I felt the loose ends in season 2 isnt what I expects it to be. Sighh. Honestly I dont know what to feel now? Feeling content? No. Feeling empty? Not really. Angry, a bit?
Even tho the focus is the inner workings of the hospitals and patients' story, as you have mentioned other characters' lines had to take a backseat. The way they can do to bring a closure to the characters, then the patients' story should be shortened. They introduced new patients, what for? I honestly am moved by all of their stories, but the story of characters 99z, they havent reached the climax of their story. It felt stuck in our throats. Life goes on? Yeah, their lives as doctors. Its their duty to anticipate new and old cases. How about a person, a human being? We don't see any of it in depth but instead they teased us with a passing line . They only touched the tips of it.
EXACTLY. They should have been less subtle in this episode and even lessened the patient stories. IDK this ending just makes me miss them more... It feels like I am left hanging in the air :( Esp with wingar after all the marriage hints. Even the US arc was unsatisfying for me because even though I know it is a good move for them, I wished they showed us wingar talking about the move :( It does not feel like the stories of the main characters are resolved. I know this is a slice of life drama and the focus is on the hospital but they could have utilized the screentime of the couples better. They could have executed the script better :( I just honestly feel heartbroken.
I wonder if alot of the plots were actually planned to be in season 3 but with the uncertainty surrounding season 3, the ShinLee and the production team decided to bring forward some bits to appease the viewers. Hence, the rushed feel. I'm thinking now that break before ep 7 was highly likely used to discuss and alter the script
OMG Stephanie same! My issue with Shinlee is that although Wingar's story has arguably the most satisfying arc throughout the series and even the most beautiful ending, Shinlee choose to not show a lot of things. They only IMPLIED and we as viewers have to piece together the narrative. I just hoped they showed us at least one last scene of wingar talking about the US move.
Yes! Though I don't doubt that Jeongwon respects and values Gyeoul's career development, it would have been great to see that conversation.
Since the GS chief would have to be informed of both of their move to US, I would have also loved to see the nosy GS dads reaction to it too! I guess we have to be content that we at least got an indirect "I love you" from Gyeoul's mouth and Jeongwon's loving stares in reply 😂 indeed the couple with non-flashy confessions
Yeah I just comfort myself that maybe they just love being in their own bubble so the relationship reveal is not that important. And maybe Jeongwon's love language is really not words of affirmation.
That is indeed one of my biggest disappointments though that we only got second handed verbal affirmation of JW's love and commitment for GU thru his interaction with others, or even through conversations between the other 99's. It was always GU to do the confession in a way. While I do not doubt his love & commitment for her and he indeed is ready to propose, I just hope we can hear that, esp to anyone that still doubts that he somehow got into this relationship by mistake.
Same Sam! I will forever be grateful to HP and WG, as this drama and couple did keep me grounded during all the craziness.
But ShinLee, why dangle the carrot when you don't have plans for a follow through? You, You, You BIG GHOSTER!!!😂. In the staircase scene, I thought the next WG scene, it will be Gyeoul who will confess with her I have something to say. During the dinner scene, my immediate thought was WG's arc in the 2nd hour will the Meet-the-Mom, as I was really expecting Lee Il Hwa's cameo due to a news article. And not a peep of WG on the 2nd hour, when all the couples had something in the 1st half and then close-out for the 2nd-half. I felt ghosted big-time by ShinLee!!!!!!!
Looking back, I guess I was really more unsettled with the pacing. Bidulgi and WG had an extended period of HP-level angst, hence there is a certain level of catharsis that we expect as a close-out. Gomgom and Iksong, even though were not together in the early parts, but they were "together together" still in one frame, hence the close-out we got from them will be enough. But WG and Bidulgi, I kinda expected a bit more scenes of resolution.
True! And it sucks because it's the ending that leaves a lasting impression. That's why I find it hard to rewatch because I get sad over the resolution for wingar. God how I wish they gave us one last scene of wingar during the second half :( I don't understand why they got stingy :( I am really hoping there are deleted scenes. Also I am still curious about the Lee Ilhwa cameo... why did they release an article about it if it did not push through? Also why even use her as voice-over for a supporting cast's mother when they can choose other voice actors? Even Songhwa's mom is a voice actor. It's just that I wanted to see more of wingar :( I wish Shinlee had been less subtle about them during the final ep :(
Unfortunately we aren't privy to the inner workings of the Shin-Lee machinery so it's hard to say why they chose to focus on patients over tying up other loose ends or showing more detailed development of the Five and their partners. It is disappointing but my guess is that they were trying to hedge their bets that even though they couldn't get confirmation of a third season during post-production, they might be able to convince the Money Men to commit to a third season down the track.
Sorry I'm late to the comments. Later on I will listen to the podcast. Some how I'm glad how the drama stayed true to there commitment to be a true slice of life drama been the Hospital the main protagonist. However, I have been trying to bottle up my feelings regarding the development of the 99ers and their partners. Don't know what happened to PD-nim. I was expecting the wedding bells for WinterGarden after Gyeol's mom arc, specially in the final episodes. Also, I was expecting the bear couple arc on how they were going to make it work with mom. I just wish that Shin-Lee would have made some adjustments to make it happen. I was bummed for this, but oh well...
My mental checklist of what I thot wld happen in Ep12 for WG: 1. She calls him oppa, 2. He meets her mum, 3. Comic reveal to GS dads, 4. Proposal. Obviously I was on a totally different wavelength to ShinLee ..sigh.
Thank you for this. Reading your thoughts made me feel a lot better with how everything ended. To be honest, I also have my own fair share of dissatisfactions with how they chose to execute some stories, especially the lovelines. But still, Hospital Playlist will always be THAT show for me…like what you said “warts and all”.
Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts and this space with us. 💕
Thank you once again for sorting out my own thoughts and impressions with your calm, composed, and overall brilliant writing. I'm so lucky to have stumbled upon your blog. <3<3
When your concept is “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”, you can get away with a lot of things.
You can get away (albeit barely) with not giving the audience the much-hinted marriage, proposal, or secret relationship reveal.
You can give them another non-flashy confession, this time a kiss-less one (because the unspoken quota of one kiss per episode has already been spent on the excellent GomGom couple), and that confession would basically serve the same purpose. (Of giving more hints, lol).
Everyone was hoping for a big bang in the finale, but we got a poetic sunset instead, alluding to “Me to You, You to Me” lyrics. And Jeong-won’s story went back to its genesis, only with him embracing his true vocation and setting out to become even a better doctor with a helper by his side.
I always spoke about how I love HP’s “showing, not telling” principle. After this episode, I realized that ShinLee mastered “telling, not showing” too. There were so many things we haven’t been shown (i.e. the ocean), though TV production would make it beautiful and memorable. But the dialogue was just as effective, if not more effective, in its simplicity, it was never too expository. Each episode is like a Polaroid photo - at first, it’s just bits, and pieces, and spots,
but the more you wait and observe, the fuller the picture is.
I am in absolute awe of this show. It’s one of the kind on every level. It is perfect even in its imperfection - you could guess that the production of the last episode was a tad bit rushed, and a lot of material (around 20 to 30 minutes of screen time) ended up on the cutting room floor.
The scenes are very trimmed, they barely have “air” around them, and some of them felt like surgical replacements of some other ideas (the dinner-confession and the Jeong-won's sudden decision to go to the US for a year); and the team definitely had to choose what to put into their patchwork script and what to take out, so they left only the essential plot vehicles (the staircase hug, the double date, closure for patients’ stories) and crème de la crème entertainment (the joint performance of the Lee siblings a special highlight among them). Even the throwbacks (something old) were used to show the growth of the character - same people, same situation, but Seok-hyeong is somehow chill about riding crowded elevators, and Jun-wan may skip the quiz and offer the exhausted interns a ride home.
I am mostly stunned with how intricately (though imperfectly) everything was done in this episode. Also melancholic, because I don't want it to end, and rewatching my favorite parts would only make the longing worse. But I'm here today with a grateful heart and a sincere hope for another season in a couple of years.
It’s been a pleasure and an honor watching Hospital Playlist 2. And sharing this pleasure with you, wonderful ladies, tripled my weekly joy. <3<3<3
YES. I also think that they cut a lot of scenes :( How I wish they could show us that. As a wingar fan, I really hoped the dinner scene was longer and that we get to see them in the second half of the finale :(
Ep 12 did feel rushed and I do agree that it does seem like some scenes were shortened to make room for others. Me wonders if it could have also been affected by the actor's other schedules (since some of them were or are filming other shows concurrently).
I don't think the schedules of the cast should be a problem. If they are in the set, then they have time to shoot. Me thinks the issue is in the scenes that Shinlee chose to execute and show? IDK I just feel that Shinlee could have planned this season better :(
It's nothing short of a miracle that they did it this well. 2 hours movies x 12 weeks, among a covid pandemic, all very solid and coherent, with their workplace ecology (all actors work 5 days a week only)... That's unheard of.
I can name only one comparable example (a very obscure one), and it's BBC showrunner Stephen Moffat who wrote and produced season 7 of Doctor Who, a 50 anniversary movie for the same franchise, and season 3 of Sherlock in one year... But he burnt out HARD, and honestly, never recovered to the best of his writing ability afterwards.
Felt more like last-minute script changes. They finished filming on Sep 6, I think, and judging by the exit photos, the WG dinner and the band practice were the last scenes on the docket. As far as I can see, the actors would drop everything to do this particular drama) But to steadily get quality scripts and production, the writer and the PD really need plenty of rest and thinking.
Awww virtual hugs Anne! My disappointment just stems from the fact that wingar has been neglected to give way for the other ships to sail, which could have been prevented if Shinlee planned better. It sucks because wingar has such a poetic story. Even a single scene with them talking about their plans could have wrapped up their story nicely. But to cope I just remember that the US move is the next step for their relationship and signals growth not only in their personal/professional lives but also in their relationship. And there is no doubt that they are endgame. I think among all the couples, they are the ones we are 100% sure that will be together forever (SORRY for being cheesy)
I think they will give us something of this sort in the additional YouTube materials. There was no Uju in ep. 12. And he's hosting the next week's special. ShinLee have been good to fans. Mostly, lol. I will be forever salty about not getting the wedding. I mean, it is unlikely they would marry before the US trip, with Rosa being in Spain in the fall, and winter being a busy month in the hospital. STILL... I really wanted that wedding. 🤣More virtual hugs your way. 😘☺️
LOL... I just eavesdropped my daughter complaining to my sister over a video call how obsessed I was over the last episode and how much I have ranted about certain plot development (or lack of) repeatedly🤣
You have such a way with words and this comment was great! Just want to say it's been so fun interacting with you for the last little bit and hearing your thoughts :)
I know I repeat myself but again as always, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
There are many things I wished to see as well but just like you perfectly summarised it, "where others see pointless patient arcs or unwanted romance, I see inspiring stories of underdogs overcoming impossible odds and character triumphs."
