2010 ~ End of Year Review

We watched far too many dramas this year…it’s a disease, so don’t judge us too much!

This year’s lot of dramas were disappointing to say the least- We think that’s the general consensus amongst most drama viewers- there were far too many dramas that started off so well and got you completely hooked from the start and then quickly descended into stupidity or frankly crap. That’s got to be the most annoying thing about it all…you get all excited and invest yourself in the drama only to be disappointed even more than you would have if it was rubbish from the start.
So here is a rundown of all of the dramas we managed to watch during 2010 with our general thoughts and feelings as well as our marks out of 10.

2010 Dramas that we completed:
Prosecutor Princess– The most unexpected drama love of 2010. We started it thinking it was going to be completely stereotypical, fluffy and possible annoying but we were so wrong. We completely and utterly fell for the characters- especially the leading lady who could have been so 2D but instead conveyed such sincerity and warmth that you can’t help but root for her. The story was also well structured, so compelling and by the end of it you will be sad to see it finish. Plus the relationship between the OTP was at once sticky, angst ridden and so sweet.

Definitely a must watch:

How much we liked it: 9/10- How good it was technically: 9/10

My Country Calls– Loved this drama so much!!! We hadn’t really seen a K-drama that we could label ‘comedy’ but we definitely found one in the form of this drama. Every episode will have you laugh at something; the script is what really stands out- solid, well written and so very funny.

Who knew that Ryu Jin could be so funny? He has to be the best thing about this drama, he stole every scene he was in.

Why don’t more people know about this gem of a drama? It’s definitely worth watching.

How much we liked it: 10/10- How good it was technically: 9/10

Cinderella Unni– Oh dear where do we start with this one… First 3/4 episodes were drama gold. So well written, acted and we were utterly hooked. Then they had a time leak and we went from mild disappointment to anger as the weeks past- WTF? Has to be the only response by the time you finish this drama. Don’t watch it; it’s a waste of time- life’s too short to watch multiple crying scenes and pathetic siblings fighting over nothing.

How much we liked it: 4/10- How good it was technically: 2/10

I am Legend– Don’t watch it! Don’t be fooled by the first couple episodes being reasonable good, the majority of it is really rubbish. The drama had elements that could have been really good; like a potentially hot OTP- completed wasted and not even resolved at the end. Really good friendship dynamics ruined by long winded court cases and a repulsive ex husband that gets redeemed. It’s angering just reflecting on it.

Only good thing about it is the OST.

How much we liked it: 2/10- How good it was technically: 3/10

Pasta– Sure nothing ever happened and it had to be the fluffiest drama of 2010 but still… we really liked it. It was the OTP that did it for us. We loved them as a couple- so much chemistry, charm and it was lovely watching them do nothing for far too many episodes. (Don’t judge us too much).

How much we liked it: 8/10- How good it was technically: 3/10

Pick the stars– This was a drama that we didn’t expect to enjoy but we found ourselves recapping weekly and most importantly finishing it. We really liked the leading lady, the kids and eventually the leading man (we hated him for the first few episodes!). However the drama was messy, had irrational love rivals and by the end of it we found ourselves glad that it had finished.

How much we liked it: 4/10- How good it was technically: 4/10

Mary stayed out all night– The most disappointing drama of 2010?? Well it certainly sounds like it from the forums, blogs and ratings. It’s a shame it could have been really good but instead it just missed the mark. We think we were more forgiving than most… we actually liked the lead OTP, fell hard for the pitiful LR and just went with the silliness that was the drama but yes, we too have to agree it really wasn’t that great.

How much we liked it: 6/10- How good it was technically: 2/10

Baker King-We gobbled this drama up like the greedy drama lovers that we are- obsessed, hooked and emotionally invested right to the end. We loved the leading man Tak Gu so much- such a lovely character to root for- strong, lovable and he sure tugged at our hearts. We confess we cried during both reunions between Tak Gu and his mother and father. The drama managed to have the perfect mix of drama, angst and warmth and we were completely satisfied by the end.

This is a prime example of how the classic K-drama scenarios can be done well and even though you’ve seen it all before- trust us, you will still be hooked.

Definitely worth the crazy high ratings!

