I too have some expectations about the show; where it should go and what should happen. Only natural and human to have those. But ultimately, just like you, I'm just onboard the ShinLee bus to see where they take us too. That said, I guess it does help if one ignores or avoids over-analysing the upcoming episodes previews & teasers.
p.s. I think I'm on to my 4th rewatch of season 1 now bahahahahahaha. This breaks my record of rewatching Signal thrice.
Not trying to push your favorite drama into a cookie cutter is a must.
I don't know if you remember BBC Sherlock - a huge international hit, a breakthrough in TV storytelling on many levels. The pressure the writers faced while doing their last season, S04, was enormous. Everyone and their dog had an opinion about how it should be - after all, they had a few years to think about it. And many people really, really shot themselves in the foot, because the show didn't (and couldn't) meet all those expectations and show all the little details and conversations vast parts of the audience were hoping to see.
As a result, it was almost a universal opinion that S4 was not good. But objectively, it was. It was the story the authors wanted to tell. Sure, it had flaws and some plot holes, but it also had the best pieces of dialogue and an emotional punch that knocked me out for a couple of weeks. I wasn't expecting any of what I was served. And I liked it better than all of my own theories combined.
I prefer to trust the talent. A writer's talent is an amazing thing. You need to listen to what they have to say in full - and then, perhaps, after a lot of reflection, give feedback, say how it made you feel, ask questions. But when you try to guide the writer's hand to make them do what you want, write what you know - what good can it bring?
It only happens with good writing, though. When a show is mediocre, there is little to none notes on the fan's side. And the fans' number is few.
Lol, I'm sitting on my hands not to watch anything except HP, because I want to enjoy it - much I enjoyed Sherlock in 2017. But season 1 is up for grabs. I enjoy all the parts, even the angsty ones. I don't think I could have handled some episodes if I watched it last year as an ongoing - the suspense would kill me. So, I think, after a few months, all episodes of S02 will be equally nourishing for a rewatch, even the "heavier" ones. We just have five of them left, *sigh*.
Stephanie, dont worry about the 4th watch. I've rewatched Season 1 at least 10 times and now can watch without subs cos I know entire conversations haha. Like all of you, I'm on the Shin-Lee bus full on. I trust that they have a bigger picture that they are painting, and are seeing it unveil piece by piece each episode. I'll hold any judgement for now and wait for the story to unfold, like some slow food fiesta :) after all slow food is not just a feast for the eyes but the senses too.
I’m just saying a quick hello to everyone. I haven’t left a comment in the last HP post but I read it and I won’t been leaving a long comment with this one, either. Like I said in the First Look, episode 7 left me very sad and for some reason, I still feel the same way. 😭😭😭
Having said that, I definitely look forward to episode 8 and then I’ll go back to commenting here again. 🥰🥰🥰
I'm still agitated and want to see episode 8 mainly for Mama Rosa. I am really hoping its NPH and not the dreaded irreversible diagnosis. The coupling from WG to GomGom to Bidulgi to Iksong, I am less worried on their trajectory.
P.S. For those b***** about HP veering away from reality and losing its ways as they say it is mainly focusing on romance and such, I call that BS. First of all, in each episodes we still have more than half the show being anchored by patient stories. As for the realism issue, those that have been inside a hospital environment would know that romance and gossips are part and parcel of a hospital environment (and even mentioned by YT reviews, hence universally true I guess).
Aki, I think I share your sentiments. I've been trying to evaluate myself why I felt so sad with episode 8 when in all honesty, it's not as heartbreaking as the Jun-Wan/Bidulgi breakup episode.
I think ep 7 hits closer to home than I care to admit. The idea of aging and eventually dying parents is something every child is afraid to experience. Kim Hae-sook is such a great actress that I could feel her agony as she struggled to remember her passcode. Even the Ik-Song conversation about getting annoyed and guilty after talking to parents is something that I experience too often.
As for the WinterGarden scene, what hurt me most was the idea that when someone is used to being independent all her life, it's really very hard to open up to someone even if you love that person very much. Even if your significant other tells you over and over again that he's there for you, it's not easy to unlearn what you've been doing all your life. Gyeo-ul not immediately sharing with JW what's happening to her is something that's too relatable for me and I think that's what's been bothering me the most. So my sadness is really more personal rather than a criticism of the episode. Hahahahah! :D
I can relate! I clicked on Hosplay on Netflix out of boredom due to quarantine. Gomgom first caught my attention but something about Wingar just drew me in 😅 Gosh yys x shb’s chemistry is just something else. I also think gyeoul’s character is wonderfully written. She has the best character devt in the show imo.