ShinLee really did what they said they wanted to, giving viewers a "healing drama". The ending shot with the lacking 5 looking at the sun set is such a beautiful shot. Filled me with so much melancholy and hope. Life is a journey with never ending twists and turns, but with any change comes growth. Not forgetting that besides our loved ones supporting us every step of the way, we also encounter other people who teach us a lesson or two 😊 this is we saw in all of the lacking 5 and the supporting characters around them.
On a cheeky note, do you think Jeongwon would have at least proposed to Gyeoul before their move to US? Cohabiting before marriage! 🤔🤭 I adore the staircase scene so so much as we finally got to see Jeongwon share his worries and self doubts with Gyeoul. Season 2 opened with Jeongwon advising Gyeoul, being the experienced doctor and a highly-empathetic person. And we have season 2 closing with Gyeoul now being the one giving advice to Jeongwon, never dismissing his worries as useless over thinking but gently reminding him on the best way to approach his worries. I do feel that they've had lots of these conversations and moments, which has helped both develop professionally; Gyeoul with her bedside manners and Jeongwon to accept that he has done his utmost best and there is no good in wallowing in guilt or regret.
Me too 🙋🏻♀️ dreaming about their reunion in another show. Their onscreen chemistry is amazing. Doesn't hurt that their size difference is big too which makes it even cuter during any hug scenes 😍🤗 we all know how tall and built Yoo Yeon-seok is but Shin Hyun Been is really tiny! 😂
If ShinLee will make this happen...... TVN can sell the broadcast rights to all platforms, and I will subscribe to all of them. I will willingly purchase ALL drama merchandises, I don't need to look at them. I will pay in advance any DVD releases that he'll have. They can even do PPL, and I will make sure to purchase all those PPL products even from where I am at. That is how desperate and lucrative WG reunion will be. 😂
Cohabitation or not, I would have loved to have seen a proposal at the very least. That's a scene we should have got for continuity purposes even if we didn't get the wedding or glimpses of the wedding that we were in anticipation of.
A proposal scene was crucial for closure! Felt so disappointed and I realised that my emotional reaction is really Grief! Still processing and grieving over what might have been for more WG scenes. (Although I agree the stairwell and dinner scenes were perfectly done.)
I made a mistake by watching this close to midnight after a long day at work and other commitments in the evening- perhaps I was tired but it did feel a little draggy at parts? Or was it the pacing that was a little off, I will definitely need to rewatch this weekend. Wasn't this meant to be a monstrous 2 hr 40 min episode? Hence was surprised that it clocked just over the 2 hour mark, feels like we were shortchanged 40 mins of content XD Wasn't GY's mom meant to make a cameo?
My hunch was right in that they've concluded S2 in a way that can either leave as is, or return with a third season some time in the future. Does anyone have further insight into the production team's challenge in continuing with S3? I recall Shin PD only briefly mentioned "unforeseen challenges" with the seasonal format. Put aside clashes with individual actor's busy schedules, I wonder if it's mainly attributed to Covid restrictions? For example, I felt Uju's screen time is significantly less than S1 and can't help wondering if it's due to high risk of Covid exposure on set (unless it's just me). They've already spent money on the production set, wouldn't it be an additional cost (pretty high one too) if and when they do decide to continue S3?
I will keep further comments until I've done my rewatch. Am just glad that there's more content in the coming weeks- including a variety show to tide me through or else I may have serious withdrawal symptoms lol
I acquired the habit of watching HP2 late at night by episode 4, and I was never fond of any of the episodes, except 10, after the first watching. Honest, the first line of my comment was always, "I didn't like this one as much as I did the previous one." But usually, it gets better. I hope it will get better for you, too! If not, ranting about the flaws seems to help my withdrawal symptoms, at least :)
That "what could have been" 🥲 I'm so happy that WG got their happy ending, they stick together till the very end, even take a big move (US) not only for themselves personally but also their relationship. I also agree that comparing with other pair, WG has the clearest image of their future. But just like everyone already said, it's the execution that disappoints me.
They prolong Gyeoul's family issue only for in the end we can't even see Jeongwon meets her mom. Yes, I get that Gyeoul's background is the foundation of their next step of relationship but they can cut the phase of that issue.
Even without explicit proposal, I think the least they can do is to show Jeongwon's talk to Gyeoul about his plan with her, what he wants for their relationship which implies that this relationship is forever.
It's just speculation but I suspect that they prolonged Gyeo-ul's family issues just so they could fit the development of the other love lines without compromising the doctor-patient stories.
Thank you for this post... I have been having the same struggle after E12 on how to put my feeling into words. I have been waiting for your post as your words always help me process better and present the same feelings I share in ways I could never do. And you certainly did it again with E12.
To start with the positive, I have to say that as long as E12 was, I enjoyed almost every second of it. I loved seeing Seokmin's and Gyeoul's growths in their skills and confidence handling challenging surgeries, the doctor-patient-family dynamics and the difficult dilemmas, the interactions between the 5 (esp. the conversation between SW and SK in the courtyard), and it was so nice to hear the two talented musical drama ladies sing in the karaoke. The challenge for me was feeling that there is still a void even after all those wonderful 120+ mins. To use some of your words, I did not "dislike" the episode as I laughed and cried with it just like the other ones, but I just wish there could be even more, esp knowing this could be the end and there are no more episode in sight to help tie up the loose ends / present finalities in the storylines that they have spent the last 23 episodes to develop.
I totally agree with you that they appeared to be in a hurry wrapping up all the storylines with a somewhat happy endings, maybe to please all the shippers now there is no definite S3, and it cost some necessary details in storytelling to more deeply touch and impact the viewers. It is almost like the Chinese term 隔靴搔癢 （trying to scratch your itch from outside your boots). Take WinterGarden for example, I, too, totally love their two scenes together, but I also wish they could have taken some more time to deal with the development a little deeper (and I wish the same for all the other couples). I am very aware of the fact that this is not a rom com, but if they have set up all these love lines and esp GW with all those hints on marriages, I somehow feel that we were robbed at the end with nothing more than these two scenes together and the news that they'd leave for the US together for a year.
I personally actually love the ending of JW leaving Yulje for a year to enhance his skills in small bowel transplantation. Like SW said, he is the person that is most happy when seeing others enjoy food, so the choosing of this specific specialty is very matching with his character, as it is the only way to help some of his little patients enjoy food like others. Even though it was just a one-year program, his mind probably was on something else (e.g. his earlier life plan) to give it a thought prior to this season, and his uneasiness shows he still needs more experience to help more kids. GU is the person that knew how difficult the procedure is, how JW is the best Yulje could offer, but at the same time how anxious he could be w/ only 1:2 success rate so far, and how she can help him focus. I have no doubt she was fully supportive of, probably even encouraged him to pursue the one-year stint. So as a contrast to S1 when he wanted to leave Yulje for good to run away from suffering patients and attraction towards GU, him leaving Yulje now just temporarily to fully embrace his calling to heal more children, and to have GU by his side, in my opinion, is a wonderful twist and ending message. However, all these wonderful and logical developments got rushed in the presentation, and I was first left wondering how did they go from him not even having met GU's mom, and not even thinking about this specialty, and within a 2-3 weeks span, to the point that he is already set for studying in the US and she is coming alone? It was not until later I got to appreciate the meaning behind this ending.. but how about GU? Surely he would not be that inconsiderate to her career to ask her to just take a break and follow him. And it is already not logical for him to get a study arrangement so quickly, let alone having another one arranged for her. And whether she is there to study or not, surely JW would not have her come with him without first making very serious commitment, with the only fitting one being, in my opinion, marriage, right? Then how did he manage to meet the mom (who has just recovered from DV), propose, and ask her to follow him all in that short span? And why did ShinLee not even give us any hints about all?
I think I was torn between what to expect... I expect this to be slice-of-life so I did not expect all happy fairy tale endings, but also because it is supposed to present somewhat realistic, "ordinary" life or doctors, I cannot reconcile all the quick / rushed developments with the lack of details 😣. And while I appreciate how this drama is not for lazy viewers and requires more detailed digestion to connect dots and comprehend the underlying message, I am noticing myself having to do a lot of interpretation and "extra scenes" in my mind this time - to the point I wondered if I was watching a detective show 🤣.
But having said all the above, I echo that I love this show, warts and all. The positive impact the show has brought to its viewers, me included, has been amazing. I will miss the weekly routine of waiting for content anxiously on Thursday, and looking forward to reading comments here the days after. I personally truly hope there will be a S3 or at least some special episodes to tie a even better bow on it, but with or without it, it is still one of the shows that touched me the most emotionally and helped many of us go through a challenging time with inspiring stories and positive energy.
You made every point about why the US plot seems a last minute script decision though it fits Jeong-won's arc perfectly. The timing is very off.
That's the problem here. We don't want a different story, we just want more. More scenes, more details, more exploration, because it is really, really good and because they really can give us more healing though these stories. But there are some real-life restrictions of seasonal broadcast television, and, I think, the PD will speak about them soon. They did their best. I'm certain of this 100%. If they could do it better, they would. If they could give us more, they would. They created a universe, and this universe doesn't fit 12 x 2 hours of a scripted show. Part of it (a larger one) will have to find home in the viewers' imagination.
I'll miss the weekly routine too : ( So lucky to meet you all, so, so lucky...
I am also certain they did their best to deliver given the current limitation, just like what the doctors always say in the show, but it is just a little sad to see some disconnect / feel somewhat off knowing how much efforts that all put in. Like what you said, I do not have issues on the story lines, I just wish they could have given us a little more so we do not have to piece so many things together and to "supplement" other scenes in our imagination or via Ao3.
I definitely agree that if they could have done more, they would have. At this point all we can do is speculate but I do think that not being able to confirm a third season was the underlying issue.
I agree that they should have at least shown how WG communicated about the US move. The lack of details on this just sparks debate among viewers and may cause misunderstandings.
It was the last episode but why do we always have to read between the lines? 🥲
And I agree…I’ll also miss my Thursday habits and the HP discussions here. 🥲
You're welcome and honestly it's been my pleasure to make your acquaintance during this time. Hospital Playlist brought us all together and for that I am grateful.
It's true and I concur with your point that there were certain continuity issues within the episode related to the WinterGarden couple. The US trip did seem like an odd way to end their arc for the season or the series. Honestly, right now I can only imagine that they're having a bet each way. I suspect that they're still lobbying for a third season and are keeping a few tricks up their sleeve.