How much we liked it: 10/10- How good it was technically: 8/10

Down with Love (T)- Oh dear- we know this is a fan favourite and yes it started off cute, funny and very watchable but honestly it could have been resolved in half the number of episodes and it really didn’t need so many flash back scenes from the same flipping episodes.

Pros- Jerry is hot. Neg- every thing else.

How much we liked it: 3/10- How good it was technically: 1/10

PS Man (T)-  We really loved every episode up until around episode 10 and then we suddenly got really annoyed at this stupid OTP- they had no reason not to be together!!! It was infuriating to watch. Plus when you’ve got the most perfect love rival waiting in the wings, it just makes it all the more annoying.

Best thing about it: If you’re looking for a good laugh- check out Blue Lan’s crazy hair and leopard print trousers he would wear on a regular basis. 

Also a love rival that got viewers so excited that there was even a public vote to get the writers to change the end. Love fan power.

How much we liked it:  (up to episode 10: 9/10) the rest of the drama 4/10- How good it was technically: 3/10

Autumn’s Concerto (T)- We were completely hooked with this drama, it had everything that we can’t resist: an OTP who shared amazing chemistry and a drama that loved to bring in as much angst that was physically possible per episode! The sad thing with this drama is that it was so good up to about episode 6 and then that dreaded time leap occurred and ruined it! From episode 6 onwards the drama slowed down and cut the hot angst, which is a total shame because it was sooo good at the start. That said- do we regret watching it? No way- definitely one of the better T-dramas of the year.

How much we liked it: 7/10- How good it was technically: 7/10

 

Previous year’s dramas that we completed this year:

Que Sera, Sera– LOVED IT!!! It was all about the OTP- so intense, angsty and addictive. Watch it.

How much we liked it: 10/10- How good it was technically: 9/10

Loving you a thousand Times– We were hooked from the start. Melodrama at its best. We avoid melodramas like the plague but this was done so well- Such a tight script, well acted and intense. We cried so much- our feelings for characters were so turbulent we went from hate to like in literally half an episodes- now that’s good writing.

How much we liked it: 9/10- How good it was technically: 8/10

Save the last dance for me– One of the older dramas we watched this year but it was really good. Although the drama had many predicable elements- we fell hard for the OTP- they were so sweet together and when you’ve got a OTP that you like enough- you can get past ridiculous memory loss scenarios and the fact that the end was pretty a complete rip off of the Hollywood movie- An Affair to remember.

How much we liked it: 8/10- How good it was technically: 7/10

Thank You– We cried so much! We were emotionally invested from the start- the story was so compelling and pulled at our heart strings so much. Not your standard K-drama- it’s got so much more depth, heart and it was steeped in reality.

How much we liked it: 10/10- How good it was technically: 9/10

Lawyers of Korea- It’s a nice way to past the time. It was funny, romantic and had a very sticky love square.

How much we liked it: 7/10- How good it was technically: 7/10

How to meet a perfect neighbour– We enjoyed it while we watched it- if you’re looking for a dramatic OTP (concubine bracelet *shudder), cunning Love rivals and greedy evil people- look no further, my friends.

How much we liked it: 6/10- How good it was technically: 8/10

Smile, You– Curse you greedy drama makers- you ruined this drama by adding a 15 episode extension! Seriously, we really enjoyed this drama with its adorable trouble free OTP, annoying but funny love rivals and entertaining family dynamics.

How much we liked it: 7/10- How good it was technically: 6/10

Pride (J) – We loved everything- that’s right everything! From the music, the bromance and the lovely OTP. For a 12 episode drama- they managed to get so much packed in.

Definitely a much watch J-drama.

How much we liked it: 10/10- How good it was technically: 10/10

  

2010 dramas we shelved for various reasons:

Sungkyunkwan Scandal– We definitely plan to finish this drama- we got to episode 12 and we still loved pretty everything about it. Then Baker King entered our lives and every other drama became a distant memory.

Queen of Reversals– We shelved Queen of Reversals because we didn’t like Tae Hee’s husband, we thought he was a complete idiot that didn’t really love his wife and the idea of watching this OTP was far too off putting BUT….news of an extension and Park Shi Hoo as a love interest, we may just need to tune in again. *giggles.

