154

Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching

Shows, shows, we’re drowning in shows! Does anyone else feel like they’re glug-glug-glugging their way through the current drama offerings? I almost miss the days when everything was disappointing and I had more reasons to get out of the house, see sunshine, smell the roses and such. But who’d trade good dramas for sunshine? I’d rather be a well-entertained vampire. —javabeans

 

javabeans

Currently recapping: Uncontrollably Fond

Beautiful Gong Shim: We’re nearing the end! Yes, the drama spun its wheels for a bit, but now secrets are being exposed and identities outed and happy times are on the horizon. As long as Gong Mi doesn’t get off scot-free, I’ll be satisfied with the finale. Crap did I just jinx it?

After the Show Ends: More than the romantic will-they-or-won’t-they premise, I enjoy watching actors working through scripts and figuring out how to play scenes, which we don’t usually get to see for more than a few seconds in behind-the-scenes clips. As a reality-variety show I find it okay (not hugely addicting), but I find enough little scenes or details to keep me watching. For instance, when the producers made each cast member choose an accessory to indicate which co-star they preferred, while keeping the other co-stars in the dark about what the choice meant. I’d love to see Suk-jin and So-hee give it a go in real life, though the others kind of bore me.

The Good Wife: Finally, a drama where big momentous murder cases take more than one day in court and a sentimentally persuasive closing argument to decide! That always drives me batty, and I nearly cheered to see this drama play out a case over multiple court dates, with a distinct lack of over-the-top courtroom theatrics. Slick, polished legal procedurals aren’t my favorite genre, even when they’re well-acted and -produced, as the original Good Wife was, but I’m in this for Jeon Do-yeon and Yoon Kye-sang. (It kind of almost hurts to see Yoo Ji-tae being such an effective bastard.)

Bring It On, Ghost: Cute, refreshing, and different. I have no idea how the ghost-human romance will work (or if it will at all), but these two are a pleasure to watch. I love how terrible Taec is at pretending he finds Kim So-hyun to be annoying, when he obviously finds her beyond adorable. And who wouldn’t?

Doctors: Somebody should report this hospital to the medical board, because all the doctors spend way too much work time romancing each other or sniping over who’s better. Not that Beautiful Mind’s murder-filled hospital is much better. Maybe pop a bunch of Advil instead, or take your chances with Princess Yeon-hee’s magical witchy potions?

Wanted: If I have a criticism of the story execution — which I otherwise find to be tightly plotted and interesting, with a constant stream of developments — it’s that the “mystery” only follows one throughline. It’s like the producers only plot out one path; there are no red herrings or dead ends, and that makes the cat-and-mouse game feel rather artificial. I’m still engaged, but it’s something that keeps it from being great.

Lucky Romance: There was a very cute stretch in the middle, and I looooved Ryu Joon-yeol and his take on the character, but I got to the end and kind of wondered, “That’s it?” It was a pleasant and feel-good drama, but ultimately more filler than substance.

Mirror of the Witch: I’m writing this before the finale, but I’m pleased with how we got this far without a significant drop in quality or lull in energy. That isn’t to say it didn’t have minor detours or blips, but I never found myself fidgeting impatiently or unhappy with where it was taking me. I’m holding out a lot of hope for a solid ending. (If you spoil me I will hex you with gruesome bloody skin-spikes. Beware!)

 

HeadsNo2

Flower in Prison: I fell really behind on this drama for a while, and have only been catching up recently. (Still pretty behind, though.) It’s surprisingly enjoyable for a long-format sageuk, and manages to keep things exciting and watchable from episode to episode. Go Soo is aces even if his wig isn’t, and the undercurrent of female empowerment is fun.

Wanted: There’s something a little unrefined about Wanted, but that actually endears the show to me even more. Despite the serious time constraints, it’s a show that’s trying, and it’s also one that’s infinitely watchable and still very thrilling.

Beautiful Mind: Couldn’t be happier that they actually took the hero out of the hospital, which served to reset the momentum and hook me on the lead pairing. Poor gummimochi gets my reaction texts while watching this show, which are normally in the poetic vein of, “They need to be together forever! She can heeeeal him!” Words. It’s what I do.

