The Skinny: MY GIRL REMAKE IS FLAWED, BUT GIVES US A STAR MAKING MOMENT FOR KIM CHIU

Overall a strong pilot, had flaws, but passable.



I am viewing this as one of the biggest fans of the original, I have come to love this show and its actors so much, I came to follow even the career of the original Yoo Rin/Jasmin, Lee Da-hae who has grown so much as an actress after her stint in MY GIRL.

I have whined. I have blasted the notion of having a remake, but being fair, I gave the show a chance. Seeing this as solely just another ABS-CBN show and a Filipino remake.

The pilot wasn't rid of a lot of faults, it had bouts of melodrama, potential cliches, miscasting, and some annoying roundabouts here and there. However, I believe this is one of the strongest ABS pilots of 2008. LOBO being too convulted of a start. PALOS just plain horrific (unintentional) comedy and KUNG FU KIDS being too ambitious for its run.

MY GIRL geared with a straightforward script from the Hong Sisters, the injection of pinoy humor, and a very charming Kim Chiu at the helm has the potential to be a hit teen fare of 2008. Considering the budget restrictions comparison to an SBS Korea production with the rather third world, Philippines, I was surprised with the fast cuts and the fresher approach of editing with this show.

The first frame, we are led to Rizal Park where the tourist guide Jasmin (Kim Chiu) gives an enthusiastic speech to a bunch of Chinese visitors. Jasmin is a Chinese Mestiza (of mixed Chinese and Filipino blood), she's funny, quirky, and spunky. She can speak different languages. She charms the tourists with her weird plays (though, a bit contrived but forgivable) and Chinese inspired costumes. She leads the shabby tour with her two Chinese-Filipino friends, Jeffrey and Christine (Cathy Gonzaga).



Jasmin is the strong-willed daughter to Chito. Chito is a gambling addict who just does not know when to stop. When Jasmin catches her dad doing another rounds in the karera, she scolds him, but later on joins him with the cheering.



In some plot contrivance, and uber stupid script direction (this whole scene was bad), the money Chito won was just snatched. Blink of an eye... just snatched! And they shrug to themselves... oh damn, we lost the money. Big problem. The money isn't even his, but his boss' Asyong's. Then the conflict ensues. They are poor living in a small slum, living in debt, and in hiding. Jasmin tries to make ends meet for their dreams to finally come true.

We then move on to Julian, he lives the great life. In his early 20s, a Harvard Graduate, Taking his masters (WTF), and the future successor of his grandfather's hotel. Much to the dismay of the Vice-President of the hotel resort, Tessie (played by K Brosas).



They establish this kid is close to his grandpa so he would do anything for his "lolo-daddy". When his grandfather suddenly gets a heart attack, he asks Julian for one wish, for Julian to manage the hotel-resort with his long, lost cousin, Hannah.




My Beef: I'll start with some of the real negative points that they probably should shy away later on.

The set for the airplane sure did look like a bus. It was laughable but can be forgivable, if they'd use more close-up shots later on.

But what I thought was damaging was...

The bouts of melodrama between Julian and his family was too much!



Good Lord, the flashbacks with the explainations and how we lost little Hannah... then the whole sob story with her mother was just too much and lessens the fun mood of the teleserye. I do not mind melodrama, but it shouldn't come out as a random thing. Julian's flashbacks were very random and felt off-hand. Why should I suddenly sympathize for people I DO NOT KNOW? I couldn't care less about Hannah's mom. There is no establishment for me to care. This isn't just a MY GIRL problem, though but plagued in a lot of ABS shows.



Gerald Anderson... tries. extremely. hard. You can tell he is exerting all his effort to play this role. He wears a suit, he broods and exhales deeply. His soft eyes that has a look of gentleness... is the same eyes he uses for his dramatic scenes with his lolo and scenes later on with Jasmin. He has his stronger points such as his strut and his interactions with his secretary. Even his reminiscing moments, but I believe he is still a miscast. It's not enough. As expected, I knew it would be distracting. Let's hope for the room of improvement, he should probably take pointers from John Lloyd Cruz who at 19 made me believe he was 27.

The character description for him in the show just gave me a puzzling moment. I thought they ADJUSTED the character for him? But Gerald being a Harvard Masters in Business graduate is already looking at it a bit far-fetched. No matter how much I extend disbelief for its fantasy elements, they didn't do enough adjustments for Gerald to play this role. So much for making Gerald play this role and "adjusting" it for him.

Enchong Dee as Nico didn't even bleep in my radar. If you told me that guy is a main character, I would look at you going... "Really?"

Nico is a player. Nico is "angas"/sexy arrogance. He should be walking into that room with a swagger, with confidence, and a certain playful conviction. He had the same effect to me as DJ Durano/Mr.Jang character... it's like, "Oh. He's there."


Then, there's the use of "tira-tira" as Jasmin's favorite tagline, I can imagine little kids or ya know, people easily amused quoting it, but she doesn't have to say it every. single. time. Yoo Rin did say "Bbasyaaa!" a lot, Kim's character doesn't have to do so. She can have her own quirk, doesn't have to be like Yoo Rin's.


The Mixed Feelings:

What I'm scared of? I am scared that Jeong Woo's mother in this version seems way more villainous than the original. I hope she isn't one-dimensional! I hope we won't see scenes of her shoving Jasmin to do some laundry. Or feeding her mud. Good Lord! Down with one-dimensional villains...

but K Brosas was GOOD in her few scenes. She was one of the few who had a bold mark in this pilot. So we will see what she can offer.

The "saintifying" Jasmin's dad. In the original, he was pretty much scum (though a charming one) that whole robbing incident gave me mixed feelings. I would rather he really just gamble that money away.

Do they have to do the closing credits with the snow flakes? Since when did Manila have snow? What the hell.



Not that I'm just filled with b***ing, the show did have its VERY GOOD points, which caught me off as refreshing.

THE GOOD:

Starting off... Kim Chiu is a pleasant surprise. In her bangs and deep dimples, and rather sparkling youth. I was wondering for a while if the good reviews were all hype, but here she gives us a whole different Jasmin, different from Lee Da-hae's portrayal but captures the essence of the role. Which is what one should do. One does not expect a replica of the portrayal!

Though her knack for comedy is still a little problematic. The airport scene lacked spontaneity but she still was passable. I believe the comedic scenes CATHY GONZAGA owned everyone, but in fairness to Kim she gives us a pretty complex and dimensioned Jasmin. Not to mention, believable.

My favorite scenes are the ones with her father, the mix of humor and sympathetic drama was right at point. Subtle scenes like when Chito overhears his land lady talking crap about him and Jasmin holds his hand. It wasn't forced melodrama but just to the point wherein you can easily relate to it.

I believe Chito and Jasmin in the Philippines' version have more father-daughter chemistry than the ones in the original. Lito Pimentel gives us a pathetic... but incredily worth rooting for daddy role. Though, I had problems with the bag-stealing scene as a way to play the father as a victim, Kim and Lito did well with what they were given.




The scene when Jasmin was adding up their debts, geared with just a flashlight, controlling her tears, sighing in exasperation, then smiling as soon as her father walked in gave me a sort of promise that Kim Chiu can carry her OWN Jasmin. A bit darker but still as goofy. If she continues this route, she can do well in this role and may launch her as one of the stars to look out for in Phil. showbiz.



Another revelation is Cathy Gonzaga who just got me to laugh even at scenes when the focus wasn't on her. I always believed she's the better comedian compared to her sister, the much bigger star Toni Gonzaga. Good Lord, when she sat on the lap of that guy while screaming the hell out in Chinese was just laugh out loud worthy. She for me owns the original role. No contest. None. Cathy's brand of comedy is just with a wink of her eye, though it may be too Filipino of a humor but I love her in this.


I have always noticed the rather sloooooooow editing in Phil. shows, this one it was breezy, snappy, and different. A fresh take on scenes, I liked how they did not DWELL on scenes (I'm looking at you, LOBO, though I love the show to pieces) but gave it out when needed to.

Even the treatment, with two stories being shown at one shot was very smart, though obviously K-drama inspired.

The way they are making us think that Jasmin = Hannah can be seen as problematic, but I think I may like this better than the very random conclusion to the cousin problem in the original.

The use of MY GIRL music, or MY GIRL-like music was a good thing for me, I was one of the few who suggested this because it brings HOMAGE to the original. Which is rightly so. I don't mind just having a few instrumentals here and there, because it gives you a feel for the original.

So we end with the two protagonists finally meeting each other, with her conveniently landing on his lap.




I do see it is a pretty strong pilot, leaving my biases aside that the original is like the best show evaaaar, I do see rather refreshing aspects to this series. Kim Chiu is cute, charming, and gives off a warm affection when doing bouts of little drama.

As long as they veer away from melodrama and do tell their own Filipino version of the story, they are mostly on good track. Too bad the miscasting is still evident. Just direct Gerald to veer away from his puppy dog look when staring at Kim, they are off to a good start.

Connection or Action?

POWERFUL OPPONENTS EPISODE 8 REVIEW



One of the main draws of this drama is the triangle. And what I completely like about this triangle is we do not have one guy who is just really put in there as the martyrdom of love. Like Yul from “Goong” or Jung Woo from “My Girl”. The type when I watch and go, “Dude. Can you at least give these lovesick puppies a pity hug? A makeout session? A butt tap? Anything? To get rid of my guilty feeling?”

Here both men, I can totally see making out with her. I mean, having a significant relationship with her.

We have two men.

There is Soo Ho, the handsome president’s son with a mysterious past and an immature rebellious streak. Suave, aggressive, and knows his cards for the pursuit of Young Jin. He knows what he wants and he knows he is capable of getting it. His rather adorable side is he wears his heart on his sleeve. Very much like Daniel Cleaver, the seducer and the one who lives in passion.


Then there is Gwan Pil, the sexy emo agent. Socially awkward but with a heart. Dry, straightforward and mostly cool-headed. Every thing about him is meticulously calculated. He speaks in a deep, one-note tone as he butts heads with our heroine. But inside him is a man with a lot of his own scars (haha symbolism alert) and comes out often as a confidante at times when you least expect it. Very Mark Darcy.

So far, much of the establishment with the heroine eight episodes in is with Gwan Pil --- the connection is with him but the action is going towards Soo Ho. Which puts me forth to the “Bridget Jones” effect.


Soo Ho and Young Jin their interactions are about his pursuit for her and how he is first smitten with her, from the moment he kept her journal to now, aggressively following her around. He is coming dangerously close to really falling for her. He even takes dancing lessons with her dad, much to her dismay.

I think the winning formula in Soo Ho and Young Jin’s story is the effect she has on him. Little moments when he would readily run to her or when his father had a sense of pride because Soo Ho is finally doing something with passion and that is the dancing lessons.

But for me the most poignant part was the scene when he slammed his cell phone with a huge smile on his face, then he walked in to look at the mirror practicing his stance like a soldier --- THAT scene was touching. That was when I realized that their story can go forward.


Then there is Gwan Pil and Young Jin, remains to be man who is readily waiting right behind her (and I sit her and squeee like an old fangirl) despite of his lack of emotion and sense of romance, he connects with her.


After she broke down in front of her family because of her frustrations towards her father, he was instantly there waiting outside. She opens up to him, just as he opens up to her an episode ago. In the most turbulent and pivotal moments, the two characters meet and connect, in spite of their façade towards each other, they are clearly connected.

Yet, it is very telling that Gwan Pil is fully aware of his lack of social grace when it comes to women. He tells his daughter how women do not like talking to him because he of his cold demeanor. The daughter should know though that he does talk to Young Jin… but is Gwan Pil really ready to open himself up to her? He DOES NOT wear his heart on his sleeve, something Soo Ho readily does.

But setting aside the romance, I think this was CHAE RIM’s episode. To a tee. Hands down. Young Jin’s breakdown showed both a sense of haughty arrogance and just genuine, emotional frailty. This is what an actress is supposed to be capable of showing the scope and complexities of a person, one does not just break down and cry--- tears is not enough to show it. One shows real emotions, which she made me feel at that moment.


I felt like a third party who walked in on something I should not have heard. It was that commanding. And I sit here thinking, “This is a romantic comedy?” Sometimes I hope Chae Rim gets a more complex story, but that’s a whole different topic altogether.

The heart of the drama really comes with the notion of family, I love Young Jin and her father, even in times when they are tumultuous and times when they are loving towards each other. It really looks like a real family; I especially loved the part when they did a toast with their lettuce wraps. It just reminds us that all of us have the most awkward moments with our families and we still come to love them.

But as much heart as this storyline gives, everything still leads us to the triangle. The scene when all three of them reminisce about the egg and flour incident shows how greatly linked they all can be. That one moment had an effect on all three of them. A sense of relief after bouts of drama with Young Jin. A time to break into a laugh for Gwan Pil. And the joys of infatuation with Soo Ho.

Finally, the scene I have been waiting for happens. For Young Jin to get out of her usual security get-up and gets into a sexy, slinky number. I started howling at the scene because I knew this would have to happen. And as expected it really catapults the triangle.