PSH must be a leading man’s nightmare- they must fear it every time he’s added to a drama list because seriously the guy managed to make himself a lead with sheer screen presence- man he’s good. We realised that Jung Joon Ho and Kim Seung Woowho was the leading man in How to meet the perfect neighbour are best friends in real life and if PSH gets upgraded to leading man (again) – that would mean that this set of best friends would both have been pushed aside from leading man because they can’t compete with the charms of PSH. How unlucky!

The woman who still wants to marry– We really enjoyed watching this drama when we were tuned in. It was hilarious at times, depicted great friendships and made us laugh out loud multiple times. However even though it was all of the above, it just didn’t hold our attention enough to complete.

 

2010 really was the year that could have been. So many dramas that had so much potential to be amazing but failed to deliver the goods! It wasn’t all bad we found dramas that were unexpected loves that have a special place in our drama viewing hearts. Here’s hoping that 2011 will be filled with more tear jerkers, angst filled, laugh out loud funny dramas.

Happy New Year! Love the MustHaveSubs Girls XxX

Drama memo: Love Rivals

A drama without a love rival?? Unthinkable right, whether you like it or not, a drama is not the same without those delusional, annoying, sometimes sweet love rivals, all of whom end up completely heart broken by the end of the drama- sometimes we’re gutted for those poor sods that love the leading man/ woman but more often than not we’re glad that these pesky annoying creatures are finally out of the way, so then our OTP can finally get their HEA.

So here is our quick rundown of notable love rivals that stayed with us:

A love rival who had a real shot with the leading lady:
Thank You- Choi Suk Hyun

Are you fed up watching dramas where the love rivals are completely pathetic and right from the get go have no chance with the leading man/ woman? Then, we recommend you check out the K-drama Thank You because we swear it was our first experience of watching a drama where the leading lady could have had everything she ever dreamed of and lived happily ever after with a love rival that happened to:

a. Be her first love

b. The father of her HIV+ child

c. Never stopped loving her

d. Was willing to drop everything in his life to love her and their child

Yep- first love + baby daddy= complicated and oh sooo good. A major factor that made this drama so compelling and memorable was the relationship between the LR and the leading lady. It was so lovely to watch on screen. They not only shared great chemistry together but there were so many mixed emotions thrown around in this drama as this couple interacted; trying to grasp how they felt/ feel about each other. Their relationship was handled so well and the conclusion to this relationship doesn’t fail to disappoint, we dare even the most cynical drama viewer not to be touched just alittle by this relationship. 

A love rival we wanted to slap: Pick the Stars- Jung Jae Young

This section pretty much applies to every Hong Sister’s drama, however Pick the star’s love rival Jae Young wins first place for a love rival that made us want to reach into the T.V screen and slap the woman to death until she came to her senses- that’s how annoying she was!

Delusional, clingy and sooooo annoying. The worst thing about her was the fact that the writers redeemed her character. Yuck. UGH.

A Love rival we would happily take home to meet the folks:
Easy Fortune Happy Life-Han Dong Jie

Alright we admit we would take Roy Qiu home to meet the parents any day of the week, he’s hot- simple as that. However we also adored his Love Rival role in Easy Fortune Happy Life.

A gangster with a conscience and a heart. Yes please! He was by far the best thing about this drama, aside from the obvious- the brooding pretty stares and hot body, he was also far too good to the silly leading lady who was too blind and stupid to notice that her leading man was an idiot who got redeemed far too quickly and was a complete loser compared to this love rival.

Pick the Stars episode 20/ finale:

 

Due to life being a little hectic this week we’ve found very little time to watch dramas or do anything other than work. So when RoRo told us that she had a feeling that we wouldn’t like Pick the Stars finale, add Dramabeans comments about it being a tad disjointed/ haphazard- we found ourselves discouraged about watching it, writing it off completely. So Shams and I watched the drama simply because we had invested 19 hours of our time watching it so far, so we might as well finish it….

But we’ve got to conclude it wasn’t THAT bad. It wasn’t great but then again the show was a little like that overall.

