review: Wonderful Season Episode 21-22
The bromance outshone the romance this weekend and I didn’t mind one bit. Dong Seok begins to reconnect with his family, while Dong Hee is on his way to becoming the best dongsaeng ever despite his brashness. And we have Dong Seok and Hae Won on a hug parade. Where was that hot kiss promised in the written preview? The preview definitely stated “Hot Kiss”, while the Korean media reviews after the broadcast mentioned “Hot Hug”. My question is what exactly is a “Hot Hug”? I get Hot Kiss, I get Warm Hug. But Hot Hug doesn’t compute with me. Unless they were rippin’ each other’s clothes off while hugging or something. I mean the DS-HW hugs were serviceable but they were definitely not hot.
When HW refuses to take DS’s hand, he walks away. While HW is staring after him in confusion, DS makes a call to OCS and requests to see him. Meanwhile, Grandpa insists that though he feels sorry towards DO for causing her condition, he doesn’t regret saving DS first.
HW walks over to the Kang house and bumps into DS’s mom (SS) who has walked out to take a breather. HW explains she was worried about DS and suspects something must have happened at home, thus, she’s here to check on him. SS shares she could never think good of DS because of DO. DS grew up so well and smart at DO’s expense, so she thinks. And that’s why she ignored him most of the time.
SS goes on to say that she won’t allow the marriage between them because she cannot DS marry into family in which the members ignore him – he already suffered under his own family. DS meets with OCS and asks whether OCS is threatening him with regards to telling his family that HW’s dad was the one responsible for DO’s condition. OCS refutes his description, saying he is only cutting a deal with DS. DS fakes bravado and says if HW dumps him because of this, he isn’t going to curl up and cry because he’s no Mr Romantic.
DS returns home to see HW waiting for him outside. She greets him brightly and says she’ll do as he says: she’ll take his hand and consider running away. DS makes her promise she wouldn’t make any judgments or decisions by herself, to trust him without question, under all circumstances. HW flings herself into his arms and promises she will never leave him or give up, and she’ll find a way to convince SS to accept her. They hug tightly under the streetlamps. LSJ’s beautiful hands. This must be their fave spot for hugs. Heh.
The next morning, as DT and bald uncle argue about DS, they get interrupted by the man himself. DO steps out of the house at the same time and walks off in a huff. I love DO’s princessy tantrums. DS follows her out and stops to tie her shoelaces, while DO says she isn’t a fool. She can tie her own laces. DS tells her that nobody is at fault for the accident – it’s due to misfortune befallen on everyone involved. As much as DS is trying to convince DO that is the truth, he doesn’t look too convinced himself.
DS is about get into his car when he thinks back about his conversation with OCS. He double-backs home and asks DT to have breakfast together as he’s sick of sandwiches. They have breakfast together with DT, SS and bald uncle looking on in hilarious wonder. I’m with DS here – I’m not one to have rice for breakfast – pancakes, toast and cereal, please. My mom, on the other hand, can do rice AND noodles plus Dim Sum on the side for breakfast. It’s amazing. She claims it’s the Asian in her, while I believe it’s just her.
DJ is still ignoring DH. DH goes out looking for DO. DO seeks out WJ at the medical centre. She apologises for the no-show at the picnic and he replies that that he was worried she had gotten hurt somehow. Plus, she wasn’t answering her phone. DO says she is sick.
Inside, DO relates she is sick and points to her head. She is a fool – can the good doc fix her and make her smart again? Ommmmmph. Heartbreaking. WJ feels for her and just then, MR barges in, demanding to borrow WJ’s camera. She asks DO why she didn’t turn up the day before – WJ was all worried and he even prepared a present for her…and WJ rushes over to shut her trap. HA. They head out to chat. And get spotted by DH. Yikes.
DH being DH makes a beeline for WJ and socks him. MR tries to stop him and gets shoved to the ground. Collateral damage of Tornado Dong Hee. DH challenges WJ that if he is sincere about DO, he should be planning on marrying her. That gives WJ pause and he responds rather weakly that marriage doesn’t have to be end-all of sincerely liking someone…and DH calls on his misgivings at the thought of marrying someone like DO.
To DH, sincerity equates to marriage. DO sees them outside and the siblings bicker over the goodness and benevolence of WJ for the nth time. I do get DH though. If isn’t WJ isn’t serious about DO, he shouldn’t give her the wrong idea just because she’s pretty and he feels sorry for her.
