[JDrama] Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in Tokyo (Running Commentary Episodes 6-10)

My Mischievous Kiss Marathon continues as does the running commentary.

May contain spoilers.

Episode 6--I agree that Naoki is sometimes a cold jerk, but I'm getting tired of others making assumptions about Naoki and Kotoko's relationship and his feelings for her. Like think about it: Would someone like Naoki marry someone he didn't WANT to marry?!

Haha---love Kotoko's nursing buddies, especially the femme-boy and the sinister-angel. 

Your words, Naoki. Use your words, not telepathy or whatever strategy you think you're using to express your feels. Hate it when they're fighting like this! Makeup already!

Are you kidding me?! That's too far. Acting cold is one thing, but completely ignoring Kotoko?! Proud of Kotoko for finally conveying her feelings. Naoki: ball is in your court now.

Episode 7--Awwww! Their makeup made everything worth it! So sweet. I don't even feel bad for what's-his-face for poaching on another man's wife! Though as Moto-chan says, he has helped strengthen their relationship. Absolutely loved Kotoko's imitation of Naoki when retelling Mama-Irie how they made up. Made me literally LOL. Even better was Naoki's embarrased "Oii!"

In her fantasies, why does Kotoko always give Naoki a personality transplant. She should know her hubby pretty well by now and that he wouldn't act that way. Haha, but that's what makes Kotoko who she is, I guess.

Kotoko's nursing class reminds me of my Education cohort. We only had 4 male education students! Haha

And yet another example of why Kotoko is so well-loved even though she's a moron. Her heart is too warm to resist. Yay for another lovely kiss and a softening Naoki.

Episode 8--   -__- Even in your fantasies, slapping a patient is never okay. I haven't commented on this yet, but what the heck is with the weird opening? The song isn't bad, just the animation-style sequence. What a wicked baa-chan! And Petty girls like the nurses irk me. Seriously.

Episode 9--Sigh. Yet another rival for Kotoko appears. You're not very funny, Rika-chan! Joking, my butt! "I'll give you something." Rika's such a little Shrew! Though, I don't understand why Kotoko still doesn't have any confidence as Naoki's wife. He did choose you. So childish, Rika. Also, you're being a jerk! Delusions, as well. Whoo-hoo kiss number, heck who's counting. Love how the adversaries simply make their relationship stronger. "When did I ever give you reason to doubt us." Um..all of the time. Are we watching the same show, Naoki? Though I guess technically, it's Kotoko constantly jumping to conclusions and letting her insecurities take charge.

Episode 10-- Slow your roll little Yuki-love-interest. You're like 10. But why is she and Kotoko so similar with their age difference? *facepalm* 

Oh, always wanted to learn more about Kotoko's mom, but uh-oh, even Papa-Aihara is nervous. What an over-the-top welcome! And how like Naoki to be a grammar-nazi. But a laughing Naoki... *swoons* Sometimes I wish Kotoko could see how sweet Naoki is the way that we do, but I guess it wouldn't have the same effect on viewers. I love how we learn that Kotoko's mom was exactly like her! Things have been going too well between our favorite lovebirds. Episode 11 will probably shake things up a bit.

Until later,

Tuma

[J-Drama] Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in Tokyo (Running Commentary for EP 1-5)

Hello Everyone!

I'm currently watching Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in Tokyo. I've always been a mega fan of the Itazura na Kiss series ever since I saw It Started With a Kiss and Joe Cheng. I watched the first season a while ago (see review), but I'd actually forgotten that I hadn't watched the sequel! *gasp*

As I've been marathoning, I've been keeping a running commentary on each episode. It contains my reactions, feelings, and thoughts as I watched each episode. From my review of the first season, I wasn't much of a Naoki fan, but as you can see below, he's starting to grow on me!

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.

Without further adieu:

Episode 1--The first episode is actually the same as the Love in Okinawa Special. Cute and great overview of what happened in season one as a refresher. Man, was the Mari girl annoying, though I don't completely agree with the way her hubby finally "put on his pants" in the relationship. Naoki is as much an ice prince as ever, but it makes his few moments of thaw that much more sugary-sweet! And his family is as wacky as ever. I adored Mama-Ikie in season 1 and am looking forward to watching more of her shenanigans.

Episode 2--I was annoyed through most of this episode. Naoki is still lacking communication skills, despite heartfelt intentions. Kotoko's communication ranges from whiny to high-pitched squeals. Yet, towards the end, I recalled why this lead couple and this show is so popular. Their default annoyance makes instances of their true characteristics more potent. If Naoki smiled all of the time, we wouldn't melt quite so swiftly when he smiles fondly at Kotoko. If Kotoko wasn't so immature and childish, we wouldn't appreciate her moments of growth.

Episode 3-- Mama Irie was more annoying than funny in this episode. Her constant interference, the way she draws sudden conclusions, and blows these out of proportion can be irritating. On the plus side, Naoki was a total darling in this episode! And his panty-dropping line of, "should we make one [a baby]" was absolute gold! Kotoko has finally decided what she wants to do with her life, but Naoki is still at the center of her choice. I wish she would be her own person already. Overall, super sweet episode!

Episode 4-- How does Naoki become exponential hotter with each episode? It's a paradox! This sequel is so steamy compared to the first one. I hope we continue with the whole kiss-an-episode phenomenon, cause I love it!

Episode 5--I know Kotoko's incompetency is part of her character, but how can a person not be good at anything?! But, I did get to enjoy Naoki's evil stare at another one of Kotoko's shenanigans. Poor Funatsu, we need to find you the nerdy girls! A jealous Naoki is nice. Very nice, indeed. No kiss this episode, but CUE love triangle.


Anyone else watching this drama? Feel free to discuss the first five episodes with me in the comments! =)

Peace,
Tuma

[K-Drama Review] Exo Next Door (2015)

I'm a member of a few Drama groups on Facebook. In need of a drama to watch, I received a few recommendations after posting the following:

Hiya everyone, it's been a while since I've last popped in, hope everyone is doing well.

In a bit of a slump, feeling restless, bored, and a little sad, but not really? Lol Dunno.
Anyway, currently watching Fated to Love You, but I read ahead on dramabean and now cannot proceed with episode 11 because I know it's devastating. (Haha dunno why I did that.)

Can anyone recommend a SUPER light hearted drama with no more than 7% angst. Haha Korean, Japanese, and/or Taiwanese all welcome.

Thanks for listening and your help in advice!

 I decided to go with EXO NEXT DOOR because of the super short episodes. I liked the idea that I could finish it in a few hours. (Also recommended: Itakura na Kiss variations, Let's Eat, Marriage Without Dating, Stand Up!, King of High School, and You're Beautiful.)

 

 Synopsis:

A 23-year-old girl named Ji Yeon has never been in a relationship because she is super shy and blushes intensely when faced with a boy she likes. Imagine the turn her love life takes when the members of K-pop boy band, EXO, move in next door to keep a low profile.

 

 

Thoughts:

This mini-series most likely drew EXO fans, but since I'm not particularly a fan of EXO, they didn't immediately appeal to me as actors. Even as purely eye-candy they're not to my taste, but I continued watching anyway.

The lead character is Ji Yeon, who freeloads ungratefully off her mom and blushes intensely when faced with an attractive boy she likes. I didn't find her endearing or cute, simply annoying. Her actions in the beginning were aggravating and impolite. She's such a SNOOP! I also found her blushing weird and unattractive, maybe even a little creepy. Yet, she started to grow on me in the last few episodes.

Though, there were a few moments where I chuckled a bit,  I wouldn't consider this show funny.
I did thoroughly enjoy Sehun and his bromance with Ji Yeon's oddball younger bro. It's actually my favorite aspect of the show. The scene during and after "The Big Secret Reveal" was also quite endearing. There was an attempt to get melo-angsty with Suho's character in one, longer-than-usual episode towards the end has some effect.

Also, SPOILER-ISH RANT: Don't get all dolled up for a date when you haven't even received a confirmation text! "No news is actually just no news." But it was pretty sweet how he came running over immediately when he was told that she was waiting.

The ending was cute, I guess. But not very satisfying, at least not on the romantic front. It was actually a bit cheesy. And I usually enjoy cheesy.

In sum, it was enjoyable in a way, but not particularly memorable. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone or re-watch it. However, if you're all caught up on dramas, happen to be an EXO fan, or want to imagine what life would be like if your fave kpop band moved in next door, then give EXO NEXT DOOR a try. It'll be only 3.5 hours of your life.

[Korean Drama Review] God's Quiz Season 1

I stumbled across God's Quiz after binge watching some American psychological crime shows, such as Criminal Minds, Blacklist, and Hannibal. It had suddenly occurred to me that I could quite possibly combine my two obsession and find myself a Korean psychological crime drama.

God's Quiz more than met my expectations and fed my interests. Each episode was intriguing and compelling to watch. I was thoroughly fascinated with each crime and the process of Dr. Han Jin Woo and his team in solving each one. Though God's Quiz was more a medical/crime show than psychological crime, there were more than enough psychology to keep my interest. The hint of romance between Dr. Han and Detective Kang was also a nice touch as well for someone who almost solely watches Romantic Comedy dramas.

Dr. Han's character is extremely genuine and likeable. His seemingly frivolous attitude quickly gave way to a more deep character that viewers were compelled to love.  (The actor's good looks also didn't hurt at all). Detective Kang was a pretty, strong, intelligent character who's seriousness and passion for justice offset Jin Woo's playful facade. Lastly, the rest of the medical examining team was a great mix of authentic, humorous, and endearing supporting characters.

Overall, I would definitely recommend God's Quiz and I am looking forward to watching seasons 2, 3, and 4.

Currently Watching: We Got Married Global Edition, Season 1

I stumbled across this reality TV show two days ago. I started watching before I realized that this isn't the original series and that the original had four seasons. I'm nearly finished binge-watching it. So far, I think the concept is cute and entertaining. However, it's become a bit of a painful, fast-forwarding game as the Taecyeon/Gui Gui couple is wearing on my nerves.