Good luck to your commitments 🤗 we hope we can still read about your insights about hosplay soon!
I remember so many people said in S1 that the lacking 5 is kinda unrealistic since they can get together often despite their busy schedule and their age which normally people rarely hang out with their friends. Now when they are so busy with their respective life, interest and job people are also complaining. There is always a room for complaint, I guess. Sometimes I wish I'm just a casual viewer who watch a drama without busying myself to look up on internet what people said about that drama LOL. I like to read people's reviews, be it a good or bad one. But I found lately, moreover after your post few times ago, some of them are really just to complain every trivial thing in each episode, this is different from what I found in last season. Oops, sorry for the ranting!
Lovely analysis once again. Difference in relationships brings stability. The yin to the yang though sounds cliched is always true. That’s why Winter Garden always felt so natural to me. And we are shown why Min-ha is exactly what Seok-Hyeong needs.
Regarding the complaint of friendship taking a back seat, take it from someone who is enthralled by that a bit more than the love lines, I am not seeing anything disappointing in that front. Song-hwa is still aware of all of her friend’s health issues! Also, the band got reinstated only in Yulje, and Seok-Hyeong was in the US prior to that. So, it was not like they were jamming and dining every week the last twenty years! You do the things you have to as life happens!
"You do the things you have to as life happens!" - That's gold, thank you for that!
Actually, I can't imagine a better pastime for a group of friends than making music together. When you make music together, you become closer - that's a scientific fact. And even if we are not privy to all 99z' conversations this season, we've witnessed the most important ones. The mere fact that they still have rehearsals (and have vastly improved in every aspect) is a sign that everything is fine there, we just need to zoom in on each band member for a change. A band is not just a sum of its members' skills. It's alchemy. This alchemy vastly depends on what's going on in your head and your soul. That's what we get this season. All songs in S01 were good. But some of them were generic. This season, each and every of them reflects the inner workings of one of the Lacking 5, so everyone gets a solo once in a while, or a harmony that matters.
I understand (and greatly appreciate) that ShinLee took a huge risk and investment on HP. From the once-a-week / seasonal concept, the high number and depths of main / recurring characters, to the story-telling methods, etc., all of them pushed the envelops of current norms and what are usually expected in the Kdrama industry. For me, all have paid off as I am very engaged (using your word) with the drama, more than I have ever been before; and I am even more engaged in S2 than in S1. Like what you said, I am on the ShinLee bus for the ride. I trust that the driver / pilot’s ability to bring us to the destination that has been mapped out in their minds long ago; and while there might be some unexpected detours or extra bumps, so far I am enjoying the journey, esp with all the fellow passengers like you all 😘.
With the above said, I totally understand that expect that some people might be unhappy about S2 because of unmet expectations. There are extreme opinions on the same plot / character that I even started to wonder if TvN broadcast has been broadcasting different versions to different people. And some of those, sadly, are done with very little taste or respect. As much as it shows how “engaged” the overall audience are, it is just unfortunate to see – but it also makes me appreciate your space here even more. Thank you for being a great “guide” and allow us passengers to safely reflect on how we feel about the journey and unexpected detours (sorry if I am being cheesy😁).
The wheels have been set in motion for many things and we only have 5 episodes left. I am waiting for ep8 anxiously while trying not to assume anything. As heavy as the last Ep7 scenes were, ShinLee also have a way of presenting very simple (sometimes, so simple that is almost surprising) outcome for some seemingly dramatic / insurmountable problems, and I can’t wait to see how they will address all the developments in the upcoming episodes!
Checked in after finishing up Ep 8 at 130am local time haha. I won't comment on that episode for now, until you post your thoughts. Meanwhile, enjoy your time and catching up poat lockdown!
This is a masterpiece. Sorry that I’m late to the reading. There’s nothing too comment. All what I have felt during these weeks about the audience complaining it is resumed in to this.
Thanks for writing it. I’m also enjoying this roller coaster. I think people need to lay back and try to understand the writer’s developing story in each episode and not only see their lenses of what they want to see.
I’m afraid to say that most of the people are accustomed to see dramas that are put in the way that they know what the audience loves too see. For example, ML and FL hate each other or they have a love triangle, everything solves and then boom we have our fairytale ending.
And this is why some people have a hard time trying to adjust the drama (Hospital Playlist) into this situation.
I too have some expectations about the show; where it should go and what should happen. Only natural and human to have those. But ultimately, just like you, I'm just onboard the ShinLee bus to see where they take us too. That said, I guess it does help if one ignores or avoids over-analysing the upcoming episodes previews & teasers.
p.s. I think I'm on to my 4th rewatch of season 1 now bahahahahahaha. This breaks my record of rewatching Signal thrice.
