 3) Dong-gi; an automobile specialist and can analyze what kind of car it is and where it was tuned just by looking at the silhouette of the car and listening to the sound of the engine and Hyeon-gyeong the youngest member of TCI, who has a tremendous amount of internal martial arts skills. Yeon-ho (ML), eventually works more closely with the TCI, is smart, awkward and introverted but with a strong moral backbone. He is most notably a KAIST graduate and has many investigation certifications.

Since each case lasts about 1-2 episodes each, the hand offs are solid with the next case interwoven into the current one and aren't just sprung on us at the beginning of each episode. There's also call backs to earlier cases which helps maintain the link throughout the series. The cases also give us more insight to our team and their dynamic as well as an opportunity for them to get the recognition and respect they deserve. There's also some comedy sprinkled in here and there which eases the tension especially in some of the serious scenes (Gu Gyeong Mo-the national police chief- is my fighter ??). Plus, the action sequence especially with the cars is giving when it has to do its part!!

Going into this series I was mostly expecting FL's life story to be the thing that serves as a connector for all the episodes since that is typically the case. However, I was glad that this time ML's past serves as what is keeping the link between episodes. It's a slow confusing start but when it finally rains, it pours. Also, it's been fun to see how our TCI team has embraced ML into their unit despite his quirky nature. I look forward to continuing this fun watch and hope the momentum continues on until the end (update: it did). The villains in this drama are villaining and I sincerely hope out TCI team comes out on top in the finale somehow, or at least they set up and confirm season 2!!! (Update: the ending was open ended and leave room for season 2). Ngl, that Tae Joo plot is/was/will still be actively pissing me off!! Writer-nim I hope you are seeing this and it is resolved! I am not the biggest ending of the last episode but oh well...

P.S. Lee Min Ki suits this type of character best. His deadpan humor and aloof vibes are good.

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*SIGH* ?‍♀️

Honestly, I don't know where to start here. Literally came to serve mid. I thought the plot was interesting at first and I was naturally waiting to see how I-soo was going to be influenced by Ba-Tang (ngl, I almost call her Bang Tan 70% of the time) and the rest of the classmates in this almost perfect school. I have more frustrations and questions as I watch the drama than I get answers. Namely: (1) what happened between I-soo and his dad? (hopefully we know eventually), (2) why is the lawyer letting him run the school rn instead of waiting until he finishes school, because I don't get how him running the school now works as an incentive form him to want to keep the school? (3) when will the adults start adulting? (4) why does EVERYONE & THEIR PETS want a piece of the school? etc.

I can't tell you why I watched it but I guess I kept hoping it gets better and 40ish minutes of my time every Monday isn't too much time invested. Don't get me wrong there are moments that make watching bearable but it's just not enough of them to save the rating. I guess I am glad they put in the effort and tried acting. idk. I don't know if it was because of the episode run time, or what but very poor execution. Hopefully they learn and grow from this.

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I guess you can call it fate

Under the gun is nothing out of the ordinary, just a short series with romance retold once again.

Cha Se-Young is your typical "rich" FL, from a good home and not much drama at her house other than match making mother. Bonus points because she is not a brat, doesn't flex her wealth and is actually nice and proactive. Whilst our ML, Go Gun, is rough around the edges due to life but is also a decent human being who was forced to grow up too soon. The meet up is as destined and they eventually bond and date. Even though it's short there aren't as many plot hole that make you disinterested nor a heavy focus on side plots that don't add to the story but we do have a healthy amount of coincidences and clichés (as expected). Bonus points for cute height differences, how they always support each other (mostly FL but still) and proper communication between the two most of the time. Even when there's disputes they are quickly resolved and everything goes back to normal. It's a cute romance with one or two tear jerking scenes, and adults not acting like adults most of the time.

It's a story of how life can be mean at times but with the right people on your side you can hold on just to live another day. And if you are lucky enough, get through it, and live to tell the story. There's good chemistry between the leads, although I must say I wasn't a fan of everything especially how they initially got together because she practically did to him what SML did to her successfully but I digress. Notice how I didn't say much about the SML? Well he is a plot device, and that's about it. It's a decent watch to get out of a slump or if you want a quick watch.

