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Anne's avatar

This episode broke my heart in so many places I lost count. But you know, it is a good kind of hurt. The one that makes you sober and aware.

The first one was the theme of aging, particularly, aging parents, their troubles and illnesses, and quirks. The show deals with its elders beautifully, they are so breathing, so dimensional. Even Seok-hyeong’s mom. She may come across arrogant and annoying, but she is not a caricature - I’ve actually met people like her. It’s more about insecurity and immaturity than malice. She hasn’t lived her life to the fullest, what’s with her unfortunate marriage, and her elevated position. At the same time, she’s not heartless, she values her friends, the company she’s able to secure at her age. And I bet if Min-ha becomes her daughter-in-law, she will challenge her just right…

You know, this episode is the first one across two seasons when I truly believed the GomGom relationship was a possibility - because of one (1) Seok-hyeong’s expression when Hong-do was praising Min-ha’s sense of humor (in the exact same words Gyeo-ul said to her bf, I believe). Was it, perhaps, jealousy, or other hint of possessiveness? To the point where this recluse would voluntarily join the team meals to observe his chief resident around the intern?

(And yes, I’m writing that much about this part of the show because it was the only one that didn’t give me acute heartache but some hope instead, lol.)

Because Jun-wan sitting on a floor with a crumbling bun and a puddle of soda (man, I’ve been there) - and Jun-wan in general = heartbreak.

Ik-jun longingly staring at Song-hwa, and then into the fire, much like U-ju did = heartbreak.

Real life interrupting a fairytale-like WG proposal set to the sappiest OST of all time = triple heartbreak. (Did they have to mention break-up in this episode twice? Did they?!)

And all the guardians’ stories, starting with the security guard and ending with a Pediatric fellow who just lost it because of her worry = well, I am not a very emotional person, but I was pretty heartbroken.

There were some other good things, though. The editing of the opening sequence of the show was a chef’s kiss. These paradigmatic transitions between the scenes - Hong-do’s unwashed hair => Gyeo-ul’s freshly washed hair => Gyeo-ul’s coffee cup => Seok-hyeong’s coffee tumbler => Seok-hyeong’s car => Song-hwa’s car => Song-hwa’s entering the elevator => Jun-wan’s leaving the elevator… ugh, so well-done. Musical cuts also became better compared to the first part of the season. And all the subtle things I’m so fond of are still there.

(So, if Jun-wan’s going to his mom’s birthday next episode, please make sure he meets Ik-sun there, author-nim! Otherwise, why mention it at all?!)

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Anne's avatar

I second that "Arggggggggghhhhh" and wholeheartedly agree with your take on the WG relationship. Much as I like the fluff, they need to build a more solid foundation before saying their wedding vows. It was very poignant that Jeong-won chose to propose at the cathedral. It was as if Lord Himself told him, 'no, it's not the right time, my boy.'

Great observations about moms, all of them. I teared up. <3

You and your husband are such optimists, lol. May it be. I am all for weddings & parties - at the right time.

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