Bring It On, Ghost: Two ghosts walk into a coffee shop…

 

dramallama

Currently recapping: Doctors

The Good Wife: I like it! The show tells its story with a stark tone, but it’s fun and exciting in an intense way. The main cast puts on a captivating performance, and I’m drawn to them no matter how shady and manipulative the characters are. Of course, Jeon Do-yeon is absolutely stellar as Hye-kyung, and I can’t wait for more of her elegant intensity.

Uncontrollably Fond: This show is definitely not what I expected from the promos but in a good way. Based on the teasers, I was wary about Kim Woo-bin being another unredeemable asshole (ahem Heirs), but it’s amazing how context can change your mind. The story — a melodrama full of nostalgia, car accidents, and other clichés — won’t be anything new, but I can already feel the heartbreak coming.

 

odilettante

Currently recapping: The Good Wife

Monster: The only “monsters” that interest me this week are the ones that fit into Poké balls. I’ll get caught up on this drama when I’m not busy trying to catch ‘em all.

Police Unit 38: If Ma Dong-seok gave me those sad puppy dog eyes, I would totally join a team of conmen to do whatever it takes to make him happy, no questions asked. You wouldn’t even need to promise me a million dollars for my effort — just let me hug the squishy ajusshi teddy bear.

 

chickachunga

Currently recapping: Beautiful Gong Shim

Bring it On, Ghost: I derive so much joy from watching grown men get spooked by ghosts. SO much joy! Two of my favorite comedic actors are in this (Kang Ki-young & Lee Do-yeon), and they’re killing it! Did anyone else burst out laughing when Hyun-ji was describing Bong-pal’s lips (without explicitly mentioning his lips) and Kyung-ja guessed blood sausage? Loving Kim So-hyun as a sassy, butt-kicking ghost. Taecyeon’s acting seems a bit stiff, but somehow it fits the character so it’s not too distracting.

The Good Wife: Oh yes. I’m liking it very much so far. It’ll be interesting to see what gets explored in sixteen episodes when there are seven seasons’ worth of original source material. Jeon Do-yeon’s return to dramaland is reason to rejoice.

Beautiful Mind: Decided to check out the first two episodes of this for a taste. I thought it was fine, but I’m not exactly hooked. Do I need to employ my four-episode rule to determine whether or not to continue watching?

Mirror of the Witch: Also checked out the first two episodes of this for a taste. Stunningly shot, gorgeous hanboks, well-acted, haunting storyline… I totally understand and agree with the hype. This fantasy sageuk delivers!

 

CandidClown

Currently recapping: Beautiful Gong Shim

Bring It On, Ghost: Gotta say, it may be the first week, but this show has just topped the list as my favorite drama currently airing. I’m surprised by how much I’m enjoying Bring It On, Ghost — I don’t usually go for the spooky shows since I’m an unapologetic scaredy cat — but there’s more humor and action than true fright factor. Kim So-hyun is killing it as a spunky ghost and Taecyeon somehow manages to remain adorable while getting his butt kicked by a girl half his size.

Doctors: I’m so happy to see Park Shin-hye in a role different from her typical Candy personas. She can finally show some backbone and I love the extra edge it’s giving her acting. I’m still not completely sold on the love story since I feel like the show really rushed the character’s foundation, breezing through their early years and eventual reunion. Thankfully they’ve slowed it down a bit in the romance department, giving Hye-jung a chance to learn how to love Ji-hong instead of him just springing confessions on her. I can forgive a lot plot wise, just keep Rae-won laughing and do NOT kill my Ji Soo!

Uncontrollably Fond: Kim Woo-bin is preeeetty. Oh, and there are other characters in the show… and they do things… while Woo-binnie keeps looking pretty.

 

mary

Memory: I picked this back up and liked it a little but I still can’t get behind Park Tae-seok’s character. Part of it is Lee Sung-min’s loud acting style. It worked for me in Misaeng as the manic office worker. But here in Memory, I just can’t buy him as this sharp, super-efficient star lawyer whose life is unraveling. Shouldn’t someone like that be more controlled and imposing so when he finally breaks down, you’ll feel his pain more? And then there’s the character itself which they’re trying to sell as a nice guy who just happened to work for the evil guys and lost his way. It’s kinda hard to accept his self-righteous speech about preserving justice when at the same time he’s making no move at all to disentangle himself from his corrupt law firm. I guess I just don’t understand what his motivations are. Does he want a happier family? More money? Revenge on Baseball Bat? Justice for all?