I think I've watched Signal three times as well. Prison Playbook also three times. I've seen Circle twice. Bad Guys probably 4 times.
Not trying to push your favorite drama into a cookie cutter is a must.
I don't know if you remember BBC Sherlock - a huge international hit, a breakthrough in TV storytelling on many levels. The pressure the writers faced while doing their last season, S04, was enormous. Everyone and their dog had an opinion about how it should be - after all, they had a few years to think about it. And many people really, really shot themselves in the foot, because the show didn't (and couldn't) meet all those expectations and show all the little details and conversations vast parts of the audience were hoping to see.
As a result, it was almost a universal opinion that S4 was not good. But objectively, it was. It was the story the authors wanted to tell. Sure, it had flaws and some plot holes, but it also had the best pieces of dialogue and an emotional punch that knocked me out for a couple of weeks. I wasn't expecting any of what I was served. And I liked it better than all of my own theories combined.
I prefer to trust the talent. A writer's talent is an amazing thing. You need to listen to what they have to say in full - and then, perhaps, after a lot of reflection, give feedback, say how it made you feel, ask questions. But when you try to guide the writer's hand to make them do what you want, write what you know - what good can it bring?
It only happens with good writing, though. When a show is mediocre, there is little to none notes on the fan's side. And the fans' number is few.
Lol, I'm sitting on my hands not to watch anything except HP, because I want to enjoy it - much I enjoyed Sherlock in 2017. But season 1 is up for grabs. I enjoy all the parts, even the angsty ones. I don't think I could have handled some episodes if I watched it last year as an ongoing - the suspense would kill me. So, I think, after a few months, all episodes of S02 will be equally nourishing for a rewatch, even the "heavier" ones. We just have five of them left, *sigh*.
I didn't know that there was a fourth season of Sherlock. I must check it out.
Stephanie, dont worry about the 4th watch. I've rewatched Season 1 at least 10 times and now can watch without subs cos I know entire conversations haha. Like all of you, I'm on the Shin-Lee bus full on. I trust that they have a bigger picture that they are painting, and are seeing it unveil piece by piece each episode. I'll hold any judgement for now and wait for the story to unfold, like some slow food fiesta :) after all slow food is not just a feast for the eyes but the senses too.
I’m just saying a quick hello to everyone. I haven’t left a comment in the last HP post but I read it and I won’t been leaving a long comment with this one, either. Like I said in the First Look, episode 7 left me very sad and for some reason, I still feel the same way. 😭😭😭
Having said that, I definitely look forward to episode 8 and then I’ll go back to commenting here again. 🥰🥰🥰
Get better and come back soon! <3 We miss you here!
Sorry to hear that. You've been missed. I hope Episode 8 is more your cup of tea.
I'm still agitated and want to see episode 8 mainly for Mama Rosa. I am really hoping its NPH and not the dreaded irreversible diagnosis. The coupling from WG to GomGom to Bidulgi to Iksong, I am less worried on their trajectory.
P.S. For those b***** about HP veering away from reality and losing its ways as they say it is mainly focusing on romance and such, I call that BS. First of all, in each episodes we still have more than half the show being anchored by patient stories. As for the realism issue, those that have been inside a hospital environment would know that romance and gossips are part and parcel of a hospital environment (and even mentioned by YT reviews, hence universally true I guess).
Aki, I think I share your sentiments. I've been trying to evaluate myself why I felt so sad with episode 8 when in all honesty, it's not as heartbreaking as the Jun-Wan/Bidulgi breakup episode.
I think ep 7 hits closer to home than I care to admit. The idea of aging and eventually dying parents is something every child is afraid to experience. Kim Hae-sook is such a great actress that I could feel her agony as she struggled to remember her passcode. Even the Ik-Song conversation about getting annoyed and guilty after talking to parents is something that I experience too often.
As for the WinterGarden scene, what hurt me most was the idea that when someone is used to being independent all her life, it's really very hard to open up to someone even if you love that person very much. Even if your significant other tells you over and over again that he's there for you, it's not easy to unlearn what you've been doing all your life. Gyeo-ul not immediately sharing with JW what's happening to her is something that's too relatable for me and I think that's what's been bothering me the most. So my sadness is really more personal rather than a criticism of the episode. Hahahahah! :D
Anyhoo, I look forward to episode 8. :)
I can relate! I clicked on Hosplay on Netflix out of boredom due to quarantine. Gomgom first caught my attention but something about Wingar just drew me in 😅 Gosh yys x shb’s chemistry is just something else. I also think gyeoul’s character is wonderfully written. She has the best character devt in the show imo.