Hilarious was my reaction when I watched Gwan Pil stare at her for moments and moments. Then he blows air in sudden edginess at the sight of a radiant Young Jin. He tries to look away and walked out as fast as he can.



Quite the opposite of Soo Ho who knowingly shows her he is attracted and he is ready to make his move. He stares at her with something that seems lingering and dangerous.




I believe Young Jin IS aware of this by this time. I believe also she is attracted to the guy, hence her freezing with her gun! Unable to come back to her senses at the sight of the handsome man with a devilish grin. And we know what happens after… there is far too many screencaps and photos at this point.



Only, of course, in true triangle fashion, Gwan Pil stands there and witnesses every single thing.

Episode 8 was full force with the plot direction and character development, which makes it a strong and also enjoyable episode. Now the question is--- will action outweigh connection? This is what I will have to wait for.

Just a few minor comments: Soo Ho’s sister is shady to me. SHADY, I tell ya. Why is she having Gwan Pil’s daughter investigated?

With all these mysteries and the triangle, we’re having a fun drama in our hands. 

 How Many More Meters Before I Lose You?
Powerful Opponents Episode 7 Review

Soo Ho is starting to show his feelings for Young Jin. Surprising her on the steps. Inviting her for midnight noodles. Getting into frantic fights with burly men. Totally smitten by her, he transforms into a high school boy pacing around to hear her voice on the phone. Young Jin seems to think it is still one of his childish outbursts, completely oblivious of the fact that the president’s son is pursuing her. Then, there stands Gwan Pil, immersed into his own problems with the mysterious daughter angle. Young Jin is stuck; her dutiful side seems to feel obligated to help two of the men. The scarred President’s son and the complex colleague. Unknowingly so, these two men are bringing in sides of her she seems to hide.



Episode 7 for me was a mixed bag, I wanted to see development in Soo Ho’s character and yet again I feel like it still falls short. I really want to feel for his character, I really do but at this point it’s a bit perplexing. This is coming from someone who is looking at this at a writer’s point of view. And this late in the game that’s a bit troublesome for me.

I do not know what the writer is heading for at the moment with Soo Ho, I wait for the right development and the openness of the character… and here I am still stuck on what to feel about the guy. I often ponder why he is suddenly smitten with Young Jin, when the development for their moments were lacking. I mean it beyond what the façade takes me. Beyond than just his aggressive flirting. We do have a few fun scenes and have a helping of Lee Jin Wook’s sexy stares and handsome face… but the relationship angle is completely lacking.


From a writer’s point of view, I just do not know what to grasp out of it. If I am supposed to root for this guy, can they at least flesh him out a bit more? We’re already in Episode 7 and I’m STILL asking for a flesh out? In such dramas like “Robbers” the two men who act as clear rivals for the woman are both solid characters, they both established the instant connection to the lead. I can honestly say that at some point, I can easily see a supporting actor like Kim Jung Tae win over a girl than a big star like Jang Hyuk.

In any kind of romance there should be a measured brew, no matter how little--- that suddenly creeps in to us, not just these sudden jolts of aggressive scenes.

Soo Ho seems like a mesh of things. First and foremost, in order for him to have a rather believable connection with Young Jin, I as a viewer need a glimpse of this guy’s spirit. All I get is extremes. They do not even write him in with any kind of emotional subtlety, I only saw streaks of that when he tasted the menthol candy from that old lady (Brilliant scene). Then, it is like we are back to square one again. And I feel for Lee Jin Wook because the actor, who is nuanced, by the way--- is really doing the most of what is given to him.

He’s supposedly manic but he seems totally in control of what he could be doing. He does not seem to have the problems of say Joseph Gordon-Levitt in “The Lookout” who really had a hard time living in the world caused by a brain injury and psychological trauma. Which is common in any trauma patient. Often reckless but unable to really function in society. While Soo Ho is pretty harmless, functions, and is just mildly exasperating. He has bouts of infatuation with Young Jin, but he often expresses this attraction as a “one-up” to Gwang Pil. Asking him if he too has feelings for Young Jin.

The only thing that keeps me holding on to Soo Ho (oh what a dramatic way of putting that) is he happens to still have a few mysteries up his sleeve that could be a writer’s miracle in such a mesh of a character… and Lee Jin Wook.




His boyish eyes seem to keep a promise that his character has a piercing depth to him. He handles his scenes with Chae Rim with luring charisma and a certain sense of danger, within just one look at her. He has this very boyish magnetism about him, a certain allure that he puts into a rather unlikable character.

He puts charm into Soo Ho’s sudden impulses, the way he is slowly lurking into us as an audience is nothing short of brilliant. I may reiterate my main problem with the character is the way he is written, nothing about the portrayal. I do feel that there is hope for the character. There is a lot of promise with scenes between Soo Ho and Young Jin; I feel she IS attracted to him. The same way as an audience, I think the character “gets” his allure.

From one mess of a man to another complicated man, Young Jin’s men seem to be mostly a big wad of problems for her. Her family is made up of a bunch of men who seem to have lost focus, one way or the other; and as if it is enough of a problem being a backbone to this kind of kin, she has her incomprehensible colleague, Yoo Gwan Pil.

Minor distraction: Young Jin sucks at Minesweeper.

Gwan Pil has some nanny problems, and his VERY strong-willed daughter is not going to just sit at home and mope, like any curious child she wanders around to find her dad.
Being a single dad is one of the more fascinating layers that we see through our resident Emo bodyguard. We learn his weakness is his daughter, though, I still believe we may call Child Services for leaving the child all alone in his house! But then again, this is the same drama that showed an elaborate ninja agent practice (see episode 2) and the same show that puts psychological trauma and the Ryan Atwood (see the abysmal OC) rebellion-syndrome in one category. So, I will cut this part some slack.



Not that I really needed to, because there was Young Jin’s mad house of a family to the rescue.




I am actually looking forward for more interactions between Young Jin and the little girl. Gwan Pil keeps telling his daughter not to be a woman like Young Jin, but I believe they have a whole lot of similarities. From the strength of character and being daddy’s girls (Young Jin once was), it will be a very interesting dynamic to build upon.


In one of the great moments in this episode, the little girl relieved to see her father runs to him and breaks down. Gwan Pil’s voice breaks and coughs up a painful sorry as tears streamed down his face. Lee Jong Hyuk shows us a believable affecting Gwan Pil, the actor really makes the character’s dimension awfully close to home. As usual his eyes do the talking for all the clenched emotions of his character.



We pan to Young Jin watching this moment, for a while she gets lost in it, you just knew it was something familiar that came over her. It was very significant too, because her father was just right behind her as she sadly looks on.

We learn later on that the little girl has not cried since she was a toddler, she grew up learning that every time she cries, people may leave her. When Gwan Pil joined the army, she thought he left because she kept crying, in order to have her father back by her side, she vowed to stop crying.

Young Jin controls her tears when she learns this story. This is one of the elements that I love about this drama; it’s not necessarily just the romance but how the relationships are given to us. The focus on family--- mostly, father-daughter relationships injects a good amount of heart and charm for the shoot-em-up drama. It adds a whole dimension of empathy for me towards the characters and the story.




Now as much as I empathize with Young Jin and Gwan Pil, I have moments when I really just want to smash my head to the computer screen every time they interact. They have moments of sensitivity ---soft, warm, and filled with connection. You know, in their own brash ways, moments when he would wait for her just to ask if she is okay, “protecting” her to her dismay, riding with him in the bus, sticky wall paper butts, Young Jin demanding water from him… as I said, they have their own way of errr---“warmth”.

But usually they hide this warmth underneath pitting insults at each other or their own impetuous ways. They have a moment of total connection in the bus; they look at each other eye to eye as if speaking to each other. But a few minutes later, the whole scene when she asked him how many meters do they have to stay apart as colleagues… the wall is cemented again. Gwan Pil was trying to grasp for the right words to answer that question. I love how Chae Rim delivered this scene. She looks at him with a mix of intensity and tenderness. As if trying to break down that damn wall our Emo bodyguard has. She waits and waits… alas, no answer. She switches back to her usual hard-edged persona and leaves.




Really, I just want to reach in and smack this man up his erm---sexykendoteacher head. How many times does Young Jin have to reach out? Every time she tries to break his wall, he freezes or says something completely callous---or you know, stupid. Or she is blissfully unaware of it i.e. how he purposely missing a shot in the final test, how he was chasing her in Episode 6, etc.
I still do believe though, that the characters of Young Jin and Gwan Pil, whether they are romantically involved later on or not remains as the strong fibers of the story. They are the true rivals in the world they live in, comparable in their ways of the gun and their ways on how they choose to live their life.

Both holding on tightly to the walls that shield them, slowly breaking down every time. Like a game of Kendo, you do have to see it eye to eye with your opponent which is what they are doing. Now it would be a shame if that does not transpose into a love story, in my humble opinion, but I am willing to be taken for the ride.




Especially now that Soo Ho is making his suave moves, joining holy crap---dancing lessons? So where is this triangle taking me? Which brings me to my next review… the Bridget Jones theory.

I Trust My Rival
Plus Sword Fights Can Be Sexy!

Episode 6 Review of POWERFUL OPPONENTS

Before I start, I will say the review is Gwang Pil-Young Jin heavy, because the episode IS GP-YJ heavy.

Episode 6 of “Powerful Opponents” for me is all about the rivalry of Young Jin and Gwang Pil. How they are in a way both enemies and each other’s only allies in this game. I do not know if a lot of you will agree with me, but this episode, I believe establishes their solid relationship for the first time. Out of all the episodes this is when we actually get to see their own weaknesses around each other, a point of emotion and reverence for one another despite their constant barrages of insults, well, they are after all… partners. And as much as they may like to deny it---- for the first time, seemingly like genuine friends. Match that with a sexy sword fight, it makes it enjoyable. This will be a great factor as Soo Ho will try to gain Young Jin’s affection. But mostly, this episode is Young Jin and Gwang Pil’s. Which, I keep saying to myself, “HOW COULD I HAVE SKIPPED THIS EPISODE?!” oh life, why must you distract me.





The weave of tonight’s story is all about the dog-eat-dog world of the agent business. The boss, who by the way--- annoys me to death with his glares, his skewed mouth and constant yelling kind of acting, wants Gwang Pil out of the force.

Mr. Dry but Sexy Leading Man has been brash, has gotten himself into trouble and “lied”. Gwang Pil is in a major mess and the powers that be are conspiring to kick the man out. And Young Jin is front and center.

Young Jin, you must understand for episodes in has always seen Gwang Pil as a force of bad luck and a hassle for her. In a real dog-eat-dog competition it is in her best interest to have Gwang Pil out of the force. They are the only real rivals, anyway. They were both at the top of their class and both well-regarded for their strong but very different styles.



The boss coming to her for help knew about this. He knew it was a benefit for her to get rid of Gwang Pil. Having her in to the conspiracy is one good strategy. Young Jin equally as loyal to the force is confused of this sudden situation. Infuse that with her clear detestation for Yoo Gwang Pil, Cha Young Jin could easily have something in her hands.

Gwang Pil lives for his job; his passion is to serve the president … for one reason or another. The man hardly reacts to anything. His jolts of sentiments are all suppressed because of his focus.

His world shatters knowing that he will lose his job--- his life! Of course in true brooding leading man fashion, the man suppresses even more. This guy is like a soda bottle that has been shaken so many times and within each impediment the pressure intensifies. I thought he may be an easier nut to crack open than Young Jin during the first episodes, but I was wrong. He chooses to swallow it all at this point. For years, he has swallowed guilt, carried his woes and looks at the mirror with clear revulsion on his face. He is the calm, cool, and collected one after all.




He comes home to his daughter, “Flower” with a smile. This kid at such a young age knows when her father is in a dilemma. I believe she is also a few steps ahead of her dad, an example: growing suspicious already of his constant stories about the silly and stupid girl named Young Jin. The girl already can sense that his partner may be some competition for her mom.

But he tries to brush it all off at home with a smile. But in the job, he is in his usual detached self, and his target for all this is as usual our hotheaded heroine Young Jin. Even her tactics of finally making Soo Ho work was a problem for him (even though, he seems pretty impressed for the most part). All of this to Young Jin’s frustration.




Chae Rim and Lee Jong Hyuk both act a lot with their penetrating eyes. It is clear to detect the fury and their pain when they had the conversation as rivals outside the base.

Best scene:

But my favorite scene in this whole episode is the intense but sweet Kendo/Kumdo scene.





Gwang Pil was all alone, unleashing his rage as he jabs about with his bamboo sword. His despair was evident with each thrust of his sword, he gave one last cry and with one last strike he destroys his weapon. It was like he is trying to let it all out all the ferocity, the guilt, and the self-hatred.

Then a sudden loud thud comes in, he quickly turns around and he sees Young Jin geared in full Kendo attire with spunk and fire, she invites him for a duel.






He stares at her, tired, slouching, and sweating buckets. His eyes flicker and it was filled with such sad nakedness. The first time I ever saw Gwang Pil show his rather weaker side. She looks at him boldly with an underlying gentleness… as if inviting someone to let it all out, I am here.





Chae Rim is the woman, I tell ya!

