This show is not your typical mainstream drama. It is a wild ride and has an indie feel. Some might say Tarantino-esque and I'd agree.

At its core, it is still a k-drama but it is quite subversive at times. It can be irrelevant and touches on subjects that will resonate more with its local audience. This is a double-edged sword though. If you stumbled onto this on Netflix and expect a quirky road movie then you might come away feeling a bit confused.

To wit, the concept of lineage runs deep in Asian cultures. Your family and your clan anchors you and grants you identity. This began to wane in the 20th/21st century as the concept of nuclear family takes root. However, if you look, you will find its influence and reverence still evident today. Similarly, we are made aware that being a single parent is tough. Being an orphan is even tougher.

This drama brings all this into sharp focus via our 3 leads. The ML had a wonderful early childhood but was casted adrift due to an IVF mistake. The FL was abandoned at birth. The 2ML is the sole heir to a 500 year old clan. He is their only hope of continuing this bloodline. So much pressure.

On the surface, the three of them are getting on with their lives but the pain and scars run deep. Especially for the ML. He was floored when he finds out he has inherited a terminal condition. He embarks on a mad race to find his biological father. It was a crazy idea from the start but it is amplified 10 folds when he impulsively kidnapped the FL on her wedding day. Not that the FL was in a good place herself because she is hiding a dark secret. It was like an indie black comedy has a baby with a tragic grand opera!

The pacing was manic for the first half and the mood and tone swings like a weathervane in a storm. It is a blast to watch but there are times when you have to turn a blind eye to the plot holes and the odd pacing issues. Ask no questions . . .

The chaotic ride comes to an end at the end of the surreal castaway island episode. It became much more introspective and tropey. I suppose the drama can’t sustain the breakneck pace and wacky storylines forever. It is time to take stock. The show almost seems “normal” going forward. The sadness and despondency can be overwhelming at times.

The last episode was bittersweet. The last road trip was like a quasi-honeymoon. We laughed and swooned at their antics, but we know the end is nigh.

The show has many impactful scenes and subtle messages scattered throughout but at the moment of finality, it was more like a sigh. It was a blessed release. There are no miracle cure in this dramaverse, chingu. This show really knows how to hit us in the feels, again and again.

However, the story doesn't end there. The FL's journey continues. They made a pact that they will drift on if he found a 4 leaf clover. So much is unspoken. We can only wish her safe travels and hope that she will find solace somewhere, some day. Maybe her wish will come true and experience motherhood. I envy her children. Her love will know no bounds.

Coming back to here and now, we have fantastic acting all around. The 2ML was perfectly casted and the veteran actor put in his all. I was disappointed with the FL when she starred in Strong Girl Nam-soon. She has redeemed herself with this role. The ML is just so watchable and charismatic. A strong support cast and a wonderful OST rounded out the roster.

The show is a little rough around the edges and difficult to watch at times but then again, Queen of Tears was polished to an inch of its life. Give me a diamond in the rough any day. Peace.