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GRAND SHINING ANXIETY

Tbh, I just thought I was signing up to watch another take at W-Two worlds, but this was that but not really. In a GOOD WAY.

The drama has a solid OPENing ? that hooks you from the start. This helps set the scene for the mystery element of the show and quickly raises questions when we are barely settled into the drama . But we aren't given time to process it and we are introduced to our leads and the dynamic between them (which happens to be a one sided crush for our Yoo Ah Young on Woo Bin, not that I blame her) and a very troubling work crisis with an MIA writer. People start disappearing and we meet our second FL, Park Hyun Joo or should I say VERONICA PARK!! ??, who isn't a good person hence Woo Bin needs saving. All our leads and other randomly disappeared people are a thrusted into this novel by our MIA writer whose true intentions and connections to everyone, (and disappearance device) are revealed as we watch. We are taken on a journey of trying to unmask our writer and the people behind it all. The plot twist at the end though, ngl low key didn't see it coming. Played a trick on my mind ??!

The acting is especially good because of the star studded cast, and the dash of anxiety from the plot just makes for an excellent binge watch, especially because we are all at the mercy of the MIA writer until the end. I almost wished it was longer, but I don't know what exactly I would want explored (maybe the disappearance device origins and the people behind it all) because this was done just right!!! Only downside is finding a site with decent English subs. The pace of the drama was good and as for the questionable things I guess we can always chuck up to this being a short drama.

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What I expected but not really (to be edited until series ends)

I was interested in watching this after seeing the cast cry during the script reading and it had similar vibes to "May I Help You?"(which I recommend btw) so I was interested in seeing how the theme of helping the dead safely move on to the afterlife without having any regrets was going to be tackled. Plus, it being a photo studio was already I guess unique because how are they going to deal with providing such a service to ghost customers when living people may give them issues.

the series has a solid opening. It gives basic understanding of how everything works and still leaves enough curiosity for plot development in future episodes. I enjoyed the stories of the deceased (ep3 was hilarious imo- the aespa cameo you didn't know you needed) and learning more about how our ML's family came to be cursed this way and how FL comes into play in everything especially the link to a ghost from the past. We get to meet all type of ghosts so not every story is the same/similar. Plus, not every ghost has good intentions and seeing how they deal with them ensures the interest in the story is maintained. The side character stories are also somewhat interesting, but I hope they are fully developed by the end of it all.

My problem with the series starts(?)/started(?) in ep7 when the romance plot finally takes off, that's if we can call it that. I am all for FL taking initiative but tbh it was more coercion than positive pursuit. She keeps crossing the line and not respecting his stance. My guy says no she hears try again (just because she felt embarrassed and feels like he is stringing her along which he isn't btw). We are blinded in seeing this because he is also interested in her, but oh well.

I am still struggling to wrap my head around why ML is looking for his uncle when he knows about the family curse but there is still time for clarity.

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How to fall for scammers: Bok Family edition

I started watching this drama because of the superpower aspect of the drama. I was curious about how they lost them and what special thing Da Hae will do so they regain them. Let's just say it almost fell short.

Our Atypical family has five members: Grandma (Bok Man Heum) who is the family leader and has precognitive dreams, Grand dad (Eom Soon Gu) who serves as the family pillar and a normal guy, Dad (Bok Gwi Ju) our male lead who can travel to the past and the supposed family gym runner, Aunt (Bok Dong Hee) who is a former model and can fly and the Daughter (Bok Ina) who is shy and introverted and can read minds. They all, well 3.5/5, suffer from "modern-day problems" like insomnia (grandma), bulimia (aunt), depression (dad) and smartphone addiction (daughter-she is the 0.5). I think I-na just needed a little more adult care and some therapy, then she would've been fine. They are all struggling to use their powers because of this alleged problems but spoiler, it's not, it's because they aren't happy. See, this family merely coexists with each other under the same room with grand dad trying his best to keep everything afloat. Enter Do Da Hae. She alongside her "adoptive" family run cons to get money to pay off her late dad's debt and the Boks (quick question: why didn't they take their dad's surname?? I digress) are the latest targets.

At first it seems like it will work seeing as they are practically beyond repair. But because of her fixation on playing wife and healing them, she unintentionally drags them out of the slump, and injects some happiness into them, thus curing them. She also helps them reconcile and finally care for each other thus mending the family. And she also falls in love putting the plan at risk because conflict of interest. Our unexpected second couple comes from Ina and her school crush who notices our invisible girl as much as she tries to stay hidden. He has her back and always makes her feel important.