It seems from all the ending comments, the cast members all want S3 since they've enjoyed working together so much. But I think it would depend on whether ShinLee decides to continue. It must be stressful for them. They took on big risks for both seasons. It is hard to please everyone and I think as much as they may be encouraged by all the positive comments, the criticism must have also added stress for them. Part of me want to them continue also to see that there is room for seasonal dramas that respect the time / workload for the actors and production crew. I do wonder through with such long episodes, whether they were actually as busy as the 2-episode per week show staff. And with so many story lines and cast members, while each actor might have less time / work, it must be very very hard for the production crew.
I hope they can all rest well and whether it will be S3 or not, some, if not all of them, can get to collaborate again in the future.
I'm willing to wait a year or two for another S3. There's no need to rush. A quality script is far more important than the need to churn out stuff yearly.
When JW was mentioning his 1 year stint in the States and Gyeoul will be coming with him, I really wanted to insert just a phrase after he said She's coming with me.... I wanted him to add, she'll complete her last year of fellowship there. It is easier for him to do a sudden training, as he is already a Professor, with Pediatric Surgery being a niche one, hence their circle is smaller so easier for Experts like them to connect and such. But it is a bit more complex for those still in training, hence I was unsure if they meant Gyeoul is coming with him just to accompany him and will pause her career for now.
Super agree with this. They should have at least supplemented that convo with more details especially when they didn’t show any scenes of WG together in the second half. What would Gyeoul do there? Will she continue her fellowship or take on a Sabbatical? I actually expected Ikjun to ask more details on Gyeoul’s departure as her mentor but all we get from him is “1 year?” 🥲☹️🤧
Omg sameee..like ikjun and junwan always talk about gyeoul in other unnecessary convos but didn't dare to ask about her here. Shinlee really couldn't even give us a one complete sentence for wg during 2nd half. *angry sobs*
I got my comfort right here. Although I am in awe of how brilliantly they showed us the character growth of each (including the supporting characters), I completely think Shin-Lee are still unsure of a future season and they went for a half empty script which although made us, yet leaves the door open for a future story.
I must confess when season 2 started, with wingar deeply in love and SongHwa's rejection, I secretly hoped that the closure of the drama with just these 2 seasons is probably for the best. Season 3 might simply be a drag which essentially will devalue the original concept. But Shin-Lee sure had 3 seasons in mind originally and some puzzles didn't fall into their rightful place.
I'm not even upset although there is a void. The patient stories were the core as always but the couples' stories stemmed from them. GyeoUl's support gave a once and for all break to Jeong-won's dilemma. JunWan becomes a much more empathetic human accepting IkSun with all her flaws. SeokHyung literally found the Ying to his Yang in MinHa. For Iksong, well they just remain best friends in love.
But what I don't get is the built-up of it all. Are we supposed to simply play mind games? Why did we see a build-up of WG proposal? JeongWon sure met GyeoUl's mom since the story took a 4 months leap so are we to assume that he has already proposed? She's going to the US with him so did she say a yes?
There was a long, long angst built for SeokHyung's mom. Her character itself demanded a face-to-face with MinHa. No? Not happening?
Bidulgi was by far the least explored couple for me with too much potential. And JeongWon going to the US? Yep. That was Shin-Lee's way of letting the audience know that the 99s are no more in the same hospital anymore and all have their respective partners to spend time with on weekends now.
But again, life isn't fair, we have to accept somethings with a heavy heart and we got that lesson with the 12th episode.
On the Gomgom couple bit, it made me uncomfortable when Seokhyeong's mother told Rosa about Seokhyeong's girlfriend being the one who stopped him from leaving US, telling him to take better care of his mother and not leaving her behind all alone. Yes, it's a white lie and one could say much needed in order to deal with his mother's antics.... But I don't know, it just seems like Seokhyeong's delaying the inevitable but in a completely wrong way. I would have preferred Seokhyeong sitting his mother down and having an honest conversation about his relationship status and how he expects his mother to make an effort to respect his decisions and choice of life partner. Of course honest conversations are definitely hard and especially with family.
I super agree with this. They even filmed scenes with Seokhyung’s ex-wife as a set up for this…only to end up like this 🥲 I felt like there are many things that are wasted (sorry for the term) 🥲
And I think putting out a convo between Seokhyung and her mom would at least make room for her mom to realize her mistakes and have a room for change. She needs redemption too!!!
Exactly! The elaborated scene where SeokHyung's mom meets MinHa and later tells Rosa that she's okay with anyone except for her as her son's girlfriend, was what? Just a scene? Shin-Lee don't do that ! They could have instead given us some WG as a replacement and we would have been happier ! Honestly I read somewhere that fans complained why GyeoUl never called JW 'oppa', and I don't get it. She would have had she been comfortable. She wasn't. So she didn't. JW doesn't mind. My question is simply on the storyline here. Why describe at lengths about something for 11 episodes only to drop it midway in between?
Maaaybe because they might pick it up again in Season 3? (I try to be optimistic after watching the super-emotional bts... and I fail...)
Some things were closed indefinitely (i.e. Jae-hak's scammer), and some were put together with a flimsy band-aid. Seok-hyeong mum's line is definitely of the latter kind.
Ahh yes.. a season 3 is the only solution here but I'm kind of not able to move on because there is no certainty. Anyway, fingers crossed. I don't mind waiting for 2-3 years if that's what writer Lee needs to prepare for another brilliantly written script.
And for me, the flimsy band-aid is for WG ending.. the bear couple story is like an open wound which will take its own sweet time to heal.. urrggh ! I have never been this invested in a drama before!
I was waiting for this post! Always love reading your thoughts every week and so grateful that you share them with us.
Now that S2 is over, I can say for myself that it felt much less coherent than S1 in terms of its overall arc. What about Daddy Long Legs? Or the VIP cases? I wish we had gotten to see more. But that being said, the strength of the characters and their chemistry with each other really carried through - and in some episodes really shone. The patient stories also had their golden moments. On the topic of lovelines, as much as I love WinterGarden, I'm not really bummed out by the lack of a wedding or other scenes. In fact, I think WinterGarden has been greatly favoured by ShinLee especially when I compare it to the other lovelines, so I don't really think I can complain personally. In fact, I wish there had been less loveline scenes and more patient stories in Ep 12, but that's just me hahaha. Though the way it ended, it just doesn't feel complete without a S3.
Ultimately though, I think ShinLee did a spectacular job in pushing S2 out just a year after S1 given the pressure of Uju growing up, tighter COVID restrictions, adding new residents into the fray etc etc. It was full of heart and it made me glad to be there every step of the way.
More thoughts later, maybe! Also, I'm looking forward to reading your future posts! Have a good rest of weekend!
I agree. If it’s any consolation for WG fans, I think we are still blessed to see them dating for the whole of Season 2 🤧💕 Thank you, ShinLee for that 💕
So true! As the episodes went on, on Twitter I would read IkSong and Bidulgi supporters' thoughts on how things felt for them... and so I gratefully take the WinterGarden scenes we have and play them on repeat....
AGREE! I also console myself by thinking that among the couples, Wingar has the most satisfying storyline. Their story is the most "complete". I think our disappointment just stems from the fact that it could have been better and we just wanted to see more. Also, since this is the ending, it is the last thing we remember so it kinda pains us a little. BUT I just choose to accept the ending and move on. I will just rewatch Wingar fluff scenes and think that wherever they are at least they are together.
To clarify my thoughts on lovelines after reading other comments, I realised I don't go into Hosplay with an expectation of what stages the romance should have, maybe because I don't watch many K-dramas. For me, Gyeoul telling Jeongwon her mum wants to meet her and them going to the US is as good as a marriage proposal haha. And I guess for the other couples, all I hoped for in Ep 12 is a little hint that they would happily be spending time together and working hard as doctors which we got - with room to explore them if a season 3 happens. Which is why I felt like they showed a little too much of the lovelines for me.
On another note, when ShinLee first shared that there were challenges they didn't expect with a seasonal drama, the first thing that came to mind was honestly incorporating all the side characters in a story of growth or involvement paralleling the main five. I can't help feeling that for many of the side characters their roles just became defunct (Mr. Kettle, Myung Eunwon, to name a few TT) because their purpose had been served in S1 and suddenly it wasn't clear what they were doing in S2 except being shadows in the back. A massive ensemble drama and a seasonal one at that! I'm sure I would go crazy and keep thinking that it must have been so hard for them to write the script considering all their actors. So honestly I just really hope they get a good rest after this and spend time with their families.
I loved reading your comment because it puts things into perspective. I personally was more invested in Wingar than the entirety of the story that is why I wanted to see more of them and the proposal. But thinking back and after rewatching, I do agree that the dinner scene pretty much tells us that wedding is in store for them.
True - I am very grateful for all the WG scenes we have and the long development from S1 to now + the ending scenes do show a lot more finality than others - this also includes resolution of hurdles (vs. GomGom still need to address SK's mom, Bidulgi still needs to address the distance and Iksun's health, etc.). However, maybe because we have been spoiled or led on w/ all the hints early on, having some of the crucial milestone moments being only "implied" somehow still leaves me feeling a little hanging. But I believe this feeling is also a testament of how great the drama has been for me and how relatable / personal the characters have been for us want to see more of their interactions on screen - 🤣I kept telling myself they are just fictional characters in a drama, but somehow I can already envision them actually being in the States year 2022🤣
I missed Mr Kettle too! I was actually hoping to see a reunion between the 4 of them : Rosa, Jungsoo, Mr Kettle, and Seokhyeong's mum. I really enjoyed the 4 of them together in season 1 and not forgetting their Christmas gathering in ep 1 of season 2. It was a treat to see friendship between much older people.
Wonder if the Mr Kettle actor had another project as well? Or did ShinLee decide to do away with his character and give more air time to interns and residents on top of our lacking 5 and the main supporting characters.
Yes, as much as I enjoyed the Jongsu-Rosa scenes and the occasional Rosa-Younghye scene, I really missed the four of them being together. It was so fun to see.
Now i read all of your comments it kind of make sense even shinlee was pressured with public opinion and how story shld go on. I saw a soompi comment where it mentioned that lack of s3 might becuz of burntout of shinlee. That maybe true too. And if by chance they planned s2 with s3 in mind, i think s2 would have been more better. As i remember shinpd totally gave us negative hints about s3 if you can remember their s2 presscon, he said he isn't planning s3 for now and i thought they will change and didn't mind it much but now it makes sense too. Maybe even since then they wanted to end s2 to have a big much needed rest and time for creativity.