Of course it was manic with the double kidnapping, tidy revelations/forgiveness and oh so cheesy ending, but do we mind that much? Not really, we knew what to expect and come on that family had suffered enough!

 

Why the show is worth watching and why we stayed tuned even when at times we groaned, moaned and wanted to kill many of the characters:

 

Pal Kang- the leading lady: Is ultimately the best thing about the show- as a character she is so well written, when you’re watching the show you can’t help but fall for her and her adorable siblings. Never once did you question her actions or words. She was always forth right, hard working and just determined to do what it took to take care of her family. She is one of the characters that you root for (our favourite kind) and really wish gets the predicable happy ending that comes with K-dramas.

 

Kang Ha- We loved his transformation from a cold, horrible love interest to an adorable leading man. We can’t understate how much we hated him at the beginning of the show. Highlights include his oh so cute relationship with Par Rang, his love for his brother and of course his relationship with Pal Kang (loved his sexually charged bickering with Pal Kang!)

 

The siblings- They were all really cute separately and together. We loved how they all each separately rooted for that special guy for their sister. Also, we loved Nami with his hand clapping and great timing.

 

Just a quick mention- Thank you Viikii commentators for making us laugh soo hard at while watching the show. Especially, liked all the hate they had for Jae Young aka fish lips as they affectionately referred to her.  

Now what we really hated:

 The Vampire- Jae Young, oh how we hated this love rival so so much. The fact she got a happy ending and was redeemed for being a psychotic bitch was totally annoying. We hate instant personality transplants of characters that are really really annoying or just plain evil.

The grandfather- We have already mentioned our dislike for his character before, but still we can’t forgive him for allowing then to suffer for so long. Also, Pal Kang being revealed to be his granddaughter was done in such a sloppy and hasty manner, which is sad because it could have been a huge revelation. 

 

Overall we  agreed that if you want to watch a drama with a conspiracy, romance, and a lot of heart we recommend Shinning Inheritance, Pick the Stars is a poor man’s Shinning Inheritance! We enjoyed the show or else we wouldn’t have bothered watching it, but at time it was far too frustrating and many of the characters actions made no logical sense at all!!

 

So, to sum up it was alright but we have seen better. J

 

Pick the stars -19

Although we’re going to put a final post about Pick the stars after we finish watching it tomorrow, but we just wanted to say:

-How dare they redeem Jae Young!!!?? Why did she get to slap Kang Ha and take the high ground when she manipulated and blackmailed her way through the whole show!? It hasn’t finished yet and so I may have to take my word back but come on!

-Also loved the reasoning behind why Kang Ha never called Joon Ha’s mother – Ama- so touching and bittersweet to hear that. Ah we can’t get over Kang Ha’s transformation from the cold, horrible guy to what he is now- adore him and his lovely, lovely hair- haha. 

– Totally loved the Kiss scene- finally some action he-he.

Pick the Stars – 17-18

Comments from episodes 17 -18:

– We adored Kang Ha- more precisely Kim Ji Hoon, loved his acting in the last two episodes, emotional, thoughtful and really believable. Plus the guy can cry *sigh. He plays the character so well; he’s heartbroken, troubled and conflicted by so much, its sooo good!

Is it me or has he become really good looking as the show has progressed, maybe it’s because he played such an ugly character at the start of the show but suddenly all I see are his big sad eyes and that lovely, lovely side swept hair! *giggle.

– We loved the limited scenes with Jae Young, thank goodness- she is far too much to watch at times!

– We liked Joon Ha’s confrontation with his brother regarding Pal Kang’s true feelings. I liked how he said it as it was… ….she likes you, you like her, what’s wrong with you?  For once he wasn’t sly and creepy he was honest and upfront. Although I wish he would get a clue… she’s just not that into you!

Oh and the Slap! We literally sat and chanted at Kang Ha throughout the show to backhand Jae Young and practically every character in the show and who does he pick! Dear God you know that hurt. It was a good scene but in my opinion the leading main is NEVER, EVER suppose to touch the leading lady in an abusive form- a dragging away, a grabbing of a hand/ arm is enough but a SLAP, I don’t care how much abandonment issues he may have that was too much.  The only thing that saved the scene was Pal Kang’s silent/ beautiful tears as she told him Nami was sick.