Police Unit 38: Do you know that part in the Song of Ice and Fire books when GRRM couldn’t be bothered to make the narrative more cohesive so he just split a book into two? (1) People We Don’t Know And Care About vs (2) All The People We Like with Ice Zombies. That’s how episodes 7 vs 8 felt to me. Starring Sung-il as Jon Snow who knows nothing and Jung-do as Tyrion the wily, sekshi imp.

Thumping Spike: Song Jae-rim playing volleyball. Best drama of 2016.

 
RELATED POSTS

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

154

Required fields are marked *

Doctors and oh hae yeong agai ...
Doctors cz Park Shin Hye
And oh hae young really daebak! Hero a bit realistic cz he is ego rather than other kdramatic heros. But KimRaewon is quite refreshing with his big grin, and im totally hook with them

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I also watched Thumping Spike recently, it is kinda cute!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Im watching After the show ends raw. Just to see so hee and suk jin interaction. I like that though its a short reality show they arnt rushing them. I havent watch WGM in a longwhile and i know realistically the odds of who we ship gets together. Theres sth about So hee i really like. So whether she comes off the show with just friendship or more is fine. Im so far liking the bts.

Yay that gong shim is finishing so i can marathon. And so much positivity on Bring it on ghost, will definitely pick it up.

Meanwhile W is here soon. Yay

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Beautiful Gong Shim - i liked it when it was still "beautiful Gong Shim" now it become "awkward gay Dan Tae and side puppy" i dropped it.
Wanted - i desperately imagine some back stories for Hye-in's husband, that actor is hot.
Uncontrollably Fond - i didn't started this yet, but i have dreams about woo bin, so it counts ( form me)
Lucky romance - Je se ho and his lips, voice and facial expressions 'nuff said (oh, and his legs of course)
Bring It On, Ghost - ok show! if you didn't bother to cast ji soo at list make him cameo as a ghost, ok? overall i like it
Doctors - pretty [pretty everywhere :) i love PSH and the squad " let's hate her for character that was written sh**ily, but let's hate her anyway" annoys me to death.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

1. Beautiful mind
i am hooked. Jang hyuk is stellar, and park so dam's character becoming the kind of cure for jang hyuk's character's condition (and he knows this!) is comforting. The game is ON!

2. Blood
truth be told, i wasnt gonna watch this show since vampires creep me out, but i'm watching it now since i saw ahn jae hyun in cinderella and the four knights trailer. The only thing that is annoying about this show is the wardrobe. I wish they dress them better.

3. Police unit 38
The slowest paced drama i have ever watched, but it's worth it. I need to cool off after watching Blood.

4. Mirror of the witch
I smell tragedy. I am glad it's over this week (havent watched the finale though), although I'm not quite ready to part from the beautiful dream-like scenes, and those sparkling eyes the lead male has.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

What I watched this week-
Beautiful Mind: Jang Hyuk was cute pursuing the girl
Monster: Well, glad couple met
Doctors: Want more badass Park Sin-hye
Bring It On, Ghost: Yay for ghost and ghostbuster(or just ghostbusters)

Uncontrollably Fond: Yeah, Kim Woo-bin's abs. and poor Pororo getting punished being loyal.
Lucky Romance: He was cool (to the end)
Wanted: I also feel Kim Ah-joong is too calm.

Five Kids: Mijung is still my favorite- I love her
Flower in Prison: What did Oknyeo do in her past life to deserve 3 beautiful men
Beautiful Gong Shim: Agree with JB- Gong-mi, you don't deserve the man
Mirror of the Witch: Good bye Hongjoo, You tried hard. Goodbye show- you were beautiful, even though stretched waaaaay out
Police Unit 38: More Soo young and Seo In-kook please
The Good Wife: Felt like one woman(Jeon Do-yeon) show (or it should be?).

Juhan Shuttai: Learned a thing or two about manga.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The good wife is absolutely amazingggg!!! jeon do yeon and yoo ji tae chemistry is reealy awesome and i should say that they only have little scene together and of course not the typical lovey-dovey but this two is really got me. They have that kind of mystery in the relationship and personality that keep me curious about the drama. Yeah thats why movie actor and actress are different from the usual drama actor/actress. Its not that im sayin drama actor/actress arent good but its just that movie actor and actress have the kind of mysterious and charismatic aura in them

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Doctors - watching this for the pretty leads and cute interactions, the plot is meh, the medical professionalism is mindnumbingly questionable, but it is such an easy, addictive watch

BG - looking forward for the happy ending. I love all the characters, with the exception of the evil uncle, no one is reaaly evil, it is refreshing to find such a nice chaebol family haha.

