As truths come to light, those who learn them and share them are forced to reckon with them. Love and dating and how they interact with the career paths of our character are the focus this episode. Social hierarchies dictate the moves of some characters, and squish the dreams of others. All throughout, love weaves its tendrils and keeps a vice-like grip on her victims.
Jeong-won's mother, a powerful figure in broadcasting, has decided Jeong-won should not date Na-ri and only date the woman of her choosing. This is a typical situation in Korean drama (reflective of Korean society), but it is beautifully circumvented by Jeong-won who counteracts his mothers mischievous plans. Having such a strong and forward second lead is refreshing after all of the pushover nice guys that have graced the screens of so many K-drama viewers. What is less admirable about him is that he makes decisions about them as a couple unilaterally rather than speaking with Na-ri.
Hwa-sin, in contrast, is nothing but open with her, and with Jeong-won. He reveals his feelings plainly when given the opportunity. In this case, Na-ri discovers his feelings by accident and he confronts her about them. It's awkward for her, but I appreciate the honesty. If nothing else, it's a game changer in this trio of love between Hwa-sin, Na-ri and Jeong-won. Hwa-sin seems much more relieved with his feelings in the open and it makes him more bold about helping her. Another reason Hwa-sin is less burdened is because his mother discovered that he suffers from breast cancer and is 100% on his side. After years of isolation and guilt, the love of a forgiving mother is just what he needed. He's been alone, save for Jeong-won, for years now. He took some great strides forward because of that acceptance. I'm only waiting for Jeong-won to find out about the caner.
Na-ri was hysterical this episode as she tried to digest the fact that her three-year crush now likes her after she has a very fabulous boyfriend. The numerous imagined scenes for reasoning behind his love were so well wrought. Bravo, production team. They were amazing. Also, the continued narrative punctuation given by the signs in the show is such a clever way to story tell. It matches the quirky characters and their situations.
Speaking of quirky, how much do I love that the chef, a man, is asexual and asking two very carnal women to date him platonically? The role reversal is full of comedic gold, and the two reporter mothers draw together in their mutual horror that they will neither have a sex life should they hook up with the very handsome chef. I also love that this acknowledges women as having sexual desires without mocking them for it or making them seem like lesser women. I would like to know more about the chef and the kids that live in his building as they are interesting thus far, but very underdeveloped as characters.
This show surprises me with its wit and clever execution. Sure, it lacks on a few pieces of follow through, but as a whole, it's well done and very entertaining.
Source:HanCinema