I love this scene because I know a few things about Kendo. Kendo is known as a “spirit” sport, it is a common belief that you spar with your partner to unleash your spirits together.

Gwang Pil, tired and heavy-hearted played this with Young-Jin. He unleashed his spirit to Young Jin and in his own little way… opened himself up to her. Trust is there.



This is a sport of reverence, even with your enemy. You open yourself to be vulnerable to your opponent, you yell out in vigor to them as a way of showing yourself. You focus on them as they focus on you. But unlike other sparring sports its aim is not to harm your opponent but rather for them to be a part of you.


It is like a blaring symbolism alert about their relationship!





The love song that accompanied (which is Track 4 in the great soundtrack) the little battle they had was like a dance, their swords in unison and all in frontal attacks. Then they had a moment of just staring intently at each other. Chemistry exploding alert. As usual, Gwang Pil was up for his defenses again and with one slide of his sword, he pushes her away. Young Jin knew it would happen, her eyes still filled with the same gentleness and vulnerability she blurts out her exasperation with him, and she looked at him one last time. With that one last look she gave him, even with her head gear it just jumped to me as such a touching side of her.

Gwang Pil rested in deep thought and his eyes glassy … half-naked… oh damn, sorry distraction.




The next few scenes were one the moments in this drama that for the first time was really romantic. The love story/stories have been a slow brew lately and have been a bit more of a guessing game.




But here we suddenly had points of sudden realization, chasing after someone, accompanied with saccharine background music, flashbacks, and just a surge of giddiness. I would not spoil it as much, but it’s the first time I felt real romantic notions in the way the characters were dealt with by the PD.

Really, I’m a sucker for men who realize they have to get into a desperate sprint to get the woman… especially if you are as dry and brooding as Gwang Pil.


Although, stupid boss kind of cut the fun in my moment. Really, UGH! UGH! That man and his blatant “I am acting as a villain!” kind of acting.

With all that said… it’s still nice seeing a tension-filled Gwang Pil be the damsel in distress and our heroine, Young Jin be the “knight in shining armor”.


And he accepts that. How can you resist a guy who would sneak into the ladies bathroom to give you a hanky for your wet face?






Creepy as it sounds, the writer gave it a rather cute and very natural spin. Gwang Pil finally apologizing and Young Jin giving him a sweet smile after all that, while he continues to keep STARING at her. Even when Young Jin was eating like a construction worker, he stared at her with a huge silly grin on his face. Gwang Pil and smiling is just so out there.





I don’t know about you, but it is pretty clear to me this love angle is established. Hell, even their colleague is shipping them!

But of course, this is a love triangle. Believe it or not I actually loved Soo Ho in this episode; it is like watching him live again. Like a child experiencing his first steps. Lee Jin Wook was SO lovable when he ate the menthol candies the old lady gave him. His eyes were lighting up over a simple menthol candy, it was quite a sentimental scene that I liked.





The scenes showing the focus on the triangle was evident too, the betting scene being one of my favorites. And of course, we end with Soo Ho pursuing Young Jin with a surprise visit. Much to her eye-popping disbelief. With the ending credits just showing the two of them, this could be an indication that their story will be told in the next episode. Their story is in a much slower pace than Gwang Pil and Young Jin’s love/hate relationship.





The constant questions and puzzles were not as brought up in the episode, but it seems like the presidential sister has a key role in all of this. Then, there is also the mystery of Gwang Pil’s daughter. My friend speculated she is not Gwang Pil’s but rather Soo Ho’s… because the kid has double eyelids. (copyright chula) Seriously speaking, if she is Soo Ho’s child what a hit on already disturbed man, knowing if his own flesh and blood was taken away from him… of all people by his one great foe!

My major complaint in this drama is the distraction of the rather cardboard "villains" Mr. Boss and Ms. PR is really not doing them any good... at all. At this moment at least.


But! I really, really enjoyed this episode because of the great establishment of Young Jin and Gwang Pil’s relationship. Chae Rim and Lee Jong Hyuk showed the conflict of emotions that were apparent in the “rivals” Gwang Pil and Young Jin. Like a game of Kendo, they may be opponents but they are willing to be open and vulnerable to each other. They revere one another even in their opposing sides. They value each other, no matter how much they would deny it but would they be open enough to share actual feelings of love for each other? Or would this just be a red herring for another love rival with Soo Ho? I personally am rooting for Gwang Pil just for that intense Kendo scene alone, but I am willing to be taken for the whole ride through. This is my favorite episode so far, because of its very subtle but poignant story of clear rivals who are more than meets the eye.


  

Then She Found Me
Episode 5 Powerful Opponents Review

Tonight’s episode the drama establishes that Gwang Pil is capable of smiling… Yes, I am serious.




Just when his eyes light up and his lines crease in happiness… it was like a whole different person walked into the room. All because of one little charmer geared with a backpack … the little girl who seems to give a burst of sunshine and endless chuckles into the story, but at the same time unveiling certain mysteries that builds us into this whole new plot-arc and a bit of a curveball.


Gwang Pil’s smile says a lot about this episode … with enough comedy, tinges of romance, and drama … not to mention, character deconstructing and never ending questions to keep us wracking our brains out, “Powerful Opponents” yet again realizes that it is a romantic comedy first and foremost. Even without the shoot-em-up treatment this episode shows us its magic.

We start off feeling for Young Jin… the girl has enough problems in her life. Being a super agent working for the Blue House, having her higher ups always breathing down her neck, her silly family always getting themselves into trouble and debt, having to do an interrogation with the sleazy gangster… and then her silly family’s rather romantic notions and reactions to their hero, Gwang Pil.




Chae Rim’s facial expressions and the family’s constant questions and cajoling were enough to keep me in stitches. Add all this with Gwang Pil’s still very deadpan and extremely formal ways makes the best out of the rather awkward situation.

Watching the stark difference at how Young Jin and Gwang Pil deals with every circumstance pushed to them is one of the key factors of the comedy in here. Right when Chief Mr. Hulk (Robbers shout-out!) was interrogating the perverted thug, he decides to pound the table … almost to smithereens.




Young Jin sits there her eyes about to pop out and Gwang Pil hardly budges… he doesn’t even blink.

Yet, he sees through Young Jin’s frustration, emotional aggression, and controlled tears. I was quite surprised that so early in the episode they already gave us a taste of poignancy.

Chae Rim as usual, played the headstrong heroine with enough believability but at the same time, she brings us a girl who has lost face, her emotional frailty emerges again, but building her defenses as quick as possible before he can look even further. Her anger may seem piercing but there is something from the way her eyes seem to plead to the sudden break in her voice.




Gwang Pil on the other hand, looked at her not in his usual cold exterior or dry manner, but something with concern… heartfelt almost. But like her, he builds a wall as soon as he can. Quickly, falling into angry tirades with her. Lee Jong Hyuk throughout, nailed it with yet again a nuanced performance. I like how hjkomo kind of compared the layers of his character to the way Jang Hyuk attacked his character in “Robbers”. Really, I was no fan of LJH before all this, but the way he just uses this seductive kind of subtlety just pulls me into his mysterious character. *I* would like to smash into Gwang Pil’s walls.

I’ll be popping my champagne once this two will have their share of wall smashing.

But here they are busy with their bickering, not realizing they left Soo Ho … forgetting the stakes of their job.

In this episode, Soo Ho is more conflicted, however, there are times when he still seems whiney rather than a deranged individual (which I think is what the writer is aiming for), but it was still better than the campy way they wrote him back in the earlier episodes.



He seems to be completely fascinated with Young Jin even studying her old album and giving into moments of interaction with her. I think he seems a bit close to being mildly infatuated with her. The potential for the triangle is still being built upon, but so far their interactions are not as in-depth as Gwang Pil and Young Jin’s, so it is a bit hard to judge his place in this drama in terms of a love interest.



Lee Jin Wook shines in the scenes when his angst treads on him, when he suddenly talked about his anguish to his sister, he was near-silent but it was effective. His sister silently breaking down with him made the scene more moving. Plus, just with their hidden cries, it’s like you just continuously ask yourself why all this damage. One of the questions that I seem to ask in this drama as I keep watching.

The tension between Gwang Pil and Soo Ho is like a searing knife as I watched them in the family dinner. It was like watching Gwang Pil shrivel up in front of them, and Soo Ho just filled with so much intense hatred for the man who sat across the table. Lee Jong Hyuk, I can feel him just feel so small as he ate that bowl of rice, it’s like I felt being watched and magnified like so… with ten times the hatred put upon me. I felt like choking on my own meal when I watched the tension cut in once more.

Yet, we are driven about this story about two good friends who became this bitter rivals because of this certain woman in their past.






Soo Ho goes into moments of turmoil hearing a shrill violin tune. The face of the woman haunting him ‘til this day.

While, Gwang Pil has a daughter, who played the violin and of course, possesses a photograph of that same woman.



This kid is just adorable and very beautiful … she comes in with wit, spunk, and charm as she meets Young Jin. She seems to take after Gwang Pil’s rather straightforward ways, even enough to call our Young Jin the ajumma!



The most memorable scenes in this episode is between Chae Rim the chopsticks killer and the kid, so definitely watch out for that.

The daughter may be an adorable addition, but she opens up jolts of mystery yet again into this whole story. I mean is it really as face value as Gwang Pil stole Soo Ho’s girlfriend and had a baby with her? Is this why Soo Ho is disturbed? I personally do not think so.

One of the themes in the story is the father-daughter relationship parallels between Gwang Pil and his daughter, who seem at bliss with family life. And Young Jin and her father, who once were like that but something damaged their relationship. This is one of the prime things that I believe the story will delve upon, and I am glad they are going to becuase I believe these relationships will push the characters to certain arcs. Young Jin should see her old self in the daughter, it seems like she was once a daddy's girl. This could effect her relationship with Gwang Pil.





And another theme is the romance. All in the name of rivals. Young Jin and Gwang Pil’s story seems to be the usual love/hate scenario, the rivals, but what is so endearing about them is you watch them reach certain levels of their relationship, cracking a real smile out of Gwang Pil as they played around with the sticky wallpaper glue shows that he really only gets out of his element because of two people… his daughter and now Young Jin.




Now, Soo Ho acted more like a bystander this time who calculated his moves. The guy may be insane in the membrane but he can tell when there is obvious flirting. So he plans his next attack and it seems like another rivalry may be brewing.



One of the good things about the triangle is, I absolutely have no farkin’ clue where it can be leading us. And that makes it exhilarating to watch.

So far, Soo Ho’s character’s motivation is blurring my lines of real empathy. There are moments when I totally feel for him but his cliché ridden vengeance kind of actions makes me feel frustrated yet again with the character. I really hope they are taking us somewhere substantial with this character’s motivations.

We end the episode with a lot of questions in mind as layers of mysteries are painted on once again. It almost feels like I’m back to square one. Which is actually a good thing. Deconstructing the characters here is not easy, but the more questions I ask, the more I get drawn in. It is a breath of fresh air to see that TPTB knows that their strength is not to make the best action-packed story, but to tell us A STORY with characters that I am coming to be really invested on. Just as long as they keep this, they are on the right path. Depth and fun does not come easy these days. 

 
The Triangle in the midst of Bad PR Nightmares



There are good things and bad things about tonight’s episode. The good thing? Our main characters are starting to act more human, especially with our resident rebel Soo Ho’s side. No over-the-top contrived and trite plot directions (yay! No motorcycle!) only total interactions between our three leads. Not to mention that all three of them actually moved forward as protagonists in the screenplay. The three leads also shined in their own moments during the episode… so what’s so bad about it? We introduce her:



The media person. The doctor of all PR nightmares with a flashy smile. And I’m already seeing her role from a mile away, the token female villain … without her guns--- she uses her bitchiness, constant eyebrow raising, rolling eyes, and fluttering eyelashes to get what she wants. And I think I’ve seen it in several dramas already in 2004. Well, I do hope I am wrong.

She seems like a mere distraction at this point, but the winning formula comes as the triangle finally forms.


We start in another action packed scene that did not go minutes too long and for the first time, seemingly very essential to the plot. We see a glimpse of all three characters and their turmoil.




Young Jin even at the almost brink of death still acts mostly nonchalant about what just happened. I guess almost being strangled to death by a sumo-like man would not do it for her.

Young Jin’s emotions seem to be covered mostly in quick paces as we have seen in the past episodes. She makes her fists talk for her, she cries for a little while but spends most of her time wiping her tears before it could even fall, and she goes on verbal outbursts. I have not seen her really linger in her emotions; I think the two men had more time for that than her. It says a whole lot about her character and the way she faces these emotions.

Her family life also is a mystery; it seems to me that it is almost looking at a bare place, with ruins, remnants, and mementos that once reminds us that it was once a happy place and a blissful family… not this never-ending dilemma.




Chae Rim brings in a great mix of an endearing quality to Young Jin and at the same time very shielded self too. Right when you feel you are getting to her i.e. the moment when she had a flashback, or holding to her new shoes just as examples. With all these scenes, I am pulled in the she suddenly blinks it all away. In one second, she builds a sudden wall. She manages to have the whirl of sentiment at one moment then it’s like she goes… uh-oh, don’t come nearer, and it all brings us back to the quick-paced Ms.Young Jin.

