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…
stroopwafel
Currently weecapping: Zombie Detective
Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol: There were so many fun, sweet moments this week but I can’t even enjoy them right now because my brain is just fritzing at this inexplicable decision by the writer to have Joon be a high schooler. I just…WHY make him a high schooler?!
Start-Up: I feel like I’ve been swept off my feet, because I was not expecting to enjoy Start-Up as much as I am. We’re treading familiar territory in a lot of ways, but even the most familiar turns can feel fresh with a new interpretation, and I’m enjoying seeing three main leads who all have something so sweet, real, and pure about them. Kim Sun-ho (and Nam Da-reum) were so fantastic that I have no idea how Nam Joo-hyuk is going to even be a real player for Suzy’s affections, but I really want to root for that sweet, knitter nerd. I’m willing to be patient and see where the story takes us.
dramallama
Currently weecapping: Record of Youth
Do You like Brahms: What a gem of a show! After a few tough episodes, all I wanted was for Song-ah and Joon-young to be happy, and I’m glad we were given a happy ending, despite the heartbreak and pain to get there. The show wasn’t perfect (Jung-kyung being one unfortunate weak spot), but the overall production, solid acting, and thoughtful story outshined the weaker moments. Park Eun-bin and Kim Min-jae were delightful together and so convincing in their roles. They will remain as Song-ah and Joon-young in my mind for a while… I’m already experiencing withdrawals.
Tale of the Nine Tailed: I’m digging this show. The show felt vaguely familiar at first (à la Goblin and Hotel del Luna and semi-Twilight vibes), but once the creepiness hit in the second week, I was sold on the OCN-like horror and the fantasy world. Jo Boa is killing it as the sharp and bold heroine, and of course, Lee Dong-wook is perfect as the typecasted immortal character. One thing I find strange yet amusing is the censorship — some of the hell knives in Lee Yeon’s body were blurred out and some of the language was censored — as if the producers didn’t check what could be aired. Love an occasional rule breaker.
missvictrix
Currently weecapping: Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol, Start-Up
Do You Like Brahms: I was pretty satisfied with the ending, and it was rewarding to see Song-ah and Joon-young free themselves from expectations and just be happy. But I was confused by Song-ah’s choice. There was this strange all or nothing attitude toward playing an instrument like you had to either choose to be a professional musician or give it up entirely. Have these people never heard of hobbies? Song-ah spent the entire drama saying how much she loved the violin, so I felt frustrated during the last episode. I didn’t expect much out of this drama going in, but it turned out to be a lovely surprise. I loved the way music was incorporated throughout the drama to add nuance to our characters and give atmosphere. But is that what university music programs are actually like?! The level of pettiness and unnecessary competition was frightening.
Zombie Detective: Watching Sun-ji training Moo-young like a dog was great, as were her “solutions” in general. Every time she brought out that frying pan like she was Princess Peach, I cracked up. But I totally forgot that this is only 12 episodes and will be ending next week! I guess the final episodes will be focused on Dr. Squints-in-Concentration and on trying to find a cure.
Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol: He’s a teenager?! I … did not expect that, and now I feel vaguely uncomfortable. So long as both parties are adults, I respect their agency and don’t have huge issues with age gaps. However, I don’t see why it was necessary to make him a high schooler here. The story would work perfectly well if he were in his 20s and we didn’t have to think of him in a school uniform. I really hope Lala finds out before anything progresses because that would be upsetting. Reveal aside, I’m still enjoying the heck out of this drama.
selena
Currently recapping: Alice
Tale of the Nine Tailed: Only one episode in, but I’m so in love. I’m really into the random comical one-liners from Lee Dong-wook, and am hoping that the tone of the first episode carries through until the end. Jia is a strong and intelligent female lead. Oftentimes, the viewers are the ones who are in the know first when something goes awry. Jia seems to be alert and resourceful, always staying one step ahead. It’s kind of refreshing to not be yelling at my screen in frustration when things go wrong!