A bit disappointing, with a lot to be desired

My first time writing a review, and it’s for the second season of one of my favourite dramas. Oh boy here we go.

I’ll be honest, I had put off watching this season for a while, since the comments and reviews foreboded a lot of angst, which the drama definitely delivered. But having binged it through, I feel a bit angry, a bit confused and a bit disappointed. First though, the positives.

What sold me on the first season, was the chemistry of our main couple Ji Woo and Seo Joon and once again, did the drama deliver with some truly great acting, framed by nice cinematography and a refreshing new setting. I really liked the new characters, I feel like most of them aided the plot well and brought interesting new dynamics in. And as painful as the first four episodes were in their subject matter, I enjoyed them immensely for the way they built up the new plot. But after episode 4, I felt like the story had unfortunately missed its chance to turn the plot around.

The kiss at the end of episode 4 should’ve been the catalyst for Seo Joon’s and Ji Woo’s relationship to shift again. It marks for one, that Ji Woo’s cruelty from before was a facade, since he was the one who initiated the kiss and he was the one admitting to being unable to “ignore” Seo Joon. For the other, it should’ve been the starting shot for the plot to clear up. Why did Ji Woo leave? What is his relationship with Sung Yoon and why is it so complicated? And also, what effect is this having on both Ji Woo and Seo Joon?

Instead of focusing on these questions the plot loses focus and becomes a bit frustrating. I ended up being quite upset with Ji Woo, for being so unnecessarily cruel in episode 5, during the dinner scene. It didn’t fit his actions from before nor did it help in inching the story closer to its goal: Getting our main couple back together. Ji Woos stoicism and deflection turn from purposeful actions to keep Seo Joon away from him, to dishonest tactics that muddle his integrity as a character who’s supposed to be in emotional turmoil.
It’s not that he isn’t allowed to be confused; it’s that his confusion is never expressed in a way that makes me feel like I understand where he’s coming from. Till the end, I didn’t get his reasoning. Getting overwhelmed and running away, being unable to face your own cowardice and preferring to hide, are all things I understand and that I would’ve loved to have explored through Ji Woos character. So why is it that he defaulted to being cruel and mean to someone he supposedly loves and is extremely attached to, to someone who truly didn’t do anything wrong on his part, who very much tried their best to be a good partner? Id think hurting someone you love would hurt you just as much, no?

Episode 10 then, ended up being too little too late for me. 45 Minutes of everything being happy go lucky, after Ji Woo crawls back and cries to Seo Joon, who’s been emotionally drained from all sides, to hug him. Unable to explain himself properly till the very end, he talks childishly about his reasoning. And that’s it, they’re back together.

And as much as I wanted to enjoy everything “being resolved”, I couldn’t. It felt unfair towards Seo Joon, who’d been dragged back and forth by Ji Woos whims, until the end.

It’s a shame really. Because I do like Ji Woos character and there’s so much potential for psychological exploration there, that has all been untapped. And the same goes for Seo Joon. Although I liked him a lot more, I could’ve used a bit more exploration of his emotional state, the way he copes and the way he is and has been since season 1, a very depressed person. I think we got a glimpse of that, during his call with his father, but i would’ve liked a bit more. In the end, it felt like everything got wrapped up in a big blanket labelled “LOVE” to resolve everything; the plot got put to bed without nearly being ready for it. But welp.

Beyond what I’ve already said, I feel like the restaurant storyline was quite rough around the edges and a bit repetitive. I would’ve also liked more about Sung Yoon and her relationship with Ji Woo. If maybe his behaviour had been a pattern from before, getting scared of his own happiness and abandoning it or something. Anything. But well. Could’ve, would’ve, should’ve.

Ultimately, I didn’t enjoy this season as much as I did the first one, which had its flaws but none like these. I feel like the drama bit more off than it could chew. As I said I’m a bit disappointed, but I’m happy for anyone who’s enjoyed this season regardless and had a good time. Good on you! :)

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