Back home, DH threatens to lock DO up in the house. Back at the clinic, WJ broods over DH’s words, knowing there is some truth and logic in them. At school, MR is limping in pain as the tiny twins wonder how she ended up hurt. HW decides to help SS with the shop and rattles off reasons why she would be good for DS – stuff like how she is a real good sleeper thus she won’t disturb him and how she attracts mozzies so they won’t bite him. It’s kinda cute – but so high school (I will rant about HW later.) She ends with promising SS that she won’t let DS feel lonely and get hurt again.
At the café, DS interrupts a customer from picking up HW by announcing he is her husband. HA. He buys his usual Americano set and the priciest drink on the menu. And we cut to HW following DS. She claims she has asked for one minute free from work. Yup, to tag after him. DS says she may get fired for this but HW breezily replies that if that happens, he will be responsible for her.
She asks him to smile and he does – just another excuse to see LSJ flash those killer dimples. She declares that she loves him and he is the person she loves most on earth and in the universe. And they should let many people hear this news. She’s sorta paraphrasing what she said when she was a teenager at the beach. DS calls her name and hugs her. On the streets in full view of passers-by.
HW resists at first saying it isn’t right for hotshot prosecutor to do something like that. DS doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with hugging his lover. If he gets fired, she’ll have to be responsible for him. He goes on to say he wishes to spend all his one-hour breaks hugging her like that. If she doesn’t like the idea, she better say it now. HW hugs him in reply.
DH tries to persuade SH to give HW up. DT and HY fuss over how pretty she should be for her first meeting with Mool as DT’s official girlfriend. There’s the usual merry-go-round with twin uncles, veggie lady with straightened hair and flighty vice-principal. At home, DH finds out DO hasn’t left her room all day and hasn’t eaten anything, too. He shoos SS out of the room, claiming that DO’s problem is with him and not the food. He manages to get her to eat using some smart reverse psychology.
SS steps out of the house and sees DS sleeping in his car. She wakes him and asks resignedly whether she is the only one who hasn’t given her approval yet. If that’s what’s stopping him and HW, she’s going to give her approval. DS reels with disbelief. Minutes later, he meets HW at the park. Gazing at each other happily, they know they can now move ahead with marriage with a peace of mind. Yup – for like 24 hours.
The couple celebrate over soju and HW is still all dazed wondering whether this is all a dream. She reaches out to touch DS’s cheek and he wraps his own hand around hers and keeps it there, saying it isn’t a dream. HW stands up abruptly and says she has somewhere to go. She just needs 10 minutes.
She goes to the Kang home and hugs SS in tearful gratitude. SS responds that if HW ever gives DS a hard time in the future, she won’t let the younger woman off. While she’s gone, DS thinks over his damning conversation with OCS again. And drinks some more. HW returns to a tipsy DS – a tipsy LSJ is still hot and freakin’ adorable. I just wanna hug him – or Hot Hug him as per the media reviews.
He pulls her down next to him and holds her hand. He says even if he lets go of her hand, she has to hold on to his and never let go, no matter what happens. DS pulls her even closer into a side-hug. I so love this hug much more than those before in this weekend’s episodes. DS muses that it still feels like a dream: him holding her like that, her being so close to him. It’s HW’s turn to reassure him everything is real. And someone snaps their pictures of their intimacy. SIGH. I think I know where this is going…
DH is brushing his teeth when HW calls him. DS has totally passed out and she can’t move him herself. DH buckles DS in and offers HW a ride home. She declines and says they are going to be family soon. DH replies that they should try to live well together. DS rouses in mid-drive and is surprised to see DH and says so. DH replies he doesn’t know why he is doing this either. And tsk-tsks his older bro, saying he’s getting into trouble even before getting married. Heh. So cute.
When DS stumbles while walking, DH grabs him arm to steady him. DS stares pointedly at the supportive gesture and demands to know whether DH still hates him for being cold, selfish and treating his family badly, etc. DH deflects his question by commenting it’s good that he’s self-reflecting but now he should just turn in and have a good sleep. DS orders DH to keep hating him: he’s much worse that what DH thinks of him. DH shouldn’t think of being nice to him, but should continue to hate and dislike him. And don’t let the tiny twins like him either or DH will die by DS’s fist. Haha. DH says DS doesn’t have to worry about that and DS cutely goes, “Really?” Arggh…how can a 43-year-old man be so squishy?
DS pats DH’s shoulder and cheek and thanks him. Awwwww…the genuine, affectionate way DS looks at DH and DH’s surprise at DS’s sudden warmth just douses by heart with melting warmth. Hands-down my favourite scene of the weekend. DS staggers off, all silly grins and fabulous dimples. Once in the courtyard, he doesn’t return to his room but ends up outside DO’s room, shouting that he wants to talk to her.