Iam always reminding myself hp isn't a romcom and wg isn't the only couple. But still i thought shinlee was good enough to give them justice. Even if jeongwon's love language isn't words, he would one day or another tell her he loves her right?(before marriage or proposal). This time too it was gyeoul who said "saranghanan saram/ person i love" and i was like "jeongwon, when will you tell her that too." Idk why shinlee thought jeongwon saying it isn't something peak in their story cuz for me it matters the most even more than a wedding. My guesses for a wedding in ep12 was less than 30%, cuz hp isn't reply series so i knew they wouldn't take that end. They rarely go away from hospital premises and even when they do they come back right away or only one will get to go.
What really broke me was lack of confession from jeongwon, he is the only hosplay boy who didn't confess verbally to his gf. *sobs*
For me US moving was a big shot from the back. Why jeongwon is the one who always have the biggest plot twists. Lol in s1e12 he kissed gyeoul, biggest twist the whole season, now he drops his plan to move with gyeoul, next biggest twist. Songhwa also had the same move in s1 end guess this is a hint for us that s3 will come.?. Lol now i give up seeing hints even if they are so obvious.
As a wg or any shipper of hosplay i think the sad part is we don't get to see their povs a lot. And iam also sure jeongwon wouldn't bring gyeoul along him for nothing, gyeoul might have liked studying or finishing her residency abroad so they both decided for it. Maybe them moving abroad in 4 months is shinlee's way of saying they will get married soon.
Iam sad the possibility i won't see them again on hp world is not higher than 50%.
My theory was that if they fit a table tennis tournament into the story, surely a small wedding reception where all Five could be present would be a piece of cake... But oh well.
I think (and uri ajhumma wrote a wonderful essay on this a while ago) that though romance isn't the backbone of the HP narration, it is still important.
And the WG romance is the most prominent love line, because Jeong-won's story is a story of a doctor who's exploring his calling. We don't know why his friends chose this profession, they just kind of did, and they are good at what they do, and they surely have great patient stories and epic surgeries, but Jeong-won's arc is mostly about this choice, the importance of belief in a greater power and the importance of both friends and a partner, a helper on this life journey. This relationship is highlighted in season 2 for this reason, imo. We get some more of the same idea, when we see Min-ha bringing ice Americano to the deadly-tired Seok-hyeong or Ik-jun missing his train to cheer for Song-hwa and her difficult surgery.
As for not getting what we would like to see from this romance and never got (e.g. meaningful conversations about the relationship per se, not about the hospital problems), I totally get the frustration.
Moreover, I am of the opinion that the authors (mostly) get away with this vaguery only because they have the lovable YYS and the super-versatile SHB playing these characters. When they appear on the screen, together or just speaking about each other, we always get the impression there is something more we don't know or see about this couple. Something bigger and better, I guess. And this magic only stops working when the script directly proves us wrong.
(I'm not over with no-one in the hospital suspecting they are dating. I'm not really over with Jeong-won not introducing Gyeo-ul to Rosa.)
But it is what it is. I know a scriptwriter's job (though I am not one, I have close friends who work for TV), and it is full of compromises and sacrifices. Sometimes, you have to throw away the best piece of dialogue you've ever written because your suddenly need to get rid of 20 minutes. Sometimes, the heartfelt scene that everybody loved in the script has to go because you failed to secure the location, or your CGI budget can't take another creative rendering, or the actors just don't click in this way - but click in every other one. And sometimes, you have to trust your audience and their imagination, that they can take a hint and grow a story out of it, when you can't do more than hints...
Hugs, friend. I commiserate with you. But 50% is a hell of a lot more than zero.
Mention of shinlee really could had the power to make a small wedding made me sad again.
This frustration is too high that i wish i could take the pen and write the whole life story of them but too bad iam not a good writer. Also writer lee knows them the best. I wonder what she truly feels about them and how it ended..😔
If it's any consolation to Jeongwon not outrightly telling Gyeoul he loves her on screen, I just comfort myself thinking that he probably has continued to show her affection everyday since their infamous crab kiss. Every day without fail. And feeds her. And just loves her. Sigh I'll really miss them.
Everytime they are together or not his eyes tells her he loves her, way he looks at her says it clearly too and also his act of service, but still i wish his mouth could say it too..lol
Rewatching the last episode, I am just consoling myself with the fact that Jeongwon being his forgetful self thought he already said I Love You to Gyeoul, but in fact he hasn't. And Gyeoul, being this undemanding and mature gf, doesn't mind.
I initially thought Jeongwon's forgetfulness just came out of the left field, but then I remember their date when he totally forgot his ticking time bomb ways and Gyeoul had to remind him of the incident at the Medical Office. So, not OOC but I still wanted to hear him say it.... Oh well......😂
Will miss HP, the discussions and the people here big time. Thanks again for doing this. Love reading your reviews and might pickup shows from here😊
As for the last episode, I liked the contrast of life and death as seen from Songhwa’s eyes. It moves you no matter how many years experience you have as a doctor. But that family went through so much with the transplant and heart surgery and finally brain dead.
The mom who lost the baby came back pregnant, yay! Didn’t think Cheon nedded a redemption, well anyways happy for Eun-dam!
I was happy with the patient stories! For the lovelines, I wasn’t too disappointed with the lack of proposal or wedding. But wanted to see Gyeoul’s mother for having brought up two wonderful kids despite her situation. And was looking forward to JW meeting her, would have been as lovely as GU coming up to meet Rosa. As we say in this side of the world, marriage is between families too! And the move to the US - could have shown the talk and what GU was planning to do.
Yes, loved Gyeoul being the stoic support for JW, was wanting this since S2 beginning given our emotional JW.
Junwan - the sweet heart he has become, from him needing Jae-hak to him becoming his support system! Ik-sun had the most impact on me considering the lesser amount of scenes she was in!
Though I get that it seemed rushed and some things are still left hanging, HP is leaps and bounds ahead in quality and in the message it sends( not using past sense yet😇) I am singing high praise here, but this belongs to the league of free open source content for the world, if there is something as that!
Ohhhhh, I'm so glad you mentioned Song-hwa's tale of the two patients! (Because it was a visual representation of Matthew 24:40, “The Son of Man's Arrival will be like that: two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind.") I majorly teared up during this scene. So sad for the old dad and his heartbroken family...
Yes, similarly felt that the hospital being a place of both life ans death theough Songhwa's eyes was poetic and suited the last episode of Ep 12! And the OBGYN patient from the start of the season, major feels! Really great moments...
Honestly, if I removed all the emotion of a fan out of it, especially as a fan of any particular lifeline, I think they did a good job.
A series has a lot of factors that go into the making some we can read about, others we can guess, some others we can infer however the multitude of factors that lead to the final product will always be behind the scenes and how much ever we see behind the scenes footage as viewers we cannot 100 percent comprehend what it took to make it. Broadly there are budgets to manage, actor schedules to shuffle, locations and sets to manage, all this further complicated by the pandemic. After managing all this everything has to go as per plan, the script has to be written well and the actors have to deliver true to the character and script, the director and production team has to make sure that the actors bring the script to life. After this comes in the ratings, commercial viability and how much focus remains on series and steaming platforms like Netflix after a year or so when people possibly we return to lives not as much impacted by the pandemic or hopefully opre pandemic normalcy. So there was possibly the sword hanging over their heads of the uncertainty of season 3. And then there are audience expectations. There would also be the original story that the director and writer wanted to cover.
With all the factors looming I think they did justice to the characters keeping them on the path that they charted out at the beginning and stayed true to the character sketch on most counts. Also to make season 2 a success is no mean feat by itself since season 1 was a hefty mountain to live up to.
Thank you Team hospital Playlist . Each member contributed and did well. The final product speaks volumes of their strife and struggle and the heart poured into it.
I'll come back and write more, but thank you 40somethingahjumma and everyone in this community for being part of my Hospital Playlist 2 watch journey. I'm happy with the ending and sad that it's ended (never had my eyes leaked so much pre- last episode of a drama before. And I had another crying fit yesterday after seeing the last ep BTS clip). But... More later. Looking forward to reading all your thoughts :)
Your review sums up my thoughts about this episode, despite its flaws it's a great medical drama.
I watch some reviews by doctors they explained the OR scenes are so well made that it's actually look like real operations they also love the patients stories and the messages the drama . In the end if the whole drama while it's not perfect (does that even exist ?) is well written. Of course some storylines are weaker than others for instance I'm still confused by Bidulgi storyline.
But you're right Junwan progression has been great and his relationship with Jaehak is one the great success of the drama. Not many people talk about it but i also think the Lee siblings relationship is really interesting, two extroverts who have difficulties to communicate with each other, i notice that Ikjun who is often right about people is most of the time wrong or off timings with his own sister .
I really wonder if with covid restrictions there some storylines which had to be rewritten or completely dropped, it would be interesting to have an interview of the writer, i doubt she's completely satisfied with everything they done or how it look on screen.
Wintergarden is my favourite couple and i really love theirs story from s2 episode 1 to episode 10.My hunch is since there is no confirmation for S3, they couldn't do what they originally planned for WG with two episodes left. Even if i love theirs scenes in this episode i think a scene we're they talk about going to US was needed (maybe it was cut out...). I have no problem with this storyline, whatever WG is doing they do it together now, but it was quite sudden.
Sending Jeongwon to the US for 1 year is also a way to put things on "hold" that's why I'm not really sad like you i don't think ShinLee is done with the franchise and i truly hope for a season 3.
As a fellow fan of WinterGarden, I’m so happy that you find the stairwell scene as significant as I did. You managed to put into words exactly how I feel about the whole scene. Admittedly, after the honeymoon phase of WinGar, I never felt that AJW and JGW at equal footing hence there was a hint of awkwardness for the lack of better word to the relationship. But the stairwell scene put everything to rest and although we did not get a proposal, that scene is enough to convince me they are in it for the long run.
I felt the loose ends in season 2 isnt what I expects it to be. Sighh. Honestly I dont know what to feel now? Feeling content? No. Feeling empty? Not really. Angry, a bit?
Even tho the focus is the inner workings of the hospitals and patients' story, as you have mentioned other characters' lines had to take a backseat. The way they can do to bring a closure to the characters, then the patients' story should be shortened. They introduced new patients, what for? I honestly am moved by all of their stories, but the story of characters 99z, they havent reached the climax of their story. It felt stuck in our throats. Life goes on? Yeah, their lives as doctors. Its their duty to anticipate new and old cases. How about a person, a human being? We don't see any of it in depth but instead they teased us with a passing line . They only touched the tips of it.
