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Personal Taste: Episode 16 (Final)

Dear Show,

I really, really wanted to love this finale. So much. But sadly, you ended up being all foreplay, no finish. It was sweet, and fun while it lasted, but I’m not going to call you in the morning. I want to say “It’s not you, it’s me”…but I can’t. ‘Cause it was you. Sigh. We had a flawed beginning, to be sure, but the honeymoon stage was so good, that I overlooked the things you were lacking. Because love is blind. But in the end you couldn’t satisfy me, and you and I both know I have too much self-respect to fake it. So fare thee well, dear Show. And in case you’re going to try and beg for me to reconsider, I’ve written you this letter so you know the reasons why I’m breaking up with you…

 
FINAL EPISODE RECAP

We pick up after Jin-ho’s been bitch-slapped by the good professor. Very manly, followed by an even manlier scream. Jin-ho retaliates by telling Kae-in’s daddy outright that his flawed design for Sang-go-jae is the reason it all went south, and worse yet, Kae-in is bearing the brunt of his mistakes as a father. Whoa. You’re probably going to regret that later. [Also, where does all that courage go in, like, two minutes? Did you use it all up here and forget to restock? –javabeans]

Kae-in stops him: “What are you? What are you to me?” He shouts at her, asking how long she’s going to live put down by her father, and as a sinner who killed her mother. Yes, thank you for pointing out her issues, but that’s no way to HELP her deal with them, buddy. She asks again who he is to her, to say those things. That stops him right in his tracks, since he’s the one so dead-set on being the noble bad guy. Idiot. Being noble’s for losers.

She tells him to go, saying she doesn’t want to see his face again. Daddy reiterates the sentiment, and Jin-ho is left alone in the courtyard. He looks sad, but all I can say is: You Did It To Yourself. The final episode is entitled: “Today’s Weather Forecast.” (Kae-in’s previous diary entries were all weather-centric—in Korean the word for “diary” and “weather” are the same, and as a story device they can be seen as both.)

A few days later, Young-sun and Ascot come by (That’s right. Still not calling you by name.) to help Kae-in put the finishing touches on the children’s playroom. They try to suggest she ask for Jin-ho’s help, but she ignores them. Later she comes upon a private conversation, where Ascot relays how dire the situation is at their firm. Young-sun is surprised to know how serious it is, and they both wonder why on earth Jin-ho is being so stubborn when he clearly misses Kae-in and is depressed about the breakup.

Later that night Kae-in falls asleep while working, and Jin-ho comes by to be wistful and sad in her vicinity, but do nothing. Well, he covers her with a sweater, looks at her regretfully, and then leaves. [Funny how “being noble” basically equals passivity in our kdrama heroes, huh? Talk about succumbing to your “destiny” and letting Fate tromp all over your heart like a tap dancer wearing golf cleats. –javabeans]

Here’s what I find so troubling about this very clichéd plot device of the forced separation. Normally I’m okay with it, because it’s a necessary evil. I get that. But in this story, with these characters, it rings false. Why? Because at every other stage in the relationship, they have steadily chosen each other, over everything else. I don’t even think that Kae-in believes that Jin-ho was using her or doesn’t love her. Not for a second. So that leaves Jin-ho, who is choosing not to forgive himself, all of a sudden, for being caught in the lie. Let’s be real. If it was the lie, and not the being-caught-red-handed part, he’d have done this angsty pouty thing weeks ago!

She wakes up to find Chang-ryul there, and asks if he put the sweater on her. He didn’t, but insists on driving her home. Jin-ho, now officially a card-carrying member of Stalkers Anonymous, watches as Kae-in leaves in Chang-ryul’s car. [I find this particularly problematic because this makes Jin-ho into a coward. He loves her, everyone knows he loves her, and he can’t stay away… but then he just lurks like a Peeping Tom needing his next fix. Just keep him away from trench coats and schoolchildren… –jb]

Do-bin asks Professor Park to look over one of the design entries. The professor smiles as he looks it over, then asks whose design it is. It’s Jin-ho’s, of course, which makes the professor not so happy anymore. Meanwhile, Scarface Han meets with MS Group President Choi (Do-bin’s daddy, as you’ll recall), and he announces that Jin-ho’s company is in such dire straits financially that he shouldn’t be allowed to go further in the competition.

Do-bin and the professor overhear this as they wait for President Choi, and when the professor asks what Do-bin wants in regards to showing him Jin-ho’s designs, Do-bin replies that he simply wants the professor to judge him fairly, equal to the other contestants. He adds that if Jin-ho had intended to rip off Sang-go-jae, he wouldn’t have submitted a design like that, and that he never gave the professor any excuses for his actions, even while preparing a new design. While some people would find that noble, personally I think it’s idiotic. Why not explain yourself? [Kdrama Hero Nobility Clause, Article 1.a, I’m guessing –jb] Anyway, Do-bin’s sincere plea gives the professor pause to think.

Jin-ho and Ascot are running out of options as they get turned down for loans from bank after bank. Ascot suggests swallowing their pride and borrowing from Tae-hoon’s dad, but Jin-ho doesn’t seem too keen on the idea. [Because pride > desperation. I think that’s Kdrama Hero Nobility Clause, Article 1.b. –jb] He gets a call from Do-bin, and meets him at the bank. Do-bin offers a loan/investment, which Jin-ho refuses, of course. But Do-bin tells him that without it he won’t get to participate in the final round, since he passed the first round of judging. He convinces him to take the money and not let him down, and Jin-ho finds himself even more indebted to Do-bin.

Do-bin non-sequiturs an offer for Jin-ho to stay at his country villa (convenient plot device), then makes the classic mistake of telling In-hee about it. Really? Are you new? [I mean, I’m sure she came with a tracking device and locator software anyway, but there’s no reason to just hand over the info. Let the robot earn her narrative keep, I say! –jb]

Kae-in’s playroom project is finally complete and it’s time for opening day. Do-bin, Ascot, and even In-hee congratulate her on a job well done. Dad shows up, flowers in hand. They have their first heart-to-heart in well, EVER. Dad realizes that’s he’s been selfish all this time, never considering her feelings over his own. You’re just realizing this now? I know you’re not exactly father of the year, but wowzers, you take indifference to a whole new level.

Kae-in says she understands, since he loved Mom very much. Dad turns to her and says, “I loved you as much as I loved your mother.” [Anyone else find this comment wildly hysterical? That monstrous snort of incredulity sure cleared up my sinuses. –jb] He says that he destroyed the pictures and boarded up the basement so that she wouldn’t remember (yeah, that works so well, usually), and that he got angry at her for taking on her mother’s profession, hurting her hands the same way her mother used to. That implies you had some semblance of a relationship with the adult Kae-in, which has pretty much been proven false up till now, so I think that’s baloney, Dad, but whatever.

She calls him, “Father,” and he takes her hand, musing that her hand used to be so small and it’s gotten so big now. See, that jives better with the absentee father seeking for redemption. Yes, you missed that whole middle where she went from a little girl to a woman. He says, full of meaning, “You’ve worked hard.” It’s as high a sentiment of praise you’re ever going to get from a Korean dad, to whom hard work is tantamount to being a good human being. Kae-in, tears in her eyes, calls him “Appa (Daddy),” and hugs him.

