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
Love Next Door: Well, once we got the ex and cancer storylines out of the way, it feels like we’re back to the show I liked from the beginning! I’m still tuning in and out at times, but for the most part I’m glad I’ve stuck with it. That said, I’m not sure it was necessary to have both main couples go through the same cycle of confession->rejection->avoidance->conversation->acceptance. But I’m also used to none of these people being good at saying what they mean, so it’s a small complaint at this point. What I do really like (and have liked) is how this show explores the idea of finding and going after one’s dreams, how those dreams can change (or sometimes how they don’t change even when you think you want them to), and also how that’s not limited to the young adults.
The Judge from Hell: I really wanted to like this one, or at least find it entertaining. Park Shin-hye is certainly having a blast in this role, and I love that for her, but I think this show is just not for me.
DaebakGrits
Currently covering: The Judge from Hell
What Comes After Love: The story is a bit too melo for my tastes, but I’m traveling to Japan next month and the gorgeous cinematography and filming locations have made this drama a fun way to scout out potential places to visit while I’m there.
Dear Hyeri: This drama makes me curious enough to keep watching, but I can’t say that I love everything it has to offer. The story feels jumpy. In some cases, this appears to be a side effect of Eun-ho’s DID, but in other instances (like Eun-ho getting trapped with a dead body, which was severely glossed over) it feels like bad writing and editing. I have similar mixed feelings about the artistic cinematography used to help the viewer experience Eun-ho’s varying mental state, but maybe those will pay off in the long run once we get a better understanding of Eun-ha’s backstory and mental health. Mostly, though, I think I’m just sticking around to see what happens when Eun-ho meets Joo-yeon (officially). Will she be drawn to him romantically like Hyeri, since they are two halves of the same whole, or will there be a decisive line separating the two personalities’ romantic interests. Either way, given that this drama has the same director as Twenty Five Twenty One, I’m going to assume we’re building up to an ending I’m going to hate.
No Gain No Love: I was sad to see this one end, even more so that it ended on a — lightsaber dildos aside — whimper. Overall, a great drama, but I wish Ja-yeon would rewrite the last episode.
Love Next Door: Is this drama still airing? I kid (but not really). I’m going to have to read missvictrix’s recap to see how this one ends because I think I’ve officially bailed on this one.