SS and ajumma come running out to see the commotion, with DH trying to drag DS away. He refuses to budge and DO wakes up. She tries to open the door and the knob is stuck – DH is keeping a firm grip on it from the outside. DS shout he doesn’t feel sorry towards DO at all. But if Grandpa had saved DO instead of him, wouldn’t it much better? If it was DO who saved instead of him, will he be happier now?
He also says in the future, if anything happens he and HW aren’t in the wrong since they have no choice to do as such. I guess he’s talking about the future in the event everyone finds out it was HW’s dad who caused the accident. SS and Grandpa listen in silence – as if it is the first time they realise DS has been caught in the throes of his own pain. DO listens and I think she understands and feels the depth of her twin’s pain. Solid, solid emoting by LSJ. That’s why he’s one of the go-to actors for sageuks. DH wonders what’s wrong with DS – and he refers to DS as “Hyung”. Awwww.
DS staggers back into his room and collapses mumbling he and HW aren’t in the wrong. HW, on the other hand, informs her mother that she is going to marry DS. When mom complains she just wants her daughter to marry into a better family, HW retorts that mom should go to the streets and ask anyone whether they think the Cha or Kang family is better.
DH is sleeping with the mothers when he decides to check in on DS. DS is sprawled on the floor of his room. DH sighs and starts to tuck his older brother in –pillows, blankets and all. He is about to leave when he sighs again and drops on the floor next to DS. He’s still a little worried about leaving his hyung alone. Hehehehe. So heartwarming, this bromance. Love!
DS wakes up with a monster hangover and DO busies herself making porridge for him. When DS walks in for breakfast, the family plus kids are waiting for him. The kids mention they like HW – she is ideal girl of Mool. Heh. Poor boy is getting nutty HJ for his stepmom instead. Ajumma delivers the porridge and tells DS that DO specially made it for him. Plus, she drops the formal language and calls him by his name.
DO shares about WJ to SS and comments he looks exactly like a puppy. Hahaha. She goes on to describe his kindness and how he tries to use saturi with her. When SS suggests that she invite him over, DO disagrees. He is someone who thinks DH is frightening. DH is busy dressing up when DS comes into the room. DH asks to borrow his tie and DS passes him a nicer one of his. Sweeeetness overload these bros. DS asks where DH is going all dressed up – DH says he’s going to the tiny twins’ school.
MR is chatting with WJ on the phone when she starts describing how she would inflict payback on DH, when DH materialises behind her. Her legs give away and she slumps to the ground. Oh boy, this story arc is getting funny. DH figures he’s the person she’s talking about. The twins see their encounter and DJ gets mad at DH for embarrassing them in school again.
WJ pays a house visit to Grandpa but is cold towards DO. DO’s confused and thinks it’s because he’s still pissed over the fact that DH hit him. When DH arrives home, she blames him for WJ’s unfriendly attitude towards her. DS calls HW and tells her his family wants to be officially introduced to her. DT informs HJ that DS is bringing her sister over to be officially introduced to the family. She ain’t pleased.
DS is about to knock off to pick HW when SY alerts him to online articles regarding a scandal between him and HW: Prosecutor In Love With Suspect – complete with pics of them hugging and snuggling up. DS is thrown off-balance while HW waits patiently for him, stealing dreamy looks at babies. Is it a bad omen every time HW gets all dressed pretty???
Let me rant first.
I think my mom’s Heroine Irritation Syndrome is getting to me. She’s kinda following Wonderful Season too and she doesn’t seem to understand HW’s actions in the least. My mom is the epitome of practicality and shrewdness. She prefers her onscreen heroines to be bona fide heroines. Ya know, the likes of Hua Mulan or the women of the Yang Family.
Mom: Why does she keep running around like a lost little girl?
Me: She’s in the midst of getting revenge.
Mom: By running around?
Me: Yes.
Mom: This is supposed to work on that evil old man?
Well, she’s kinda behind in episodes but I do agree HW’s character is starting to wane as the story progresses. Anyone else a little disappointed with the stagnancy of HW’s character? There isn’t much depth to her now that she has nixed her plans for revenge. Though she managed to convince SS to accept her, her methods just feels a little bereft and naïve in some ways.
It’s like how her words will sound fine coming out of a teenager or a college student…but just too guileless or nonsensical for a fully grown-up woman. I don’t know – I’m feeling mildly frustrated with how the writer is penning HW in such a manner that she fluctuates between moments of expected maturity and semi-flighty girlishness. Or maybe I’m just old and jaded. HA!
I feel HW has gone back to being teenage HW. I love teenage HW but her cutesy gestures don’t fit well with a 30+ woman. Like how she declared she love DS. If you compared it to how DS confessed his love for her… It’s a little jarring when compared to DS’s level-headed solemnity. Granted, she doesn’t know about the whole my-dad-made-your-sister-this way incident yet…but she desperately needs more layers in her character. I sincerely want HW to be smarter, sharper and just…more.
