joviallll
From a little red dot on the map: Singapore!
The scriptwriting on this episode is phenominal. Small details like how Soo Jae asked her assistant to get a coffee so as to get her away from hearing things, while knowing something personal and unique of a “request” (For Soo Jae not to date Gong Chan) was going to be made -> this completely showed me that the scriptwriter is rather strategic where they want events to flow in a very systematic manner, and the plot is rather thought out. I also particularly enjoyed the portion where she wants to reveal her trauma to Gong Chan, showing how complicated of a character she truly is. She has this very soft and delicate part to her that makes her stand out especially with Gong Chan. She realises that she cannot hide the way she presents herself to Gong Chan, as Gong Chan can see right through her. Through this analysis, it is evident that the two have this chemistry that (presumably) will be explored in the later episodes. Fantastic episode and I can’t wait to see what happens next to Soo Jae—will she be convicted of burning down killer’s car (since she is most probably the only one at the scene)? I guess we ought to wait for the next episode.. :)This episode gets a 9-9.5 for me.
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In this episode, we see Soo Jae’s denial towards Gong Chan being rather explicit. Soo Jae, having been so independent for the most of her working life, is faced with a tough decision as to whether she wants Gong Chan’s help, or stand alone in her own troubles. She chooses the latter, and Gong Chan can’t help but cling onto her. This episode was frustrating as we see Soo Jae constantly refusing to seek help, almost like as if all of Gong Chan’s effort are futile. The drama explores a very slow burn, almost too slow, of a romantic relationship between the two—which can be rather infuriating for us viewers. That aside, the acting is generally fine, though at some portions I felt like the characters were responding too quickly, as if reading from a script (which i mean, of course they are but it’s not exactly believable), hence I deducted scores from that. What I felt was lacking in this episode was chemistry between the two, and a resolve. I suspect the writer aims to be strategic with her own craft (the drama) hence inducing suspense. It seems to happen quite a few times, and transitions between scenes are also odd at times. Overall, use of SFX and music was good, and characterisation is usually on point. A solid 8 for me, down from the usual 9-10 that I give each episode.
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From this episode, we get insights as to how Soo Jae responds to danger—and it is to call Gong Chan first ;) that was such a smart move to mention the address immediately. I’m so glad she thinks quickly on her feet.The chemistry, just like Ep3, is over the roof. Feel free to read my Ep3 review for a more in-depth interpretation of the drama!I rated this episode an 8.5. Not that it was bad or anything, but for the middle portion, the drama was getting slightly repetitive and the flow of events got slightly messy at times. But, not bad! We get to see the caring nature or Soo Jae, so much to the extent she protects someone who “despises” her (the 18 year old girl who allegedly claimed that Soo Jae killed her sister). I think the script follows her roles as a lawyer, and hence flows so smoothly. The show also attempts to inject humour, especially when Soo Jae accidentally tells Gong Chan that her boyfriend’s not the 7 billion net worth guy. That was amusing!Overall, it’s really not bad! But this episodes pales in comparison to Ep3.
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Note: These are my opinions, you may not entirely agree with them. Drop me a DM if you would like to discuss anything though!Ep 3: Romantic scenes observed! The chemistry between the two are so, so great. It makes me wonder if she knows who he is based on the touch of his hands, haha. This is the best episode yet, and has left me glued from start to end. I particularly love the bit where he stands up and calls Ju Wan a jerk. The acting is superb, every single emotion of Soo Jae is very precise and it leaves a very long-lasting impression on me.Furthermore, the show makes some direct attempts at conveying messages to the audience—in terms of the scene at the restaurant. There was a signboard which read “One day you’ll find your lover” or something like that. I feel that was impactful as it foreshadows their soon-to-come relationship in the following episodes. And that was exactly what happened. Spoiler alert, they kissed in the last bit of Ep3. The show is only starting to begin, yet I have so much to expect from it. Hope this turns out good, for this is the first time I have ever rated a series so high at 9.5/10! This particular episode was a full 10 for me, and I rarely give out 10s. Job well done to the whole production team honestly. They successfully conveyed the message of what a lawyer’s role is, and how Soo Jae slowly opens up to the cute Y1 kid (i forgot his name oops), making it significant as her characterisation is explicitly shown. Beautiful work of art!<>SIDE NOTE, this is not related to Ep3:**I do see critiques on how this work depicts ‘strong’ women as women with ignorant behaviour (Soo Jae), but I beg to differ. While I can definitely understand their POV, I feel that her past experience of being belittled ultimately led to her following what the higher ups are doing now—except she’s one of the higher ups now. It is simply nothing to argue about, IMO. In a world where your higher ups think you have little to no capabilities, then proving them wrong by climbing all the way up, is highly refreshing and a right she has to treat people with little regard for them. She has got no time to waste with people not worth her time, and she makes this clear right from the very start with her harsh demeanour. This drama also has instances where she does reveal her caring nature (e.g. revealing when she was molested). While many have said that was a foolish move to degrade other people who have been put in a similar situation as her (the Y1 girl who got molested by the professor), I believe that there is truth to that in some extent. Today, women are still silenced at times, and afraid to speak up. Can we blame them for it? The stigma exists because women are perceived as weak, and I think this drama may relate to some sufferers, as they are faced with a scenario similar to theirs. It is impactful in showing how as a community, more should be done, and hence when Group 8 exposes the molestation with irrefutable evidence, it directly addresses the main concern of women needing to speak up and how more people speaking up = better. The drama does a fantastic job at conveying this message and it is not something I can blatantly ignore. For Soo Jae to put herself out there willingly and to be bold enough, brave to speak up, makes this drama even more etched in my mind. If anything, I think the impressions of this drama bring more good than they do harm. I understand how society works in the workforce, especially in Soo Jae’s context, and I see how she grows to be perceptive in nature. Hence, I stand by my initial opinions. This drama is good.As a fruity guy watching this, I am deeply affected to want to make changes to the world and support fellow people who may be suffering from such trauma. Rape, as a topic, is truly distressing to behold and this drama really tugged on my heartstrings. It evoke pity, and so many other complicated feelings that just can’t be put in words, and (more importantly) makes me want to embrace change. Women should be empowered in our society, and this drama is a stepping stone for that to happen.Beautiful drama. My highest rated yet.
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To My Star Season 2: Our Untold Stories Episode 1
1 people found this review helpful
Lovely for a good cry :)Their separation is absolutely heartbreaking! Characterisation is extremely vivid and well-explained! Looking forward to the next few episodes
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