Great start, somewhat lackluster finish

I liked this story and thought it had great potential, but I wasn't entirely thrilled with the redemption arc readily granted to very devious characters. It felt forced and didn't really do justice to the story. I also feel that Ji Hyun forgives too easily. Jae Won offered no explanation and that felt wrong. I was angry on Ji Hyun's behalf. I understand Jae Won's trauma but he was projecting on Ji Hyun and also willingly conniving with Eun Ji in the process. I don't know! I felt that his return to Ji Hyun required a little more effort on his part. He just shows up and is forgiven.

Ghosting someone also causes anxiety. Ji Hyun exhibits no signs of insecurity. The makers were so determined to wrap this happily that they hurriedly tied the ends together but the ends are loose and unsatisfying.

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Masterfully done

This season has to be watched as a standalone. Forget about Maki from season one before you come into this. Once you've done that, you'll be able to enjoy this season for what it is.

This season has better characterization. Haruta is much more likable and not as selfish as he was in season one. He is more communicative and more aware of his feelings. Kurosawa is lovable and endearing in this season and the writers have done away with his stalkerish behavior from season one. Even the new characters like Naruse, Shinomiya and Hina are well written. All of them grow, overcome their fears and develop along with the story.

What I liked most about this story is that you'll not realize until the very last episode who Haruta will end up with. There is no single couple you'll be rooting for. All the characters are nicely crafted that you'll end up rooting for their happiness, irrespective of who they end up with.

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Meh-ish

This show is an honest portrayal of a not-so-healthy relationship. The series has to be watched in its entirety to be fully understood. In my opinion, the show gets interesting after the perspective changes in episode five.

Both Hira and Kiyoi have their own insecurities and issues. The show, because of its duration does not resolve these issues. They are just highlighted and left at that. Do the characters evolve, develop and grow to become better people? No. For me, therein lies the issue.

The mark of a good story is not that two people end up together. But that they grow as individuals in the pursuit of their love, learn about themselves as they evolve in the course of the story, and remain individualistic while eventually falling in love. Sadly this drama has none of that.

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