lurking
Good but with some shortfalls
This drama was quite intriguing, I really enjoyed the first 10 or so episodes (well if you consider it as 16 total eps, the first 5 or so episodes). I enjoyed the mystery that it started with, especially with regards to Cha Wookyung’s past. The focus on the topic of abuse was also reasonably well handled, I felt for the children and got the message they were trying to impart for the most part.However, by the end I felt it lacked a strong ending. Like, I understood what they were trying for, but it felt a bit flat. The focus was also heavily on Wookyung, and while I didn’t mind since I was invested in her the most, it made the underdeveloped police leads stick out like sore thumbs. They just felt like plot movers, especially the female cop. And since they mostly drive the story, it made the plot feel like the writing was more spontaneous than well planned. But still the story was pretty good. I also did enjoy the music and the acting (mostly from Wookyung and Jiheon). Solid 8 from me.
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Strong Moving Drama
This drama was a social commentary on the dangers of pressuring your kids educationally. And it did a damn good job! I was absolutely invested and even enjoyed the somewhat melodramatic nature of storytelling. I enjoyed the comedic moments too, those were mostly well timed. I think the best part was the performances of the acting cast, especially the kids. The emotional weight their acting was able to pass across the screen to me made me choked up multiple times. The OSTs were mostly good too; though I am not much of a fan of a few placed within the eps, the ending one always goes well with the episode endings and leave you anticipating the next. My only complaints are the way the drama ended and consequently, some plot holes- or should I say conveniences- that were left behind. I understand what they were going for, however their choice of having a more peppy end felt a bit unnatural and left more wanting in my case, so that's why I give this an 8.5/10. However, looking at the entire run, I am glad to have watched such a well-acted and moving drama that brings awareness to what many children may be suffering.Was this review helpful to you?
Lovely Story and Concept
This drama absolutely stole my heart. I loved the past and present approach, it made the romance and general feeling of the show beautiful. A big part of the show I enjoyed was absolutely the relationship between the three leads, entertaining and heartfelt all around. I was not a big fan of how the show was wrapped up in the last 3 or so episodes, but I have very little to complain about them, apart from pacing and maybe the kind of low-key wrap up. I adored every one of the leads and they gave a powerful performance, even the antagonist! I also loved the OSTs, many times they add to the emotions being portrayed, especially in key scenes that moved the main romantic relationship, I'll totally be hearing Satellite Love in my dreams haha. If you're looking to swoon and feel, I'd say this is a great choice!Was this review helpful to you?
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Just Okay at the End
From the first episode, I thought I knew what I was getting into, and I confess, the first few episodes did seem to confirm my thoughts! But by the 18th episode, I had lost a lot of interest. In my opinion, there was way way more that could have been done with the writing. I understand it was a dark comedy thing they were going for, and the comedy was many times really good! But the villains were lackluster, and the development of characters was nearly non-existent. The villains kept doing the exact same thing (that OBVIOUSLY didn't work), and when Vincenzo would intercept it, they'd be like :O. But you kept doing the EXACT same things?? And the romance between Vincenzo and Cha Young, like I enjoyed it, but when it came to Cha Young's character values, it seemed way too muddled. At least there could have been some sort of conflict in that area, since she was initially portrayed to somewhat have some reserve towards how far she was willing to go, vs Vincenzo. There was also the wasted opportunities for the op character and even the writing of the Plaza's people was questionable sometimes (felt unbelievable/convenient). But anyways, that's just my gripe and this is just my opinion. Though it made finishing the last few episodes a hassle, the show was still a solid okay, I won't argue with that.Was this review helpful to you?