Gwang Pil, on the other hand shows he is not quite mechanical or dry as we may think. Lee Jong Hyuk brilliantly plays him with a touch of intensity. He seems to carry a heavy heart, with his sad eyes, and his moments of deep thought. He is often in his straight element as if always on duty, with a heavy hold on that duty he must do. And yet, he is someone who cannot even stand looking at himself in the mirror.




In this scene, may I say the Presidential SISTER, did so great evoking her silent anger towards Gwang Pil. There are no small roles... just small actors. I believe that is so true.

But he does goes out of his usual dry, dutiful, and somber persona over two things. One, the mysterious caller who brings a smile to his face… and then, there is Young Jin.






He steals glances from her, which he seems to tell himself is with reason. Oh she’s yawning. Oh she’s injured, she’s being stupid. Oh she’s foolish. But he keeps doing it anyway.

Oh such a cute scene when she plops herself on the table and looked at him eye-to-eye joking around with him if he may be attracted to her. He tries to push her head away but later on, he steals another glance. Gwang Pil and Young Jin will be doing a lot of wall smashing because both of them are just too walled in and afraid of emotions.



Then there is the blue house resident, Soo Ho, some of you may have noticed I haven’t been giving him much love due to his characterization but this time he seemed more human than a writer’s fantasy.

He is actually very vulnerable… physically and even to an extent, his heart; there is something more open about him. The concern given to him by his family, the doctors, and Gwang Pil makes me think there is something really wrong with him.





His show of concern towards Young Jin showed that there is a heart there somewhere. His soft spot for her is charming, almost like someone reverting back to a shy high school boy… I always described him as a high school boy, but this time there is something fascinating about it.

Even his intense interactions with Gwang Pil are not in his usual violent and brash manner, he even opened up to Young Jin in his own odd way.

Lee Jin Wook shined in most of his scenes today, without the cheesy concept of a character, the guy gets to work on something and gives quite a fascinating side to Soo Ho’s character. My actual favorite scenes of his were when he refused the drink of water, and later on took it and when he listened to Gwang Pil in the convenience store… we saw quite a different side to his character there, when he puts down his campy bad boy façade, there seems to be quite a soft heart in there.


Seeing him and Lee Jong Hyuk together makes me realize that this drama sure has a share of sexy men. Haha.


Though, the plot tonight mostly revolved around fixing the PR nightmare by doing volunteer work… of course with the bodyguards doing the volunteering while Soo Ho kind of sits around, there were a lot of bases covered in terms of character but above else, the triangle is already built on.



I do have my qualms with the new character that is introduced… first off, I do not like her perky (plastic, no pun intended) portrayal, she is also not intimidating enough to be opposite of Chae Rim, but there are still more episodes to go. I notice these kinds of characters always come in Episode 4 for some odd reason, I just hope they do not go so cliché and stereotypical with this character. Enough with cardboard characters!

So, the episode ends with a quite sexy fight scene, with Gwang Pil showing major concern towards Young Jin. I just want to sing “Secreeet Ageeeent Mannnn!”
And so, the plot thickens.



In this episode nothing much occurred in terms of a whole lot of plot direction, it’s all based on the “three’s company” that was suddenly established. I do like that this time they got rid of the silly circumstances and just told a story, this more subdued and character-based episode is a welcome change once in a while in a shoot ‘em up romance. So the love triangle finally forms, these two men who always seem to be rivals in the matters of the heart… will they “tame” the shrew with the heart? ‘Til next episode.



Shallow note:

Chae Rim looks really pretty with her hair down, I hope they give Young Jin a chance to doll it up at least for one episode, would be fun,eh? Maybe in a ball or something.

And erm... shower scene, yay!



--------------------

 Episode 3: The 27 Year Old Kid



In my past reviews, I have said earlier on that I cannot comprehend Soo Ho, our resident bad boy in this drama. He is the handsome president’s son who has deeply ingrained anguish. He remains to be a puzzle we are slowly piecing. The character has a lot of potential to be a very deeply-engaging one. But so far, he is written to be mostly campy and borderline one-dimensional. Lee Jin Wook, a charming and capable of an actor isn’t given with much to work on or chew on . This characterization is the main problem area in Episode 3. This is not a strong episode. I won’t call it an all out bad character layout; he does have his redeeming moments, if only he is fleshed out a bit more than just a writer’s caricature. But the redeeming moments of Soo Ho is what I cling to bit by bit.




Today’s episode starts with another action-packed scene that goes on for a few minutes too long again. I do not know if this will be a standard opening for the drama but I feel like they could edit a few parts of their stunts and badadadada action scenes, heh. Maybe it’s a testosterone drive thing? This is a shoot-em-up romance after all. BUT I believe toning it down a notch or two wouldn’t hurt the pacing of the drama.




So, we watch Gwang Pil and Young Jin have this crazy car chase with daredevil Soo Ho who can breeze through stairs with his Evil Knievel stunts. Only later to find him eating in a noodle house. Hardcore.

Boxing. Check. Random motorcycle stunts. Check. Sexy, ruffled hair. Check. Naughty smile. Check. Quintessential bad boy, all around. But it’s just not getting to me, or striking some sort of chord, it is hard to relate to nor does it come across as fascinating. It does not even come off as entertaining fare at times. It’s also not despicable enough… it’s just mildly annoying like your kid brother.

Part of the reason is--- we do know he is 27 years-old. He isn’t that much younger than Gwang Pil and Young Jin but he acts like a high school boy who is breaking his mom’s curfew. So we spend most of the episode like Young Jin and Gwang Pil--- dealing with him.

He spends most of his sweet time in the episode trying to get rid of the two bodyguards assigned to him. Like a true test, he focuses his attention to getting rid of Young Jin. The “weaker” one of the two. He calls her in wee hours of the morning to give her a dose of what he’s good at … become the biggest problem you can have.






He seems to show some sort of attraction to Young Jin, completely drawn to her little organizer and taunting her by inching close to her face.

Their love angle is still a bit of a slow brew, they do look good together and there is much potential for a bad boy meeting a strong-willed woman. Since bad boys if done right can be the ones we are drawn to like a moth to a flame. Hell, he can be our Mr.Wickham if only he grows up.

The whole pace of the episode is not as crisp and well-paced as the past two. The real character developments did not come in until more than 30 minutes into the episode. The humor wasn’t as charming as the previous ones. There were even some borderline silly moments that seem to be not intended…, the huge burly man chase is totally laughable right now.

BUT BUT BUT…

With all my rants, this whole angle isn’t that bad. Soo Ho’s character may not be such a caricature after all; Lee Jin Wook gives us glimpses of his character’s complexity. He did show force and then later, understated vulnerability when Young Jin finally unleashed her frustrations and spilled her emotions.



Chae Rim (THANK YOU!) really keeps you sane when you are watching, it’s like you realize that with all the silliness there is something potentially remarkable amid all this. She is like the constant reminder of that. Her great control in that scene gave me quite an affecting tug.

Actually the episode wasn’t void of emotion, poignancy and even bouts of humor; the little scenes in the episode kind of calmed in terms of expectations in the drama.

1.) The scene when Young Jin’s father holds on to her little shoe, with a sense of guilt and great love for his daughter. I actually really like his character, despite the fact that he often gets himself into trouble and seems to be satisfied by being a washed out dance instructor, the character is easy to love.




2.) The constant battle of the wits… or is it just a huge amount of bottled up sexual tension between Darcy and Bridget…err… Gwang Pil and Young Jin. Contrasting in their techniques, wants, and abilities… their chemistry seems to be one of the main draws in the drama.


Gwang Pil is so far removed from being your typical leading man, he seems to not possess any sort of sensitivity chip when it comes to Young Jin, and she sees him as one of her major dilemmas. He’s unexciting and mechanical. She’s feisty and filled with emotions---but they just work. He’s far from a romantic but when I catch him just sneaking a quick glance at Young Jin, I squee.





Now, Lee Jong Hyuk is not someone I thought I’d ever really like as a leading man or someone I’d really swoon over. I still had flashbacks of Green Rose when I heard he was going to be in this.



But he is just showing his brilliance in this role, he’s got great nuances. In Episode 1, when he watched Young Jin sit there on the steps and cry, we see just a slight change in the way he looked at her… a minor flicker of the eyes but it just changed the whole mood of the scene already. Same goes for his stares at Young Jin in tonight's episode.

And OHMYGAWD, he looks great shirtless… and uhm, he showed real good drama in this scene, but I was too distracted that he was shirtless and just posing like that!




Chae Rim (haha! how many times do I have to say I love her) who is showing immense emotional complexity and at the same time, an endearing kind of comedy really brings a good acting match for him.

3.) The final scene. though, I hated the fact that I thought I was being transported to “The Ring” with the whole cheesy, fuzzy TV effect (which I hope they wouldn’t do again… ever), it still had a very strong ending, keeping us on the edge.

The mystery of Soo Ho’s actions may have a deeper meaning to it, or at least I hope so.

When he suddenly heard the violins in his head… what is this all about? What is it that happened to him? What is wrong with him? I am inclined to believe the accident may have affected him mentally, maybe that is part of the reason he is acting like that.




His character isn’t beyond redemption; when he shows actual moments that are spirited with emotion rather than a writer’s caricature, he gives me hope.

Overall, even with a few disappointments in the episode, it still redeemed itself. I just hope the writer and the PD remembers that they are handling a romantic-comedy first and foremost. That was their charm in Episode 1. The drama did not pretend to be something that it is not. Its charm is in its heroine and how she reacts to her surroundings and the character interactions. The story is slowly unfolding, I just hope that it really isn’t a 27 year old kid we are dealing with but someone who has anguish not tantrums… someone who will be a real character and not just an archetype.




And this scene in the preview is too adorable:

 Episode 2 Review: Comedic Klutzes and Tragic Scars




Tonight’s episode is a more in-depth look at the characters and their inner struggles. Strong in its comedic aspects but never loses touch of its strong potential depth, Episode 2 delivers. Though, a little problematic with some of the characterizations, it still delivers a solid and engaging--- most of all, unexpectedly relatable story.



It starts off by getting your adrenaline quite pumped, action-filled mission, with loud bullets firing and ricocheting all over the place. Dead bodies fallen to the ground. Men after men taking shots to their chests. And I sat there going--- Wow! This is one real elaborate set-up. Overkill much? It was ridiculous and farfetched.

Where the hell are those SWAT ninjas coming from? How many baddies are they shooting? Why is the music being all “Die Hard” on me! Then, the moment Young Jin busts out a walkie-talkie on her own version of “gun-point”. What a shootout, and in that moment…




I lost it. I’ll let you figure out what happens afterwards.

I do understand that there would be some hesitation seeing Chae Rim as some bad arse agent with classic Ray Bans on, but I think this is one of the reasons why Young Jin’s character remains fascinating. There’s always a sense of comedy as she babbles on, walking around with her ponytail trying to catch up with burly agents towering over her.

She is hardly portrayed as someone who is faultless and ferocious in her tasks as much as Young Jin would like to think so… sorry, but not really. Her extreme hotheadedness, her awkward interactions, and her cheerful child-like smile every time she accomplishes something are things that bring us a very unique and captivating character. Chae Rim does not have to be Michelle Rodriguez to pull off such a role.



And this kind of temperamental shrew with a big heart is a great match to Gwang Pil’s very dry and straight-laced character. She’s all about yelping out. He’s all as-a-matter-of-fact speech. It’s like seeing Darcy and Bridget Jones with edgier DNA… and well, guns.



I have to admit the chemistry is sizzling; one of the scenes when they were pounding each other on the locker builds a lot of tension… good and bad, which makes it sexy as hell.

So here is Young Jin our heroine who has enough problems working with such a sexist and sardonic guy. Plus, she’s also trying to prove herself in the field she’s in. Her other ordeal is she also has to sort out her family life.

She deals with her dropout brother, her grandfather the gambler, and her father… whose life is all about dancing to Marc Anthony in his pink shirt, all while being the poster boy of a new breed of an ajumma killer.





Young Jin often shows her frustration with her family, if you notice most of her interactions with them are out of irritation. But deep inside her she has an Achilles’ heel for them. She does love them and it shows. Nothing says I love you like getting rid of the roaches in the dishes, or miraculously cleaning the despicable bathroom, or cooking their meals, or simply throwing her brother’s anime books. I do see a token breakdown scene coming on once she gets completely fed up, I wonder why the family seems oblivious of the damage that they are having?






We flesh out Young Jin’s character in this episode, a bit of a klutz, sassy, and at the same time shrewish, all these with a big heart she often hides. Most of her character points in this episode were all about comedy, which Chae Rim is very good at. Her kind of comedy is filled with subtlety. It’s with the way she delivers the lines, her meek reactions and most of all her timing that makes her scenes work. I’ll say it again she is pretty much owning this drama, making me believe all of this. Even though she’s a bit little she really is this clumsy and lovable agent named Cha Young Jin.


However, the biggest draw for Episode 2 is not in its rather comic ways but in the more “tragic” realm of things. It is really a mystery how Gwang Pil and the President are related. What was that manly hug all about? And what is Soo Ho’s angst all about? What is the history between Gwang Pil and Soo Ho? What is theaccident all about? Why does everyone but the president despise him?