From afar, Jin-ho watches as Kae-in finally reconciles with her father. And honestly, if the father had been introduced earlier in the series or had more depth as a character, I’d probably care a lot more. I know it’s been an important feature of Kae-in’s character to be acknowledged by her father from day one, but because it’s always been a one-way street until the last episode, I’m not as moved as I would like to be. He still has yet to be redeemed from his absenteeism, in my book.

When they get up, Kae-in sees Jin-ho walking away, so she runs after him, calling his phone. She catches up and sees him ignore her call, so she asks why he keeps circling around her and hiding. Good question. Perhaps he’s skipped ahead to the part where you get a restraining order and he has to stay at a certain distance. [And… uh-oh… is that a trench coat he’s sporting? –jb] He denies the accusation, but she knows he did the sweater thing. (Was that really so big a gesture it’s being cited here?)

She calls him a liar, who’s done nothing but lie since the moment he stepped into her life. Can’t argue there. He says as much, agreeing that she’s right: “It’s all a lie. So the fact that I’m here right now…consider that a lie too.” Are you getting metaphysical on us? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure you’re standing right there. [It’s a little late for Cartesian philosophy, no? –jb] Or maybe you’re the Ghost of Jin-ho? That would make a lot more sense, actually, since you are nothing like the Jin-ho of episodes past.

He says that things will be easier if they don’t run into each other anymore. That is NEVER true—don’t you watch tv? He says he’ll go pack up his stuff while she’s here, and then they won’t have cause to see each other anymore. Kae-in just watches him go, instead of tearing him a new one for being a giant asshat.

He returns to Sang-go-jae to pack, and takes a peek inside Kae-in’s workroom. The one thing that makes him nostalgic? The chainsaw! Aw, I love their chainsaw memories! I’m glad it made a comeback in the finale, as it was my favorite Object of Meaning between them. Wouldn’t it be funny if this drama, instead of a necklace or a doll, tried to market the chainsaw as Personal Taste memorabilia? That would totally trump some moon-shaped necklace. He spends some quality time with Jin-ho the lion doll, then walks out of Sang-go-jae with heavy steps and tear-filled eyes.

Do-bin congratulates Kae-in on a job well done, and offers one last bit of help—he tells her that Jin-ho is staying at his villa. Kae-in says it doesn’t matter since they broke up, prompting Do-bin to say he’s disappointed in her, since the only reason he gave up Jin-ho so easily was because Kae-in was the one who loved him. Um, wouldn’t Not Gay be, like a little more important than that reason? Okay, to each his own. I won’t tell you not to love Lee Min-ho from afar, as that’s pretty much what most lay people do to get by, gay or straight. [Although, come to think of it, I’d kinda love to see Do-bin pull an In-hee and get all clingy. And then compete with In-hee for the attention of an uninterested Jin-ho. Lulz all around! –jb]

Kae-in and her dad eat apples at home, and while Dad eats them the Korean way (peeled and sliced [courtesy of the woman of the house, natch! –jb]), Kae-in cuts hers down the middle and takes a bite. Dad notes she always ate her apples that way (Really? How come we’re only seeing that now, Show?), and Kae-in says they taste better that way. He asks for the other half, putting down his own boring slice, and gets ready to take a bite…

And then it dawns on him, as he stares at the half apple in his hand. Jin-ho’s Dahm design…that’s why it felt familiar…it was this, half an apple, sliced just like this. Kae-in stares at him, wide-eyed. “Jin-ho’s design concept…wasn’t Sang-go-jae? It was an apple?”

We get flashes of Kae-in presenting Jin-ho with his apology apple, and his new concept based on her gift. Okay, I’ll give you this one, Show. The apple thing is cute. You’re depriving me of my victory lap with “Eye of the Tiger,” which is just a shame for everyone involved, but the apple design is clever and cute, without being saccharine. It’s also a surprise, since who would ever design a building after fruit?

Needless to say, this is The Thing that jolts Kae-in out of her seat and into a cab. She calls Do-bin for the villa address, and heads over, ready to forgive. Go get your man! Even though he should be the one begging you to take him back! But whatever, I’m tired of the noble angst!

Jin-ho stands by the lake in the pouring rain. Are we really going to use EVERY cliché in the book? Don’t answer that. We’re barely halfway through. [Actually, I think we’ve run out and have circled back for a second pass on most of these cliches. –jb] An umbrella shows up behind him, and when he turns around he’s surprised to see In-hee. We’re not.

Inside, Jin-ho is running a fever, which In-hee tries to use as an excuse to stick around, but Jin-ho’s always been consistent when it comes to her—he’s NOT interested, ya hear? He pushes her hand away, saying he’ll go sleep in the car then, if she insists on staying. She looks for medicine, but he tells her it’s not that kind of sickness…it’s heartbreak. And I’m fairly certain that even YOU know that it’s not about you, dear queen of the undead.

But she’s not asking for his heart right away. She’s good with clinging to him even if it’s unwelcome, and she hopes that his annoyance will turn into…some reluctant love/hate. Dude, are you unfamiliar, with like, the meaning of words? How many ways can a man tell you he’s not interested? You used to be hateful but now you’re just really pathetic, and I really didn’t want to end up pitying you. It’s much more fun if you stay heartless.

In-hee finally decides to leave, and Kae-in walks up to the house just as In-hee comes out. She tries to posture that she has a right to take Kae-in’s place, but Kae-in shuts her down cold: “There’s no space for you between Jin-ho and me.” NICE. Hello, Spine. Where have you been? In-hee launches into the heart of the matter…

In-hee: “I absolutely despise you. I hated your nicey nice act from the start. Tell me the truth…you acted like my friend because you felt sorry for me; that’s why you took me in.”
Kae-in: “You were family to me. And I was to you.”
In-hee: “No. I was living off of you, so I pretended to be like family.”
Kae-in: “Every time I got in trouble with Dad, you were there for me. You turned over every trashcan in the house looking for a picture of my mother. That was you.”
In-hee: “It was unbearable pretending to be your family.”
Kae-in: “Don’t lie.”
In-hee: “I’m not lying. I hate you. I hate you to death. I can never have anything. Even if I want it to death, I can never have it. But why do you…get to have everything?”
Kae-in: “I never tried to take anything. You’re really stupid. You’re the only one who doesn’t know…how much you have.”

I know deep down In-hee’s a damaged girl with parental issues and really, really, really low self-esteem. But would it be too much to ask to just let me go on hating her, and her continuing to be a psychotic evil-bot? That would be way more satisfying. That said, the actress is knocking it out of the park, with her hateful words belying an undercurrent of injured pride and weakness.

Kae-in searches for Jin-ho inside, but he’s nowhere to be found. She comes back outside and In-hee is still standing there, perhaps stunned by Kae-in’s unfailing trust that she indeed has a soul… somewhere…deep, deep, way deep down. She tells her that Jin-ho is sick: “Even though I’m right in front of him, he doesn’t see me. He can’t see anything else, and he’s hurting a lot…your Jin-ho-sshi.” Thankfully this is as heartwarming a moment as these two will get. No big reconciliation. This is just her concession that Kae-in has won, and perhaps she never had a place here after all. Epically slow on the uptake, that girl.

Kae-in runs out to the car to get Jin-ho, and sits by his bedside as he stirs awake. Like the giant idiot he is, he turns her away, insisting that he’s fine. This is ridiculous. Now you’re just feeling sorry for yourself. Kae-in says she’s not going to live here; she just wants to make sure he’s okay. But he tells her to leave, unable to bear his guilt and her closeness. She gives up, and stands to go…and Jin-ho grabs her arm. “Don’t go.” Ha. Go! Don’t go! Make up your friggin mind!