Given that this could be the final season, I
expected them to execute the closure for each loveline with less subtlety, but oh well 🥲
I’ll be camping in AO3 for the days to come, trying to get the closure I imagined given the hints they’d shown 🥲🥲🥲
I'm camping with you! I'll even bring the special grill pan that Songhwa wanted 😋
EXACTLY. They should have been less subtle in this episode and even lessened the patient stories. IDK this ending just makes me miss them more... It feels like I am left hanging in the air :( Esp with wingar after all the marriage hints. Even the US arc was unsatisfying for me because even though I know it is a good move for them, I wished they showed us wingar talking about the move :( It does not feel like the stories of the main characters are resolved. I know this is a slice of life drama and the focus is on the hospital but they could have utilized the screentime of the couples better. They could have executed the script better :( I just honestly feel heartbroken.
I wonder if alot of the plots were actually planned to be in season 3 but with the uncertainty surrounding season 3, the ShinLee and the production team decided to bring forward some bits to appease the viewers. Hence, the rushed feel. I'm thinking now that break before ep 7 was highly likely used to discuss and alter the script
OMG Stephanie same! My issue with Shinlee is that although Wingar's story has arguably the most satisfying arc throughout the series and even the most beautiful ending, Shinlee choose to not show a lot of things. They only IMPLIED and we as viewers have to piece together the narrative. I just hoped they showed us at least one last scene of wingar talking about the US move.
Yes! Though I don't doubt that Jeongwon respects and values Gyeoul's career development, it would have been great to see that conversation.
Since the GS chief would have to be informed of both of their move to US, I would have also loved to see the nosy GS dads reaction to it too! I guess we have to be content that we at least got an indirect "I love you" from Gyeoul's mouth and Jeongwon's loving stares in reply 😂 indeed the couple with non-flashy confessions
Yeah I just comfort myself that maybe they just love being in their own bubble so the relationship reveal is not that important. And maybe Jeongwon's love language is really not words of affirmation.
That is indeed one of my biggest disappointments though that we only got second handed verbal affirmation of JW's love and commitment for GU thru his interaction with others, or even through conversations between the other 99's. It was always GU to do the confession in a way. While I do not doubt his love & commitment for her and he indeed is ready to propose, I just hope we can hear that, esp to anyone that still doubts that he somehow got into this relationship by mistake.
Same Sam! I will forever be grateful to HP and WG, as this drama and couple did keep me grounded during all the craziness.
But ShinLee, why dangle the carrot when you don't have plans for a follow through? You, You, You BIG GHOSTER!!!😂. In the staircase scene, I thought the next WG scene, it will be Gyeoul who will confess with her I have something to say. During the dinner scene, my immediate thought was WG's arc in the 2nd hour will the Meet-the-Mom, as I was really expecting Lee Il Hwa's cameo due to a news article. And not a peep of WG on the 2nd hour, when all the couples had something in the 1st half and then close-out for the 2nd-half. I felt ghosted big-time by ShinLee!!!!!!!
Looking back, I guess I was really more unsettled with the pacing. Bidulgi and WG had an extended period of HP-level angst, hence there is a certain level of catharsis that we expect as a close-out. Gomgom and Iksong, even though were not together in the early parts, but they were "together together" still in one frame, hence the close-out we got from them will be enough. But WG and Bidulgi, I kinda expected a bit more scenes of resolution.
True! And it sucks because it's the ending that leaves a lasting impression. That's why I find it hard to rewatch because I get sad over the resolution for wingar. God how I wish they gave us one last scene of wingar during the second half :( I don't understand why they got stingy :( I am really hoping there are deleted scenes. Also I am still curious about the Lee Ilhwa cameo... why did they release an article about it if it did not push through? Also why even use her as voice-over for a supporting cast's mother when they can choose other voice actors? Even Songhwa's mom is a voice actor. It's just that I wanted to see more of wingar :( I wish Shinlee had been less subtle about them during the final ep :(
*Hugs* dear. Let's hope we get a third season.
Unfortunately we aren't privy to the inner workings of the Shin-Lee machinery so it's hard to say why they chose to focus on patients over tying up other loose ends or showing more detailed development of the Five and their partners. It is disappointing but my guess is that they were trying to hedge their bets that even though they couldn't get confirmation of a third season during post-production, they might be able to convince the Money Men to commit to a third season down the track.
Sorry I'm late to the comments. Later on I will listen to the podcast. Some how I'm glad how the drama stayed true to there commitment to be a true slice of life drama been the Hospital the main protagonist. However, I have been trying to bottle up my feelings regarding the development of the 99ers and their partners. Don't know what happened to PD-nim. I was expecting the wedding bells for WinterGarden after Gyeol's mom arc, specially in the final episodes. Also, I was expecting the bear couple arc on how they were going to make it work with mom. I just wish that Shin-Lee would have made some adjustments to make it happen. I was bummed for this, but oh well...
My mental checklist of what I thot wld happen in Ep12 for WG: 1. She calls him oppa, 2. He meets her mum, 3. Comic reveal to GS dads, 4. Proposal. Obviously I was on a totally different wavelength to ShinLee ..sigh.
I thought at least one of the above that you mentioned will happen😃
Thank you for this. Reading your thoughts made me feel a lot better with how everything ended. To be honest, I also have my own fair share of dissatisfactions with how they chose to execute some stories, especially the lovelines. But still, Hospital Playlist will always be THAT show for me…like what you said “warts and all”.
Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts and this space with us. 💕
Thank you once again for sorting out my own thoughts and impressions with your calm, composed, and overall brilliant writing. I'm so lucky to have stumbled upon your blog. <3<3
When your concept is “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”, you can get away with a lot of things.
You can get away (albeit barely) with not giving the audience the much-hinted marriage, proposal, or secret relationship reveal.
You can give them another non-flashy confession, this time a kiss-less one (because the unspoken quota of one kiss per episode has already been spent on the excellent GomGom couple), and that confession would basically serve the same purpose. (Of giving more hints, lol).
Everyone was hoping for a big bang in the finale, but we got a poetic sunset instead, alluding to “Me to You, You to Me” lyrics. And Jeong-won’s story went back to its genesis, only with him embracing his true vocation and setting out to become even a better doctor with a helper by his side.
I always spoke about how I love HP’s “showing, not telling” principle. After this episode, I realized that ShinLee mastered “telling, not showing” too. There were so many things we haven’t been shown (i.e. the ocean), though TV production would make it beautiful and memorable. But the dialogue was just as effective, if not more effective, in its simplicity, it was never too expository. Each episode is like a Polaroid photo - at first, it’s just bits, and pieces, and spots,
but the more you wait and observe, the fuller the picture is.
I am in absolute awe of this show. It’s one of the kind on every level. It is perfect even in its imperfection - you could guess that the production of the last episode was a tad bit rushed, and a lot of material (around 20 to 30 minutes of screen time) ended up on the cutting room floor.
The scenes are very trimmed, they barely have “air” around them, and some of them felt like surgical replacements of some other ideas (the dinner-confession and the Jeong-won's sudden decision to go to the US for a year); and the team definitely had to choose what to put into their patchwork script and what to take out, so they left only the essential plot vehicles (the staircase hug, the double date, closure for patients’ stories) and crème de la crème entertainment (the joint performance of the Lee siblings a special highlight among them). Even the throwbacks (something old) were used to show the growth of the character - same people, same situation, but Seok-hyeong is somehow chill about riding crowded elevators, and Jun-wan may skip the quiz and offer the exhausted interns a ride home.
I am mostly stunned with how intricately (though imperfectly) everything was done in this episode. Also melancholic, because I don't want it to end, and rewatching my favorite parts would only make the longing worse. But I'm here today with a grateful heart and a sincere hope for another season in a couple of years.
It’s been a pleasure and an honor watching Hospital Playlist 2. And sharing this pleasure with you, wonderful ladies, tripled my weekly joy. <3<3<3
YES. I also think that they cut a lot of scenes :( How I wish they could show us that. As a wingar fan, I really hoped the dinner scene was longer and that we get to see them in the second half of the finale :(
Ep 12 did feel rushed and I do agree that it does seem like some scenes were shortened to make room for others. Me wonders if it could have also been affected by the actor's other schedules (since some of them were or are filming other shows concurrently).
I don't think the schedules of the cast should be a problem. If they are in the set, then they have time to shoot. Me thinks the issue is in the scenes that Shinlee chose to execute and show? IDK I just feel that Shinlee could have planned this season better :(
It's nothing short of a miracle that they did it this well. 2 hours movies x 12 weeks, among a covid pandemic, all very solid and coherent, with their workplace ecology (all actors work 5 days a week only)... That's unheard of.
I can name only one comparable example (a very obscure one), and it's BBC showrunner Stephen Moffat who wrote and produced season 7 of Doctor Who, a 50 anniversary movie for the same franchise, and season 3 of Sherlock in one year... But he burnt out HARD, and honestly, never recovered to the best of his writing ability afterwards.
You know I actually think Shinlee got burnt out that's why they decided not to push thru with S3. All the actors are game for it so it's just sad.
I feel the same. It was I think 3-4 years of continued work for him, hence he seems definitive for now that S2 will be it.
Felt more like last-minute script changes. They finished filming on Sep 6, I think, and judging by the exit photos, the WG dinner and the band practice were the last scenes on the docket. As far as I can see, the actors would drop everything to do this particular drama) But to steadily get quality scripts and production, the writer and the PD really need plenty of rest and thinking.
True, the break before ep 7 could have been used to discuss and plan the script changes
right... I just feel shortchanged as a wingar fan.
I may look rational on the outside but I ranted to all my friends that don't even watch dramas that we've been robbed and that life is unfair 😁🤗
Awww virtual hugs Anne! My disappointment just stems from the fact that wingar has been neglected to give way for the other ships to sail, which could have been prevented if Shinlee planned better. It sucks because wingar has such a poetic story. Even a single scene with them talking about their plans could have wrapped up their story nicely. But to cope I just remember that the US move is the next step for their relationship and signals growth not only in their personal/professional lives but also in their relationship. And there is no doubt that they are endgame. I think among all the couples, they are the ones we are 100% sure that will be together forever (SORRY for being cheesy)
I think they will give us something of this sort in the additional YouTube materials. There was no Uju in ep. 12. And he's hosting the next week's special. ShinLee have been good to fans. Mostly, lol. I will be forever salty about not getting the wedding. I mean, it is unlikely they would marry before the US trip, with Rosa being in Spain in the fall, and winter being a busy month in the hospital. STILL... I really wanted that wedding. 🤣More virtual hugs your way. 😘☺️
LOL... I just eavesdropped my daughter complaining to my sister over a video call how obsessed I was over the last episode and how much I have ranted about certain plot development (or lack of) repeatedly🤣
You have such a way with words and this comment was great! Just want to say it's been so fun interacting with you for the last little bit and hearing your thoughts :)
I know I repeat myself but again as always, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
There are many things I wished to see as well but just like you perfectly summarised it, "where others see pointless patient arcs or unwanted romance, I see inspiring stories of underdogs overcoming impossible odds and character triumphs."
