This drama is an interesting phenomenon for me. If I write this review as objectively and rationally as possible, I have to be completely honest with myself. This is not the best drama of the year. Nor is it particularly ground-breaking, well-acted or even well written.
That being said, this drama is sublimely successful when it comes to one thing only: romance.
This is a very, very romantic series. And the two lead characters have such believable chemistry and do such a good job of selling the romance that I think audiences are willing to completely ignore all of the other flaws within the drama. I think that in itself is impressive. Perhaps even a craft to be praised?
I like to think of myself as an intelligent girl. Yes, I like to swoon and sigh when watching a drama and I can absolutely appreciate a handsome face and a good kissing scene. And while this drama tries very, very hard to suck me in and give way to those emotions, I can’t. I won’t. And I will admit, within the first few episodes of this drama, I was singing its praises from the rooftops, recommending it to everyone who’d listen. If they were selling T-shirts, I probably would have bought one.
But just like a heavy dose of puppy love that slowly fades with time, I had to admit that all was not coming up roses.
First realized flaw in my puppy love: the historical scenes of this drama are confusing and unclear. They improve slightly as the drama progresses, but not enough. As a viewer, I shouldn’t want to skip through parts of a new drama because the plot line is confusing or simply boring. If the writing was clever, I would look forward to EVERY scene of the drama—appreciating the history and political intrigue of the Joseon era AND looking forward to the romantic complications of the modern world. It essentially means I’m bored with half of the drama. Not good.
Second flaw: the rules created within the fantasy are inconsistent. If, initially, you tell your audience that a particular object is the sole purpose for time travel, stick to it. And if you decide to alter that rule, then please create a plausible plot twist where—-within the pre-established rules of the fantasy-—the time travel is possible again.
For example, and stick with me, let's say a toaster is a key plot device in the drama. If the toaster doesn't work within the parameters of the rules given, but then DOES work suddenly to make it convenient for the plot... That’s lazy and unacceptable. Why did you bother telling me the toaster didn't work? It’s as if the writers gave up. I imagine that a conversation similar to the following took place during production:
“No! We can’t use the toaster! We have to use something else! We already wrote that it doesn’t work! How can we clean this up?? Any ideas??”
*a week later*
“Still no ideas? OK, let’s just go with the toaster. We’ve got a deadline.”
Anyway, this review is getting long but I felt the need to express my opinion amongst all the “Outstanding” ratings. I will admit, this drama is indeed “outstanding” at playing on my libido as a female viewer due to all of the romance and epic face-sucking. But when it comes to my intelligence and common sense, this drama is “good” if I’m being nice. “Fair” if my puppy love has totally dissipated and I completely ignore my libido.
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