So this was the critically panned Bride Of Habaek. I must say that I didn't see much of the criticism that most people throw at this drama. Perhaps it's the lack of expectations that I had going into this drama but I liked it and thought it was pretty interesting to watch, albeit with flaws. It's not a classic mythical drama like Goblin or any of its contemporaries but I enjoyed myself nonetheless.

The story was barebones and empty. The plot was basically Habaek waiting for a fellow Deity to show up so he could return to the Godly World and claim his birthright as King. That's really it as far as the actual plot is concerned. So it's not faithful to the source material, of which I know nothing of, rather it's a backdrop to Habaek and Yoon So Ah, a servant to the gods via descendent lineage, and their blossoming relationship. Thankfully, I found it compelling to watch and thought they worked off each other well. Habaek is a god but he is without his powers and has to rely on a depressed and cynical Therapist for even the simplest of tasks despite Habaek’s intellect - driving, working part time jobs, cooking, etc. Habaek is arrogant - a main criticism of the character - but he is a God. A King. Of course he is arrogant, and he should be, however he does learn how to be humble towards others. Habaek learns the importance of kinship. That's a good message and a good story arc for such a narcissist. Naturally, the relationship between our two main leads has a bumpy ride to go on thanks to our other three Gods (Or 2 Gods and one Demigod, to be specific), Mu Ra, Bi Ryum and Shin Hoo Ye. Those three were the stronger characters in terms of depth and were worth watching as well. To get on the negatives of the series, I'll talk about the last episode. I simply didn't buy it unfortunately. Quite simple. Yes, this is a world that contains Deities, but it felt a little forced and clichéd, although I do think that was more on the rushed pacing of the final episode rather than the actual conclusion which was sweet.

The acting gets a lot of flack, too. I can see why. Perhaps Shin Se Kyung was a tame and relied on tears a bit too much but I thought she did a fine job at portraying a cynical, materialistic character and made her likeable and relatable. She and Nam Joo Hyuk worked well as our leading couple. Nam Joo Hyuk played his character really well also. He wasn't emotionally sharp but the subtle moments were delivered with conviction. Krystal and Im Joo Hwan were really good throughout the show, in particular. Solid acting from all the important actors, in my opinion.

So yes. This was a fine drama. I said it.