Kae-in tells him to let go. Oh not you too! But this time he’s not letting go. He pulls her down onto the bed and hugs her from behind, but it’s totally awkward and passionless. Weird. I think it just feels really staged to me, like the director posed them rather than let them do what people would actually do in that circumstance. [On the upside — how hot is Lee Min-ho in this frame? –jb]

Jin-ho tells her again not to go. Kae-in: “I’m just going to trust you. Even if I get used a hundred, a thousand times, I’m just going to trust you. Even if it’s foolish. That’s the advantage of being Park Kae-in. Even if you use me again, even if I’m sad again, I’m just going to trust you. Because I can’t say goodbye like this.”

The performances in that moment are really quite touching, even Jin-ho’s silent reaction to Kae-in’s monumental forgiveness.

He turns her around for some kissing, of the hot but slow variety. He starts to undress her, but she has a momentary freakout, stopping him. He holds back, letting her make the next move. (Yay.) She gathers her courage, and takes his hand, placing it over her heart.

They make out, (Rawr!) and then the lights go out. (Double Rawr!)

Yes, that was pretty hot, although it would’ve been much hotter if it wasn’t paced so damn slowly. And even if this is being inordinately picky, I really wanted their first time to be in keeping with the tone of the rest of the series. Is it too much to ask for sexy fun times, with meaning, but without the heaviness? [Like with a comic bloody nose or some hilarious flailing of limbs? That would’ve been awesome, as Kim Sam-soon showed us. –jb] I think the heavy sapped some of the fire out of the moment, because to me, it felt like they were making out on a different show. There was so much cute sexual tension built up, and you could’ve capitalized on that, instead of making it all about the break-up/make-up. Not that I’m complaining about any lack of chemistry here. But the way in which it was written into this point in the story, leaves something to be desired.

In the morning they’re back to being their cute selves. You mean if they had slept together sooner, we could’ve been spared the Ghost of Jin-ho in the last two episodes? That just makes me angrier.

Needless to say, when they’re cute, they’re CUTE.

He brings her coffee. Sex AND coffee? Okay, I might be coming back around in the eleventh hour.

Jin-ho tells her he has a wish—to take a time machine ride back to meet five-year old Kae-in, and tell her: “It was just an accident. It’s not your fault. And don’t think that stupid thought of hating yourself.” She tells him she doesn’t need a time machine; she’s got Jin-ho telling her these things now, and that’s enough. Back before you became a noble idiot, I did love that your most fervent wish for Kae-in was always to love herself and think more of who she is and what she’s worth.

They stand outside Sang-go-jae, Kae-in wanting to tell her father everything, while Jin-ho says it isn’t time yet. But Dad comes right up behind them holding hands, so oops…I guess now’s the time after all. Dad sits them down and asks for a proper explanation. Did Jin-ho steal the Sang-go-jae blueprints? Yes, he answers, since his employee did it, it’s the same as doing it himself. What, now? Must you insist on touting your misplaced honor till the very last moment?

Dad softens at the truth that Jin-ho may have come to Sang-go-jae to learn its secrets, but ended up doing his own design in order to become an upright man in Kae-in’s eyes. She smiles to hear him say so. Dad congratulates him on passing the first round of judging, which is news to Kae-in. She and Jin-ho have a couple moment in front of Dad, bickering about why he doesn’t tell her things. She whispers a cute little, “I hate you,” making Dad uncomfortable with their level of closeness. [Okay, that grumpy “I hate you” totally won me over. It’s that kind of adorableness that I’ve been missing! –jb]

He asks Jin-ho, “What do you like about my daughter?” That’s cute, but oddly inconsistent with his character. Why on earth did we have to go through all the histrionics, if you were just going to end up being a big ol softy and asking questions like that? Jin-ho replies that he’s never thought of specific reasons…he just followed his heart and ended up here. You’re leaving out the detour where you followed your noble intentions and subjected us to torture. Don’t think I’ve already forgotten because you’re back to being cute!

Dad asks sternly, “Are you prepared?” Prepared for what? “To drink all night with me?” Aw, dads and alcohol. Korean rituals are sometimes sweet. My dad has had his elaborate drink-interrogation planned for my future so-and-so since I was like, five. [Which totally sounds way more fun than the teetotaling version in my family. See, I think liquor has a way of bringing out more hidden aspects of your personality that you wouldn’t get in a stiff, trying-to-impress-you conversation, so it’s actually got a helpful purpose, and I’m totally not just fumbling for an excuse to justify the drinky, for reals. –jb] Kae-in says Jin-ho can’t because he has to work, prompting Dad to whine that she’s already taking sides. Jin-ho springs right up to go buy some liquor, making Dad break into a smile.

Now that one parent is out of the way, we have to deal with the other. Are we really going to just go down the checklist like this, with no sense of momentum? I guess we are.

Jin-ho’s mom has softened a little now too, since Kae-in is no longer the one indirectly causing Jin-ho’s financial troubles. That’s a superficial reason if there ever was one. What happened to “over my dead body”? Mom still doesn’t like her very much, but Kae-in tells her how envious she was of Jin-ho’s close relationship with his mother, being the kind she had always wished she could have with her own…if she hadn’t died. That’s enough to melt Jin-ho’s mom right then and there. Kae-in says she hopes to be close to her like Jin-ho is, and then Mom invites her over for dinner.

It’s time for the Dahm design competition to pick a winner. Jin-ho and Chang-ryul are the last two standing, of course, Chang-ryul having gone with a han-ok fusion style a la Sang-go-jae. And the winner is…Jin-ho, of course. Not that the outcome was anything but predictable, but they really missed an opportunity to build some tension here. Couldn’t you have borrowed a scene from a workplace drama to make it a nail-biter of a victory? [Nope. No time. Finale’s on a tight schedule here! More loose ends to wrap up. Outta my way, narrative flow and pacing. –jb]

Chang-ryul comes out first, and tells Kae-in that he wanted to fight fairly this time, and lose fairly too, if it came to that. He puts out his hand, saying that it’s a congratulatory handshake, so it’s okay to take. He tells her that Jin-ho won cleanly this time, and Kae-in breaks into a smile. She catches herself and stops, but Chang-ryul says it’s okay to be happy. He says he’s really letting go for good this time, since before he must not have meant it, wanting to believe so badly that Jin-ho was the bad guy.

Jin-ho sees Chang-ryul walk away, and for the first time he’s not in a snit about Kae-in speaking to Chang-ryul. She congratulates him. He thanks her, saying, “You know, right? This project is my apology (apple pun) for all the times I made you cry.” She accepts. I like that the apology apple is given, and then returned, in different forms and on vastly different scales, since Jin-ho’s apology needs to be way bigger than hers.

The crew celebrates their victory with friends and drink, leading to Jin-ho having to carry Kae-in home in his arms. Dad’s been waiting up, and when they arrive, he’s quick to insist that Jin-ho hand Kae-in over to him. Jin-ho’s like, uh…I can handle it…but Dad insists, so he passes her over, which of course breaks Dad’s back. Heh. Dad has to concede and let Jin-ho take her into her room. It’s a sweet way to signify she’s too big for her father’s arms and now it’s Jin-ho’s place to carry her. But it would have had more meaning if Dad were actually one who had been around, and legitimately the carrier of the torch that he’s passing on to Jin-ho. Personally, I think that torch belongs to Young-sun, or Kae-in herself, but whatever.

