Spring/Summer Season Drama Update
I've now seen the first episode (or more) of most of the dramas I wanted to see. I thought I'd share some thoughts on each drama. So far I have to say that the drama season is going well.
Best Love/The Greatest Love: I've seen episodes 1-4. It's not a groundbreaking drama or anything, but it is a very sweet show. I can see some deeper plot points coming down the line. I like the two leads; AJ is so cool and totally indifferent to the immature DJ. It's a show I'll stick with, because it makes me happy. I'm not obsessed with it or anything, but it's a fun weekly two hours.
Lie to Me: I've seen episodes 1-2 with subtitles and episode 3 RAW. This drama is moving forward, but has no real character development or substance. The leads have great chemistry, but I'm not clicking with their characters. It's a bit like watching pretty people going about their regular days. Things happen, but I feel no real push to care. I may end up dropping this.
Romance Town: I've seen episodes 1-2 with subtitles. It is such a unique romantic comedy. The two leads have great chemistry and i am already shipping them like mad. Plus, there seems to be another couple shaping up, and I like them as well. There are a lot of storylines, and the housekeepers are watching everything. The drama has a unique feel to it, sweet and adorable, but with an underlying angstness. I'm keeping this one!
Can You Hear My Heart?: I've seen episodes 1-12 with subtitles. It's such a beautifully shot drama. The characters (expect the rich mom, stepdad, and mistress) are all likeable in their own ways. I love all the relationships and possible romances. All the actors and actresses are playing their roles well. The story is moving along at a great and easy pace. One of my favorites of 2011 - so far. I'm keeping it.
Rebound: I've seen episodes 1-3 with subtitles. You won't think it - and honestly there is a part of me that is unsure why - but this is a likeable and easy drama. The two leads play off each other well in terms of chemistry and banter. The storyline could go deeper and be a bit more serious, but this is a trendy Japanese romantic-comedy, so I can understand why they are trying to keep things somewhat light. Still, there is a nice message: that you're always you, no matter how much you weigh. Be happy with yourself. It's a nice way to spend 45 minutes a week. I'll keep watching.
Asuko March!: I've seen episodes 1-2 with subtitles. This one feels a bit like a manga; but then, it is based on one. I thought it would be a regular school drama, but it is a lot more. The boys at the school have a lot to deal with: poor families, mentally ill parents, being looked down on by others, etc. It can go a bit dark at times. But, Emi is fantastic in her role. It's rather addictive in its own little way. I'm keeping it!
Strange Hero Yi Zhi Mei/The Vigilantes In Masks: I've watched episodes 1-7 with subtitles. I am in love with this drama. The relationships and chemistry between the four leads is brilliant. They all play off one another really well. In a way it reminds me of the Chinese Paladin series or any Jin Yong novel in that there are little mini adventures (lasting 3-4 episodes each) with several overlying plots running throughout the series. I love Wallace Huo and Liu Shi Shi: he's so damaged and always drinking and she's so aloof and yet she gets so angry at him. She's always watching him and. . .I'm already shipping. In sort: a great drama and I'm so happy it is finally being subbed.
So - so far I'm really enjoying this drama season!
Best Love/The Greatest Love: I've seen episodes 1-4. It's not a groundbreaking drama or anything, but it is a very sweet show. I can see some deeper plot points coming down the line. I like the two leads; AJ is so cool and totally indifferent to the immature DJ. It's a show I'll stick with, because it makes me happy. I'm not obsessed with it or anything, but it's a fun weekly two hours.
Lie to Me: I've seen episodes 1-2 with subtitles and episode 3 RAW. This drama is moving forward, but has no real character development or substance. The leads have great chemistry, but I'm not clicking with their characters. It's a bit like watching pretty people going about their regular days. Things happen, but I feel no real push to care. I may end up dropping this.
Romance Town: I've seen episodes 1-2 with subtitles. It is such a unique romantic comedy. The two leads have great chemistry and i am already shipping them like mad. Plus, there seems to be another couple shaping up, and I like them as well. There are a lot of storylines, and the housekeepers are watching everything. The drama has a unique feel to it, sweet and adorable, but with an underlying angstness. I'm keeping this one!
Can You Hear My Heart?: I've seen episodes 1-12 with subtitles. It's such a beautifully shot drama. The characters (expect the rich mom, stepdad, and mistress) are all likeable in their own ways. I love all the relationships and possible romances. All the actors and actresses are playing their roles well. The story is moving along at a great and easy pace. One of my favorites of 2011 - so far. I'm keeping it.
Rebound: I've seen episodes 1-3 with subtitles. You won't think it - and honestly there is a part of me that is unsure why - but this is a likeable and easy drama. The two leads play off each other well in terms of chemistry and banter. The storyline could go deeper and be a bit more serious, but this is a trendy Japanese romantic-comedy, so I can understand why they are trying to keep things somewhat light. Still, there is a nice message: that you're always you, no matter how much you weigh. Be happy with yourself. It's a nice way to spend 45 minutes a week. I'll keep watching.
Asuko March!: I've seen episodes 1-2 with subtitles. This one feels a bit like a manga; but then, it is based on one. I thought it would be a regular school drama, but it is a lot more. The boys at the school have a lot to deal with: poor families, mentally ill parents, being looked down on by others, etc. It can go a bit dark at times. But, Emi is fantastic in her role. It's rather addictive in its own little way. I'm keeping it!
Strange Hero Yi Zhi Mei/The Vigilantes In Masks: I've watched episodes 1-7 with subtitles. I am in love with this drama. The relationships and chemistry between the four leads is brilliant. They all play off one another really well. In a way it reminds me of the Chinese Paladin series or any Jin Yong novel in that there are little mini adventures (lasting 3-4 episodes each) with several overlying plots running throughout the series. I love Wallace Huo and Liu Shi Shi: he's so damaged and always drinking and she's so aloof and yet she gets so angry at him. She's always watching him and. . .I'm already shipping. In sort: a great drama and I'm so happy it is finally being subbed.
So - so far I'm really enjoying this drama season!