Great cast, mediocre writing

I thought this was pretty slow moving up until about episode 8, it took that long to build enough backstory to make it interesting. I know a lot of reviewers liked the beginning and the later episodes less. I also didn't like the way some of the plot twists were written to MF with the audience. Yes, I know it's a common K-Drama plot device. I did not like the Finale, it was rather depressing and the reunion felt rushed and incomplete. A darker but happier full circle ending might have been interesting.

I did enjoy the cast, the ladies were so pretty. LOL. I'm sure the female viewers enjoyed the pretty boys too. The detective and the 'Housekeeper' were great as well. I really liked Kwon Na Ra, although I admit she was not my favourite in Itaewon Class. I also noticed Gong Seung-Yeon's eyes, as mentioned by other reviewers.

The plot was Goblinesque, I will rewatch Goblin one day, but not this show. I would watch a season two if it ever happens, but I can't imagine where it would go from here, perhaps we would get the romance that never bloomed this time.

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So much potential

This was so good for 12.5 episodes. The chemistry between the leads was good and the back stories were good. There was not a lot 2nd lead action, but it was a cute story. The comedy was good, it had a few annoying side characters, but they were tolerable.

Then the story shit it's pants, with a ridiculous plot twist that left so many loose endings and so much potential on the cutting room floor. Why do these writers do this, do they think it's cute, are they hoping for a second season or there some cultural masochism that eludes me. There are so many things I would like to have seen tied up, but I won't spoil it for you. It's still a good watch, I binged it all the way through.

I was going to rate this at least an 8.5, but I ended up at a generous 7.5 because the beginning was so good. If you want to be happy, stop at the last kiss; you should know it when you see it.

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The Good Bad Mother

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

This Drama struck me as a cross between Extraordinary Attorney Woo for parenting theme, the quality / continuity of the story and Hometown Cha Cha Cha for the entertainment and warmth of the Village People. The story is not episodic like EAW and it's not as romantic, but it is a well written crime drama hidden inside the true story of a domineering mother forcing her will on her loving son. The sub stories demonstrate varying degrees of parenting failure. The Village people were a little quirkier than those in HCCC, especially the one mystery character, but they add a little comedy/charm to the otherwise dark story. I thought the title should more accurately be The Bad Mother. Even Young Soon admits that she never really learned to be a good parent but realizing that you have a flaw is half the battle. Almost halfway through the story I was thinking Kang Ho's actions were a little unrealistic and that I had to suspend my disbelief a bit too much, but it dawned on me that Kang Ho was a product of his environment, Mother. This becomes more obvious as the story progresses, so maybe I was a little slow. LOL.

There were a few twists in the story, but they were not over the top like some other K-Dramas. These twists were later explained by a flashback, where the missing bits get filled in and the character’s raison d'etre became clear. The way the story was woven together, showing the character’s evolution in relation to the other characters and themselves through a blend of action, romance, comedy and drama was truly excellent. The way the story builds to a climax is excellent, it seems a little slow to start, but the ending is worth it. Although this is not a Romance, I really enjoyed the romance, as it did not have any of the cliches and it had a satisfactory ending. There was a love triangle and a breakup, but the leads were 'fated' to be together, no matter how hard the parents tried to keep them apart. It was good to see a FL who knew what she wanted and was faithful to her Mister, although she did have a big investment in the outcome. The romance was also a good source of comedy, mostly at Sam Sik's expense.

I really enjoyed the characters in this drama, and I felt that they had good chemistry. I thought Ra Mi Ran was excellent as the domineering mother who cared deeply for her son but couldn't bring herself to let him lead his own life because of her own trauma and the need to have her son lead a better life than her and her husband. Lee Do Hyun was excellent in both of his roles as the determined prosecutor and as the ***********. I really enjoyed Ahn Eun-Jin as the 'childhood friend', I thought her portrayal as another bad mother and 'friend' was excellent. I have never seen this actress before; i see this is her first lead role in a drama. I digress, but I was really struck by her eyes; I might have to bring myself to watch Hospital Playlist. Yoo In-Soo was great as the hopeless thief, friend, bad son, and comic relief. Gi So-Yoo was priceless as the irreverent brat who was a copy of her mother and brighter than a lot of the adults.

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Lee Ji-Eun (IU) is amazing

I just finished watching LJE (IU) in My Mister and I was really impressed with her abilities. She really made that show. I thought the show was a little depressing, but based on the age difference and Dong Hoon's character I didn't see it turning out any other way.

I'd seen HDL advertised before, but it was the Hong Sister's drama, so I gave it a pass. I find their dramas to be a bit draggy with unsatisfying endings. When I saw that LJE was the lead I had to give it a shot and she did not disappoint.

I thought her acting was better in My Mister, as her range of expressions seemed a bit limited in HDL, I'm thinking of the patented eye roll. Although I can somewhat forgive this given the number of scenes, she is in. It makes me tired just watching her; I can't imagine the amount of work required to shoot 16 episodes of 90ish minute drama. The other thing that stood out to me was the number wardrobe changes, hairstyle changes, makeup looks, and false nail updates. I noticed the nail updates were less frequent as the show progressed, I assume this reflected her growth, but I can also see it just being a time factor. I'm usually all about the story, production quality and the OST, but the costume changes were outstanding.

I saw a lot of raving about the cinematography in other reviews, which I normally don't care about, but I must admit that the choice of locations and shots were awesome.

The supporting cast were a bit corny, but that seems to be a K-Drama thing in general. The performances were all quite good. I liked the young actress who played Yu-Na and the Magos were amusing. I also thought Yeo Jin-Goo was outstanding; I saw others say they thought he was a bad fit, but I thought he was a good romantic lead.

I enjoyed the main story, and I did not mind the episodic nature of the ghost of the week. Most of the sub plots were interesting enough on their own and there were only a few episodes that did not seem to advance the main story. The ending seemed a little rushed, as they spent time fleshing out the supporting characters departing. I would like to have seen more relationship development between the leads and a happier ending. Although this is a personal choice, and I might just be missing it already.

it's not lost on me what a beautiful woman IU is, although TBH I preferredd her basic look as the rebel.

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