Jin-ho tucks her into bed ever so sweetly. Dad watches, and asks to have a word with Jin-ho. He says that he’s grateful, and tells him the story behind Sang-go-jae. Thirty years ago, he had been given the Dahm project, and so built Sang-go-jae as a trial, a piece of that larger scale building he had in mind. His wife wanted to be able to watch Kae-in while working, and he wanted a home where his family was always together. (Which still pretty much confirms my theory…maybe I’ll do half a victory lap…)

He says that it was all for naught though, because of his mistake. He admits that maybe that’s why he couldn’t face Kae-in (Finally! Some truth!) He asks Jin-ho to take care of Kae-in, and heads back to the land of absentee fathers, from whence he came. I thought we just established that your daughter was perfectly capable of taking care of herself. But I suppose this is your way of approving of Jin-ho. He even throws in a threat for good measure. Seriously, was it absolutely necessary to bring this guy in for two episodes, just to muck things up in predictable and not even very dramatic ways, only to have him leave again? Gah. Cheerio, old chap! Don’t let the door-that-doesn’t-lock hit you on the way out!

Jin-ho says he’ll guard Kae-in well, and with that, we get a happy couple montage. They buy couple tees (A custom I find strange and off-putting, but I guess that’s what they’re designed to do—put off people who aren’t in your couple.) and go for a tandem bike ride. (Okay, the bike ride looks like a good time.) Kae-in sits on a park bench, and kids come running up to her, one, two, then a whole gaggle of them, each handing her a colorful balloon. If this is going where I think it is, it’s pretty darn adorable, as far as these things go. Jin-ho shows up with the last balloon, saying: “I’m proposing right now.” Um…that’s like saying you’re going to apologize, and then not actually doing it.

Kae-in is so surprised that she lets go of all the balloons, the last of which holds her engagement ring. Cut to Kae-in on Jin-ho’s shoulders, as they argue back and forth about the merits of proposing this way, while trying to retrieve the ring. Aw, cute! See, this is what I love about these two—they’re the cutest when the sweetness is undercut by bumbling comedy and banter. Oh how I’ve missed you! But it’s too late, Show. This last ditch effort just reminds me of the good times, and how long it’s been since we’ve had them.

Jin-ho goes to meet Do-bin, where the latter congratulates him on the engagement. Jin-ho thanks him for all his help. Short of naming your firstborn after him, I’m not sure there’s a way to thank this guy for saving your ass a thousand and one times. Do-bin is sad that if he and Kae-in get married he’ll be lonely with no one to hang out with. Aw, sad. Jin-ho assures him they’ll visit. What are they, moving to the moon? They’re just getting married. It is sad, though, that this does seal the deal in excluding Do-bin from his peripheral position in the love-pentagon.

Do-bin says that he learned a lot from Jin-ho and Kae-in—they inspired him to live his life courageously. What a compliment. They wish each other well and Jin-ho leaves. Do-bin stands in front of the Kandinsky, tears welling in his eyes for just a brief moment. You break my freezer-burned heart, Do-bin. You are the best kind of human being. I will miss your awkward sense of humor and bad jokes, and your sad hopeful eyes. [I receive a teeeeeny bit of consolation in the thought that at least Do-bin is less lonely now than he was before meeting these two, even if he had to suffer a disappointed love in the process. And if he’s saying he’s going to be “courageous,” that suggests he’ll put himself out there in looking for love, rather than consign himself to eternal celibacy, which is a hopeful thought. –jb]

Jin-ho then goes down the checklist to meet with Chang-ryul. That pink jacket…it’s so crazy, it’s awesome. Chang-ryul is getting ready to go to China, of his own volition and not because he’s being exiled. He thanks Jin-ho for giving the building contract to his company. Well, that makes sense since Jin-ho wouldn’t have the funds to actually construct the giant apple himself, what with all the debt. They essentially bury the hatchet [and thankfully not in each other’s backs –jb], which is nice since they had the potential to be friends, even amidst the Kae-in drama.

We then catch up with Ascot and Young-sun, who is pregnant with her second. We get a fakeout, presenting them like a couple, but then Young-sun’s husband finally makes an appearance. Ha! He’s this giant thug guy, who gets all jealous of her friendship with Ascot. I like that they didn’t go there with Young-sun, pairing the friends at the end…it would’ve been too predictable, and I much prefer the dynamic this way. Her husband being that giant goon makes it even funnier. Apparently they’re carrying on the gay lie with her husband, and really, shouldn’t the series have ended with an Ascot/Do-bin pairing? I would totally take you back if you did that. [Except that he totally doesn’t deserve Do-bin, gay or no gay. –jb]

Alas, that’s not where we’re going, as Ascot goes on a blind date, only to run into In-hee, who’s also on a blind date. Aw, really? In-hee? Seriously, Show? See, this is why we can’t even be friends after. Because you’re doing stuff like this. It’s unnecessary, and embarrassing. You should just quit while you’re ahead. But no, they end up getting a drink together, and decide drunkenly to date each other. [Which is like finding two loose threads and deciding to tie them together, not caring that one is a silk thread from a designer bag and the other is poking out from the shag carpet. They totally have no business being linked together, but hey! No more loose string ends! –jb]

After wasting all that precious finale time on peripheral characters, we finally get back to our couple, sitting at home in Sang-go-jae, looking out at the night sky. Kae-in tells Jin-ho that her mom named Sang-go-jae, to mean a place where they looked after and loved one another. “Let’s live here happily for a long, long time.” Jin-ho says of course they will.

We end with each of their weather forecasts. Kae-in: “It’s not always going to be a life of clear skies. But even if I encounter darkness, if I go with this man I can muster the courage to walk through.” Jin-ho: “I ran without stopping, but I was always a child running in circles. But I met this woman, and learned that stopping to breathe…could take me farther than I ever knew.”

The End.

So there you have it, Show. We had some good times, some really steamy chemistry, and some fantastic characters. But in the end you sabotaged yourself and I couldn’t rationalize my love for you anymore. My friends were worried I was settling, and threatened an intervention. When I think about why I loved you in the first place, it amounts to the parts rather than the whole…and your POTENTIAL. It almost kills me how much potential you had, still have, and never tapped into. You had all the components to be amazing, but you never really figured out how to put them together properly. Perhaps it’s my fault for setting my expectations too high. Or maybe we were just never meant to be. That’s okay. Don’t cry. You’ll hate yourself for it in the morning. Thanks for the kisses, and The Cute.

Love,
girlfriday

JAVABEANS’ COMMENTS

This drama made me feel like Kae-in, who after being burned by many a subpar drama that initially looked great, decided to take the leap of faith and dive in again, only to find myself woefully deceived by a hottie with a sincere gaze and adoring smile. But Sohn Ye-jin and Lee Min-ho were so wonderful and happy together that for a stretch there in the middle (say, episodes 6 through 13), things looked sunny. For those episodes alone, the drama was worth watching — or at least, I still harbor fond memories even despite all the rough patches in there. Her heartfelt acting and vulnerability made Kae-in someone to root for, and his portrayal of Jin-ho’s conflicted conscience and doting love made Jin-ho positively dreamy. (Let’s exclude the last episode from this, which I am rewriting and re-editing in my mind as I type.)

