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
Twogether: I challenge you not to smile while watching this variety, it’s impossible. Twogether is such a sweet, wholesome show and it’s gifted me with a Korea-Taiwan crossover that I never knew I needed, but now can’t imagine being without. The show features Lee Seung-gi and Taiwanese actor Jasper Liu as they travel together to complete missions and meet fans around Asia. Despite the language barrier, they have a very easy, natural chemistry and a similar klutzy vibe. It turns out language is kind of like math; three parts equals one whole method of communication (some Korean here, some Chinese there, and a heap of English). I really can’t get enough of variety veteran Lee Seung-gi teaching newbie Jasper all of his scheming variety ways. Jasper is still so innocent and honest but he’s learning quickly. I’m only halfway through, but I’m so glad I stumbled on this little slice of sunshine.
missvictrix
Currently weecapping: Backstreet Rookie
Backstreet Rookie: I went into this one expecting a train wreck. It was more coherent than I thought it would be, but I can’t say I enjoyed it. Saet-byul feels like a stalker, and it’s all too over-the-top for my taste. The humor is hit and miss (mostly miss) for me. I do have to acknowledge the strong stylistics, though. And Jung Eun-ji’s cameo made me happy. But this one isn’t my style, so I’ll pass.
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Wow is this drama beautiful – the colors, the still shots, the lovely way of framing flashbacks to look like old film or photographs. Not to mention Moon-young’s amazing styling. The aesthetics of this drama are no joke. And I’m loving the whole grim fairy tale vibe. I was already a fan, but I freakin’ love Seo Ye-ji here. I seriously hope they keep her character as is and don’t water her down as we go, which is what dramas tend to do with unconventional leads. I’m always nervous when dramas depict mental illness since it rarely goes well, yet I’m always hopeful they’ll get it right. Everything else is working for me so far, so I’d hate for offensive portrayals to ruin things down the line. Fingers crossed they’ll do a good job here.
Mystic Pop-up Bar: There was quite the tone shift in the last episode or two, which felt a bit incongruent. I’d hoped for more from the ending. It felt like we were back where we’d started, and the emotional impact of the final showdown was kind of negated by the last several minutes of the drama. On the whole, this drama was middle-of-the-road for me. Just like with the recent Good Casting, some of it was fun, but I wasn’t super invested.
selena
Currently recapping: Will You Have Dinner With Me
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: WOW. Just… wow. The colors, the cast, the darkness balanced against the lightness of this show — I love it all! The thing that impressed me the most are the transitions from scene to scene. They really put a lot of care and effort into the production and it has really paid off! Also, the actors playing the younger counterparts of Kang-tae and Sang-tae deserve a shoutout. Ughh I’m so in love!