This drama was a fun but mostly frustrating watch. Ngl, until like ep 6 ish, I was struggling to figure out how I feel about it. I was serving an interesting mid if I could say. There's fun moments and painfully obvious clichés. Not to mention the main couple's romance being outshone by the Kids. I won't talk about how the writer gaslighted (?) us into rooting for the main couple's romance after all the things Da Hae did to manipulate them or even how Ina's supposed friend turned best friend turned BULLY was just not happy about her not talking which is why she humiliated her like that..????.
Not the biggest fan of the ending because it just raised more questions and I wish our young couple deserved more screen time.

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The series needs more patience than usual

The problem and possible solutions to said problems lie within the premise of the drama. There is just a constant battle for the spotlight between all the subplots the writer(s) were aiming to showcase which in turn just makes the story sometimes seem sloppy and all over the place. I had a concern about this but luckily it was mostly resolved by the end, and the last 3 eps are the best imo.

To start off, the introduction is good, we are introduced to our leads and their background and importantly their first meet post past events. The narrative is well set with us being aware of the basic relationships between everyone especially with our male lead Sajo Hyeon/Akhee who has a split personality. We see the dynamic between his personalities and who prefers what, what their strengths and weaknesses are. Just a heads up for the first couple of episodes there's also a viewer battle/struggle of trying to figure out which personality he is especially when there is a hint to the switch.

Like in most sageuks (I am guessing, 'cause I've only seen about a handful atp), other than the revenge and personality disorder our ML has, there's the coveting of power by everyone around the throne and struggle for control of the throne. And that's where the thrill as well as most of the problems come about. Firstly, we all know Yoong wants the throne and is willing to go to extreme lengths to attain it which is not a secret to everyone but the question is why doesn't anyone do anything to punish/stop him? He just keeps getting a slap on the wrist for it and moves on with life which is a drag and ends up not being interesting. Secondly, I don't understand why Geumhwa (and her dad) wants power because she doesn't even use it for anything other than fight with Consort Myung, so her story is kinda lame but she is getting screen time that's for sure. Plus for someone who wants power she sure yields too much to other people. But imo these both pale in comparison to what they did to Yeon Wol. My girl came for revenge and it only lasted 3eps (and that's being generous) given what Akhee did to her. They messed up her storyline imo. Like she gave up too soon on revenge and she just became the plot driver into figuring out Akhee and Hyeon which doesn't make sense. Like, even if she isn't trying to get revenge anymore, is she going to set the record straight and reclaim her rightful position? (Also, she trained to be an assassin and didn't learn how to swim?)

There's obviously other plots like the late king's struggle with treason, Akhee and Hyeon's battles, Chung Ta and her lack of a backbone. But the exploration of all these plots simultaneously with a lack of direction of the drama are the problem. Rather than wondering what will happen in anticipation of what is to come, you end up wondering what will happen in a state of disbelief of the many things that have already happened. It's more of I wonder what absurd thing they will pull out next episode rather than plot development because there is little to no such thing in this drama. This may make watching feel like a chore rather than fun.

In every episode, the newest plot line takes front and center stage until the thrill wears off then another takes it's place with an occasional visit to pre-existing plots. This works both in favor and against the drama depending on how good the plot is, resulting in a sometimes good and occasionally bad episode. Then there is momentary plot introductions like that one of Eunuch and that palace lady that are unnecessary additions. Like why keep adding more plots instead of developing and better explaining what already exists? For instance, how Yoong and Prince Ga Ron and Co got acquainted to the point that he has influence, or how Akhee is only affected by Yeon Wol, or even the development of Hyeon and Akhee's interactions and dynamic, or how Yeon Wol learnt the things she knows.. but oh well..

All in all the drama is good & the sub plots are decent. They are just not well developed to have a lasting impression. Therefore you need more patience than usual. They did a good job wrapping up the show but imo I would rather it was 12 eps with a fast pacing and hoping for more eps than wishing it was shorter like I am now because mid season it started being a drag.