Sure, the spotty later episodes can somewhat be blamed on the will-they-or-won’t-they dilemma of whether to extend the series or not, plus the MBC strike that hindered the production process. But even so, that doesn’t excuse the last two episodes, which were more of a letdown than I was bracing myself for. Oh, I knew way ahead of time that this drama would never be the drama I wished it could be — which, based on its cast and material, was not an unreasonable hope, in my humble opinion — so I wasn’t crushed by the weak resolution and denouement. But I, like the ever-optimistic Kae-in, was always hoping for better anyway.

Too bad it didn’t materialize, but at the end of the day, Personal Taste doesn’t shake my faith in dramas. I may get burned again and again but I’d rather keep my faith, even if that makes me silly and gullible, because I still believe in True Love, Kdrama-Style. We’ll just call this one a brief fling that ended with an amicable split, and move on to better things.

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As always a fantastic re-cap...JB I tickled to your side comments!

I felt PT had great potential, the cast was wonderful...they took it and did their jobs well. Too bad the other elements were subpar. They dropped the ball.

it was fun due to the cast, they worked both with what they had and more to the more what they didnt.

Again and excellent re-cap!

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What can I say? I like sappy dramas. It did make me see that Min Ho had the potentiel for more emotional roles. I mean who knew he could be THAT cute?

What sticks out in my mind was Kae-In's ability to do wood work in a frilly dress and heels. :)

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rats! I meant more to the point, what they didnt. jeepers....

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@22 Debbie
you took the words right out of my mouth. Agree with you 100%!
Even though I was disapointed the way the writers handled the break up scene,( lazy writing,jh out of character, and also I think 1 extra episode would have made it less rushed) as an OVERALL drama I truly enjoyed it. Jh and ki - the cutest couple ever and I am having MAJOR withdrawls symptoms.
Can't wait for the DVD to come out so I can watch it over again and again & again............. & again ( but rewriting in my head a more satisfying break up scene where there is no noble crap from jh , but have him begging for ki forgiveness where we see him painfully WAIT all day for THAT phone call.)

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It is extremely disappointing... ... this last episode. The writer seems to be gunning for a "Love Actually" type of ending... ... only to have the script backfire on itself. I agree with @Lady of Spice's... "Who stole my brand name serial and replaced it with the cheap knockofff?" Initially, when I heard of the fabulous casting... ... Lee Minho and Son Yejin... ... and the interesting storyline, I was hooked... ... but subsequent episodes were totally mutilated by bad scripting, contrived scenarios and jarring music... ... It just did not do any justice to the dream cast at all!!!!!! The only thing that is keeping this show afloat is the almost but not totally impeccable chemistry between the two main leads. I wonder if there are any more chances for the two main leads to collaborate together in a better show with more superior scripting... more superior editing and music inclusion... more natural scenarios... ... I would love to see what they can do with a better script, given their prowess and chemistry even when a lousy script is given to them. In short, I am left unsatisfied with the drama. It could have been better!!!!!!!!!

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@50

Uhmm, wow? All caps notwithstanding, who are you to say anyone's comments are 'flawed'? They, and especially JB, can say whatever they want to say, BECAUSE this is her site. Even if it wasn't, who are you, or anyone, for that matter, to begrudge them of their opinion? Besides, it's called 'constructive criticism'. Everyone does it. We quite appreciate it here, actually, and if you don't, it's clear that this is the place for you, isn't it? Not cool, dude.

@ girlfriday & JB

Excellent recap!! I agree with you on most counts, the thing that bothered me the most though was Kae-in's meeting with Jin-ho's mother. For some reason her comment about her own mother felt somewhat calculating? I dunno, it could be just me. His mother did back down much too easily, also. What was the point of all that melodrama if all it took for her to accept Kae-in was one comment about how she doesn't have a mother?

I did love that scene with Youngsun, the unnamed and the husband, though. Laughed my ass off.

I rather enjoyed PT, on the whole, though maybe that's only because I started watching from episode 5 and skipped episode 15. xD Oh well. It was a good run, nevertheless, and certainly not one of the worst dramas I've watched.

So long, PT!!

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Thank you javabean & girlfriday for a witty and wonderful recap of PT. Reading your recap this way was refreshing, it was like I'm sitting with you gals shrilling and clapping together. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the drama - I would categorized it same goodness as Coffee Prince. This is supposedly a feel good drama and it had all the effect of just that.

Now they done with the deed, I'm so ready to part with PT although somewhat reluctant. Lee Min Ho is a face you never tired of looking at and JinHo is so dreamy that you wouldn't want to wake up if you're in a dream.

I just love kdrama even it is full of cliches - hero nobility, vagueness, pride issue, parental issues; clueless heroine navieity, clumsiness etc - wrist pulling, forceful hugging, jaw locking kisses - I just love it. Recent drama like PT, PP give me tremendous satisfaction.

Thank you for your love of deconstructing kdrama....life wouldn't be the same without this wonderful blog. You have an avid follower here!

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Great recap, girlfriday!
I, too, thought Jin-Ho's whole guilt and self-condemnation thing was weak. Afterall, he did try to come clean and tell her everything (like twice?), but then suddenly when she finds out the truth, he turns into a sort of whimp?
And the apple-concept thing turning Kae-In's feelings around was also weak, I thought.

Lastly, I don't know how the book was but I didn't think the whole bed scene was necessary and thought that they could have written that in after they got married. Call me a prude but that's one of reasons I prefer watching Kdramas over Hollywood films - to avoid all the raunchy stuff that should be kept private.

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I'm going to be killed for saying this even though I'm a LMH fan.It was so bad compared to PP.I've stopped watching it towards the end and I love your recaps so much I'm 'watching' it through you.Great job love your comments and insights.Looking forward to your next series.

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aaah.... the sweet end...where do i begin??...well at least we had no cancer or death....lols...i realy wish that they had decided to stick to the original novel parts or at least they could have cut out all the crap with the extra stuf (revenge stuff, jinho's issues with changryul...scarface, and changryul themselves)...few of them were fine.... all of it just made it a mess.....of course they ended up rushing the end with the way things were going...i agree with JB and GF in that the saddest thing was the waste of so much potential...i mean come on why even put in a gay-notgay misunderstanding...if it really didnt mean much in the end??...they could have done so much picking on the sexuality issues and so on and made it fun with the appropriate humor..but we ended up getting nothing....nw onto the good parts...son ye jin ws awsome...bt then she always ws...and i dont care wat others say bt i loved kae in's character.....on the other hand i didnt like jni ho so muchl...sooo boring..maybe thats why i couldnt quite like lee min ho here...except fir his gr8 chemistry with son ye jin and their cuteness i.e. when they were being cute and couply.... i also loved young sun and sangjun (except for sang jun in the last 2 ep.s..i blame it on the writer who used him as a plot ruse while she ws rushing to place him in the center of all the misunderstanding)....and im really glad they stuck to the same realtionship...that being said id like to relieve some major wtfeez out of my system....SANGJUN AND INHEEEE!!????.....WTF WRITER???.....ok with that out of my system id like to move onto another fav character...dobin...like gf or jb had mentioned earlier im so glad they chose to keep the only real gay character in the show respectful and sweet and avoided all the gay cliches...also i love hw ryu sung ryong portrayed him....bt then again as with son ye jin. ive always like him too..so thats it on my feelings on the show..
i seem to have caught onto a pattern for all the dramas ive watched so far in 2010 where the one's where ive had the highest expectations because of the cast or writer or whatever has turned out to be major dissapointments whereas other less expected dramas have turned out to be pleasant surprises

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LOL girlfriday, I love the introduction. Make sure you get the kids/puppies/stuff in the divorce.