I don’t know how we feel, it’s a mixed bag overall of really good and downright annoying. Then again that’s how we would sum up the whole show. It’s finishing next week and only after 17 episodes are we finally getting a little progress on all fronts- love, the conspiracy, Pal Kang finding about granddad ect ect. There were far too many episodes with crazy Jae Young chasing after Kang Ha, Joon Ha being really creepy and Tae Gyu being a complete idiot. There definitely wasn’t enough Pal Kang and Kang Ha romantic OTP time, aside from the sexually fused bickering they had very few interactions on the show, I actually think Pal Kang had more scenes with Joon Ha and Tae Gyu, which is a shame because Kang Ha and Pal Kang have lovely chemistry together.

Also don’t know how I feel about Pal Kang finding out about her granddad/ president. Is it me or was it nicely tidied up quickly and with minimal fuss? Which I get considering the show is ending next week and how Pal Kang is actually his real granddaughter but still… I wanted to throw something at the granddad every time he was on screen pretending to be poor and pathetic in front of people who really were poor and pathetic (okay not pathetic adore Pal Kang and siblings)!  What a lame excuse about wanting to observe her behaviour- illogical comes to mind- many of the characters are definitely drinking from the same water supplier as they make absolutely no sense in their rationality for doing certain things.

With that said we stuck it out all this time and have no regrets. Did I love the admission of love from Kang Ha and his heartbroken look of sadness? You bet ya! Excited about next week- YEP.

”Even though I look completely heartbroken, my hair still looks perfect, do you know why? It’s because I’m worth it!”

Pick the Stars- 16

Rage against the Vamp continues……

I felt it was obligatory for me to put up a post dedicated to how much we hate Chae Young In, so the rant begins:

When we first starting watching Pick the Stars we really enjoyed it; Pal kang and her siblings are just sooo adorable and compelling to watch. But we really hate when a good drama is ruined by a ridiculous story line like having a delusional love rival! (Actually we don’t even classify that Vamp as a love rival, just a crazy psycho!) We think everyone who is watching the drama feels exactly the same way as us to some degree.
Is it us or do you feel like throwing  inanimate  objects at her whenever she’s on screen, do you hope someone slaps her whenever she speaks and do you hope she gets what she deserves really, really soon?? No, we had a feeling it wasn’t just us haha!

    Sisters….?     

 
We love the look on his face, priceless!

Overall we did actually like the episode, lots of tormented angst from the OTP and story progression J
Roll on next week.

 

 

Pick the stars – 15

How annoying was episode 15 of Pick the stars!!?

 

 I groaned throughout the whole ordeal. Dear god -is Pal Gang and her siblings the only characters who are not driving me up the wall?

 

Everyone else is either:

 

A. Needs to be killed in the most painful way imaginable- Jae Young must die! So much air time, yuck!

 

B. Needs serious psychological help ASAP- Joon Ha– what a weirdo, he’s scarier because he’s so nice and he does all this sly business with a smile on his face shudder*

 

C. Needs to wake up and realise that his brother should love him regardless of his parentage- if not tell him to feck off, he doesn’t deserve you. It’s frustrating to watch now. – Kang Ha

 

D. Needs to get a reality check- Granddad: how dare he allow them to continue to struggle when he’s so damn rich and he knows full well that Pal Gang’s parent’s death had something to do with him.

 

E. Needs a good beating- All of the above.

Pick the Stars – 13 – 14

Pick the stars 13- 14

We want to make it clear that we love Pick the Stars but boy is it flawed!

It’s one of those shows that’s easy to watch, gives you a nice warm feeling and you know that you don’t need to think too much when watching it.

Got to say episode 14 was much better than 13.

Episode 13 consisted of recycled dialogue and seriously bad acting from everyone except Pal Kang– who is just so great as the leading lady. Super girl crush on this character; She’s strong, lovable, hard working and doesn’t allow herself to be taken for a mug! The best bit of the episode was when you confronted Joon Ha about his sudden interest in her- Completely upfront and honest- loved it. No messing about from our Pal Kang!

The thing that ruined that scene was Joon Ha’s ridiculous response- overacting to another level, totally unrealistic response and come on, it doesn’t take a rocket science to work out he has a serious crush on psycho… I mean Jae Young. I have a feeling that even the cleaning staff know about his crush ha-ha.

When I say recycled lines- I’m actually talking about Pal Kang’s speech about when she cut her hair at the sauna and from that moment she was no longer a woman but a mother… very touching and effective the first, maybe even the second time told but come on, I half expected Joon Ha to turn around and say- ‘yeah, yeah Pal Kang I’ve heard this one already, now do you want to have lunch with me so I can make my big bro jealous?’ 

What is wrong with Joon Ha? His behaviour is really strange – Freud would say he’s behaviour is due to the fact that he actually fancies his brother. (Joking of course- it’s a K drama after all; leave that stuff to J dramas he-he)

Moving on swiftly- Episode 14 was really great, mainly because we love Parang and Kang Ha together- the sweetest budding father/ son and bromance in ages.

The best scene in the whole episode was when Pal Kang was nursing Kang Ha after his beating- so funny and sweet- I love a good sexually fused bicker between OTPs!

I want Jae Young to get a good slap from someone!! Please someone take that nutcase down- she’s crazy. ‘I cried and begged until he gave in’ -Yeah something to be real proud of, you weirdo. I will never understand her.

I still dislike the granddad– I don’t like him or get him at all- He saw those kids grow up, he understands their situation and still he does nothing. It’s totally beyond me. At least in Shining Inheritance, the grandmother pretended to be poor for literally a week and then she did all she could to help Eun Sung. Plus those kids are sooooo sweet to him- they obviously care about him and still… urrggh frustration!
 Is it me or is solving the ‘mystery’ about Pal Kang’s parents death and revealing that Pal Kang is actually related to Granddad really not compelling at all??? I hate to keep comparing but I remember watching Shining Inheritance and desperately watching each episode waiting for Eun Sung and Co to unravel the evil actions of the best evil step mother ever!

Even with all that said, I’m still tuning into next week- what can I say I’m a sucker for the OTP and the kids!
 

(We wanted to add this video from Soulmates– where we fell in love with Shin Dong Wook, he is ruined for us after Pick the Stars!)

Love Rivals – Special V-day mention

Happy V- DAY:

As its Valentine’s Day, I thought we should commiserate the Love Rivals in Asian dramas.

 The poor sods who never get the girl or guy- Oh how they must hate V- Day. They shouldn’t worry so much because there are many of whom who didn’t get the girl/ guy in the drama but still have a special place in my heart.

Although I have mad love for some love rivals, I must confess that on many occasions Love rivals just need to be put out of their misery- quickly and sometimes painfully! HA.

Favourite Love Rivals:

–Hana Kimi’s Nakatsu Shuichi:

Totally love this guy- just soooo funny and sweet – He was the only reason why I’m mentioning this show- Why, oh why would she pick that slow, boring Sano over Nakatsu???

–Shining Inheritance’s Park Jun Se:

 As I’ve previously mentioned we have mad love for this guy- Just perfect, such a good guy and oh so handsome. (I really want to watch Dong Yi- but I know he doesn’t get the girl in this one either, gutted)

-Technically not a really love rival but we loved Bad family’s Ha Bu Kyung: So sweet and funny and ahhh just loved her!

Most annoying Love Rivals:             

-Most of the Hong Sister’s Love Rivals- man do they kill a show or what?!

-Delightful girl Choon Hyang– Both male and female love rivals (Byeon Hak-do and Hong Chae-rin):

Just crazy, annoying- I wanted to beat them senseless every time they were on the screen, honestly get a clue, you freaks!!

-Pick the Stars–Jung Jae Young:

What a pathetic loser, the girl needs to be run over and made to lose her memory, just so she can get some dignity back! She makes no logical sense at all- He has never shown any interest in her, he’s rude, sometimes offensive and damn right cold to her but still like a dumbass she still wants him – what a weirdo. (I have a horrible feeling she’s just going to get worse.)

The worst bit was when she got her granddad to ask for her- honestly someone would think that she was some ugly, poor troll with no hope of finding anyone to love her.  (RANT ABORTED)