So, what are we all watching this week?
What kept you reaching for more (or agonizing when there was no more), and what made you want to throw your remote through the screen? Time to weigh in…
mistyisles
Currently covering: Jinxed at First
Alchemy of Souls: I’m running out of ways to say, “This show just makes me so happy!” Mu-deok and Wook pining for each other after one night apart? Adorable. The three boys putting their heads together to take the entry test for her? Gold. The bridge scene and the two of them finally realizing they’re already madly in love with no idea when it started? Beautiful. Side note, though: I have to confess that until this week, I literally had no idea if Wook’s dad was dead or just *away*… Glad I finally got that question answered!
DaebakGrits
Currently covering: Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me, Why Her?
Extraordinary Attorney Woo: This continues to be my favorite drama of the moment, and I’m extremely happy that the show is developing the friendship between Su-yeon and Young-woo. It would have been so easy for them to make Su-yeon the stereotypical mean girl character, but instead Min-woo has become Young-woo’s workplace antagonist. Even though I find his anonymous forum posting annoying and petty, I do like that his actions are the result of his insecurities. They could have had his feelings be rooted in prejudice and the belief that Young-woo is unqualified to be a lawyer because she’s autistic, but he actually acknowledges Young-woo’s talent and sees her as a legitimate threat. So once again, I have to give this show props for its positive representation of ASD.
Remarriage & Desires: I was not expecting to get sucked into this drama because it is not my usual cup of tea, but here I am. I’ve only watched six out of eight episodes, but I’m hooked on all this over-the-top dating and revenge plot.
solstices
Currently covering: Insider, Doctor Lawyer
Equal: A Korean musical set in 17th century Europe, during the era of witch hunts and the Black Death? A plague doctor who turns to alchemy in order to save his terminally ill best friend? Sign me up. Ever since the two-hander began streaming online at the start of this month, I’ve been absolutely hooked. With every performance I watch, I discover subtle details I hadn’t noticed before, which really speaks to its deft foreshadowing and intricate plot. The musical numbers are so evocative and full of symbolism, offering a compelling rumination on grief, humanity, and the meaning of one’s existence. The magic of theater lies in how no two performances are exactly the same, and it’s so interesting to watch the different actors’ interpretations of the same characters. I have to say the pair I like most is Kang Seungsik and Shin Hyucksu — the former proved exactly why he’s my favorite singer, and the latter is an absolute gem. (The musical runs till August 14; unfortunately, Hyucksu doesn’t have any more shows, but I’d definitely recommend any of Seungsik’s pairings!)
Unit
Currently covering: Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Link: Eat, Love, Kill: The entire community failed Gye-hoon and his sister, and I won’t blame him if he packs up and leaves for good. His restaurant hasn’t opened anyway, so there’s nothing tying him down. Except Da-hyun. Sigh.
It’s Beautiful Now: I don’t get why Mi-rae’s paternal side is making such a big deal about her mum’s adoption. I know the aunt is greedy, but what’s the grandmother’s excuse? Does it change the fact that Mi-rae’s mum has been nothing but the best daughter-in-law ever? Anyway, it pleased me to see Mi-rae and her brother stand up to their aunt for slapping their mum. Kick that woman out of the house, please!
The Witch is Alive: I thought I knew which of the women was going to do what, but right now, nothing is going as planned and I don’t think my prediction is correct. I know Ma-ri doesn’t want to divorce her husband, but gosh! She deserves so much better than that man. All three women deserve better, actually.
Remarriage & Desires: Lee Hyun-wook playing a good guy was such a pleasant surprise, and we need to see more of him as a good guy in dramaland. It’s been a while since I hated a character as much as I did Yoo-hui, and her punishment wasn’t enough for me. Hyung-ju and Hye-seung’s romance made me want more, and that wedding scene had me screaming my whole house down! Overall, it was a good watch.
Dramaddictally
Yumi’s Cells 2: I’m underwhelmed with the finale but I’ll need a few days to sort out what exactly I was hoping for. It’s sort of the ending I wanted but how it played out felt off. No matter what, I am so sad to see these characters go. I was really moved by the interactions between Yumi and Woong this week. After all they’ve been through together, they deserve to just be easy around each other. Also, Bobby taking care of a sick Yumi made me realize that I am going to need a Yu Bobby spin-off show pronto. Just put him together with any random female lead and I will watch them play house all day.