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i found ep 14, 15 and 16 ... somewhat of a letdown. ends too conveniently tied up, angst unnecc amped up.
totally agree with all that "potential" fizzling out, or given really schizo and inconsistent treatment.

pity really, because it was good acting all round. i WILL make it a point to watch other Lee Min-ho works in future (not so after BOF's Gu Jin Pyo, but after this ... yes I will). Sohn Yejin - her acting standard is a given, we expect no less.

their 'first night' -- "go", "don't go" .... hahaha .... hilarious. :)
awkward too was that posed back hug, though impressive was the gymnastic manouvere Jin-ho used to tackle her down. was that stilted hug actually for a photoshoot pose and get accidentally inserted?

the yoga position facing each other scenario - anyone actually make out like that? for real?!? outside of the kisses in their first night ... everything else was, kinda awkward to me.
i'd take the "game over" spontaneity anytime (though on re-runs of this scene ... seeing him walk stiffly up to her gets quite hilarious too. it's like cue ... now start walking Lee Min-ho).

loved morning after scene though. wished this was prolonged for longer, and we get more couple kidding around and tickling or something.
and .... after all the intimacy .... we still get Kae-in shii? and Ji-ho shii? eh?

in character with our couple - i enjoyed their proposal scene. why don't we get more of these interactions, of this nature?

his mom miraculous turning around ... c'mon. ok, i know there's only 10 mins left, and we have to wrap up somehow with some kind of approval resolution ... but, but ... hullo? so it was this easy? why did Jin-ho have to go down on his knees if mom's going to be an easy pushover?
(maybe cut out useless absentee dad, and do more mom-resolution instead?)

anyhow ... it was an enjoyable drama. i won't be re-watching ... but THANKS VERY MUCH for both your enjoyable recaps JB and GF!! :)

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Thank you for the awesome recap, as always! =)
PT had so much potential and I was so eagerly anticipating its finale, fervently hoping for a nice close off but....it fell flat on its face. Why Show, why? You had so much promise. The entire ep felt so rushed and issues were brushed off just for the sake of typing up loose ends.

However, LMH and SYJ's chemistry is sizzling.. their combined cuteness had me smiling throughout despite the show's glaring flaws - kudos to these two actors for making the ride worthwhile! If only for the awesome acting and cute antics, PT was definitely an entertaining watch - it was nice while it lasted!

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Javabeans and Girlfriday-honestly your recaps are more entertaining than the drama. PT was quite boring. Yes there were some humour, some sweet moments, hot kisses(mainly on LMH part),some good acting from the cast ,but not enough to make this drama interesting. The bed scene was awkward. LMH and SYJ were good at the sad scenes,but chemistry between them was lacking and not natural flowing. Sorry PT fans, I did not see much passion between them. The last 3 episodes were just bizarre.Some scenarios just do not make sense like pairing of SJ and IH, being very sick and being able to "perform" ,etc. The script ,the directing and the editing are below par.

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Oh God! It is over!

I enjoyed the couple more than you can imagine, so cute, chemistry, and I was surprised with the romance in this drama.Usually the Kdramas, are not full of romance like the one experienced here! The kisses were real, but I think it was because of a mature actress! I will miss it so much!!!!

Thanks a lot to Javabeans and Girlfriday! I always enjoy your comments!

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Like I commented before in the last episode, this drama's greatness lies on the acting and yes..the kisses and the hugs. Unfortunately, that was it..i wish it could have been more. The plot was so weak and the ending wasn't wrapped harmoniously. yes..the bed scene was purely a fan service and yes i enjoyed watching that part. would I watch the series again? probably not. was the drama memorable? no. The part that left me unsatisfied was about the parental blessing. I can't believe that Kae In's dad and jin Ho's mom, with no specific reason, gave their blessing even after swearing over her dead body. So, all the agony for 1 or two episodes amounted to nothing?? Kae-in just forgave Jin-Ho without some kind of big development. I am not saying that Kae-In should not forgive Jin-Ho. Had I known that Kae In would just forgive Jin-Ho w/out much of a fight, could Jin-Ho just confess in episode 10 and they would make up in episode 11?? I don't know..all the fights seem trivial and the secret of the house could have been grander.
in spite of its flaws, lee min ho is still so hot to look at. I still drool over him.

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*SOBS* nooooo poor Do-Bin!!!!! I was praying that Do-Bin would find his happiness!

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Still love PT , though PP turned out to be such a pleasant surprise, I still think chemistry between SJY and LMH still Number one. Both dramas success mainly contributed by the the main actresses , KSY and SYJ and their chemistry with their partners.Enjoy both drama, for different ride.. PT for romance and PP for all..
The two worth watching dramas after YAB.. CS not my type ..

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Thank you for this recap and all the previous recaps of this series. I agree that this series had potential, but it seemed out of reach for the series.

Inhee and Sangjun- are you effing kidding me? I usually love it when everyone gets paired off, but Inhee and Sangjun was totally out of left field! It's like taking two random people off the street and throwing them together.

Is anyone really annoyed by the fact that Jin-ho had based his design off Kae-in's apple thing? Is this guy ever capable of being original? first riffing off the Sang go jae design and now the apple. I know this is supposed to be romantic and it's like a tribute to her...but I'm still disturbed.

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I agree. I had much higher expectations for this drama. It had soooooo much potential! so much! I had been counting the days for it to start. The cast was amazing and the storyline was good-but somewhere in production-something went wrong. I give big props to syj and lmh! Syj was great-like she has been! And i believe lmh accomplished his goal to get praised for his acting and shedding the gjp image from bof. He's a great actor! They made this drama the best it could be. Their acting was incredible with no disappointment. But I do feel like the last two episodes were off-it was doing so good until the final two. Mainly because of the whole extentsion thing. But thank you for the recap.

PT was a good drama. As I was watching it-there were parts where I wanted to give up on it. But now that it's over, I can't help but feel that it was great, and I was overall satisfied.

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Yeah, too much cardboard stagey-ness at the end, which let down the spontaneous sparky-ness of most of the rest of the show.

But I too don't regret a single fangirly moment ... nice to have a show remind me of schweet romance. And KI and JH will remain one of my fave couples ever, I think. Would be nice to see them together again.

(And: The apple/apology inspiration was a great surprise! The chainsaw nostalgia was killer! And the one true you-gotta-be-kidding-me moment was SJ and IH's chance encounter.)

Thanks very much for the recaps and last thoughts!

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T-T!!!! So sad!!! I 'll miss this two ..they were sooooooo cute!!! well i really loved this drama, i'll probably re-watch it ...in my opinion the extension was necesary to work the plot because it ended way to fast...i guess they didn't have enough time to wrap it up...nevertheless kudos to LMH and SYJ !!!

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I think that KI's dad and JH's mom were a little bit more forgiving in this episode because they saw how their children were so sad after the "break-up".

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Thank you so much, jb and girlfriday for taking on this project. The recaps are brilliant and hilarious, as usual.

