First of all, tvN and Disney+, what the heck was that ending??? I demand a re-do!

This show is a love letter to theater and performance. Everything from the acting to the writing to the overall production is spectacular. I cried and laughed and pulled out my hair when Jeong-nyeon's actions got too frustrating. This show was made with love and care, and I'm glad that the ratings in Korea agree with just how great it is.

Through all the characters, we see what it truly means to chase a dream at all costs. Whether it's Jeong-nyeon succeeding against all odds, Ok-gyeong abandoning hers when it no longer served her, Joo-ran (she deserved better) forced to abandon hers due to the constraints of her time, Yeong-seo chasing hers away from her famous family's shadow, this theme is explored in all its glory. We even see the dark side with Hye-rang holding on to hers and refusing to make way for others.

I do wish the show had a few more episodes to give room for character development, especially for Jeong-nyeon. I feel like a lot of her growth, whether as a character or as a performer, happened off-screen. The ending episode felt a little lack-luster. Don't get me wrong, that final performance was awesome (although I'm wondering how Jeong-nyeon got her full voice back?), but so much is still left unresolved. The accountant guy went off scot-free even after embezzling Maeran's funds (really didn't understand why the director forgave him), and Hye-rang's part in it was never acknowledged or brought up again. In fact, I think Hye-ran was forgiven too easily; she was really sick for what she did to Jeong-nyeon. Ok-gyeong disappears without a trace, and I guess that's fine, but what about resolving her and Jeong-nyeon's mentor-mentee relationship?

The concept of film taking over the entertainment industry is teased throughout the drama, but I wish it had a more threatening presence in the story as it seemed to be a really interesting conflict.

All these critiques aside, I really think this is the best drama of 2024 by all metrics, hands down. Kudos to Kim Taeri and the cast and the entire team involved in bringing this masterpiece to life.