ShinLee really did what they said they wanted to, giving viewers a "healing drama". The ending shot with the lacking 5 looking at the sun set is such a beautiful shot. Filled me with so much melancholy and hope. Life is a journey with never ending twists and turns, but with any change comes growth. Not forgetting that besides our loved ones supporting us every step of the way, we also encounter other people who teach us a lesson or two 😊 this is we saw in all of the lacking 5 and the supporting characters around them.
On a cheeky note, do you think Jeongwon would have at least proposed to Gyeoul before their move to US? Cohabiting before marriage! 🤔🤭 I adore the staircase scene so so much as we finally got to see Jeongwon share his worries and self doubts with Gyeoul. Season 2 opened with Jeongwon advising Gyeoul, being the experienced doctor and a highly-empathetic person. And we have season 2 closing with Gyeoul now being the one giving advice to Jeongwon, never dismissing his worries as useless over thinking but gently reminding him on the best way to approach his worries. I do feel that they've had lots of these conversations and moments, which has helped both develop professionally; Gyeoul with her bedside manners and Jeongwon to accept that he has done his utmost best and there is no good in wallowing in guilt or regret.
*sigh* I could watch a season or two of WG show. The actors are amazing together.
Me too 🙋🏻♀️ dreaming about their reunion in another show. Their onscreen chemistry is amazing. Doesn't hurt that their size difference is big too which makes it even cuter during any hug scenes 😍🤗 we all know how tall and built Yoo Yeon-seok is but Shin Hyun Been is really tiny! 😂
Absolutely. I wouldn't mind watching a WG spin-off of their time in the US or some volunteer work in a poverty stricken area.
If ShinLee will make this happen...... TVN can sell the broadcast rights to all platforms, and I will subscribe to all of them. I will willingly purchase ALL drama merchandises, I don't need to look at them. I will pay in advance any DVD releases that he'll have. They can even do PPL, and I will make sure to purchase all those PPL products even from where I am at. That is how desperate and lucrative WG reunion will be. 😂
Cohabitation or not, I would have loved to have seen a proposal at the very least. That's a scene we should have got for continuity purposes even if we didn't get the wedding or glimpses of the wedding that we were in anticipation of.
A proposal scene was crucial for closure! Felt so disappointed and I realised that my emotional reaction is really Grief! Still processing and grieving over what might have been for more WG scenes. (Although I agree the stairwell and dinner scenes were perfectly done.)
I made a mistake by watching this close to midnight after a long day at work and other commitments in the evening- perhaps I was tired but it did feel a little draggy at parts? Or was it the pacing that was a little off, I will definitely need to rewatch this weekend. Wasn't this meant to be a monstrous 2 hr 40 min episode? Hence was surprised that it clocked just over the 2 hour mark, feels like we were shortchanged 40 mins of content XD Wasn't GY's mom meant to make a cameo?
My hunch was right in that they've concluded S2 in a way that can either leave as is, or return with a third season some time in the future. Does anyone have further insight into the production team's challenge in continuing with S3? I recall Shin PD only briefly mentioned "unforeseen challenges" with the seasonal format. Put aside clashes with individual actor's busy schedules, I wonder if it's mainly attributed to Covid restrictions? For example, I felt Uju's screen time is significantly less than S1 and can't help wondering if it's due to high risk of Covid exposure on set (unless it's just me). They've already spent money on the production set, wouldn't it be an additional cost (pretty high one too) if and when they do decide to continue S3?
I will keep further comments until I've done my rewatch. Am just glad that there's more content in the coming weeks- including a variety show to tide me through or else I may have serious withdrawal symptoms lol
Waiting for your thoughts!
I acquired the habit of watching HP2 late at night by episode 4, and I was never fond of any of the episodes, except 10, after the first watching. Honest, the first line of my comment was always, "I didn't like this one as much as I did the previous one." But usually, it gets better. I hope it will get better for you, too! If not, ranting about the flaws seems to help my withdrawal symptoms, at least :)
That "what could have been" 🥲 I'm so happy that WG got their happy ending, they stick together till the very end, even take a big move (US) not only for themselves personally but also their relationship. I also agree that comparing with other pair, WG has the clearest image of their future. But just like everyone already said, it's the execution that disappoints me.
They prolong Gyeoul's family issue only for in the end we can't even see Jeongwon meets her mom. Yes, I get that Gyeoul's background is the foundation of their next step of relationship but they can cut the phase of that issue.
Even without explicit proposal, I think the least they can do is to show Jeongwon's talk to Gyeoul about his plan with her, what he wants for their relationship which implies that this relationship is forever.
It's just speculation but I suspect that they prolonged Gyeo-ul's family issues just so they could fit the development of the other love lines without compromising the doctor-patient stories.
Thank you for this post... I have been having the same struggle after E12 on how to put my feeling into words. I have been waiting for your post as your words always help me process better and present the same feelings I share in ways I could never do. And you certainly did it again with E12.
To start with the positive, I have to say that as long as E12 was, I enjoyed almost every second of it. I loved seeing Seokmin's and Gyeoul's growths in their skills and confidence handling challenging surgeries, the doctor-patient-family dynamics and the difficult dilemmas, the interactions between the 5 (esp. the conversation between SW and SK in the courtyard), and it was so nice to hear the two talented musical drama ladies sing in the karaoke. The challenge for me was feeling that there is still a void even after all those wonderful 120+ mins. To use some of your words, I did not "dislike" the episode as I laughed and cried with it just like the other ones, but I just wish there could be even more, esp knowing this could be the end and there are no more episode in sight to help tie up the loose ends / present finalities in the storylines that they have spent the last 23 episodes to develop.
I totally agree with you that they appeared to be in a hurry wrapping up all the storylines with a somewhat happy endings, maybe to please all the shippers now there is no definite S3, and it cost some necessary details in storytelling to more deeply touch and impact the viewers. It is almost like the Chinese term 隔靴搔癢 （trying to scratch your itch from outside your boots). Take WinterGarden for example, I, too, totally love their two scenes together, but I also wish they could have taken some more time to deal with the development a little deeper (and I wish the same for all the other couples). I am very aware of the fact that this is not a rom com, but if they have set up all these love lines and esp GW with all those hints on marriages, I somehow feel that we were robbed at the end with nothing more than these two scenes together and the news that they'd leave for the US together for a year.
I personally actually love the ending of JW leaving Yulje for a year to enhance his skills in small bowel transplantation. Like SW said, he is the person that is most happy when seeing others enjoy food, so the choosing of this specific specialty is very matching with his character, as it is the only way to help some of his little patients enjoy food like others. Even though it was just a one-year program, his mind probably was on something else (e.g. his earlier life plan) to give it a thought prior to this season, and his uneasiness shows he still needs more experience to help more kids. GU is the person that knew how difficult the procedure is, how JW is the best Yulje could offer, but at the same time how anxious he could be w/ only 1:2 success rate so far, and how she can help him focus. I have no doubt she was fully supportive of, probably even encouraged him to pursue the one-year stint. So as a contrast to S1 when he wanted to leave Yulje for good to run away from suffering patients and attraction towards GU, him leaving Yulje now just temporarily to fully embrace his calling to heal more children, and to have GU by his side, in my opinion, is a wonderful twist and ending message. However, all these wonderful and logical developments got rushed in the presentation, and I was first left wondering how did they go from him not even having met GU's mom, and not even thinking about this specialty, and within a 2-3 weeks span, to the point that he is already set for studying in the US and she is coming alone? It was not until later I got to appreciate the meaning behind this ending.. but how about GU? Surely he would not be that inconsiderate to her career to ask her to just take a break and follow him. And it is already not logical for him to get a study arrangement so quickly, let alone having another one arranged for her. And whether she is there to study or not, surely JW would not have her come with him without first making very serious commitment, with the only fitting one being, in my opinion, marriage, right? Then how did he manage to meet the mom (who has just recovered from DV), propose, and ask her to follow him all in that short span? And why did ShinLee not even give us any hints about all?
I think I was torn between what to expect... I expect this to be slice-of-life so I did not expect all happy fairy tale endings, but also because it is supposed to present somewhat realistic, "ordinary" life or doctors, I cannot reconcile all the quick / rushed developments with the lack of details 😣. And while I appreciate how this drama is not for lazy viewers and requires more detailed digestion to connect dots and comprehend the underlying message, I am noticing myself having to do a lot of interpretation and "extra scenes" in my mind this time - to the point I wondered if I was watching a detective show 🤣.
But having said all the above, I echo that I love this show, warts and all. The positive impact the show has brought to its viewers, me included, has been amazing. I will miss the weekly routine of waiting for content anxiously on Thursday, and looking forward to reading comments here the days after. I personally truly hope there will be a S3 or at least some special episodes to tie a even better bow on it, but with or without it, it is still one of the shows that touched me the most emotionally and helped many of us go through a challenging time with inspiring stories and positive energy.
Thank you again!
You made every point about why the US plot seems a last minute script decision though it fits Jeong-won's arc perfectly. The timing is very off.
That's the problem here. We don't want a different story, we just want more. More scenes, more details, more exploration, because it is really, really good and because they really can give us more healing though these stories. But there are some real-life restrictions of seasonal broadcast television, and, I think, the PD will speak about them soon. They did their best. I'm certain of this 100%. If they could do it better, they would. If they could give us more, they would. They created a universe, and this universe doesn't fit 12 x 2 hours of a scripted show. Part of it (a larger one) will have to find home in the viewers' imagination.
I'll miss the weekly routine too : ( So lucky to meet you all, so, so lucky...
Thank you. So lucky to have met you here as well.
I am also certain they did their best to deliver given the current limitation, just like what the doctors always say in the show, but it is just a little sad to see some disconnect / feel somewhat off knowing how much efforts that all put in. Like what you said, I do not have issues on the story lines, I just wish they could have given us a little more so we do not have to piece so many things together and to "supplement" other scenes in our imagination or via Ao3.
I definitely agree that if they could have done more, they would have. At this point all we can do is speculate but I do think that not being able to confirm a third season was the underlying issue.
Not being able to confirm S3- surely it wouldn't be due to tvN not wanting to sign up for it?
For WG fans, hopefully the latest BTS will satisfy your yearnings ;)
I agree that they should have at least shown how WG communicated about the US move. The lack of details on this just sparks debate among viewers and may cause misunderstandings.
It was the last episode but why do we always have to read between the lines? 🥲
And I agree…I’ll also miss my Thursday habits and the HP discussions here. 🥲
You're welcome and honestly it's been my pleasure to make your acquaintance during this time. Hospital Playlist brought us all together and for that I am grateful.