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enjoyed the recap gf [with jb's side comments lol]. i do have to agree that this finale felt rushed... i guess it's because of the whole to extend or not debate and that's why the ep tried so hard to wrap up all loose ends.

pros:
-LMH and SYJ are perfectly cast in their roles and they did justice to them even though writing's a bit weak at times. the supporting cast are great as well [from CR down to in hee bot]. loved DB esp, because his character is someone you'll just cheer on.
-lots of cute couple moments, and i liked how even sweet kae in is shown to have sexual desires that can be considered taboo in kdramas. their kissing scenes are not just hot [and executed properly, w/c is RARE for kdramas] but sensual and passionate. i have to agree with the chainsaw... that's their best moment. =) will we see mass produced chainsaws akin to you're beautiful's pig rabbit??? LOL.
-i liked KI's children's furniture LOL

cons:
-writing is a bit weak especially on the part of prof park. and kae in's relationship but still capped off a good drama series
-i just didn't like in hee bot chasing JJH just to beg him take her... i would have expected a sneer with side comment. it did make her look desperate, and then have her paired up with sang jun at the end??? totally like where did that come from?

anyways, congrats to PT staff and crew for a very enjoyable drama series. and more importantly to GF and JB for ur awesome reviews that made watching more fun than it is... cheers!

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dear girlfriday (and javabeans),

hey baby, don't do this--- you can't do this to me, to US. don't you see that i had to do what i did, because people were going back and forth on the topic of extending me? i had to drag myself out for a while there, only to be told that i needed to haul my ass quickly to the finish line! THAT'S INTENSE PRESSURE RIGHT THERE, WOMAN! no, no.. i'm not yelling. and i know it's not an excuse, but it's my REASON. honestbeans.
we invest all that time in each other, and then, just because of a few spotty episodes, the deal's suddenly off? i gave you so much! you told me you missed the old cute bumbling moments, i squeezed that in even with a million loose ends to tie up, didn't i? that was a nice proposal scene, right?! you said you wanted them to have the s-e-k-s and i put that in, didn't i? you even said you'd check out after they did IT,.. i was so scared that i put it in the finale, so you wouldn't leave me prematurely! ..at the expense of letting jin ho's ghost walk around for a bit! it was all for you!!!! you broke up with red-pants, so i gave him to the sharks (erm-- in hee), didn't i?! you spent the last eps cursing her to the depths of hades, and i wanted to satisfy you by giving her to red-pants-that-are-almost-as-ridic-as-pink-blazer-wearing-person-who-thinks-a-good-wife-is-someone-who-cooks-and-cleans!!! ...i get where you're coming from, girlfriday, but seriously...... i hope you get where i'm coming from too. we had so many fun times...
just........... turn around, bright eyes--- every now and then we fall apart, and i need you now tonight, and i need you more than ever. if you'll only hold me tight, we'll be holding on forever.

love,
Show

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okay okay, it's actually me, maria. but seriously, girlfriday--- the Show showed up at my doorstep in the middle of the night and we proceeded to get drunk-out-of-our-pants at the nearest pojangmacha. i couldn't say no to the poor bugger when he asked me to give you ^ this message. think about it, okay? ;p

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I don't even remember where I stop watching. I just fell flat and was disappointed at how it was going. I instead read your recaps and got what I wanted from that more so the watching the show. Maybe when I am bored out of my mind I will go back and figure out where I left off.

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Disappointing drama.

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I enjoyed more Girlfriday's and Javabean's decaps than the last episodes of this drama . Thank you for your so clever and witty comments! You are a true delight! Have you ever thought about writing a drama?The actors were really great, they are talented, cute, their chemistry is right but even they cannot overcome the flaws of the script. Do these writer guys ever read the viewers' opinions? They definitely should !
Thank you again for your great work.

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I've mentioned this before,but I actually quite enjoyed PT. Yes, some of the plotlines were awkward,but I basically just sat back and watched these two on their discoveries of themselves and each other.
We all knew that poor Gae In had this low self esteem problem( first from dad, and then from CR). She finally found a true (room)mate,but realized (too late) that it was based on a lie.
Our (hot) JH also had his own luggage to bear,too. He was too busy in his (goal in life) to recover what his father lost to Scarface, that he didn't even know that he lost something more important-a life. Without rehashing the whole drama again,I think we all know the path which intertwined our two main leading couple. I agree that the writers could have written a better ending ( yes, it was choppy and felt "put together-so that-we-can-end-this"),but I actually like how the writer presented how "dirty"/ashamed JH felt, how he hated himself for what he did to achieve his goal.
For being a rom com, I think PT has done a good job. It's not one of the best drama,but it's still one of my fav(cute couple moments)...for that reason, PT, I will buy you when you come out later this year( maybe since you're a so-so drama, you won't cost me an arm and a leg to buy ya,hehe :)

JB and grlfriday:
I like this new way of recapping very much; it reminds me of the podcast, how you guys are interacting with each other and with us ;) Thanks....

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thank you so much girlfriday and javabeans!!!
watching a drama is actually so much more enjoyable when you are recapping it
i loved this recap so much!
i liked personal taste, but i certainly didnt love it
i totally agree that the potential of this was massive
it could have been so amazing because the basic story is so fun and the actors are amazing
but overall, i enjoyed watching this, despite its faults

hopefully my love for my next trendy drama will mirror that of my love for coffee prince (i am looking at you, coffee house)
thank you!!!!

and @50
um- lol?
javabeans constantly constantly reiterates that this site is her opinion only (plus the guest recappers') so we should read it as such
i really doubt she is putting their "future undertakings at risk", considering they probably dont even speak english...
i think this site is plenty 'creditable', as do the hundreds of followers
also, caps are ridiculously annoying, perhaps you should 'moderate' this next time you comment

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I.... feel bad for girlfriday. First Cinderella's Sister, now this. Mmmm, are you still a few screws loose?

Anyways, although I didn't really watch this show (what? Not my fault), I followed along with the recaps just to see how it goes. Thanks guys. Um, I mean girls... Girl recappers maybe?

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thanx so much for JB and GF for a wonderful PT recap...I really enjoyed it...
....They make out (RAWR.....) and the lights went out (DOUBLE RAWR...)..hahahaha....that was funny...

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This drama didn't really catch my interest in the beginning, it was cute but so so. it wasn't until around episode 5/6 that i started to get excited for the next episodes. but then it fizzled out around episode 12 and i've only been reading recaps since then. i don't think i'll go back to finish this series but like missthiri, i might check out the last kissing scene hehe

PP however, i just loved to bits! i am really missing in woo and hye ri! the latter half of the series did not drag at all and made lots of sense and was well thought out. i wish more people would give it a try.

PT had a lot of cute and funny parts, but definitely didn't live up to its potential for me

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LOL! I thought you were gonna go "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" at the end with the last still frame. Might as well kill this drama, oh the ending is so so weak. I love the actors' chemistry and that is all I got out of this series, eh, maybe add JinHo's and KaeIn's first kiss together, or not. I can't bear to watch this series again.

I'll break up the trendy weak way, text/tweet you "It's over betwn us!" 'Cos you seem to give me that sort of weak finale.

Thanks gals for these amusing recaps.

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Thank you so much for the recap, gf!
Jin-ho’s Dahm design is cute and modern, however, it has nothing to do with the traditional Korean-style of architecture that the project set for. The writer must have a short term memory.