Good luck to your commitments 🤗 we hope we can still read about your insights about hosplay soon!
This is brilliant 😭Thank you so much for writing this! ❤️
You're welcome.
I remember so many people said in S1 that the lacking 5 is kinda unrealistic since they can get together often despite their busy schedule and their age which normally people rarely hang out with their friends. Now when they are so busy with their respective life, interest and job people are also complaining. There is always a room for complaint, I guess. Sometimes I wish I'm just a casual viewer who watch a drama without busying myself to look up on internet what people said about that drama LOL. I like to read people's reviews, be it a good or bad one. But I found lately, moreover after your post few times ago, some of them are really just to complain every trivial thing in each episode, this is different from what I found in last season. Oops, sorry for the ranting!
Bang on!
Maybe it's different people complaining about different things. LOL.
Lmao yeah it can be. The point is we fans will never be satisfied.
Lovely analysis once again. Difference in relationships brings stability. The yin to the yang though sounds cliched is always true. That’s why Winter Garden always felt so natural to me. And we are shown why Min-ha is exactly what Seok-Hyeong needs.
Regarding the complaint of friendship taking a back seat, take it from someone who is enthralled by that a bit more than the love lines, I am not seeing anything disappointing in that front. Song-hwa is still aware of all of her friend’s health issues! Also, the band got reinstated only in Yulje, and Seok-Hyeong was in the US prior to that. So, it was not like they were jamming and dining every week the last twenty years! You do the things you have to as life happens!
Really good points there. Thank you!
"You do the things you have to as life happens!" - That's gold, thank you for that!
Actually, I can't imagine a better pastime for a group of friends than making music together. When you make music together, you become closer - that's a scientific fact. And even if we are not privy to all 99z' conversations this season, we've witnessed the most important ones. The mere fact that they still have rehearsals (and have vastly improved in every aspect) is a sign that everything is fine there, we just need to zoom in on each band member for a change. A band is not just a sum of its members' skills. It's alchemy. This alchemy vastly depends on what's going on in your head and your soul. That's what we get this season. All songs in S01 were good. But some of them were generic. This season, each and every of them reflects the inner workings of one of the Lacking 5, so everyone gets a solo once in a while, or a harmony that matters.
I understand (and greatly appreciate) that ShinLee took a huge risk and investment on HP. From the once-a-week / seasonal concept, the high number and depths of main / recurring characters, to the story-telling methods, etc., all of them pushed the envelops of current norms and what are usually expected in the Kdrama industry. For me, all have paid off as I am very engaged (using your word) with the drama, more than I have ever been before; and I am even more engaged in S2 than in S1. Like what you said, I am on the ShinLee bus for the ride. I trust that the driver / pilot’s ability to bring us to the destination that has been mapped out in their minds long ago; and while there might be some unexpected detours or extra bumps, so far I am enjoying the journey, esp with all the fellow passengers like you all 😘.
With the above said, I totally understand that expect that some people might be unhappy about S2 because of unmet expectations. There are extreme opinions on the same plot / character that I even started to wonder if TvN broadcast has been broadcasting different versions to different people. And some of those, sadly, are done with very little taste or respect. As much as it shows how “engaged” the overall audience are, it is just unfortunate to see – but it also makes me appreciate your space here even more. Thank you for being a great “guide” and allow us passengers to safely reflect on how we feel about the journey and unexpected detours (sorry if I am being cheesy😁).
The wheels have been set in motion for many things and we only have 5 episodes left. I am waiting for ep8 anxiously while trying not to assume anything. As heavy as the last Ep7 scenes were, ShinLee also have a way of presenting very simple (sometimes, so simple that is almost surprising) outcome for some seemingly dramatic / insurmountable problems, and I can’t wait to see how they will address all the developments in the upcoming episodes!
Checked in after finishing up Ep 8 at 130am local time haha. I won't comment on that episode for now, until you post your thoughts. Meanwhile, enjoy your time and catching up poat lockdown!
This is a masterpiece. Sorry that I’m late to the reading. There’s nothing too comment. All what I have felt during these weeks about the audience complaining it is resumed in to this.
Thanks for writing it. I’m also enjoying this roller coaster. I think people need to lay back and try to understand the writer’s developing story in each episode and not only see their lenses of what they want to see.
I’m afraid to say that most of the people are accustomed to see dramas that are put in the way that they know what the audience loves too see. For example, ML and FL hate each other or they have a love triangle, everything solves and then boom we have our fairytale ending.
And this is why some people have a hard time trying to adjust the drama (Hospital Playlist) into this situation.
Thanks again for this beautiful article.