On paper, this show should be a top-notch production. The stellar cast, the high production value and a nice OST do present a strong case.

In terms of the central plot, it is about as transparent as it can be. It literally gave the key “twist” to us at the end of episode 1. We know with certainty what is the end game. It then spends the bulk of the Show plotting the meandering path towards that exit. It was not necessarily a difficult path, but it was very weighty and melodramatic. It does not hold back on any opportunity to tug at our heartstrings.

While the synopsis of the show hinted at an ensemble drama with a female concentric focus, it is only partly true. Yes, the three main leads are all females about to turn 40 but two are the true leads and they are Son Ye Jin (as Cha Mi Jo) and Jeon Mi Do (as Joeng Chan Young) while the third FL played by Kim Ji Hyun (as Jang Joo Hee) has a lesser role. All the male leads are firmly in support and powered the romantic storylines. Their respective families played in the next tier and move the plot along as required.

It is true that the close friendship/sisterhood of the 3 leads formed the central pillar of the story, the plot around Chan Young is what drives the bulk of plot developments. There is certainly no shortage of subplots but the majority of them were treated superficially. Not that the subject matter is lightweight (abandonment, prejudice, deceptions and more) but they are just shiny fruits hanging off the main trunk. Some were given more attention and used to stir our emotions, but all faded away eventually in the face of the all-consuming main event. To be fair, all these threads were not forgotten, the writer-nim did gave them resolutions even if it is just a quick scene or a snippet of commentary but some felt perfunctory. It allowed the threads to be closed but it doesn’t really give them their dues. IMHO, this is largely because the story is written to appeal and engage with the target audience. It is not about pushing agendas that might distract from the central theme.

There is no doubt the Show is watchable. There are swoon worthy moments and occasional rays of sunshine but I can’t help but cringe at the overly melodramatic scenes and the endless rounds of the female leads drinking, shopping, bickering and basically creating “moments”. Some of those screen time can be better used to explore some subplots that were crying for some love and attention.

Now the elephant in the room, I do pity Joo Hee. Her character is poorly developed and weak by design, suffered a lot, aimed low and achieved little in life. Her love line is contrived. She is supposed to be in a serious relationship (her own words) but there are hardly any outward signs. Just a few hints and no skinship.

You can’t really say the Show dropped the ball. Quite the opposite! The Show has a laser focus on the endgame. Nothing is allowed to get in the way of the melodrama. Every morsel of happiness is bittersweet. Every special moment is handcrafted to heighten its impact. Lingering contemplative shots and close-ups of the protagonists (often in tears) reinforce the despondency.

I have no doubt the Show will be popular but it is also polarising. Its fans will love it and wish for more. The rest of us can only lament the lost opportunities to push back some boundaries or explore relevant issues. If you start watching the show thinking that it is a rom-com then you might felt a bit cheated as the show quickly morphed into its final form. Ultimately, the Show wants to preach to the converted and it did it with consummate skill. Caveat emptor, my friends.