Let’s get the negatives out of the way first. This Show is unabashedly sentimental. Time and again, its plots are designed to pull at our heartstrings until there is not a dry eye in the house. It is also a challenging watch as it races through all kinds of personal and societal issues. Everything from child abuse, abandonment, modern slavery, self-harm, suicide, organised crime and more. Not everything is treated equally nor resolved realistically but it is a bubbling witches’ brew. Unfortunately, most of the time, these topics are used as backstory or plot devices to propel the story forward. If you are looking for a hard-hitting, earnest drama on such topics then this is not quite it.

On the positive side, the story is well structured. It dropped you into the pit of despair but showed you the handholds to climb back out. It is all about healing and redemption. Crime and punishment is secondary. The key motifs are regrets and missed opportunities. There are flashbacks hinting at a rash decision or a slight deviation may change someone’s destiny forever.
Most characters in this show carried wounds both physical and spiritual. The unwritten charter of Team Genie is to provide someone their last chance to do what is necessary so that they can shuffle off this mortal coil without regrets. This, the show excelled.

Another positive aspect is the love line of the leads. It is definitely not a smooth ride, but it is quite realistic and swoon worthy. Rather than the typical passive damsel, the FL put up a good fight for the ML’s affection and to leave nothing to chances or misunderstandings. Bravo!

Ji Chang Wook has not scored many hits of late but I’m happy to report that he has got his mojo back. His agitated, rambling delivery and hangdog demeanour is perfect for this role. We rejoice in his growth and development as the Show progressed. Choi Soo Young might be a super idol but over the years she has amassed quite a filmography. She certainly did a good job here. The role is hardly glamourous but her acting felt natural and on point. The senior cast members more than pulled their weight and quite often stole the show. To fault the acting would be to nit-pick.

There is a lot of death and sadness on display, but the Show is fundamentally uplifting and counterbalanced the negatives with a steely resolve to do good. Amor fati!

Rewatch the whole show might be a bit challenging even if it is rewarding. The last two episodes is definitely worth a rewatch plus all the swoon-y and heart warming moments.