DryedMangoez recaps, reviews and commentary of Korean drama series.
These two episodes of Taxi Driver were interesting. Mostly because I’m not sure I actually liked or enjoyed them. And it’s not because the subject matter was uncomfortable or anything like that. It just felt like the case of the week was a bit too “out there” compared to the more relatable and character-driven cases our Rainbow Taxi friends usually take care of.
The Glory is a school violence and revenge plot on the surface. But its most affecting moments involved the simple connections and bonds one is able to make with another. Those relationships are what can help get them through difficult journeys. Those friendships can help guide them toward the light at the end of the tunnel. And those bonds provide the hope to keep one moving toward healing and peace.
I was hoping to keep up with the second season of Taxi Driver every week, but that was easier said than done for me. Thankfully though, the show had to delay Episode 6 by a week, so I haven’t fallen too far behind. I decided to wait for Episode 6 before watching its paired Episode 5. So for now, I got to enjoy Episodes 3 and 4 first.
MBC’s The Forbidden Marriage (금혼령, 조선 혼인 금지령/Geumhonryung, Joseon’s Ban on Marriage) is such a wonderful treat of a series. The lighthearted historical romcom has just enough touches of mystery, intrigue and action to pair with the excellent cast to result in what is one of the most fun K-drama experiences I’ve had in a while.
.jpg "Mini-Recap: Netflix’s “Physical: 100” Finale + Season Wrap-up")
Netflix’s Physical: 100 wrapped up its inaugural season run and crowned its first peak body winner. Before getting to the finale itself, let me just say that the series as a whole was a refreshingly fun and exciting competition. Both compared to other Korean variety programs and especially compared to Western reality competition programs.
Even for a drama series as excellent as Taxi Driver, some things might be a bit hazy for a viewer more than 20 months since its last episode. But these first two episodes back were perfect reminders of every single thing that made those first 16 episodes in 2021 so amazing and one of the best television experiences you can have.
SBS’ Payback (법쩐/Law Money is a thoroughly engrossing series. Its fast-paced and careful storytelling effectively lay out the stakes in this drama that fuses together familiar K-drama elements of law, corruption and revenge. But it is having family and relationships at the forefront and as a centerpiece of the narrative that allows for dynamic character-driven twists and turns. All brought to life by an excellent ensemble cast and a slightly gritty, though polished production.
.jpg "Mini-Recap: Netflix’s “Physical: 100” – Episodes 7 and 8")
After the wonderful high of last week’s Episode 6, Physical: 100 perhaps came back to Earth with this week’s pair of episodes. Though still featuring fierce competition, the transition to the penultimate Quest felt somewhat clumsy and underwhelming. That is in spite of the tasks and format of Quest 4 being quite creative and of course, challenging.
Love Alarm Clap! Clap! Clap! (좋아하면 울리는 짝!짝!짝!) is definitely an interesting twist on the reality dating scene. Adapted from the popular webtoon and the popular (though polarizing) drama series, Love Alarm‘s use of technology offers a refreshing and welcome variable in the format.
