walkwithheroes | Giant - Thank goodness There Are Only Two Episodes, Because. . .

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Giant - Thank goodness There Are Only Two Episodes, Because. . .

I give up. I'll watch next week's episodes RAW, but I doubt I'll finish the series with softsubs. To say the writer, Jang Young Chul, dropped the ball with this drama is an complete and utter understatement. This series started off with so much intrigue, romance, family love, hope, and drama. It's turn into this big business and political thing. I DON'T care about the business dealings of the characters. Wasn't this supposed to be a revenge story? Why is it 1992 (as of episode 58) and there is still no revenge? That's over 15 years the Lee brothers have spent trying to get revenge - and failing.

As if that weren't enough, the characters have become mere shadows of their former-selves. And many of their storylines have been rushed or all but forgotten. In fact, some characters have gone missing without a word. Where did they go? Was it said in passing? Did I FF a scene and miss their goodbye? I just. . .

Kang Mo and Jung Yeon will get their happy ending. But, to be honest, I don't care. I just - I find them boring now. They haven't interested me since their first goodbye back in the 1970s.

Sung Mo, well he's been shot and is now mentally disabled. And, yes, MW played a role. (I think.) He's been missing for 5 years, living with his junior from his old job. And it only took 58 episodes to make his disabled. I thought they had tossed out that storyline.

Min-woo got Miju her first acting job. (Yet, he never told her) Instead, he watches her from afar, while doing shady deals, and falling apart in the privately of his car. He's not getting a happy ending. That's become painfully clear to me. It would be a rush job at this point, and I'd rather he be killed than be given a sloppy last minute redemption.

Miju, what has happened to you? She has no storyline. And, does she even remember she has a son? He's got to be 9 or 10 now - is he still overseas with Miju's ex-employer/foster mom? Miju has become one-dimensional, and everything is about how she's an actress/pop singer. She's got nothing else. The writer took the brightest and purest character and stepped all over her.

Pil Yeon keeps getting away. Somebody needs to just shot him. But, we know in 2010 he's in a mental hospital, so I'm guessing he goes insane after the death of MW. MW will probably step in the way of a bullet meant for KM. As Miju tearfully tells MW that WJ is his son, MW will die. And PY will suffer a mental breakdown. He'll blame the Lee siblings for everything, and then we'll flash foward to the first scene from episode one.

I have to say it: Giant is the biggest disappointment of 2010 for me. It started off as an awesome revenge story full of love and redemption and its become. . .a hot mess full of shady business deals, one-dimensional characters, unneeded angst, and plotholes I could drive a school bus through. I'm so disappointed and will pretend the show ended about 20 episodes ago. MW/Miju become engaged and live happily, KM and MW start their own business, KM/JY marry, SM meets his junior at the local whatever, PY dies in a horrible car crash after MW cuts ties with him, etc, etc.

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"Sung Mo, well he's been shot and is now mentally disabled. And, yes, MW played a role. (I think.)"

Minwoo went to get the tape, but Sangmo told him to give it back - as you already saw. The whole thing in that scene was that MW was just in disbelief - its like every person the guy ever loved turned out to be a betrayer or someone who just wanted to use him to their advantage. So MW was being simply very emotional in that scene.

Then when he heard the gun shot however, he ran out to see what was going on. And the first thing he asked the right hand man was "What happened to Sangmo Hyung?" -- in a frantic prose -- he was worried, lost and just a bit insane that moment. So he was worried about Sangmo.

MW really didn't play much part in Sangmo going missing. All Minwoo did in that scene was cry. And Sangmo already got his stuff and was on his way out -- and MW didn't even make the attempt to hold him back. It was all that right hand man's fault.

While watching it live, I had a tidbit hope that maybe MW would come after Sangmo, see his wounded condition, and then take him out of the car and then find the girl colleague and ask her to take Sangmo somewhere safe. Or he takes the colleague and Sangmo hyung and puts them somewhere safe while supplying them with enough money -- in a way taking care of them.

Hey I think that could of worked and in way make a good development of MW. But the writer of Giant of course is better at storytelling.

Oh! Thank you for explaining things. Hopefully MW did play a role in keeping SM safe from his evil dad. Maybe that act can lead to his redemption in the eyes of GM? Of course, with this show, GM will probably blame MW for keeping SM hidden for five years. I think MW reactions to SM and his watching Miju does show us one thing: he's still human; he has emotions. When SM's colleague was seen with him, it made me wonder: how did she find him that night? I'd like to think MW had a hand in it.

I am pretty sure your prediction for the future is correct.

