Spring/Summer Season Drama Update

[walkwithheroes]

I've now seen the first episode (or more) of most of the dramas I wanted to see. I thought I'd share some thoughts on each drama. So far I have to say that the drama season is going well.




Best Love/The Greatest Love: I've seen episodes 1-4. It's not a groundbreaking drama or anything, but it is a very sweet show. I can see some deeper plot points coming down the line. I like the two leads; AJ is so cool and totally indifferent to the immature DJ. It's a show I'll stick with, because it makes me happy. I'm not obsessed with it or anything, but it's a fun weekly two hours.

Lie to Me: I've seen episodes 1-2 with subtitles and episode 3 RAW. This drama is moving forward, but has no real character development or substance. The leads have great chemistry, but I'm not clicking with their characters. It's a bit like watching pretty people going about their regular days. Things happen, but I feel no real push to care. I may end up dropping this.

Romance Town: I've seen episodes 1-2 with subtitles. It is such a unique romantic comedy. The two leads have great chemistry and i am already shipping them like mad. Plus, there seems to be another couple shaping up, and I like them as well. There are a lot of storylines, and the housekeepers are watching everything. The drama has a unique feel to it, sweet and adorable, but with an underlying angstness. I'm keeping this one!

Can You Hear My Heart?: I've seen episodes 1-12 with subtitles. It's such a beautifully shot drama. The characters (expect the rich mom, stepdad, and mistress) are all likeable in their own ways. I love all the relationships and possible romances. All the actors and actresses are playing their roles well. The story is moving along at a great and easy pace. One of my favorites of 2011 - so far. I'm keeping it.

Rebound: I've seen episodes 1-3 with subtitles. You won't think it - and honestly there is a part of me that is unsure why - but this is a likeable and easy drama. The two leads play off each other well in terms of chemistry and banter. The storyline could go deeper and be a bit more serious, but this is a trendy Japanese romantic-comedy, so I can understand why they are trying to keep things somewhat light. Still, there is a nice message: that you're always you, no matter how much you weigh. Be happy with yourself. It's a nice way to spend 45 minutes a week. I'll keep watching.

Asuko March!: I've seen episodes 1-2 with subtitles. This one feels a bit like a manga; but then, it is based on one. I thought it would be a regular school drama, but it is a lot more. The boys at the school have a lot to deal with: poor families, mentally ill parents, being looked down on by others, etc. It can go a bit dark at times. But, Emi is fantastic in her role. It's rather addictive in its own little way. I'm keeping it!

Strange Hero Yi Zhi Mei/The Vigilantes In Masks: I've watched episodes 1-7 with subtitles. I am in love with this drama. The relationships and chemistry between the four leads is brilliant. They all play off one another really well. In a way it reminds me of the Chinese Paladin series or any Jin Yong novel in that there are little mini adventures (lasting 3-4 episodes each) with several overlying plots running throughout the series. I love Wallace Huo and Liu Shi Shi: he's so damaged and always drinking and she's so aloof and yet she gets so angry at him. She's always watching him and. . .I'm already shipping. In sort: a great drama and I'm so happy it is finally being subbed.


So - so far I'm really enjoying this drama season!

Comments

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

I love your list (and for once, I am watching all of these on your list except for AM).

I can't wait to get to Romance Town.

[walkwithheroes.livejournal.com]

AM is really fun, but I don't think it is your kind of thing.

Romance Town is awesome. I can't wait until more of my flist is watching it.

[mishane.livejournal.com]

Re: Best Love, I love your description of Ae Jung. I think it's true. She does seem very indifferent to him. I mean, she admires him as an actor but other than that, nada. She's so very genuine in all her interactions with him. Can't wait for his crazy self to start falling for her!

[walkwithheroes.livejournal.com]

When I look at their interactions, Ae Jung seems very indifferent toward him. Like you said, she respects him and maybe thinks of him as a friend in some ways, but. . .that's it. She's a genuine person, and I love that. It's only episode four, and he's already fallen. I love that!

[boycottbananas.livejournal.com]

There are parts of Rebound that make me laugh my head off and then parts that make me want to rip it off from frustration. Like for the third episode, not even halfway in and I was already angry with it, but I was very glad that she eventually told him what she did, but seeing the preview for the next episode makes me face palm. I'll continue it, though!

I need to check out Asuko March!, too; I love Emi, and not because of Taisetsu na blahblahblah, either.

[walkwithheroes.livejournal.com]

I found Rebound - when its the two leads interacting - to be very cute and I love the way they play off one another. Yet, there is a part of me that isn't so sure it is a very good show.

and then parts that make me want to rip it off from frustration.

Can I ask why? I see many people saying the show somewhat frustrates them. I'm wondering why. Because, I can't figure out why it sometimes bothers me.


Asuko March! is like a manga come to life. Emi is perfect in it. She's a great actress.

[boycottbananas.livejournal.com]

I think it's mostly because, at first, they were both hypocritical when it came to love - he wouldn't date someone fat even though he was fat as a child, and then when he was fat, she didn't like him anymore. Even if we find out later that maybe she didn't like him because he was fat, it still really irked me! D: Plus, the whole pills thing, and how because of them she didn't eat at all, I feel like that's sending a bad image. Idk. XD;;

[walkwithheroes.livejournal.com]

I took her feelings another way. It seemed like she thought she was being hypocritical because she thought she only liked him when he was good looking and had style. But, the more time she spent with him in episode three - the more we got to her speech. When he was attractive, she ignored the fact that he was a person full of self-pity and someone who blames others. But, when he gained weight, she saw more clearly what his real personality was. That's why she "dumped" him toward the end of episode three. And, once he made the chocolate cake for her, she realized he could change, so she went chasing after him. Or who she thought was him.

As for the pills. . .they are miracle pills that will cause harm. Her friend pointed out that she doesn't go to the restroom anymore. I think the show is trying to say that diet pills aren't the answer, but I'm not sure its (yet) doing it in a good way. The first time she lost weight it was natural, and she seemed happier. This time, she is taking pills and has a lot of trouble in her personal life because of them. So. . .hopefully they explore and define that more. The doctor has even said: take one a day. And its clear either of them is following the directions. Its surely going to come back to hurt them.

[boycottbananas.livejournal.com]

Ahhh, I see what you mean re: her feelings towards him. It seemed like a very typical, "Thin people are superior to thick people" sort of way but that makes sense.

Yeah, I can agree with that. Something bad is gonna happen, either because they take too much and it is a dangerous pill, or just that her ex-boyfriend reveals it or something.

[walkwithheroes.livejournal.com]

Yup. He was annoying in a way during the first two episodes - she just didn't notice until she spent a lot of time with him. He was even worse when they were truly alone and had nothing to talk about; not even cake.

I've seen several of the drama writers other works - she tends to turn things on their heads. So, I'm sure the ex-boyfriend will figure something is up. And, our two leads will become ill in some way.

[lightsjustright.livejournal.com]

I wasn't expect to like Can You Hear My Heart near as much as I do. And I can't wait to start all the romcoms, I don't know why I keep putting it off. Pity to hear that about Lie To Me. :/

[walkwithheroes.livejournal.com]

I'm a bit surprised by how much I'm enjoying Can You Hear My Heart, because I thought it would be a bit boring. But, it is so wonderfully written and acted. Lie to Me is a disappointment. But, Romance Town and Best Love are wonderful.