Soo Ho is right now still a bit sketchy for me in terms of character, he’s the archetype bad boy, but it seems a bit off because I keep asking myself how old is this guy? Some of his antics, like the cliché switcha-roo of clothes in the hospital comes off as juvenile rather than a real intimidating or a destructive act. They also treat him like a kid most of the time.




His first meeting with Young Jin was filled with recklessness and blasé kind of arrogance, but it was almost like she is baby sitting him. Only thing that really saved this scene was when clueless Young Jin was berating the President!




There is a more redeeming aspect in this characterization, though. Soo Ho emerges later on as a deeper character when he finally sees Gwang Pil face to face after all these years. Both Lee Jin Wook and Lee Jong Hyuk were both excellent in this scene. Lee Jin Wook as I expected portrayed the more angst-ridden scenes with more emotion, and Lee Jong Hyuk’s dark eyes did not only speak for him, but screamed it all out for him.



I am still on the fence about Soo Ho, I may speculate that Gwang Pil has done something more. The scars are deeper than what we see all along. I find it odd that a twenty-something guy is acting like he’s in high school, his experiences with Gwang Pil may have caused something for him to act like so or even push him under these circumstances. I just wish the director doesn’t go too campy on this bad boy archetype, a little bit of subtlety may help with this guy’s characterization.





Despite my slight complaints on the character layout, the episode still delivered and entertained. Let me just say the little graphics and the opening credits in the middle really hypes me up and sets me in the mood for the story. The drama has the right ingredients of a good cast (ZOMG Mr. Hulk from Robbers!), a well-paced story, humor, and wit. But it’s not just your typical popcorn fare, what I like about this is I am discovering a story about three underdogs, three people who have to overcome their inner struggles that will develop into a very intriguing love triangle. So far, Chae Rim and Lee Jong Hyuk have exploding chemistry, but we have yet to see Soo Ho and Young Jin have some development. So far the right combination of tongue-and-cheek fun and at the same time possessing great meaning is what makes “Powerful Opponents” really stand out.

A Charming Shoot 'Em Up?






I did not really know what to expect with this drama, I was initially drawn to it because Chae Rim who is known for choosing great projects is starring in it. I did have my doubts, though. Action-packed shoot ‘em up mixed with a love triangle? I have seen quite a few movies recently (You Got Me, Fool’s Gold even to an extent Mr. & Mrs. Smith) that failed in making this whole romancing the action hero charming, oftentimes it just comes off well either contrived or awkward. With all my doubts at hand, within one episode “Powerful Opponents” was neither contrived nor awkward… well, so far it is quite charming and incredibly endearing. Even with the punches of humor in the story, it is not fluffy. The drama already shows enough spirit and depth as it slowly unravels each character we may come to love and hate. All this carried by a very captivating heroine played by Chae Rim.

Of course, first episodes are always an introduction. What I like about K-dramas is they never just spill out the characters for us, we discover them as they also discover each other. Like little mysteries we still got to piece out.

We start off by meeting the President’s son played by the handsome, Lee Jin Wook. Here he is the oh-so-rebellious motorcycle riding, black market boxing and family-hating bad boy. I thought the initial scenes were borderline campy, which could have been done on purpose, I wasn’t a huge fan of the treatment. Almost a bit too obvious, I could be reading the writer’s handbook of the “basic character layout of a bad boy”.




HOWEVER---The whole treatment of such character is redeemed later on, when we see him on his bed---completely angst-ridden and in a way with a sense of self-hatred.

I’d rather they do this more “angsty” character than the extremely in-your-face bad boy. I see great potential in LJW in scenes that would require him to be more nuanced. Yet, how can I really judge right? The character is a complete mystery. All we know is he’s reckless and has (what seems like) deep-rooted issues with his presidential family. Though, the first twelve minutes was all about him, we hardly see him in the next scenes as we are later introduced with the main agents. The rivals.

In the first episode, the title “Powerful Opponents”/ “Rivals” seem to be directed to the relationship between these two young agents in the academy who seem at odds from the very beginning.

Young Jin played by Chae Rim looks quite delicate and feminine with her puppy dog eyes and cute face, but looks fool ya. She is really such a bad @ss!




The only female in the team she leaves a lot of the men hang to dry with her fervor, skills and strength. She’s also incredibly boisterous and arrogant about it. You know when people in a disadvantage usually have to work two to three times harder than the rest? She has this kind of pull to her, and she brings it in every aspect of her job and training. She is loud about it too.

Some men seem intimidated by such a woman; some just really do see her as that--- a woman. You cannot hit a woman, right? Especially someone as pretty as that, right? Not to this stern and silent classmate of hers, Gwang Pil played by Lee Jong Hyuk in what seems like his first leading man sort of role. Gwang Pil seems to sneer at Young Jin’s antics. His eyebrows always in an angry arch, his stoic face, and deadpan stare only says one thing--- he sees through her haughtiness and flair. He is more on the technical and more in the rather serious side.




Their first fight scene was accompanied with a tango; oh the battle of all passionate dances… I knew I was in for a different kind of action packed- romance.



The director never forgets that they are handling a romantic comedy first and foremost, even in the most action-packed training sequences it is treated in a light manner. The music is sweet and uppity during the training scenes. The editing of such scenes was seamless as we watch we are also building rapport with the characters. Simple scenes come out endearing and some weird way romantic, from who gets to walk first or the ways with the gun. The drama does not get all contrived on us and pretend like we’re in the latest blasting Michael Bay film.

In each scene we laugh at the rivalry antics of Gwang Pil and Young Jin, who seem to battle it out from sit ups to well---eating lunch.

But do not underestimate this as just a fluffy romance comedy with a few gunshots here and there, what made me root for this drama was within the time we actually see our aggressive heroine’s frailty. There is a fundamental depth in what seems like a simple concept of a would-be-love story.

Young Jin’s heart and drive seems to be for her family of scrubs and deadbeats who would rather gamble their lives away. Brought up in an all male household, Young Jin stands as the only woman and the only breadwinner. They do love her and understand her, but the appreciation is just lacking.

One of the most pivotal scenes in the episode was when Young Jin confronts her brother over his dealings, the usually cool and bad @ss of a heroine loses herself in her anger and sadness. Underneath her tough exterior, we find a woman whose heart is broken over and over ironically, because of the people who are closest to her heart.



Within minutes… no even seconds, Chae Rim crumbles in front of us, such intensity and frailty brought out at the same time. She is just so relatable in these little moments. I like this heroine already; I hope she is as complex as this. I hope it won’t be a fluke.

Gwang Pil’s story is as much as a mystery, in a lot of ways he is the same with Young Jin completely immersed in his job and training. Completely fervent. Without his family’s backing, but unlike her he seems to be satisfied with his situation.




The mix of their clashing personalities and similar goals is what makes their chemistry work. They are so different but also a lot alike. It's like they both hate each other but they respect each other.

Gwang Pil is hard to read, even at the times when Young Jin seems to soften up with him he seems still as deadpan as ever. But with all that said, their scenes are still oddly swoon-worthy, even when the leading man's character is just so wry!




We like saw him smile… once… or was that an arched lip? With that said, I am not quite sure if I am completely rooting for him. There is so much potential in this love triangle, I really hope we will be as confused as Young Jin with the two men. It seems that both leading men do have a cold and bad boy exterior, both of them are going to clash with the hotheaded heroine and for sure, we will be going topsy-turvy with this romance.

But the best thing about this whole episode still is with Chae Rim. Young Jin’s last sequence in the graduation as she sadly looks at the empty chairs, wondering where her family is … then, she controls her tears and stands firm there. She screams her lungs out. It was both a funny and a heart-breaking sequence. Just in the little break of her voice and weak smile, she already tells us her story. They picked an amazing actress to portray an already endearing heroine.



So my verdict? They already passed the first test… that is to make a shoot ‘em up romance charming. All thanks to a great heroine to pull it all off. I also love the editing of the sequences that make everything fast paced and almost every scene vital. I also love the opening credits and the little graphics that go with each episode. Their next test is the revelation and the layering of each character and to keep this momentum. So far, this drama has gotten me. I’m all in.

 

 Back with a Vengeance

LOBO REVIEW- March 18, 2008

Guys, I need tomatoes thrown at me. I remember the last time I reviewed LOBO episodes was when I called the show a glossy Abercrombie and Fitch ad, with forced passion and artificial emotion. For a while there, I thought I totally lost my well-loved soap. Then it was like the drama rose up and whammed me straight to the face with a forceful punch. It was like it hit me right at my nose na daig pa si Pacquiao and said, “HA! I told you I’m still damn good!” And I would like to say, Lobo, I’m sorry for losing faith in you, but you know… that’s showing weakness, noble but weak (copyright Lady Elle). What I am truly saying is LOBO is back with a vengeance, back stirring us in both an enchanting, heart-pounding but reasonable drama.

So what has happened? My beautiful, sexaaay, Noah beat up and in jail. Lyka escapes the island with fear in her heart. Mama Clara hates Lyka even more. Kuya Kalbo gets a hug from Lyka and loved it. Gabby Baggy is still drinking hatahrade. Nessa and Clara showdown. Lady Elle finds answers. And finally, Lyka transforms. But really, outlines and rehashes do not give justice to the amount of emotion and build-up that touched us, as viewers as we fall deeper into this story.

In Friday’s episode I was caught in great shivers down to the base of my spine just having goosebumps all over my skin. Revelation per revelation. Some of the pieces are already moving into their corners. The plot direction is very fast for a Filipino drama that is for sure.

It started when Lady Elle saw Lyka talking to the moon stone, Pilar Pilapil with just one piercing look, she can tell the story without even a flashback. You know she connected it all. I felt her sudden rush of “lukso ng dugo”, and I was amazed that they did not lead this on. If that was any other drama, we would have waited until the last quarter for Lady Elle and Lyka to realize that they are related. That her unexplainable, deep connection with Lyka has a reason all along.

But who am I kidding? The highlight of the episode was from the time Lady Elle walked into the alley to meet a blind (creepy) mystic and the prophecy was announced. That Lady Elle and the huling bantay are connected. But as one rises to the ashes, one will fall into darkness. Lady Elle’s eyes flicker, and move into Lyka praying in a church as she chanted to herself, she opens her eyes and the same kind of harsh light ignites in her.

Then the ruthless night gives us a glimpse of the pulang buwan, every one of the lobos weaken and they are in such grueling pain going through it all.


But our heroine is being pushed and tugged. I remember when Kuya Anton described the transformation as being burned over and over in your insides, and you just see Lyka go through it in fast flashes, the pangs and the pain is written all over her face and her shrieks.



Then in one strong push, it was like the wind possessed her and something in her eyes change, from the weakness we move into ferocious territory. Angel was like an angel in the transformation scene, werewolves are often portrayed as monsters or the usual horror fare, but in LOBO our heroine’s transformation was enchanting and awe-striking. *I* wanted to be this “monster” (kudos to the effects team), she was beautiful, and a poster here said that Lyka’s transformation in the church was very telling as if God was still with her. That scene just encapsulated all sorts of surprises and awe from me, I was just stupefied afterwards. I actually saw a little bit of homage to Angel Locsin’s past role “Darna” in this scene. There was also something so uplifting yet so terrifying in this scene. It was the perfect weekend cliffhanger because I was antsy the whole weekend waiting for Monday’s episode.

And it delivered too. From the panning of the dirt on the floor to Lyka's naked body, you knew this was something else. The way the light just lands on Lyka's kiddie pink sheets crumpled on the floor just screamed the tainted-feeling of Lyka.

Angel Locsin was IT in this episode, her inner turmoil as Lyka was just so disheartening, I have never been a lobo (well no duh) in my entire left but I felt her pain. Even at the most outlandish aspects of this story she manages to evoke such HUMAN emotions, something that even the most human stories lack. Here a story of a young woman turning into a lobo affected me more than any drama that has been released lately.




Her shift of emotions is effortless, when she woke up naked and disgusted at the thought of what her body went through. The scene was beautifully and eerily shot, I felt her nakedness and her own frailty at that moment. The transformation of the usual kikay girl to one emotionally disturbed woman was done with great believability. Someone here pointed out that the contrast of Lyka’s early shower scene to the recent shower scene was startling, Angel Locsin did not have to resort to melodramatic hysteria to play on Lyka’s tragedy, her silence, her face mirroring her mayhem and her eyes that was just overflowing in pain was enough to tug my heart strings. Ms. Angel Locsin, you are so damn good in this episode.

Speaking of Angel Locsin kicking ***, now tell me you did not let out a huge YELP or a HOO-HAH as if you got a touchdown or a 3-pointer in the last minute when Lyka did this…



Take that ANNOYING MAMA CLARA! Pushed by a Lobo with millions of CANA-X!

MWAHAHAHAHHAA!

Then we move on to the latest episode that showed Lyka’s more emotional arc after the aftermath… that sounded redundant as hell but you guys would know what I mean.

I heard a few complaints that this episode was a bit dramatic and ruined the suspenseful momentum of the past episodes.

