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…
missvictrix
Currently weecapping: Our Beloved Summer
Artificial City: I had to check this out for two of my favorites, Su-ae and Kim Kang-woo — who were fabulous as a pretty unlikeable married couple. Other than that, I feel rather meh about the first episode. Perhaps there are just too many revenge-y chaebol melodramas lately. I feel like I’ve seen a million powerful mother-in-laws, galleries, conspiring in-laws, share wars, super modern mansions, and cold characters that know how to manipulate to achieve their ends. I really liked our two leads together, but I could sit down right now and write a synopsis for ten other stories I’d prefer to see them in. So this one might be a pass.
quirkycase
The Red Cuff Sleeve: Deok-im is getting more and more embroiled in palace politics. I’m glad she thinks on her feet because I have a feeling she’s going to need that skill now more than ever. San is practically broadcasting his feelings at this point, which doesn’t seem like a good idea given how many enemies he has.
Melancholia: Ever since the time jump, I’ve been feeling pretty meh about this one. I was not expecting a revenge drama, and we spend way too much time on the corrupt rich people antics. Plus, I’m not really feeling the romance. I hope Seung-yoo follows the surprisingly solid relationship advice Sung-jae gave him because he needs to let Yoon-su lead.
Jirisan: I really wish this drama had been shorter and had only focused on the ranger work. The forest fire episodes, for example, were great. But then they went and added this whole boring killer mystery, supernatural elements, and whatever else that felt like it was just there to fill up space. And then we had that ending that made no freaking sense. Jirisan had a unique promise and beautiful setting, so it’s a shame they tried to add so much unnecessary drama to it.
Our Beloved Summer: How fun! I wasn’t sure what to expect based on the synopsis, but I’m really enjoying it so far. The whole documentary angle is fun, and I like how they’re revealing Woong and Yeon-su’s past as we go. Choi Woo-shik is great here, and I’m loving his portrayal of the petty yet endearing Woong. I hope we learn more about Yeon-su soon – there’s clearly a lot more going on under the surface with her.
mistyisles
The King’s Affection: Between this and Inspector Koo, this was a fantastic finale week for me! I’m sad to say goodbye to this show, but I could not have asked for a more satisfying conclusion. I’m not sure when was the last time a final episode had me crying so much of happiness — that dream of what could have been, or really, should have been absolutely gutted me, but then she woke up and I was pretty much a mess from there on. (But in a good way!) I could go on and on about how Dam-yi got to 1) heroically take down her own enemy, 2) choose to face the consequences of her actions and then watch the people she’s proven herself to defend her, and 3) finally live her own life as her true self in complete freedom. This show will definitely remain a favorite!
DaebakGrits
Our Beloved Summer: This drama is quickly climbing to the top of my current — and possibly all time — favorites list, but I still can’t decide what couples I’m shipping! The main pairing has definitely grown on me, but I also like their secondary love interests, especially the idol, who is confident and surprisingly down to earth. I’m usually not a fan of shows that flash back and forth between adulthood and high school, but the added element of the documentary makes it enjoyable this time around. Is it Monday yet? I need it to be Monday.
The King’s Affection: I’m fairly satisfied with the ending, and I’m particularly happy with our Lady King’s final face-off with her grandfather — Die, you evil son-of-a-basket-weaver! I just hate that her younger brother (supposedly) had to die in order for them to have that tense final confrontation. As far as medical stuff goes, I once again had to suspend my disbelief during the finale, but I’m just going to assume that there was something coincidentally in those anxiety pills that acted as a slight antidote.
The Red Sleeve Cuff: I’m not caught up on this one. Not going to lie, the secret court lady army kind of put me off, and because I’ve been busier than usual this week, Red Sleeve didn’t make the cut. What do you guys think? Is it still worth powering through, or have things gotten even weirder?
Let Me Be Your Knight: Tae-in was acting like such a pill at first, but I’m glad he came around and figured out what was bothering his youngest bandmate. I love it when bullies get put in their place, but I’m petty and would have preferred it if they had released the video. I’m definitely of the belief that people can grow from their past mistakes, especially when it comes to crap they did high school, but since the bully hadn’t changed, I kind of wanted him to go down in flames.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim: Awww man, I completely forgot about the scene where Se-ra lost her bra padding and Cheol gallantly covered it up with his jacket coat! That’s a man right there. I still love our narcissistic CEO, but let’s be real, Cheol is where it’s at.