For all DS’s shrewd intelligence throughout the series, it’s surprising he let OCS pull the rug from under his feet with that online scandal. He should have guessed that OCS would be keeping an eye on him and HW and would use any underhanded means to ruin them. I guess being loved up has clouded his judgment and has caused him to drop his guard. But well, nobody’s perfect so I’m hoping he gets back on his feet fast enough to handle the sly old fox.
While I welcome OTP skinship with open arms, all the hugs in this episode did nothing for me except that side-hug DS gave to HW in the bar. That felt meaningful and intimate, rather than the jumping cuddles that HW seems to be fond of. Loved the way DS rubbed her arm so naturally. And honestly, it doesn’t make sense that they don’t at least share a proper kiss somehow.
The puppy snuggles are sweetly sentimental and do work for some situations. But one too many feels juvenile because we all know adults indulge in waaaay much more. I’m not expecting steamy make-out sessions; just a nice, passionate, full-on, legit kiss with some movement to showcase their unstoppable attraction for each other. Why waste the talent of a swoonable LSJ???? Some men may have love handles, but LSJ has dimple handles. It’ll be so easy for KHS: just hang on and let LSJ do all the work. Maybe it has something to do with KHS being married but oh well…I remember feeling the same for Faith, too. Lee Min Ho is such a terrific kisser but was terribly under-utilised. There were all sorts of sparks flying between them and they were such a fantastic OTP.
Now the raving. Relishing the brewing DS-DH bromance so much! Love how DS patted DH’s cheek and how DH tucked DS into bed. And the tie exchange the next morning spoke volumes of their relationship on the mend – DS once offered to lend a tie and DH went all growly and refused. So DS asking to borrow a tie represents a momentous change in the dynamics between him and DS. The writer is doing a great job with slowly drawing the brothers together again. DS is going to need all the support he can get when things get rough with OCS and I think DH is pretty much it.
As crude as DH was with WJ, it was a much-needed wake-up call for the doctor. What are his feelings for DO? Yes, he is being sincere in being kind to DO but to shower her with extra attention and affection without intending to embark on a proper relationship with her will just confuse and mislead her. And DO being simple-minded, one can only imagine the hurt she feels when she finds out the nice doctor is only being nice to her because he feels sorry for her.
I wasn’t interested in the DH-MR story at first, but it’s starting to pick up. DH’s character is getting fleshed out and sprouting more facets and I’m finally starting to enjoy him. Taecyeon is doing a decent job and he seems to be steadily improving so no complaints in that department. Plus, I’ve always liked Taecyeon.
Now is a good time to brace ourselves for the rocky road ahead Maybe I’ll just hire DH to kidnap OCS and toss him into the sea.Or maybe I’ll just buy the OTP train tickets to Seoul to get away from all the madness and start their life afresh in the city. So many quick-fix options…but all a no-go for a 50-episode drama. Let’s just hope we can revert to the happy earlier rather than later.
Reblogged this on Idastravels.
I laugh so hard at how you describe Tornado Dong Hee, so funny 🙂
He’s a walking force of destruction…truly!
I am like your mum, it is the Asian in me, I love my noodles and rice for breakfast….. My rice dish is very different from the Korean version though, I prefer savoury congee.
It is so rewarding to see the characters in this drama progress, I enjoy the pace .
DS eating at home, getting drunk and pours his heart out, at long last everyone knows that under that cool Procecutor exterior lies a a wounded man that craves for love and affection. Btw, brooding DS with white shirt and sleeves rolled up, it is totally sexy!!! DS with his dimple handles…… Oops, sorry, words fail me.
I think WJ is not giving DO any wrong ideas and I don’t think DO even thinks that WJ likes her in that way. DO is so innocent and childlike that she thinks WJ is just a kind and nice Ahjussi. Eventhough they don’t end up as a couple, it would be nice to see them as friends.
Thanks for this wonderful review. 😘😘
You’ll make a dream daughter for my mom 😉 I totally agree about the hotness of LSJ in a slightly rumpled white shirt with his sleeves rolled up…his tanned forearms…arghh! He’s just reeking crazy sexy…I’ll just hang on to his dimples through all the ups and downs of the 50 episodes.
Thanks for the review. Although I agree with you that HW is not as a dynamic characters a DS or even DH, I think she’ll be the main driving force behind the reconciliation between DS and his family.
She already is the main driving force with her persuading SS to accept her. I just hope there won’t be toooo much sadness and angst.