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Queen of Fan Fiction with a side of product placement

Ngl, it took me until I started watching episode 2 until I realized each episode was a fan fiction that the FL had written about her and the ML.
This is a drama about a fan, Kim Yeojoo who is a fan of an idol called Lee Wondoo. She takes inspiration for her stories from thing she experiences in her everyday life/rather whatever Ediya coffee product she is enjoying at that moment. This all starts out because the idol likes the brand. In her fan fictions she is always the female protagonist that her idol saves and/or is interested in. Or I guess you can say it's y/n type of fan fics because she publishes them for others to read and enjoy too. The storylines are as follows:
Ep.1- High school encounter
Ep.2- Strangers
Ep.3- CEO and applicant who have a history
Ep.4- A college senior and junior who are secretly dating
Ep.5- 500 day couple
Ep.6- Barista coworkers encounter

It's a cute lil story

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The reality of a Job Seeker

The drama tells a story of Mirae a job seeker who is currently experiencing negative emotions associated with job seeking. And it doesn't help that everyone around her is successful and it's adding to an inferiority. But she has glimmer's of hope here and there and it helps her get by.

I think the drama has a slice of life aspect to it because it reflects the real emotions that graduates and the like face in society today and it's easy to see yourself in the characters especially Mirae.

It was a decent watch, nothing too over the top. Acting wasn't too bad and even though some of the side plots are unique to Korea, they still aided the main plot. I am glad it was the focus of the story until the end.

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February 2023

The drama depicts working from home situation of a 4 member artist marketing team, which consist of a team leader (Hee Kyeong), an intern, Jungmin and two other full time employees, Jimin and Jihoon.

The first episode focuses on Jungmin (who gets promoted to a full time employee) who is runs late for a meeting and has a misunderstanding due to his mic being on. He fails to clarify it due to being conflicted about what he finds important; clearing up the misunderstanding or keeping his job.
The second episode focuses on Jimin and Jhoon who are a secret couple in the team and are currently staying together. They are however keeping it from everyone because there's a "no dating amongst co-workers" rule in the company. Our intern (ep.1) finds out they are dating and promises to keep the secret since they're also keeping his secret.
The final two episodes focus on Jimin and Jihoon and the work they do for the company and the frustrations that comes with it. It basically depicts the artist vs the marketing team part of their work.

There's nothing much to comment on the storyline as it just merely depicts scenarios that are somehow linked. I guess it's not that deep sacrificing about 40 mins to watch it, if you want.

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The story of the man who defies death until the very end

I rarely ever watch C-dramas mostly due to the length of the series but I came across this show via YT shorts and let's just say the leading man carried.

The story is basically about our high school sweethearts who are from different financial backgrounds that fall in love and rich mummy dearest doesn't find our ML Yan worthy. It's a tale of a messed up control freak of an adoptive mother who just wants a puppet daughter. But luckil our FL, Qin learns that she can stand on her own and fight for what she wants. She is selfish and very entitled sometimes and imo is the worst at opening up of the two but with some alcohol she can sure talk. Meanwhile, Yan is superman reimagined. The man survives everything nature throws at him somehow (I know if he died the series would end but still). He is so passionate and protective but is not the best at opening up (but the better of the two). Like you can trust him with your life but he can't trust you as easily. Rightfully so because of adoptive mumanger. But he does learn to trust and always fights for what he wants.

There is the weird brother loves adopted sister vibe but it's not explored but very much hinted. Everyone is connected somehow and this is tale of braving it all for what you want and believe in. There's some aspects in show I am not a fan of like how they helped the firefighters deal with their PTSD, how Song Yan's best friend's plotline was just cut off, how everyone of the firefighters basically gets one chance to live or they end up dead/injured, but Song Yan never suffers much in the line of duty, and the rushed ending, but it was a good watch. Why is Yan Chen always a S/A victim? Mans has it tough as is with his butterflies. There's a ton of what if relationships that aren't explored decently or even at all which I feel was a disservice. Also, adopted mother from hell's backstory when?? Anyway, I liked the firefighter's relationship a lot. True brotherhood if you ask me. RIP to our Da Peng.

An acting masterclass but Yang Yang and Wang Chu Ran (more credit to him because they had this man in high school uniform in his late 20s). Also, Mumanger (Chen Jin) because she had me hating her at hello. And S/O to the firefighting acting crew because they really were convincing as first responders.

