Thankfully, the first three episodes of season 3 show some interesting new twists that help to refresh what at its core is still a good premise.
tvN’s Stealer: The Treasure Keeper (스틸러: 일곱 개의 조선통보) is a refreshingly creative series. Though the series misses some strong potential to be something much more, the solid cast and fun action make for a brisk and ultimately worthwhile watch.
Cute. Sweet. Heartwarming. Three words that easily describe the first episode of GMMTV’s Thai adaptation of Cherry Magic (30 ยังซิง). A truly wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable premiere for the much-anticipated series.
When Big Bet devolved into some of the typical facets of the genre, it turned the series from being a refreshingly bold take on familiar themes into “just another one of those” in the end. The talented cast and the unique setting deserved much better material.
Jang Hyuk and Jang Na Ra, both on their own or when together, will always deliver. Their experience, especially together as an on-screen pair is definitely needed in tvN’s Family: The Unbreakable Bond (패밀리). And that’s because an interesting concept and lots of potential are unfortunately held back by a strong tonal imbalance that does what it can to pull you out of the action instead of reel you in for the ride.
Choco Milk Shake (사랑은 댕냥댕냥) is an absolutely sweet and fluffy BL series in all the best ways possible. A charming cast, a magical story and its dreamy aura make for a heartwarming and feel-good viewing experience.
So it was a little surprising to hear that there would be a season two of the series this year. But what’s even more surprising is that Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 (구미호뎐1938) may actually be better than the first season. By a lot!
If I could, I would include His Man Season 2 (남의연애 시즌2) on my year-end list of favorite Korean dramas. But this series actually isn’t a Korean drama, even if it very much feels like it. Actually, His Man is a Korean reality dating show featuring eight men living together in a house for one week with the hopes of finding a love connection.
Netflix’s Doona! (이두나!) is an interesting melodrama focusing on the rocky romance between the titular Doona, a former idol and Won Jun, a boy next door university student. The series relies heavily on its dreamy visuals and appealing main cast as its narrative floats through predictable scenarios and contrived tension. And yet, the relatively short nine episodes never feels like the series is moving too fast. Nor does it feel like the series is moving too slow. But that brings up what might be the series’ biggest shortcoming.
GMA Network’s Magandang Dilag has come to an end. And its 99 episodes have been a fun, enjoyable ride. Though the series featured some familiar themes and scenarios as many Filipino teleseryes, it was able to set itself apart in many ways. It was able to blend in comedy and humor with the heavy drama. And as a revenge story, Magandang Dilag was unrelenting in dishing out sweet karma to the series’ antagonists. But perhaps the biggest outcome from the series is how it was able to showcase Herlene Budol as a lead actress.