It's true and I concur with your point that there were certain continuity issues within the episode related to the WinterGarden couple. The US trip did seem like an odd way to end their arc for the season or the series. Honestly, right now I can only imagine that they're having a bet each way. I suspect that they're still lobbying for a third season and are keeping a few tricks up their sleeve.
It seems from all the ending comments, the cast members all want S3 since they've enjoyed working together so much. But I think it would depend on whether ShinLee decides to continue. It must be stressful for them. They took on big risks for both seasons. It is hard to please everyone and I think as much as they may be encouraged by all the positive comments, the criticism must have also added stress for them. Part of me want to them continue also to see that there is room for seasonal dramas that respect the time / workload for the actors and production crew. I do wonder through with such long episodes, whether they were actually as busy as the 2-episode per week show staff. And with so many story lines and cast members, while each actor might have less time / work, it must be very very hard for the production crew.
I hope they can all rest well and whether it will be S3 or not, some, if not all of them, can get to collaborate again in the future.
I'm willing to wait a year or two for another S3. There's no need to rush. A quality script is far more important than the need to churn out stuff yearly.
Me too! I've been waiting for years for Signal 2, I can definitely wait for Hospital Playlist season 3 😅😁🙏
When JW was mentioning his 1 year stint in the States and Gyeoul will be coming with him, I really wanted to insert just a phrase after he said She's coming with me.... I wanted him to add, she'll complete her last year of fellowship there. It is easier for him to do a sudden training, as he is already a Professor, with Pediatric Surgery being a niche one, hence their circle is smaller so easier for Experts like them to connect and such. But it is a bit more complex for those still in training, hence I was unsure if they meant Gyeoul is coming with him just to accompany him and will pause her career for now.
Super agree with this. They should have at least supplemented that convo with more details especially when they didn’t show any scenes of WG together in the second half. What would Gyeoul do there? Will she continue her fellowship or take on a Sabbatical? I actually expected Ikjun to ask more details on Gyeoul’s departure as her mentor but all we get from him is “1 year?” 🥲☹️🤧
Omg sameee..like ikjun and junwan always talk about gyeoul in other unnecessary convos but didn't dare to ask about her here. Shinlee really couldn't even give us a one complete sentence for wg during 2nd half. *angry sobs*
I got my comfort right here. Although I am in awe of how brilliantly they showed us the character growth of each (including the supporting characters), I completely think Shin-Lee are still unsure of a future season and they went for a half empty script which although made us, yet leaves the door open for a future story.
I must confess when season 2 started, with wingar deeply in love and SongHwa's rejection, I secretly hoped that the closure of the drama with just these 2 seasons is probably for the best. Season 3 might simply be a drag which essentially will devalue the original concept. But Shin-Lee sure had 3 seasons in mind originally and some puzzles didn't fall into their rightful place.
I'm not even upset although there is a void. The patient stories were the core as always but the couples' stories stemmed from them. GyeoUl's support gave a once and for all break to Jeong-won's dilemma. JunWan becomes a much more empathetic human accepting IkSun with all her flaws. SeokHyung literally found the Ying to his Yang in MinHa. For Iksong, well they just remain best friends in love.
But what I don't get is the built-up of it all. Are we supposed to simply play mind games? Why did we see a build-up of WG proposal? JeongWon sure met GyeoUl's mom since the story took a 4 months leap so are we to assume that he has already proposed? She's going to the US with him so did she say a yes?
There was a long, long angst built for SeokHyung's mom. Her character itself demanded a face-to-face with MinHa. No? Not happening?
Bidulgi was by far the least explored couple for me with too much potential. And JeongWon going to the US? Yep. That was Shin-Lee's way of letting the audience know that the 99s are no more in the same hospital anymore and all have their respective partners to spend time with on weekends now.
But again, life isn't fair, we have to accept somethings with a heavy heart and we got that lesson with the 12th episode.
On the Gomgom couple bit, it made me uncomfortable when Seokhyeong's mother told Rosa about Seokhyeong's girlfriend being the one who stopped him from leaving US, telling him to take better care of his mother and not leaving her behind all alone. Yes, it's a white lie and one could say much needed in order to deal with his mother's antics.... But I don't know, it just seems like Seokhyeong's delaying the inevitable but in a completely wrong way. I would have preferred Seokhyeong sitting his mother down and having an honest conversation about his relationship status and how he expects his mother to make an effort to respect his decisions and choice of life partner. Of course honest conversations are definitely hard and especially with family.
Agree with you both. Was an anticlimactic development.
I super agree with this. They even filmed scenes with Seokhyung’s ex-wife as a set up for this…only to end up like this 🥲 I felt like there are many things that are wasted (sorry for the term) 🥲
And I think putting out a convo between Seokhyung and her mom would at least make room for her mom to realize her mistakes and have a room for change. She needs redemption too!!!
Exactly! The elaborated scene where SeokHyung's mom meets MinHa and later tells Rosa that she's okay with anyone except for her as her son's girlfriend, was what? Just a scene? Shin-Lee don't do that ! They could have instead given us some WG as a replacement and we would have been happier ! Honestly I read somewhere that fans complained why GyeoUl never called JW 'oppa', and I don't get it. She would have had she been comfortable. She wasn't. So she didn't. JW doesn't mind. My question is simply on the storyline here. Why describe at lengths about something for 11 episodes only to drop it midway in between?
Maaaybe because they might pick it up again in Season 3? (I try to be optimistic after watching the super-emotional bts... and I fail...)
Some things were closed indefinitely (i.e. Jae-hak's scammer), and some were put together with a flimsy band-aid. Seok-hyeong mum's line is definitely of the latter kind.
Ahh yes.. a season 3 is the only solution here but I'm kind of not able to move on because there is no certainty. Anyway, fingers crossed. I don't mind waiting for 2-3 years if that's what writer Lee needs to prepare for another brilliantly written script.
And for me, the flimsy band-aid is for WG ending.. the bear couple story is like an open wound which will take its own sweet time to heal.. urrggh ! I have never been this invested in a drama before!
Agree. I too felt off with SH’s dealing of the situation. She needs a talk from the son even though Minha seems capable of handling her.
I was waiting for this post! Always love reading your thoughts every week and so grateful that you share them with us.
Now that S2 is over, I can say for myself that it felt much less coherent than S1 in terms of its overall arc. What about Daddy Long Legs? Or the VIP cases? I wish we had gotten to see more. But that being said, the strength of the characters and their chemistry with each other really carried through - and in some episodes really shone. The patient stories also had their golden moments. On the topic of lovelines, as much as I love WinterGarden, I'm not really bummed out by the lack of a wedding or other scenes. In fact, I think WinterGarden has been greatly favoured by ShinLee especially when I compare it to the other lovelines, so I don't really think I can complain personally. In fact, I wish there had been less loveline scenes and more patient stories in Ep 12, but that's just me hahaha. Though the way it ended, it just doesn't feel complete without a S3.
Ultimately though, I think ShinLee did a spectacular job in pushing S2 out just a year after S1 given the pressure of Uju growing up, tighter COVID restrictions, adding new residents into the fray etc etc. It was full of heart and it made me glad to be there every step of the way.
More thoughts later, maybe! Also, I'm looking forward to reading your future posts! Have a good rest of weekend!
I agree. If it’s any consolation for WG fans, I think we are still blessed to see them dating for the whole of Season 2 🤧💕 Thank you, ShinLee for that 💕
So true! As the episodes went on, on Twitter I would read IkSong and Bidulgi supporters' thoughts on how things felt for them... and so I gratefully take the WinterGarden scenes we have and play them on repeat....
AGREE! I also console myself by thinking that among the couples, Wingar has the most satisfying storyline. Their story is the most "complete". I think our disappointment just stems from the fact that it could have been better and we just wanted to see more. Also, since this is the ending, it is the last thing we remember so it kinda pains us a little. BUT I just choose to accept the ending and move on. I will just rewatch Wingar fluff scenes and think that wherever they are at least they are together.
YES 🥲🥲🥲 I’m just trying to console myself by thinking of domestic WG in their US apartment. 👩❤️👨
To clarify my thoughts on lovelines after reading other comments, I realised I don't go into Hosplay with an expectation of what stages the romance should have, maybe because I don't watch many K-dramas. For me, Gyeoul telling Jeongwon her mum wants to meet her and them going to the US is as good as a marriage proposal haha. And I guess for the other couples, all I hoped for in Ep 12 is a little hint that they would happily be spending time together and working hard as doctors which we got - with room to explore them if a season 3 happens. Which is why I felt like they showed a little too much of the lovelines for me.
On another note, when ShinLee first shared that there were challenges they didn't expect with a seasonal drama, the first thing that came to mind was honestly incorporating all the side characters in a story of growth or involvement paralleling the main five. I can't help feeling that for many of the side characters their roles just became defunct (Mr. Kettle, Myung Eunwon, to name a few TT) because their purpose had been served in S1 and suddenly it wasn't clear what they were doing in S2 except being shadows in the back. A massive ensemble drama and a seasonal one at that! I'm sure I would go crazy and keep thinking that it must have been so hard for them to write the script considering all their actors. So honestly I just really hope they get a good rest after this and spend time with their families.
I loved reading your comment because it puts things into perspective. I personally was more invested in Wingar than the entirety of the story that is why I wanted to see more of them and the proposal. But thinking back and after rewatching, I do agree that the dinner scene pretty much tells us that wedding is in store for them.
True - I am very grateful for all the WG scenes we have and the long development from S1 to now + the ending scenes do show a lot more finality than others - this also includes resolution of hurdles (vs. GomGom still need to address SK's mom, Bidulgi still needs to address the distance and Iksun's health, etc.). However, maybe because we have been spoiled or led on w/ all the hints early on, having some of the crucial milestone moments being only "implied" somehow still leaves me feeling a little hanging. But I believe this feeling is also a testament of how great the drama has been for me and how relatable / personal the characters have been for us want to see more of their interactions on screen - 🤣I kept telling myself they are just fictional characters in a drama, but somehow I can already envision them actually being in the States year 2022🤣
I missed Mr Kettle too! I was actually hoping to see a reunion between the 4 of them : Rosa, Jungsoo, Mr Kettle, and Seokhyeong's mum. I really enjoyed the 4 of them together in season 1 and not forgetting their Christmas gathering in ep 1 of season 2. It was a treat to see friendship between much older people.
Wonder if the Mr Kettle actor had another project as well? Or did ShinLee decide to do away with his character and give more air time to interns and residents on top of our lacking 5 and the main supporting characters.