In general, the story was poorly written. Just a few comments. I don't think the writer really knows architecture. With the big project like this, I don't think Jin-ho and his small firm were able to handle it within 3-5 months especially during this time, he spent most of the time on training, babysitting and finally dating GI. Ha, he must be a monkey king who can do mutiple stuff at the same time. Secondly, the writer doesn't know the laws about assets and property ownership too. Jinho, as a tenant and a professional, he would get himself in trouble when he took the blueprint from the basement to his office without the permission of the owner even with any good causes. In addition, as a tenant, boyfriend and well-educated person, he should not have done any leasehold improvement without the consent of the owner. Finally, really wonder whether the writer knows what a real woman means and what a true love/marriage is. Do you believe a 29-year-old woman should be changed INSIDE out to a real woman within 3-5 months? Do you think a smart guy like JH would fall in love with and marry the woman like GI within 3-5 months in reality?

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I don't think there is a doubt about the great acting skills of the leads and the supporting casts but I have to agree with JB and GF that the PD, the writers have let them down- badly with the contrite and rushed ending. This series had so much potential as the characters were very refreshing from GI's open honesty to JH's hard shell but soft centred revelation AND DB's selfless love.
Having said that, the GI - JH couple is still my favourite of all time but I have ONE request to make.

JB and GF.
Please, I'm pleading with you both to rewrite the last 3 episodes. I read your recaps like bible ever since I discovered the blog by chance last year and I think you two have the potential to become the next Hong sisters. I will erase those episodes from my mind and will replace GI and JH with your version. Please give justice to these two love birds , they deserve this and so as the faithful PT fans out there.

Forever your faithful fan
Forever GI-JH fan.

If you agree with this please show your support for this request!

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Forgot to conclude that the writer must live in GI's small world with her own imagination about the outside world, love and marriage.

Hope MH and SYJ will work on the better quality of drama and movie soon!

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That scene where JH standing in the rain, I just thought why don't you jump into the lake and knock yourself off with all of your quilts and be done with it. Dude.

I don't think the last two eps was that bad. As for JH's behaviors, I totally forgive him after that apple design apology. It's really very sweet of JH ,a man rarely speaks his minds, to go such length to apologize. The design speaks for itself.

The writer showing us the worst side of JH when it comes to dealing with his own mistakes, that he's not a prince charming, that there are his down sides also. The story of JH-KI portrays a relationship in real life, where there are ups and downs, and people tend to behave unreasonably where love is concerned. I also love the scene where JH-KI arguing in front of her dad, it's so cute and we can imagine their life together already.

Despite the flaws, I 'm still in love with the drama and will recommend it to anyone. It is a simple light-hearted romantic comedy drama with lots of nice cute moments. I' d smiled, laughed, felt sad, even shouted at the screen with this drama. It was such a joy ride for me. I'm still hanging on that withdrawal syndrome though.

Love all the casts, SYJ is brilliant, LMH is better and good, Do-bin is awesome and other supporting casts are just great. It's time to say goodbye to the drama.
I really really enjoy all of your (JB-GF) recaps, specially this last recap together. Thanks to you and all the comments for making watching this drama a whole lot more.

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i understand that girlfriday didn't enjoy the finale that much but i find the side comments a little to overwhelming.it's like every frame has a terrible, terrible scene. but then again, that's how girlfriday sees the show. as for me, i actually enjoyed the finale :) the cute moments are back and i think PT won't be PT without those cute scenes. and im happy that kaein and inhee didn't reconcile, that's my one wish before PT reaches the finale. im also happy that inhee doesn't have the happy ending! haha! as i've mentioned before, i will never like jinho's mommy even if she forgoves or accepts kaein.and with that little talk between mommy&kaein, i find all the more reason not to like her. sangjun and youngun never fail to make me smile. i love every scene they're in. dobin is such a nice guy, so i'd just say awwwww for him :) PT is so much fun to watch, i'm particularly happy that the dragging scenes were not sooo dragging to the point that it would make you feel heavy and super sad.

thanks girlfriday for the recap. i love the recap but not the comment part (although i appreciate the comments, really!:) )i just thought that the comments kinda killed the excitement and happiness some of us feel while reading..so i feel that the comments should have been written after the recap. :) again, thanks JB and girlfriday for recapping PT. it was really fun reading your recaps!

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TI couldn't agree more when you said that the ending is a bit rushed. They should extend 2-3 episode :p

Love your comments/insight, esp. this one "Jin-ho, now officially a card-carrying member of Stalkers Anonymous..." HAHA!! he's too cute to be a stalker :D

Thanks for recaping the episodes :D

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First time ever this happen to me. I could NOT finish this drama. Did not want to either. Maybe maybe much later i will come back to watch wherever it is that i left off. Thanks for the recaps..enjoy your commentary girlfriday and javabeans.

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(about In-Hee's character) perhaps she never had a place here after all. Epically slow on the uptake, that girl.

I have another one ! I have another one ! JAE YOUNG the crazy slapper from Stards falling from the sky... It was SO epic.

I realize that I'm way less patient (and brave?) than you guys: I broke up with PT at the end of episode 10.
Ending it on a kiss was better than going through more disapointment. I knew that after episode 7 with the all Do-Bin / Jin-Ho's I'm gay thing to protect Do-Bin's sincerity, it would never be the same.
PT showed me there, a glimpse of its real potential and I couldn't agree for lesser than that.

Call me picky lady I guess lol

thank you for your recaps

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girlfriday n javabeans thanks for your insight and recaps. not going to say much bec i completely agree with you two on every level.

i actually usually just read your analysis after watching the drama on weds/thurs and you two seemed to be right on the ball every time.

great work ladies and keep it coming.

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Okay. So they had sex when he had fever?

I think Personal Taste wasn't THAT bad, only a little disappointing in the last few episodes because it felt so rushed and there were so many unnecessary details that got squashed in. I wonder how things would've gone if they had extended the series to 20 episodes.

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WHO'S GOT the BEST ENDING SO FAR?

Wish Upon A Star?

Oh, My Lady?

Prosecutor Princess?

or Personal Taste?

MY CHOICE -wish upon a star....

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@ 95 Joebs:

>>> Okay. So they had sex when he had fever?

lol. yupz. seems like one can get fever these days from standing out in the rain and staring morosely out at a lake, ocean whatever.

and recover fast enough from that feverish high temp and feeble state to summon enough energy and desire for sex. he was completely fine and dandy the next day too - sex seems the new penicillin for high fever.

this Jin-ho shii ... he's amazing.

loved the apple-apology inspiration and idea.

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Thanks for the recap. The english subs of their daily forecast didn't make sense until now.

@86
The writers doesn't understand law either beacuase if they are being sued, they can appeal and all that, it doesn't make sense that they have to pay damages immediately.
Don't read too much into it. The lack of locks alone will drive one nuts ;)

Loved the show and will watch it again when the DVD comes out.

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Thanks JB, GF! I've truly enjoyed all your recaps - especially the last episode, because it was so much better than actually watching the same ep of the drama LOL! For that alone, I LAB YOU both!

I love the pairing, I love to hate In Hee Bot, Chang Ryul and Do Bin still have my respects, but I don't like where they went with The Man who must not be named. Argh! Damn u, Show! (GF, you should go and patented the word, LOL, coz everyone's really getting addictive to using it :P! )

Well, I guess PT will go down into our Kdramaland museum as 'the drama that could have been..". So off the the next drama!

Don't fail me again, SHOW!

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It was fun drama. Of course nobody perfect. All over the world drama or movie always there's mistake..:)

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