With all due respect, I disagree. And my last review was filled with rants; I believe the drama this time was necessary (unlike the posing bikini shots, though the BTS photos are smoooooookin’!)



This episode portrayed Noah and Lyka both as soulmates and as doomed lovers. He was looking at her with such bliss and beauty, and all I could see in her face is fear and misery. The only time she ever broke into a smile in this entire episode was when she explained to Noah that she had to pretend she was pregnant to visit him in jail, he had the cutest and sweetest smile in reply to her silly excuse. But all she could do is run to him and embrace him, find solace in this entire monstrosity she faced. Yet, she knew it was not enough, you see when she sighed and tears just kept flowing, she knew she could never face their love the same way again. Noah still continued to look at her in love as ever.

It’s in all these great nuances that make Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual work very well as actors, I really can feel they feed of each other’s energy and it shows. It’s always a mix of intensity and light romance in each of their movements as Noah and Lyka. Kumbaga, lakad palang at isang hawak palang, it explains a lot na. Ayan ang artista!

When General Leon, Zoe, and Gabby caught them, you just knew it was coming but I still felt so small, when General was telling Lyka that she is putting Noah in danger. It was not good to be in Lyka’s shoes at that moment.

The confrontation between Baggy--Gabby and Lyka was pivotal to the storyline, there were a lot of hints given as for Gabby asking Lyka if she was worth all the sacrifice, if she would never hurt Noah. Lyka, on the other hand is seeing through her woman to woman that they are both in love with the same man. They both did well in this scene.

But the biggest dagger to Gabby’s heart was Noah’s sort of double rejection, when he tells her she does not know how to love. He walks out on her and right when he turns his back that’s when she started crying her eyes out. And for the first time, I felt REAL sympathy for the character (and even to a point kind of rooted for her), though, I still maintain Shaina looks too young and dainty for the role her level of emotion has been believable as Fetus Gabby. Okay, I just won’t call her that in this past week… just Telly Tubby Gabby… since she matured, ya know?

Every one has performed well this week, I am also glad to see the regular players like Elton and Trixie back in my screen. The story also is moving faster. It is also nice to know that TPTB really listens to us from the switch of music, attention to detail (Father’s white hair), its straight to the point lines, and its smooth editing.

Columnists have been writing recently on why LOBO has not reached the 40% rating marks for apparently a superstar show, with all due respect, maybe you guys won’t be so hung up on star power or figures if you try sitting down and watching such an intelligent and riveting story that mixes in the right amount of romance and mystery.

LOBO can be shown in C-SPAN and I will still be as in love with it. No amount of their dissecting will disprove the heart of Lobo that has touched a lot of us in different communities. For as I said before a story about a young girl transforming into a werewolf has more of a staggering effect on me, more human to me than all the tired soaps that are being offered in my screen.

Lobo has heart and that cannot be dissected or evaluated on… you just feel it. And judging from the amount of passion people have put into this soap? We feel it. They have done their job

 Jayjay meet Lyka, Ulay meet Noah
Lobo Review- March 12, 2008


After Thursday’s episode when Lyka gave Noah her tearful rejection, we all felt our heart drop to our stomachs. It was like air was shut out of my lungs when Noah confessed with all his emotional ammo only for Lyka to wish he never told her he was Jay-Jay, she might as well tell him to cease to exist. What I expected is an overdrawn turn of dramatic events but I was wrong… instead I was re-introduced to Ulay and Jayjay, while seeing through Noah and Lyka’s eyes. It’s a bit odd to say but it’s like they are four different people who also seem like it was just one being. The love story moves forward. And it has its great aspects and also, its bad aspects (sorry got to be honest!)

I still applaud the writers how they brilliantly weave the different heights of emotions during the past few days for our couple. From the silly, uproarious, to the tearful, and the sentimental (sometimes overly so), they all brought us into their worlds and to the upswings and downswings of their relationship.

So they are stuck at this isolated and cheap beach house of sorts that lacks right irrigation for water. Just when I thought that I will get obscene amounts of angst and melodrama… Lyka goes, “ANG BAHO! ANG BAHO!”---



For a while there, I thought I was going to be turned off by my delicious biceps kind of Papa Noah when Lyka started screaming that he stank for all eternity. Only for her to say that she smelled the vinegar from a MILE away.

The way Angel Locsin delivered that line made me realize how much I miss Lyka’s hilarity and antics. It was like a huge, “Welcome back!” I really hope that even when the story is taking a more serious and romantic side that they maintain Lyka to be the usual makulit, kikay, KSP, and gets drunk with two beers kind of Lyka. I cannot believe I am saying this considering I use to think Ms. Locsin overdoes her comedic scenes.

It is a bit funny seeing Noah and Lyka fight because most of the time they’re clearly flirting, and the sexual tension is just brewing not to mention the fact that he was shirtless 90% of the time they were in that house. Stop molesting, Piolo, directors. Stop molesting him… exploit him! But Oh My Gawd, they really listen to us? Remember the petitions of all the biceps and abs exposures? They listen!

My favorite scene really is when they fight over little things like knocking on the door or when they could bathe. It almost seemed like an old, bickering married couple who are forced to do boring things together.

Then, of course she tries to escape… quite stupidly so. And my Papa Noah got his back stabbed by some nasty bamboo floating around the shore.

Really… that’s what happened in the ENTIRE episode? It’s like three sequences even, what is going on?

The next episodes were a mix of a blur and heartfelt vividness for me. The editing was great, by the way, kudos to the splicers.



For example, Monday’s episode was extremely flashback heavy. I think as a bunch of you already stated that it would have had more of an impact if we have never seen those scenes and it simply unfolded to US like it was to LYKA that he is not lying.

As if we are stuck in a guessing game ourselves. And as the final puzzle piece gets solved, she starts crying and with one silent wail, it was like she was free once again. She even kisses his ear and hugs him tightly; Angel Locsin showed us the right poignancy to hit us. She was neither too much nor too little.

Piolo Pascual in a state of delirium and going back to his traumatic phases of childhood really looked like he was so little, making me think that this muscular guy is an eleven year old Jay-Jay. It was not his pallid make-up or his crusted lips that made me believe he was in high fevers and is so ill, but the way he so convincingly conveyed his inner pain and his monstrous guilt for the death of his father and the drowning of Ulay… he was like a nonstop pendulum, swing per swing… one point his emotional trauma was strong then another point it was like he’s weak and feeble.

But I thought that scene would have been more effective and touching if it ended like… ten minutes earlier. That was a bit TOO long-winded. People’s attention spans in one scene is very crucial if I’m seeing a repeat of a crying guy clinging on to a crying girl for at LEAST the whole episode, people would probably change the channel. Not to mention the fact that the dramatic scores, changing from depressing-to-melodramatic depressing- to I need PROZAC depressing was drowning out the naturalness of the revelation.

I know they may feel pressured to finish the scenes because of Angel and Piolo’s trip to Dubai but I would have focused the scenes on something else if the two aren’t available for shots in other places.

So, Lyka still emits white light every time she embraces Noah, which I believe has some healing powers … either that or Datu Puti Vinegar can really heal the deepest of all wounds. Why wasn’t there any product placement?

When he wakes up finding Lyka holding on to his hand and sleeping on his side, he gives the sweetest and faintest smile. She wakes up excited shoving all kinds of food into his mouth… from hotdogs, to peanut butter, to ramen noodles. That cannot be good for anyone’s stomach. I think up to this point it was charming and funny…

And I usually dedicate posts to Noah’s abs, butt, or biceps… but I dedicate this post to Lyka’s goodies just dangling wonderfully on there. I happen to be a heterosexual female and I cannot help but look… because it’s just THERE. It is like, “wow God gave us boobs! Mine doesn’t look like that… wow.”

Thank you, Angel Locsin for displaying your err… great assets and probably balancing out the exploiting of Noah and Lyka.



HOLLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!


My next comments will probably have me blasted or thrown tomatoes at… but sorry, I got to be honest.


I think their sudden comfortable actions towards each other are kind of losing the charm of what Noah and Lyka is known for-- the tension and the disarming gracelessness. Even when they used to be childhood sweethearts, a certain amount of time and tension has gone on. Even when she thought he was dead… she is still no experienced girl. She should have embraced him and suddenly felt awkward. There was not even a gradual point of being close; it was suddenly like they’re feeding each other like a couple. It makes it a bit anti-climatic.

But I did like the disgusting scene of her checking errr…smelling if his underwear was clean. I’m a bit disappointed though that Noah is not a boxers-man.

In the scene when he connected the moonstones together and told her that she should keep his moonstone because for all these years he has poured out all his love to her in that one precious stone, I thought it was brilliant and flawless dialogue. It was like they met Noah and Lyka, Jayjay and Ulay yet again for the first time… like they are all four different people yet still as one.

NOW if they got comfortable and CLOSE at this point it would have had an impact, like hidden passions are suddenly unleashed--- but you knew quite beforehand they were already feeding each other, so the level of romance died down a bit, for me.

The kiss’ setting was charming … just at the old back of the house, just with the little fountain, with tears in their eyes, and the moon gleaming brightly. It was shot quite beautifully, no doubt.

But I did not like the direction of the kiss with meaning, with all due respect to Ms. CGM and Mr. FM Reyes. It was so, well--- “drama” and soap na soap which LOBO YOU ARE NOT that’s why I’m a wee bit disappointed.



In my humble opinion, a pre-curser to a kiss isn’t in slow-mo and so delicate… there was no point of naturalness or WOW effect, in the way that was directed. I have waited for the second kiss for so long but I was not blown away like I was with the first.



It would have worked better if Lyka kept blabbing and blabbing, wishing on to the moon and then he watches her amused with a smile… in the end, he silences her with a kiss. I don’t know… something!

Something to take our breath away. Something to surprise. Something with a HUMAN kind of familiarity. Not this cliché kiss, come on!

Good thing Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual know how to kiss right, because if they kissed demurely I would have thrown something on to the TV screen.

I also had qualms about the whole frolicking around the beach scenes as if we are in a sexy magazine catalogue. I know they just wanted to display the great bodies of Angel and Piolo… probably felt the pressure to with the rival shows all about skin and all so we do a remake of Blue Lagoon out of nowhere.



Point being, I’m still asking where the hell they found the bikini and board shorts… unless Noah really expected they will be in for a swim, or they bought such Abercrombie & Fitch swimsuits in the palengke. Such fanwanking is a bit distracting. They should have just skinny dipped… just playing. Haha.

Furthermore, it was also very unnatural as if I’m watching a glossy ad for a beach or a weight loss program.

Lyka has no experience in men, she is an oddball of a klutz we all know and love, and here she is posing quite confidently in the beach like that? Nakapose pa na nakabikini oh-so-like a San Mig ad?

If Noah was leading her to do that stuff, I’d understand. i.e. carrying her, stealing kisses from her as they charge into the water ala the Notebook. But she was pretty much a pro with her comfort zone. Did they sleep together beforehand? Because if they did such nonchalance could be explained.

Also these are one of the points that I wish the soundtrack features something else but Martin Nievera’s song or instrumental. Only one time did I hear another song here and that was the “Boom Ti Yaya” song that Lyka danced to. If there was a lighter love song would be more suitable for such scenes. I could feel the bursts of first love with something else, that song is too intense, epic, and weepy for lighter scenes.

I did like the kiss in the water though, that was cute. The first dance near the fountain gave me butterflies in my stomach. When he crawled to her in the shore and tried to lay down on her was WOW.

These scenes are more significant for me than the confusing Abercrombie & Fitch ad. I just think Lobo can do better than that… I felt like it was lovely to see, so hot to see, so hot to wonder… but it lacks substance, most of all, felt so executed, and a bit out of character for Lyka.

There was not even any sense playfulness and spontaneity to it; they were just like models looking hot. Piolo and Angel definitely have unbeatable chemistry but it could be deeper than what is being shown. It is like glossy magazine kind of passion, not the more human kind of passion. Maybe this is a common staple in Filipino soaps and I have been watching K-dramas for far too long but I think LOBO can do better in their romantic scenes,.

Mas kilig pa yung yakap with the white light from a month ago, the wiping of the tuna on the face, or the sudden rush of holding hands. Those were the feeling of passion igniting within… not this confusing beach commercial.

With that said, I thought the dinner scene was the savior of such scenes, the way he looked at her with both admiration and dread over a candle lit corned beef dinner. It was very bittersweet.

Piolo Pascual has the most beautiful set of brown eyes in the Philippine industry. Angel Locsin showed us the Lyka once again who needed love, then once she found it she realizes it has to stop that their fantasies will have to take a halt for the bigger problems. Tears effortlessly flow out of her eyes, and it isn’t just the tears but the kind of mixed emotions she effortlessly evoked.

The plot also thickens with Lady Elle and Selena Argos only the ones believing in Lyka. With Nessa about to meet Mama Clara. And Fetus ruining everything for our couple. While, NOAH’s real identity is revealed… is he a super human who is IMMUNE to Lobo bites? That still has to be seen.

Now that we have all the romance... hope the story moves forward although I would love to see more HUMAN kind of romance next time.

