"Shopping King Louis" chooses nostalgia and sweetness to wrap up its run. Everyone moves on, many find new goals and hope in life and many look back to what they have lost and gained throughout this story. As I mentioned last time, however, the episode is not really necessary and neither are some of its choices.
I think we have all been expecting the Koboshi revelation since Ji-seong (Seo In-guk) remembered his canine companion, but I had been hoping that the series would not rely on it too much. This trip down memory lane in the final episode is cute, but it also hammers in the Drama FateTM cliche which I find lessens the impact of human relationships. I can see why many find it romantic, but the series has relied on human choice in personal connections, which makes this "fated romance" feel forceful.
The last episode simply tries too hard to bring characters back to their routine, such as Joong-won (Yoon Sang-hyeon) finding Bok-sil Mk.II and Ma-ri (Lim Se-mi) suddenly remembering her crush. Especially the former reduces a bond which has been developed well to a mere preference in style. This is something I was afraid of for episode sixteen, because I know dramas often lose control when wrapping up happily. For a series which has avoided a lot of cliches, this is too typical a closing.
Of course, even this is something I personally do not hold against the series. It is true that "Shopping King Louis" as a story should have been shorter in length. Twelve to fourteen episodes would have helped the creators avoid a lot of the plot's problems. Even so, the drama does so many other things so well. From its well thought-out stories to its use of music in them and from its lovable main characters to their colorful entourage of supporting roles, "Shopping King Louis" is an inspired work.
It has fun with its viewers, our expectations and drama watching habits. It subverts popular ideas in smart and cheeky ways. It offers a romance which is healthy, because it relies on trust and growth, rather than bullying and self-centered angst. It takes the time to convey messages and provide food for thought, however simple they may be. It tries harder than most romantic comedies and frankly most Korean dramas to enrich viewers.
"Shopping King Louis" shows us that practical flaws only become true obstacles when the creators let them. When they lack a story to tell and the love and respect to convey it with to viewers who want to think, feel and experience. I leave this series a happier person and I hope Dramaland can learn from a little show which dared to dream.
"Shopping King Louis" is directed by Lee Sang-yeob-I, written by Oh Ji-yeong-I and features Seo In-guk, Nam Ji-yeon, Yoon Sang-hyeon and Lim Se-mi.
Source:HanCinema