Yes, as much as I enjoyed the Jongsu-Rosa scenes and the occasional Rosa-Younghye scene, I really missed the four of them being together. It was so fun to see.
Now i read all of your comments it kind of make sense even shinlee was pressured with public opinion and how story shld go on. I saw a soompi comment where it mentioned that lack of s3 might becuz of burntout of shinlee. That maybe true too. And if by chance they planned s2 with s3 in mind, i think s2 would have been more better. As i remember shinpd totally gave us negative hints about s3 if you can remember their s2 presscon, he said he isn't planning s3 for now and i thought they will change and didn't mind it much but now it makes sense too. Maybe even since then they wanted to end s2 to have a big much needed rest and time for creativity.
Iam always reminding myself hp isn't a romcom and wg isn't the only couple. But still i thought shinlee was good enough to give them justice. Even if jeongwon's love language isn't words, he would one day or another tell her he loves her right?(before marriage or proposal). This time too it was gyeoul who said "saranghanan saram/ person i love" and i was like "jeongwon, when will you tell her that too." Idk why shinlee thought jeongwon saying it isn't something peak in their story cuz for me it matters the most even more than a wedding. My guesses for a wedding in ep12 was less than 30%, cuz hp isn't reply series so i knew they wouldn't take that end. They rarely go away from hospital premises and even when they do they come back right away or only one will get to go.
What really broke me was lack of confession from jeongwon, he is the only hosplay boy who didn't confess verbally to his gf. *sobs*
For me US moving was a big shot from the back. Why jeongwon is the one who always have the biggest plot twists. Lol in s1e12 he kissed gyeoul, biggest twist the whole season, now he drops his plan to move with gyeoul, next biggest twist. Songhwa also had the same move in s1 end guess this is a hint for us that s3 will come.?. Lol now i give up seeing hints even if they are so obvious.
As a wg or any shipper of hosplay i think the sad part is we don't get to see their povs a lot. And iam also sure jeongwon wouldn't bring gyeoul along him for nothing, gyeoul might have liked studying or finishing her residency abroad so they both decided for it. Maybe them moving abroad in 4 months is shinlee's way of saying they will get married soon.
Iam sad the possibility i won't see them again on hp world is not higher than 50%.
My theory was that if they fit a table tennis tournament into the story, surely a small wedding reception where all Five could be present would be a piece of cake... But oh well.
I think (and uri ajhumma wrote a wonderful essay on this a while ago) that though romance isn't the backbone of the HP narration, it is still important.
And the WG romance is the most prominent love line, because Jeong-won's story is a story of a doctor who's exploring his calling. We don't know why his friends chose this profession, they just kind of did, and they are good at what they do, and they surely have great patient stories and epic surgeries, but Jeong-won's arc is mostly about this choice, the importance of belief in a greater power and the importance of both friends and a partner, a helper on this life journey. This relationship is highlighted in season 2 for this reason, imo. We get some more of the same idea, when we see Min-ha bringing ice Americano to the deadly-tired Seok-hyeong or Ik-jun missing his train to cheer for Song-hwa and her difficult surgery.
As for not getting what we would like to see from this romance and never got (e.g. meaningful conversations about the relationship per se, not about the hospital problems), I totally get the frustration.
Moreover, I am of the opinion that the authors (mostly) get away with this vaguery only because they have the lovable YYS and the super-versatile SHB playing these characters. When they appear on the screen, together or just speaking about each other, we always get the impression there is something more we don't know or see about this couple. Something bigger and better, I guess. And this magic only stops working when the script directly proves us wrong.
(I'm not over with no-one in the hospital suspecting they are dating. I'm not really over with Jeong-won not introducing Gyeo-ul to Rosa.)
But it is what it is. I know a scriptwriter's job (though I am not one, I have close friends who work for TV), and it is full of compromises and sacrifices. Sometimes, you have to throw away the best piece of dialogue you've ever written because your suddenly need to get rid of 20 minutes. Sometimes, the heartfelt scene that everybody loved in the script has to go because you failed to secure the location, or your CGI budget can't take another creative rendering, or the actors just don't click in this way - but click in every other one. And sometimes, you have to trust your audience and their imagination, that they can take a hint and grow a story out of it, when you can't do more than hints...
Hugs, friend. I commiserate with you. But 50% is a hell of a lot more than zero.
Mention of shinlee really could had the power to make a small wedding made me sad again.
This frustration is too high that i wish i could take the pen and write the whole life story of them but too bad iam not a good writer. Also writer lee knows them the best. I wonder what she truly feels about them and how it ended..😔
If it's any consolation to Jeongwon not outrightly telling Gyeoul he loves her on screen, I just comfort myself thinking that he probably has continued to show her affection everyday since their infamous crab kiss. Every day without fail. And feeds her. And just loves her. Sigh I'll really miss them.
Everytime they are together or not his eyes tells her he loves her, way he looks at her says it clearly too and also his act of service, but still i wish his mouth could say it too..lol
Rewatching the last episode, I am just consoling myself with the fact that Jeongwon being his forgetful self thought he already said I Love You to Gyeoul, but in fact he hasn't. And Gyeoul, being this undemanding and mature gf, doesn't mind.
Lol why did they highlight his forgetfulness in the ep more than anything..😂
I initially thought Jeongwon's forgetfulness just came out of the left field, but then I remember their date when he totally forgot his ticking time bomb ways and Gyeoul had to remind him of the incident at the Medical Office. So, not OOC but I still wanted to hear him say it.... Oh well......😂
Will miss HP, the discussions and the people here big time. Thanks again for doing this. Love reading your reviews and might pickup shows from here😊
As for the last episode, I liked the contrast of life and death as seen from Songhwa’s eyes. It moves you no matter how many years experience you have as a doctor. But that family went through so much with the transplant and heart surgery and finally brain dead.
The mom who lost the baby came back pregnant, yay! Didn’t think Cheon nedded a redemption, well anyways happy for Eun-dam!
I was happy with the patient stories! For the lovelines, I wasn’t too disappointed with the lack of proposal or wedding. But wanted to see Gyeoul’s mother for having brought up two wonderful kids despite her situation. And was looking forward to JW meeting her, would have been as lovely as GU coming up to meet Rosa. As we say in this side of the world, marriage is between families too! And the move to the US - could have shown the talk and what GU was planning to do.
Yes, loved Gyeoul being the stoic support for JW, was wanting this since S2 beginning given our emotional JW.
Junwan - the sweet heart he has become, from him needing Jae-hak to him becoming his support system! Ik-sun had the most impact on me considering the lesser amount of scenes she was in!
Though I get that it seemed rushed and some things are still left hanging, HP is leaps and bounds ahead in quality and in the message it sends( not using past sense yet😇) I am singing high praise here, but this belongs to the league of free open source content for the world, if there is something as that!
Ohhhhh, I'm so glad you mentioned Song-hwa's tale of the two patients! (Because it was a visual representation of Matthew 24:40, “The Son of Man's Arrival will be like that: two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind.") I majorly teared up during this scene. So sad for the old dad and his heartbroken family...
Yes, similarly felt that the hospital being a place of both life ans death theough Songhwa's eyes was poetic and suited the last episode of Ep 12! And the OBGYN patient from the start of the season, major feels! Really great moments...
This woman is so beautiful... Really hope her baby angel will be okay.
Honestly, if I removed all the emotion of a fan out of it, especially as a fan of any particular lifeline, I think they did a good job.
A series has a lot of factors that go into the making some we can read about, others we can guess, some others we can infer however the multitude of factors that lead to the final product will always be behind the scenes and how much ever we see behind the scenes footage as viewers we cannot 100 percent comprehend what it took to make it. Broadly there are budgets to manage, actor schedules to shuffle, locations and sets to manage, all this further complicated by the pandemic. After managing all this everything has to go as per plan, the script has to be written well and the actors have to deliver true to the character and script, the director and production team has to make sure that the actors bring the script to life. After this comes in the ratings, commercial viability and how much focus remains on series and steaming platforms like Netflix after a year or so when people possibly we return to lives not as much impacted by the pandemic or hopefully opre pandemic normalcy. So there was possibly the sword hanging over their heads of the uncertainty of season 3. And then there are audience expectations. There would also be the original story that the director and writer wanted to cover.
With all the factors looming I think they did justice to the characters keeping them on the path that they charted out at the beginning and stayed true to the character sketch on most counts. Also to make season 2 a success is no mean feat by itself since season 1 was a hefty mountain to live up to.
Thank you Team hospital Playlist . Each member contributed and did well. The final product speaks volumes of their strife and struggle and the heart poured into it.
Any particular love line *
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Sorry for the typos!
I'll come back and write more, but thank you 40somethingahjumma and everyone in this community for being part of my Hospital Playlist 2 watch journey. I'm happy with the ending and sad that it's ended (never had my eyes leaked so much pre- last episode of a drama before. And I had another crying fit yesterday after seeing the last ep BTS clip). But... More later. Looking forward to reading all your thoughts :)
Your review sums up my thoughts about this episode, despite its flaws it's a great medical drama.
I watch some reviews by doctors they explained the OR scenes are so well made that it's actually look like real operations they also love the patients stories and the messages the drama . In the end if the whole drama while it's not perfect (does that even exist ?) is well written. Of course some storylines are weaker than others for instance I'm still confused by Bidulgi storyline.
But you're right Junwan progression has been great and his relationship with Jaehak is one the great success of the drama. Not many people talk about it but i also think the Lee siblings relationship is really interesting, two extroverts who have difficulties to communicate with each other, i notice that Ikjun who is often right about people is most of the time wrong or off timings with his own sister .
I really wonder if with covid restrictions there some storylines which had to be rewritten or completely dropped, it would be interesting to have an interview of the writer, i doubt she's completely satisfied with everything they done or how it look on screen.
Wintergarden is my favourite couple and i really love theirs story from s2 episode 1 to episode 10.My hunch is since there is no confirmation for S3, they couldn't do what they originally planned for WG with two episodes left. Even if i love theirs scenes in this episode i think a scene we're they talk about going to US was needed (maybe it was cut out...). I have no problem with this storyline, whatever WG is doing they do it together now, but it was quite sudden.
Sending Jeongwon to the US for 1 year is also a way to put things on "hold" that's why I'm not really sad like you i don't think ShinLee is done with the franchise and i truly hope for a season 3.
As a fellow fan of WinterGarden, I’m so happy that you find the stairwell scene as significant as I did. You managed to put into words exactly how I feel about the whole scene. Admittedly, after the honeymoon phase of WinGar, I never felt that AJW and JGW at equal footing hence there was a hint of awkwardness for the lack of better word to the relationship. But the stairwell scene put everything to rest and although we did not get a proposal, that scene is enough to convince me they are in it for the long run.