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Frankly Speaking I expected something else

I solely watched this drama because of the premise of having a news anchor who cannot lie, like in "Pinocchio". But the turn of the events wasn't exactly bad but I hoped for more (I guess you could say that's how it starts out in my head).

The first two/three episodes were very hilarious imo, The comedy was at its peak and set up the first encounter between our leads in a memorable way. And obviously the set up of how he gains his "superpower" and the role the FL plays in it all. Our ML story is multilayered and we get to see how he allowed people to walk all over him and let rumors' about his life go off the rails just so he can get to where he wants to get to be and finally not be as pathetic as he thinks he is. It's a journey of you rooting for him to survive every encounter because he has no filter. You get to see him grow, love, repair old friendships nd navigate his new found fame with his unfortunate condition. But most importantly, repair his relationship with his family. This was something that eluded me whilst watching which particularly gets emphasized more especially in the last 2 episodes.

This drama is a decent watch and does live up to the hype, sorta. I guess where we all were disappointed is how we walked in expecting him to suffer through struggling to lie as a news anchor at a day and age where false information is rampant but it just became about this whole dating show and first love out for revenge (honestly idk why, if it was said I guess I missed it, but likely a loophole). Lowkey, I also expected that he would use his "superpower" to his advantage to get the job he wanted and maybe have workplace drama around that, but ohh well. There's also a poor wrap up of side character plots, the supporting cast might as well be props. Literally because they come and go as needed, little to no personality or context whatsoever. But I guess since it has little to no effect to the watching experience, because you have little time to wonder about hanging plots, then we can maybe ignore it.

Hopefully by the time the drama ends we get to see ML achieve his dreams and everything tied up nicely. (Update: this is mostly true). The slice of life aspect of the drama really shines at the end making you heal alongside ML because he is finally at a healthy place with regards to his family and work situation.

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Trick in plot

For a mini series the story did what it was meant to do; provide a decent watch for a short while.

Basically, ML and FL know each other from childhood and later meet as adults with different intentions. ML- to fulfill his childhood promise and payback FL for her kindness. FL- to use him to escape her family and get revenge. The story is developed decently to try avoid a lot of plot holes so we are propelled forward most of the time by clichés as is expected. Nothing about the story is new; you have your savior ML and independent FL. Luckily they love each other that they always work to support each other so they don't really hurt each other despite their intentions getting into the relationship.

Unfortunately, the ending was a bit too rushed. Actually that is true for a lot of the conclusions of the storylines. Yes some are well executed but they are mostly just abrupt, don't make sense and even though it's what you want it just doesn't hit. But I guess that would be asking for too much given the nature of the series. Time is spent on relevant information for the plot so that's another plus. Otherwise decent story and watch if you want something quick to pass time.

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When the product does not meet specifications

Tbh, my first reason to watch this drama was Kang Ki Young. He has been very good in support roles and him finally getting a lead role was something I was looking forward to. The other, the title and trailer promised an iconic show. It is unfortunate that what the show promised isn't what the show delivered.

The pilot episode did not disappoint. It was exactly what the show promised a divorce expert who will help you reach your goal by all means necessary because she can relate to her clients. And unfortunately that is where we stop seeing that. Sera is supposed to be a divorce specialist who also want revenge on her ex-husband and will stop at nothing to get back at him and most importantly get back her son. But she only spends less than half the show actually carrying out that revenge because before that she is all talk and no action about revenge. So the show heavily focused on her being a divorce specialist more than the revenge plot. Sure it does come in later but it's execution is just so painfully mid it makes you contemplate why you're wasting time.

Tbh sometimes the acting felt bland. Idk if I should blame the writer or the actors/actresses or both but it just wasn't hitting. There was a period of time during the series where in it felt more like a game show with a new contestant every episode to see how good this divorce specialist team is and nothing else. What I mean is it was just about solving the cases with occasional reminders that btw Sera wants revenge and that was the only thing that served an episode connector. The support cast was not explored in detail, heck even the leads. So nothing much about them other than the plot makes you sympathize.
I mean I guess Dea Ki, Jang Mi and Bom helped make the show interesting sometimes but ?‍♀️

I guess I am glad it was short and it has ended...

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