With that said LOBO successfully reintroduced us to Jay-Jay and Ulay but come to love Noah and Lyka, I just want to remind them not to lose touch of their HUMAN warmth they have displayed for the past episodes of Lobo. Do not feel pressured with what others offer, you are better than that. It is with naturalness wherein you excel. Also, less and more, cut the scenes that are far too long it loses some of its impact. Get some other songs too to incorporate the lighter moments and please continue weaving us into the mystery and such a HUMAN story … never lose sight of that. I may have my disappointments for the last episodes, but I am still pulling for you. Big time!

 Happy Birthday, Ulay: The Aftermath

Lobo Episode Review: March 6, 2008


Last night’s episode was an immense and elaborate arc in the story and in fact, it was a lot to take in for one episode. It was HEAVY but I felt like I was SAVED afterwards. The final revelations are shown, and hot damn it was murder and mayhem! The black lobos wreak havoc. Then we have a Waya betraying everyone by joining them. Not to mention that the Lunas are doing their missions. All while all the lobos all over the Philippines transformed, heck, even 80s pop star Timmy Cruz---- except for Lyka. Much to Lady Elle’s near nervous breakdown. Even the usually cold, Mama Clara and General Leon are shown to have heart and tears at this time. But amid all the anarchy (I mean, didn’t it feel like it?), suddenly we reach a state of serenity. When the scene faded into an orange sky we see him, Noah stood there holding on to the moon stone hanging around his neck, and then he whispered a promise. The scene dissolves into a very beautiful Lyka sleeping peacefully by the rusty window. I really wanted to cry knowing that her wish has come true, to be with Noah on her birthday. The theme song comes in and I suddenly felt a surge of hope and love. Which is what is coming to us Noah and Lyka’s love will be the great calm of each storm as this violent battle begins… now if only they both realize it.

Some may see it is all a bit anti-climatic that Lyka did not transform in the whole full moon birthday sequence, I think it is refreshing that she did not transform and makes this anticipation bigger than what it already is.

But the best thing about the last episode was it was all about transformations … I am not talking about their physical aspects from human to lobo, but it is the emotional turmoil that everyone went through as the events catapulted in unexpected directions.

The usually poised and fierce Lady Elle literally broke down (nervous breakdown!) with fear and distress that Lyka was not able to transform. You literally saw her hopes and dreams of this “Huling Bantay” get shattered, she was going quite insane and hysterical. Pilar Pilapil cannot do anything wrong, she has a very Glenn Close aura about her, able to swiftly go through such EXTREMES of emotions and pulling it off quite believably.


Mama Clara played by the remarkable Irma Adlawan displayed her extreme of emotions too as she watched Anton helplessly go through all that suffering as a black lobo. This was the first time I realized how much Mama Clara has a lot of love to give. It is just that she was deprived of it growing up because of the favored sister, Nessa. It is only through her adoptive son Anton that she was able to give love and have it given back to her. Wherein she felt such importance, her loyalty to Anton even at the most monstrous aspect of the person shows that Mama Clara is with heart after all. I believe she is capable of having a soft side for both Nessa and Lyka one day.

However, the most poignant of all scenes was when General Leon Cristobal looked for his son, Noah. When he had a realization that he does not know his son. When he started regretting the way he has treated his son all these years. How for once he wanted to really know his son, outside of military concepts and mission. Dante Rivero showed so much aching here; he was nothing short of brilliant. I actually thought before that he was one of the weaker links of LOBO--- I totally eat my words this time.

With the poignant comes my violent reactions too. How can y’all kill MINERVA?! She was F-I-E-R-C-E! With her wolfish glare and killer pout, how can you kill her? She was so damn entertaining. Damn you, Luna. It is WAR indeed! You killed one of the coolest Waya in there. Just kill like the guy who just sits there and does nothing. Not Minerva! I need to light a candle before I sleep for Minerva, RIP.



And before I go on… so is Gabby supposed to be more intimidating now just because she has a camouflage cap? Where did she buy that? Roxy? Claire’s? Bad Badzmaru? How cute. Shestilllookstwelve.



Okay. Okay. Calm down, Amber. The whole focus of this arc is Noah and Lyka. Amid all this chaos brings us forth our (un)lovers stuck in a small house in an island. And hi-la-rious … Lyka snores like a 60 year old man and she grows scary white hair all over her. And Papa Noah still looks at her with the same admiration… well, not that he actually saw all that 80s Hair Band kind of white hair, I think he would have really ran far, far, far away if he did.




The scene that took place after is one of the most poignant and bittersweet exchange of dialogues in any Filipino drama that I have seen. It worked tremendously not only because of the writer’s sense of realism, but the ACTORS who really seemed possessed with their characters, Noah and Lyka.

Angel Locsin literally showed us an emotional tsunami. Here is Lyka fighting her feelings for Noah, still being able to joke around calling him gwapo and Hollywood handsome, but we all know she is hurting so much. Then, she whams us with a climatic confrontation.
She went from being infuriated, to confused, to quiet anger, to tenderness to masked strength and most of all, lingering pain. Her line delivery this time is impeccable, it is actually with the way she delivered her lines that really showed Lyka’s feelings that time. It is just quite an enthralling experience to witness Ms. Locsin grow more and more as such a deep performer.

What she possesses that other ABS-CBN younger actresses lack is this natural approach to her nuances as Lyka. It is like you watch her and you go, I am like that once or hell, even right now. She is not as “studied” or as acting na acting as a lot of them are.



And my dear, Piolo Pascual, this guy can evoke a thousand emotions and millions of adjectives with just his eyes alone. That confession scene was true to the character of Noah, one who is scared to show much of his emotions, so he tries to explain it to Lyka tactic per tactic. But with each word of disbelief and anger she gives to him, he opens his heart even more and just like a helpless little kid who desperately wants someone to listen to him he reaches out to her.

“Ulay ko…” (My Ulay), I SCREAMED when he said these words.

I just felt for him when he gave his last weapon… the necklace, the last proof he can give Lyka and yet she still rejects him. You can just see the tender smile on his face fade away and sadness wash over him, and drown him. What is MORE painful about this is he does it quietly. His quiet desperation almost seemed like he took his heart out of his chest and threw it to Lyka, he just gave it his all but she did not want it. Much worse, she wishes that he NEVER told her that. That she never met Jayjay again.

I felt like *I* was the one who was rejected. This angst-ridden scene was just one great acting feat. I have seen similar scenes especially in Smallville every time Clark and Lana would fight about secrets… it’s just this time the actors aren’t just pretty –they can ACT. This is what I call acting.

Their chemistry was enough to make me shake, not only did they look good together (the height is so perfect, Piolo Pascual is so tall next to Angel Locsin) but they ignite a certain amount of fervor even when their characters are fighting. This could have been a tiring and excruciating scene but because of the way they chose to “attack” this scene, it was like I witnessed two REAL people really facing these revelations.

I would give my kudos to the scriptwriter for being human, no poetic verses or odd makata wordings, it was just so normal in the best sense of the word. My only qualm is it was a bit long-winded; it would have had more of an impact if it was five minutes shorter. But it was still a very effective scene.

My other qualms are so when the lobos get nekkid… what happens to their clothes? Some seem to just have it around? Some just completely lose it? Eh?

So, we end with these two in such a tranquil and perfect place, but they are SO BROKEN. If only I can glue the pieces back for them, if only I can shake both of them at this point to make them realize that this is not something that should be missed, I would. As Ulay is 21 now, what can we expect now from this love story? I do not know how they would pick up the pieces. I thought one revelation it will be a happily ever after, but they took us out of a cliché and showed us such real feelings that can overpower anyone. It is quite a scary territory knowing that I am completely clueless about LOBO, but really, bring on the angst; I’m willing to get lost in it. I am already too drawn and in love with this story.

I end this review by saying... light a candle and drink wine for Minerva! Even do a little growl--- PARA KAY MINERVA!

Happy Birthday, Lyka: The New Beginning
Lobo Review March 4, 2008


Ok. Holy crap. Did any of you get to breathe? Because I think I will need an oxygen tank after each Lobo episode now. Damn you writers for keeping me antsy and jilted. Okay, I really applaud them for making us feel like we are Lyka who is experiencing this state of bewilderment and it is almost as if I am the one about to experience the new beginning; I wanted to close my eyes at one point in this episode because I was as scared for her. The rush of adrenaline is just so aggressive in this episode all I kept thinking was, “are you sure we only just got started?”

Okay first off… Happy Birthday to our loveable and crazy heroine!

And now, this review is brought to you by MasterCard… I am allowed to think this dollars style because I’m from the US.





1.) Pancake with eggs and bacon, around 7 dollars.

2.) Birthday cake with candles, around 10 dollars

3.) twenty one balloons, plus special delivery around 40 dollars.

4.) Surprise birthday party in creepy haunted mansion… around 7,000 dollars adding the tunnel surprise and all!

5.) Dancing to techno music… around another 40 dollars for the round of cds, plus round of drinks that looks like lots of Hennessey… around 200.


While this? This? This?! Best birthday gift of all!







Noah THINKING about you and greeting you--- all while he’s shirtless….priceless.



Hello! First frame was straight to Piolo’s abs! They are totally listening to our pleas and requests of half naked Noah (I don’t mind all nekkid but I’m demure and innocent, so I won’t type that).

In all seriousness, the way they handled this birthday episode was just filled with lingering intensity, Lyka is surrounded with these bright and fantastic surprises from cakes to a mansion party, but we all know the looming darkness that is underneath it all.





Such examples like her Kuya Anton who gave her these childish gifts, but deep inside he is a little lobo in love with her. Right when he said, “Remember, no man can love you like I do…” totally shudder-worthy.

Or Lady Elle and company, preparing this extravagant and grandiose of a party knowing fully well the amount of pain and suffering Lyka is about to experience not just as a transforming lobo but the strongest of their kind, their own savior. They are simply giving her a consolation for a lifetime of burden Lyka will have to face as their “Huling Bantay”.

Pilar Pilapil and Angel Locsin were both just understated but brilliant in this scene. There was something so maternal and “very wolf” with the way Lady Elle stared at Lyka, patted her head, and stroked her hair. Then, with one look at each other they control their tears; it’s the silent evocation of emotions that made this scene and both women did this so effectively. I felt little goose bumps come out of my arm just in that scene alone. It just stated a lot, all the complexities of the past with the two of them being related to each other and all the fears of the future as Lyka comes to transform tonight.

But this episode is not just about our heroine’s birthday no matter how dark or bright her day is this episode led us to different enthralling stories all connected to her. All going on at the same time! There is Nessa, a mother looking for her daughter. Even unknown faces that we have seen for the same time, brings us such spellbinding stories, different Lobo stories, when the camera panned up to the crowds and crowds of people then slowly we focus on to the gleaming moon. Oh my Goodness just genius… once again, such mesmerizing cinematography, editing and use of music.

Then they push the tension. It’s almost breaking in, such irony amid the happy occasion lingers such a catastrophic time they are all about to face. The eerie chords echoing as Lyka dances the night away, while the Waya council just stares at her. Anton is hiding himself. The black lobos roam around the night freely. Noah and the Lunas prepare for the attack.



And OhMyGod!

AMAZING a little fetus is capable of holding a gun!


Oh wait that was Gabby. Really guys… just ruin such perfect pacing and of perfect thrill by showing me such a skinny teenager move around with a heavy gun--- quite awkwardly so! Learn how to make do with what y’all have. It’s all about angles, Shaina Magdayao is not an action star… let’s admit that so no more odd Tomb Raider sequences because it just looks CONTRIVED as hell. Do more close ups with her, no more long shots with Lolita-esque Tomb Raider.

But what came after was like Blair Witch 2.0 with a tripod. Seriously speaking once again the hand held camera effect was apt for this scene, it is like we are seeing everything with Lyka.

Okay, I was freaking the hell out when Lyka was in the tunnel, just like her we this time are COMPLETELY CLUELESS. I see Noah's stunned expression and I am puzzled! Why am I in this scary tunnel? I would kill my best friend too if she put me in there in my friggin’ birthday. When will she transform? Will she be abducted? Where are they taking her? What the hell is that creepy lobo statue doing? Why are we kept in the dark? Why are there concert lights coming out of nowhere? Where the hell is Noah? Why does Lyka have that face? Why did you end the episode already?!

Tonight’s episode is a director’s showcase, the rapid sense of mixed thrill and tension --this time they showed a different side of Lobo. Lobo so far has focused on mystery, romance, drama and hell even comedy… but this “jolt out of your seat” pace is an introduction to a new take on this drama. Something they have excelled at once again and I see not only a new beginning for Lyka but a whole new beginning for the drama’s tone. I do have a few complaints about some extraneous scenes i.e. Gabby with a gun and Tita being mean again… yada yada we know already; that said this is still one of the top notch episodes we have watched so far.

LOBO with its exhilarating story with such layered characters that are all intricately connected shows this is not just another drama, every single thing is pondered upon here, couple with an acting tour de force, in my humble opinion,this has been the best drama that ABS has shown in YEARS.

