Answer Me 1994: Episodes 10-11 Thoughts

I'm really not happy with the direction the story started going with Oppa. Yes, I figured he'd have a romantic comeback, but at this stage in the game his "loveline" is starting to feel like an undying pest rather than a compelling story. You can't have Chilbongie do things like ride 12 hours to meet with a girl for one hour, then expect us to greet this long-absent and frustratingly dense Oppa with open arms. Even worse is how mopey and pathetic Na Jung becomes in any scene featuring Oppa. She's at her best, both in terms of her true personality and character strength, when she's with Chilbongie, just as she's at her worst with Oppa. The former, not the latter, is what equates to true love in my book.

Secret: Series Review

What started as a "I'll check out a few episodes" show turned into one of the most addicting and qualitatively sound dramas I've watched in months. Thank goodness I waited until the whole thing had aired before starting, because Secret is definitely one of those that just makes you die for the next episode. I highly recommend it, but warn that it's a bit on the makjang side. However, I can assure you that the ending is completely satisfactory, and left me quite happy.

Answer Me 1994: Episode 9

The image above is a giant heart, in case anyone tried but failed to see (try relaxing your eyes, peering up close, then slowly backing away). If you're like me, you may have been left a little cross-eyed after staring at it so long, though it was totally worth it for the squeal effect. How very like Chilbongie to try another (too) subtle prod at letting Na Jung in on his feelings.

Answer Me 1994: Episodes 1-8 Thoughts

I wasn't a fan of 1997, but despite the similarities, 1994 works for me. The single biggest reason is the main romance - I love Chilbongie, and want to see him slowly win the girl (which he better). Another reason is I like all the supporting characters here better. They feel more fleshed out and less like the shallow caricatures of the original. I'm also surprised to say this, but I actually like the secondary pairing here of Yoon Jin with old-faced guy (whereas the secondary couple in 97 grated on me). So far things are going nicely, and I'm just dying to figure out the final couple, partly out of dread that she picked Oppa but mainly out of hope that she grows a brain and picks Chilbongie.