UF - undecided on this, pretty leads but can the plot sustain the interests?

BM - undecided on this, I'm only on Ep 4 and checking out the comments here, plot will get more interesting

PU38 - decides to give up on this after Ep 8, to make time for W! It is too slow for a heist caper drama. Wished it was as good as IRY for SIG, but sadly it is not

MotW - gave this up after Ep 8, it was so obviously going for the rinse-repeat plot

Waiting in excitement for W and Moonlight Palace. Its such drame deluge, it is hard to pick which ones to watch :)

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Missed out this :

LR - so glad this ended, more for the happy ending between Dal nim and Major Stakeholder, and Gary, plot is meh, amazing I finished it but then I FF a lot too

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

the way you put it sound slightly smug, PU38 is as good as IRY at least. the slowness is intentional. it gives air to the intense scenes. but I guess it is a metter of taste- just that you shouldnt pose as a know-it-all and aim to determine the objective goodness of the show

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I don't get all the slow pacing comments for Squad 38. Every episode is like a rush for me. I can't get enough of it, but I guess people simply enjoy different things.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Me either. There are so many twists in this drama and they need good set up to make sense and get connected as a big picture. Especially ep 10, the ending was just wow. Thumbs up for the writer. Every time I feel things are bit relaxed and we can take a breath a new twist comes up. I guess some people just want to see some quick scams and they don't appreciate solid set up, police unit 38 is not their cup of tea. People have different tastes, just like I don't like Bad Guys at all, which is a fast-pacing, interesting drama to lots of people

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Every time when I think a scene doesn't really have a purpose, it later turns out differently. I feel like no scene is really wasted.

They should make a multi season series of this.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

if they make a multiseason I´ll go crazy, my brain cant even handle ep 10. I cannot compute so what would 2 seasons do to me

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yep - there is so much going on (even if you don't realize it at that moment) - where everything intertwines w/ each other and each layer gets added on.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Watched ep 1 of Good Wife. It's good, but I don't think I will continue, because it's very similar to the original one. I watched the original one and won't spend time on a remake.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

okay so now I must watch Police Unit 38 . . .

I finished Beautiful Gong shim, Lucky Romance, and Mirror of the Witch. I enjoyed them all.
And I'm still enjoying Doctors and Let's fight Ghost.

It's funny, cuz I went from zero shows to this... I should be happy, no?

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I must be one of those rare ones who was hooked on Beautiful Mind from Day 1 and really enjoyed all the misdirection of the first couple of episodes.

As for Squad 38, the only episode I found to be slow going was the first one but understandable in the overall scheme of things. Everything's important in the show even the minutest detail.
I expected no less from the writer of Bad Guys.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

even if you pay careful attention, they will still have you by surprise

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I am watching, loving, and obsessed with The Good Wife. I see I'm one of the rare who loathed the orginal (I dropped it half way through season
2 and have no regrets). The Korean remake draws me in with the fantastic acting by the cast (especially queen Jeon Do Yeon and Yoo Ji Tae) and the corruption storyline.

I find all the characters (almost all because they really need to give KDiane something to do and KWill much like the orginal is not my cup of tea with his daddy long legs routine) compelling and more than meets the eye. I adore Hye Kyung (I love every scene she confronts the head prosecutor) and boy am I loving the magnificent bastard that is Tae Joon (Yoo Ji Tae is playing him so well. I can't bring myself to hate him. Though he's all kinds of shady, dangerous, and not so innocent victim -though I believe him about set ups and bigger corruption trying to be rid of him from revealing the truth).

I watch episodes raw then subbed because it's so good I just can't wait.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

My KDrama list so far :
1. Doctors : I Love heroine in this drama, i hate when seeing female lead bullied. So this kinda fresh and different!
2. Police Unit 38 : Love SIG and Ma Dong-Seok, they are brilliant!
3. Wanted : its make me excited every week.
4. Bring It On, Ghost : So far quite funny, but I expect watching the same thing every week.
5. W : Two World (soon) : the trailer already make me Love it.

Nowadays even JDrama airing many good dramas too.
So many list to watched.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

pu38 boring???? draggy??? seriously.....

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *