Itazura Na Kiss Love in Tokyo: Episodes 1-5 Review

This is far from ground-breaking, but could be a nice diversion for other ISWAK/PK fans. I binged my way through the first five episodes over the past day, and am ready to declare it an easy-to-watch, albeit overly-familiar piece. This is also my first J-drama since Rich Man, Poor Woman, and as always I find it refreshing how quick-paced and to-the-point they are. Seriously, getting to the equivalent part of the story in the Taiwan drama would probably take you multiple times the hours and lots of frustrating slowness, but here one long evening will do the trick.

When a Man Loves: Episodes 3-4 Review

You'd think episodes shot abroad would be at least a smidgen better than standard considering the extra production investment. But at least in the Asian drama/movie realm, foreign locales come hand-in-hand with embarrassing foreign language attempts, awkward bystanders, overly touristy shots, and a general pause in all character development as the actual story breaks and the backdrop becomes the story.

King Flower: Episodes 1-2 Review

I gave in and started this after hearing how good it's become. But two episodes in, I feel like I've just melted off half my brain cells. This is about as stupid as they come for Taiwan dramas and although I'm sure it gets better, I'm not sure my mind can take anymore of the suffering to get there.

When a Man Loves: Episodes 1-2 Review

Winter sadly wound up being a big dud, but luckily there's plenty of premieres up to take its slot. I'm not sure why I chose this of all things considering its underwhelming promo materials and streak-of-bad-dramas cast, but I'm now glad I did. I'm really liking it so far. The characters and fast-paced story hit the spot for me, and overall I think it's off to a solid start.