My biggest problem with Giant is not even MW/Miju but the utter lack of any revenge and the loss of anything that made the characters compelling and any tension. The characters, all of them, have ceased to make sense or be interesting about 20 eps back. I mean, in mid 20s, while MW/Miju was my favorite thing, I was still invested in everyone and everything else but now it's all so very boring and pointless.

I mean- why? I think East of Eden's second half was much inferior to the first half (which I loved) so I wonder if it's a common problem in these lengthy epics (though Seoul 1945 seems too have avoided that). But EoE did not fall apart anywhere near as badly as this - for one, whatever they did, they didn't screw up with the OTP and they gave me a reason why hero stopped going after revenge.

My prediction being true is the last thing I want, but I can't shake the feeling that that is the way things will go down. I've had this feeling since episode 50 or so, and its not going away.

the utter lack of any revenge and the loss of anything that made the characters compelling and any tension. The characters, all of them, have ceased to make sense or be interesting about 20 eps back.

No truer words, Mousie. No truer words.

so I wonder if it's a common problem in these lengthy epics (though Seoul 1945 seems too have avoided that).

I think it is. Even a lot of the Sat/Sun family dramas have this problem - they start to drag during the second half. I think a lot of Korean writers have problems handing 50+ episode dramas, because they don't understand how to keep things flowing with that many characters and storylines.

I think Seoul 1945 did alright because it was about pre-WW II Korea and followed the characters into the Korean War - that's a lot of historical things to use (Giant more or less ignored the historical stuff after episode 20-something - and there were major events happening in the 1970s and 80s in Korea); plus, there were many characters and while it focused a lot on the four leads, it also showed a lot of the struggles in their families. Some of my favorite stuff in that drama are the family scenes. I loved the way all those characters grew and changed as their worlds rapidly changed around them.

My take is this: the Lee Brothers are just stupid. They should have just shot Satan years ago. They could have cut the wires in his car and caused him to die in a car crash. Instead they sat on their asses and let him ruin (or nearly ruin) so many lives - including the lives of MW, Miju, and WJ.

Contrary to all the disappointment expressed, I was just browsing through files when I decided to click on some episodes where the whole Miju and Minwoo interactions began.

You remember that scene when Minwoo stole some kimbabs while Miju was sleeping? Haha- I liked that scene so much --- especially when Miju, knowing who did it, asks Minwoo if he knows where the kimbabs went. His expression and reaction is just so adorable.

And then there's the random Minwoo unconsciously smiling at Miju and then catching himself in the act. Ah-- and then how he cutely hits her forehead every time he's about to like caress her hair or something.

So many cute moments! Ah, it was so beautiful. They were so amazing. You know, maybe I'm just feeling nostalgic-- but I think even if their ending is given to me as a mashed potatoes mess -- I'll just be content by ignoring it all and just rejoicing and remembering the good old times.

As for the bad -- Like dangermousie mentioned: The story of Giant has lost its zeal and charm that was so intriguing earlier on. You know I think they could have used the extension to bring on some very nice things. But once again the writer got way too tangled with politics and all that junk. One thing I do not enjoy but still watch in kdrama is the midpoint angst that often runs for miles and miles taking up so much precious time of the drama's run. I mean we all like some angst, but within the angst can't we have the characters grow into more dignified individuals? (Arh...Am I making sense?)

Anyways Giant was a good drama at the start -- and though Miju and Minwoo were a great joy to watch, they were not the only reason I got invested into Giant. Overall, everything seemed fun to watch-- but oh well, let's just take a deep breath.

I recently used MW/Miju clips in a mulit-couple 'ship video. It reminded me of all the good times they had. They were so cute in the beginning! It really speaks volume about the characters and their chemistry as well as the writing when you can have a 15 episode romance (in a 60 episode drama) and have it end up being one of the most popular of the year.

The story of Giant has lost its zeal and charm that was so intriguing earlier on. You know I think they could have used the extension to bring on some very nice things. But once again the writer got way too tangled with politics and all that junk.

That is so true. You took the words right out of my mind and typed them up on this entry. Truer words, my ann friend, truer words.

I WILL CERTAINLY NEVER EVER WACH THIS DRAMA ANYMORE

BAD !!!!!!!

I will certainly be watching next week. And, I'll report on how it all ends. Maybe the writer will pull something wonderful out of his butt and it will all make sense.

why ..Jang Young Chul why...

we need a sweet revenge.... never comes...

This series started so high!!!!!!!!!!

where is the deep love ...?

i can't wach my adorable lee san mo in this state

i am disappounted

biggest disappointment

i will also pretend show ended about 20 episodes ago......

Re: the revenge: We know from the first episode that Satan merely goes insane and loses his business. (Not sure if it goes under or if someone else takes it over). Frankly, that doesn't seem like very good revenge to me.

It started high, but I'm also disappointed in how downhill its gone. Too many (pointless) plotlines and way too many plot holes!

I just watched episode 58 and I'm incredibly disappointed in Giant right now. I can't believe they had another timeskip without resolving anything. That's just... I don't even know what to say, I'm so frustrated.

I'd like to believe that Minwoo helped Seongmo as per the anonymous comment above, but I doubt it. If that were the case, he would have told Miju about it when he saw her crying over Seongmo. There was a scene of his second in command hiring people to look for Seongmo, so I don't think Minwoo knows where he is. I suppose there's still a possibility that MW will find SM first and choose to tell Miju and Gangmo about it rather than his father, thereby earning forgiveness, but at this point I don't really believe it will happen, and probably wouldn't find it satisfying even if it did.

It looks like Minwoo's overall story arc will end up being "he's betrayed by everyone he loves and then he dies." That is the most upsetting thing for me, because the one thing I wanted most from Giant was to see him break away from his father and have a happy ending. I hate that they're giving me a tragedy where I wanted a redemption story. I could have forgiven them all the rest of the sloppy plotting if only they had given me that.

I never write fanfic, but right now I'm seriously tempted to do my own rewrite of Giant once it's finished. After all the time I've spent obsessing over this drama, I can't bear to let them ruin it for me.

ETA: Forgot to say, I don't think JPY will go insane due to MW's death, because I don't think he cares enough about MW for that. I always thought the Lee brothers would find evidence to convict JPY of murder and then he would plead insanity to get a lighter sentence, and I guess that could still happen, but now it seems more likely the ruin of his career will drive him crazy.

Edited 2010-12-03 05:01 (UTC)

I would like for MW to have a role in finding SM and helping him, but goodness knows. I could see him hiding SM to make sure his father doesn't find him. But, yes, I would think he'd secretly tell Miju at the very least. Then again, who knows. And if he did hide it - could they even be mad when they hid his son from him?

It looks like Minwoo's overall story arc will end up being "he's betrayed by everyone he loves and then he dies."

Those are the worst storylines. I always feel cheated with them, because even if the character does redeem himself or grow and change for the better, it doesn't matter in the end. He still is betrayed by everyone and dies.

I hate that they're giving me a tragedy where I wanted a redemption story.

I feel the same way. With MW I wanted a redemption story. With him changing for the better because of Miju and because he sees the world and his father for what/who they truly are. Not this tragedy.

I say: write the fanfic.

Re Your ETA: but now it seems more likely the ruin of his career will drive him crazy.

I can see that. He did seem rather crazy in episode one. It didn't totally seem like he was faking it. And we all know his business is his most beloved thing.

only 2 episodes left ....nothing left the winner takes it all

lee brother are looser

i am sorry that i spend so much time to wait for the episodes

they killed my LSM

I do think the Lee Brothers took way too long on their revenge. Because they didn't just shot him at the start, all these horrible things have happened to people - Miju, Min-woo, the list goes on.

I don't completely regret watching the show, as the first 30-some odd episodes were very well done. But, I'm truly disappointed in the last half of the drama.

I agree the first 30 were amazing and they hold the potential in some aspect for a re-watch. But the later half? It's like a complete different atmosphere and story.

The preview for episode 59-60 came out ---- SPOILER: Kangmo definitely gets his happy ending. And yes the guy did have his hard times and suffer-- but hey Sangmo and Miju also had a hard time-- sometimes even more! But it seems like there is no miracle for them. Or a happy ending. Miju seems to be at a hospital (from a teaser photo released) and Minwoo is still holding onto his father's hand. And there is no sign of my dear cute darling Wooju! -- Its the darn end.

I hate you, Giant.

Never thought I'd say it.

And you know what, right now if by some impossible miracle Miju and Minwoo do get some kind of compromising end, I think I still will sit there lamenting of all the precious, precious time they wasted -- when they could have used it to make some memorable moments for them, whether it be cute, a mature-friendship relationship- or simply a rivalry relationship-- all with a sprinkle of angst in between (I mention angst because it seems the writer really wanted to add that element to this couple in particular)

And this might sound extremely mean-- and I do happen to like the GM and JY pairing -- but why am I not even a minuscule bit happy about their happy ending?

Its just like for them I'm more like "Oh. yeah. Congratulation." -_- With a sheepish expression.

How do I explain myself?

-Sigh- I am trying to constrain myself. I have finals this week and I cannot let my mind be wrapped up in this nonsense. I'm hope I don't jump up in the morning and end up watching it live-- I do plan on watching the ending, but just after both episodes have aired.

Just for the sake of my poor, poor heart that has already been torn into several pieces thanks to this giant piece of disaster.

I could care less about GM and JY, and their fans at soompi don't help matters. I find them boring and with little chemistry. Lord, don't tell me Miju gets cancer and its only then that she lets MW see her! Where is the trailer anyway?

Did you see the spoilers posted on forums about Giant?

If its true, I'm getting a different feeling.

Man, I'm easy to please. Last week I was all screaming on top of my lungs and now seeing these spoilers, which might not even be true, is making me question the strength of my determination. Anyways I did manage however to not watch it live. I woke up right on spot, but then forced myself back to sleep. I'm going to wait for your review on it before I launch into watching the content. Still downloading it, since it takes forever-- but yea.

About the spoilers, particularly for Miju/Minwoo- (don't know if you read them) -- I just hope Minwoo at least finds out about Wooju--- that the kid is really his.

-sigh- I hope they have some good Miju and Minwoo scenes in the last two episodes to make up for all the wounds Giant has inflicted upon itself and this pairing.

Sorry for bombarding your comment area again.

LMW IS GOING TO DIE ?????? PLEASE TELL ME

The spoilers day LMW won't die.He tries to kill himself, but Miju stops him and they reunite.

I saw the spoilers. If it's true, I'm still disappointed with how uneven the second half of the drama was. But, I'll be happy if the Miju/Min woo spoilers are true. It'll be very rushed, I'm sure. But, anything is better than these two being apart. I just feel badly, because at least ten years were wasted where they could have been together - friends, rivals, secret lovers, married. . .something. Instead we got MW secretly helping Miju become famous. He watches her from afar and she pushes him away. Blah. That really was horribly done.

Agree. So agree. You spelled out the disappointment invested in the core of my heart.

But I'm willing to overlook it all-- in the moment, just because at least the writer didn't use the 'death' card.

Ten years was wasted for almost every character. I do not get why GM and JY had to wait so darn long to get married to begin with. And then the whole JPY downfall- a waste at that too. A lot of time was wasted for a lot of things -- but I'm just going to stop ranting and let Giant play its show. You were a good show, Giant. Until you decided to misuse your fame.

Tidbit about MW.MJ: It seems Miju started her career out as a singer-- but then its altered to an actress. Remember how JPY shut all the radio/tv programs from broadcasting or promoting her? Well its seems that's when MW stepped in. Despite the lack of courage this guy has when facing his dad with business matters-- it seems quite opposite when the topic happens to be Miju. -- Because apparently all these years-- all the movies Miju did was produced by Minwoo. But of course, of course, she has no idea. In today's epi (I ended up watching it -_-) she asks the director if she could meet the producer. She says, "It's been five (four) years. Shouldn't I be able to meet them?" -- So she's oblivious.
And then we have JPY asking Minwoo to gather money to do some more lobbying - but he doesn't have enough -- so his right hand man suggests dropping the production of one of the movies Miju is doing -- and use it-- but Minwoo stays reluctant.

And finally, a bit of happiness-- Miju was talking to Wooju on the phone! So it doesn't seem like he's out of the picture-- but they sure did keep him out for too long.

-Sigh- I think after Giant ends tomorrow, I'm going to set a date after this semester ends to watch the thing over again-- without worrying my guts out this time-- since all the episodes will be out.

Giant has been a insanely crazy, delighting and frustrating experience.

Thank you walkwithheroes for letting me use the comments area to bash and rant to my heart's desire.

Agree. So agree.

GM/JY began dull after he was sent to jail and she thought he was dead. I thought they were madly in love, but they wait years to move in together/marry? SM should have had a street thug stab JYP twenty years ago. He could have had it done when he and JYP were alone and discussing business.

Re: MW/Miju: I'm so glad to hear he's been helping her all this time. Yes, he's been doing shady stuff, but knowing that he's been looking after her (and that he was willing to be WJ's dad when he thought WJ wasn't his; plus his concern for SM during his missing years) makes up for it a bit.

I'm with you - things became very angsty and repetitive as the ratings rose into the mid-20s. They were reall trying to get viewers with the drama, and it seemed to work. But, I think it also annoyed and frustrated a lot of viewers - like us.

I might go back and re-watch the better parts of the MW/Miju 'ship and the Lee sibling interactions, myself.

You are very welcome. Tomorrow I will try and do a 'final thoughts' post about episode 60. (I barely skimmed 59 this morning). I hope to see your comments in that post, Anonymous. You've really brought some wonderful insight into the show. I've enjoyed reading your comments.

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Giant - Thank goodness There Are Only Two Episodes, Because. . .

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I WAS BETTER IF LSM DIED .....

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why!!!!!!!!!!!why!!!! i cant wach this drama anymore

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no episode enough to solve this drama

I'm so frustrated.

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