 Which Side Are You On? On Rainbow Colored Lobos and Birthdays
Lobo Review March 3, 2008 Episode (sort of rehash of March Feb. 29th)





Tonight’s episode showcased one of Lobo’s main strengths --- that is keeping me in suspense and getting me to scream my head off holding tightly to my TV screen… well, not really that loud. I was left hanging with a whole lot of questions as I try to piece the puzzle pieces yet again, this drama once you thought you figured it all out, you realize the puzzle does not fit. Later on you further realize that this early in the game, the gauntlet has broken in, the danger that causes all this suspense has already lingered, the teams are placed and sides are chosen. They have told this complex launch of twists effectively, keeping everything up to pace and suspense.

Of course before I gnash my teeth with all the anticipation, Lyka cracks me up by the first minute when she says, “RAINBOW COLOR NA LOBO!” this was after a very creepy and stirring encounter with the black wolf, then they change the pace and mood as they brings us into another one of Lyka’s crazy and random moments. Really, a rainbow-colored wolf in the Philippines would really be it! The wittiness of this script is one of the very appealing qualities of “Lobo” and it never ceases to amaze me, this and the Ninoy Aquino joke really shows how much they inject humor in the script without it coming off awkward.

But it is not just the wit that holds the power of the script but it is because of the launch of the different (exciting) plot directions. This episode felt like I was ready for take off. Every single one of them is connected to Lyka’s important day.

Lady Elle is preparing Lyka for her birthday, fully aware this is the last day she will experience normalcy and being truly happy as a human. Her dialogue about how the lobo accepted and embraced the curse that was given to them shows the underlying pride and fears their race experiences. The conversation between Elle and Trixie managed to be touching showing how this girl, Lyka has come to be close to their hearts. They are guilt-ridden that Lyka has to carry this burden of saving their race.

Dimples Romana was very effective in this scene… actually she was astonishing in the whole episode, from her shocked and distressed face when she learned Lyka saw a lobo to her scenes with the godly Ms. Pilapil. She showed us the character’s own struggles with staying on with what is assigned to her but more than anything as Lyka’s friend who sees Lyka Raymundo as the playful and loving HUMAN friend of hers.

The lobos wait for their hero; they all have their lives at stake for Lyka. They all await for this girl to somehow save them. Everyone has their eyes on her… Even Nessa, Lyka’s own mother is also in search of her and now her questions are being answered

Meanwhile, The Luna is now without campy hoodies! YAY! But really, it seems like it is mostly a rogue military organization led by powerful people, among them victims of Lobos. I think this was their first effective scene so far in the series, I actually am never too fond of the Lunas, as compared to the way the Wayas handle themselves with such an intimidating and aristocratic feel, while the Lunas simply just looks contrived. Not until tonight did I really believe this organization, keeping it simpler really is more effective.

But the new characters of Black Lobos, who also await Lyka is a whole new arc in itself and they are quite interesting. Villains filled with anger because they are simply pushed to live that dark life of theirs. Eric Fructuso just chose the most PERFECT comeback vehicle for his career, drugged up Wolverine is terrifying and just filled with force. I also have a feeling that Lyka’s “kuya” Anton is one of them, Ryan Eigenmann is equally as good in this episode, his scenes may be short but it always has a very lingering mix of disturbing and a sensitive quality to it.




Then, there is Noah and Lyka. The push and pull of emotions. She loves him. She hates him. Okaaay, raise your hands if you wanted a make out session when he sexily pulled her into the staircase. Piolo Pascual showed us Noah’s quiet pain every time Lyka rejects him but he still looks at her so lovingly, how can she not tell that this man is so passionate for her? Every time this two are together the screen just ignites, even when Lyka is pushing him away.



But their dreams and wishes always betray them, they may act one way but their hearts practically scream for each other. She could only wish to spend time with him on her birthday, will she get that wish? And what exactly is Noah apologizing for?

The way the episode ended with the dream sequence to Lyka’s first day as a 21 year old was just filled with such grand intensity. Angel Locsin is just astounding in her “Lobo symptoms” scenes it was like literally her eyes were burning, her state of confusion and pain was just evoked so well and this is just the beginning, I cannot wait until she fully transforms.

The focal point in tonight’s episode is the aggressive push of the plot direction matching it with the fast pace and its flawless just flawless editing tonight … a lot happened and it was not overwhelming, in fact, we even wanted more! I am like an obsessive compulsive trying to slam every puzzle piece together---waiting for my own answers.

This is a story about a girl who is in love with a future slayer, a warring of different mythical clans and secret sects… it’s just too much of a fantastic realm if you think about it, but all these characters are just so HUMAN. I relate to each and every one of them even more so than the usual dramas out there that do not even have a touch of fantasy. Each character is just carefully woven for them to be somehow familiar to me, even if they are black lobos or the Waya council or a future savior of a wolf race, they are all just SO HUMAN.

And I end this review by saying, Happy Birthday to Lyka “Ulay” Raymundo. I hope she does have a good birthday, I hope to see the same kind of laughter and quirkiness she used to show us. I hope for the next episode we will be surprised just as she would be.

Keep up the good work, creative team please keep me in here, drowning in your mystery.

This all just felt like a precurser for something WAY BIGGER than all of us, and I cannot wait to witness it all.

 Warning: Spoilery LOOOOOOOONG Review. You may want to skip.

The Beauty of the Uncertain: The Ending
Robbers Episode 16. Last Episode.



I finished watching Robbers with a smile on my face and quickly wiping the tears that were dropping to my cheeks. Part of it was because of how poignant the drama was and part of it was because I dread that I am coming in on here writing my last review for this little drama that could.

Robbers brought us into the realm of such desolate characters. There’s a handsome scoundrel who literally looked like a villain. He had no conscience as he lazily swindles his conquests and acted without a care as he falls into the dark pits of his miserable life.

There’s his latest prey, a naïve, single mother who seems overly cheerful on the outside but inside her is so much pain and suppressed mourning that continues to haunt her. They fall in love.

The other characters are just as gloomy a mother in law who feels she is a burden, a socially inept businessman who is not capable of love and affection, a former thug who has loved his friend’s wife from afar, gangsters who want to change but could not, a godfather who seems like a frail and senile old man but comes out as a ruthless person, and a kid who cannot grasp that her father is actually dead.

Such a dark picture of uncertainty everywhere, right? But the beauty of this is the drama continues to tell a warm story despite its gloomy aspects. That even with all the chaos around you it still manages to give you a laugh or a place when you will feel that you are somehow a part of that affectionate experience.

This is a love story that pushed such tragic souls together using seemingly clichéd K-drama circumstances but they manage to tell it differently. They are brought together by their hollowness. It brings us such a real portrayal of how love just creeps in at the most unlikely moments and time of our lives. And most of all, how without grounds we come to love them and accept everything ---even something like unexpected death. Finally, we learn how it is all such a beautiful thing.

The last episode of Robbers strikes this theme over again, how something that is seemingly tragic can be viewed with great warmth and love, hell even laughter.

We could have gotten obscene amounts of melodrama but instead we are treated with such a simple ending, no complexities, no sudden villains or odd obstacles just closure, even when it is uncertain.

The last episode definitely used the same precise and “clean” cinematography, and its great soundtrack to bring in the powerful emotions once again. Something Robbers has been good at.

After a dramatic Episode 15, we open the scene with much brightness-- figuratively and literally, the cinematography style is similar to the Dal Rae scenes when they use lots of whites and tints of bright blues. In contrast to the last few episodes that had a darker feel to it and also used a lot of reds in certain scenes.

It shows us what is to come in this episode and it is seeing Oh Joon and Dal Rae as a happy and normal couple. Well, at the same time, showing the growth of character that everyone around them has experienced. No longer the empty vessels (copyright lilyrose) they all once were.

Dal Rae and Oh Joon moved on to such a selfless relationship, I say this because before they were drawn to each other because they needed each other at that moment but today they see each other as more than that.

Dal Rae relying on him to be there every minute and her expectations of not being lonely anymore isn’t so. It almost seemed like they have switched roles, it is Dal Rae now who will be right there every minute for him. It was especially highlighted when he cried after meeting with his sister. She ran to him as quickly and hugged him from his back. The way the camera pulled out to overlook the bright sunset made the scene even more affecting, it is as if I will face these worries and possible endings with you.



She has also found a man who truly accepts her and it gave her space to accept herself too. I find it very fascinating that Oh Joon and Dal Rae are kissing and right behind them is Dal Rae’s old wedding photograph. He accepts that her husband is part of her and she accepts it too, but no longer as the mourning ghost that haunts her, but simply a part of what she has become.

Oh Joon also has moved on and lived life, even though he is finding closures with everyone. He has embraced his life may it be long or short. We always asked why he became such a vile man before, it seemed like he tried finding answers in this episode about how his life was and is like this… the way he came to his sister about his condition, his meeting with the gangsters, and most of all, when he walked into the old and mucky pool hall to meet the father who abandoned him.


And one of the best things in this episode was how he realized it did not matter anymore, he is tired pointing fingers … it is what his life is come to be, and he has met someone who has accepted him from the darkest pits of his life to the bright speckles of light. I believe that is the answer of such a complex character like Oh Joon.

On the lighter side of things, I was laughing so hard when Dal Rae and Oh Joon were sharing an embrace, and Soon Dae walked in on them… and that’s when she realized I think mommy likes that ahjussi… a lot. You know when you walk into your parents in an intimate moment and you’re kind of---EWW about it. Oh how I’ll miss the witty realism this drama gives. Especially when that kid is involved!



Man Doo and Oh Joon solidifying their friendship, I think it such a fresh and brave concept to come with the best friend male character being gay. They portrayed Man Doo just as the same guy we came to love in the earlier episodes even becoming a hero by Episode 14, his sexuality was not the prime focus or end all or be all of his character. Gay or not, he is still the adorable best friend of Oh Joon. The wrestling scene gave me a good laugh.

Soon Seom and Ho Jin are giving Oh Joon and Dal Rae a run for their money for the cutest couple in this drama. The look on Ho Jin’s face that finally the woman he has loved for years has given herself a well-deserved chance to love again… and the best thing is it is him she chose.



Soon Seom coming to terms with Dal Rae choosing Oh Joon was in a way her own sense of growth. I would have really liked it that Dal Rae and Soon Seom have had another scene together in the end, I adore their relationship so much and I know it pained both characters to let go of each other. Something they have dreaded in the past episodes but now they have faced it, and it was their own sense of freedom that they are not the burdened widows, they can face life and give love a chance.

In the first episode they seemed so different as if Dal Rae was so scared of changes and Soon Seom is willing to take the step, then we have a refreshing twist that both of them are afraid. Soon Seom allowing herself to love Ho Jin and just let go of all her worries was the final push for her growth. Lee Da Hae and Kim Hae Sook played this mother-daughter relationship so brilliantly. A mama’s girl like me would really miss these characters.

But I believe my favorite character aside from the leads have to go to Kim Jin Goo, he is such an endearing character, even though he did not end up with the girl in the end, his prize is through Dal Rae and her daughter, Soon Dae (who by the way, he called extra baggage in the first episode ) he has learned that he deserves to be loved and also love someone, although as platonic as it was with Dal Rae there was still something so valuable with his experience with her.

His last scene with his father, who he has seen as such an emotionless and ruthless man was just very touching. Just teaching the old man how to use the remote control and the father and son finally forgive each other in their own quirky way. Kim Jung Tae is so AMAZING in this portrayal, he may not have the looks of a matinee idol but he has charmed me as Jin Goo, I will look forward for his next work. I really would.



But even with the closures everything is left uncertain; we do not know what will happen to Jin Goo now, or if his father is as much of a miscreant… or Soon Seom and her happiness, really. Most of all Oh Joon and Dal Rae, what will happen to them now?

I believe Oh Joon’s condition is a blessing… before you say, dang girl, you’re morbid--- he just embraced life more and values everyday as if it is his last which in the end has made him a better man. He may live to be only to 33 or up to 80 years old, but his ticking time bomb has just given him greater force to live his life.

I cried when Oh Joon and Dal Rae were in the bed, with their promises, thank yous, and see you tommorows. Oh Joon tells Dal Rae to forget about him once he leaves her; I have a feeling she wouldn’t. This time though, she will not be running around asking why or contain all her sorrow, she will simply smile and continue to cherish what they have shared together. But everything is left up to that… uncertainty, which is how life is with you and me. Their shared embrace in their sleep was an indication that they will face that uncertainty together and that is the beauty of it.

The drama has been far from perfect, there were some weak points and odd editing in some episodes but what I have loved about it is it still remained with such heart.



Jang Hyuk and Lee Da Hae gave us such wonderful characters. Jang Hyuk his sensitive and profound performance has given us a great romantic anti-hero in Oh Joon. Lee Da Hae with her right amounts of intensity and vivacity has brought us a loveable naiveté of a character in Dal Rae. I thank them for bringing Oh Joon and Dal Rae. As a Lee Da Hae fan who did not know what to expect in this drama, I am PROUD she did this.

Robbers as a drama has given me times when I smiled, then times when I felt like I could not breathe, or when it makes me sick to my stomach, gave me butterflies in my stomach, made me tear up, made me laugh and made me realize such beauty. There were times when I despised the characters to the times that I have come to truly love them. It is a lot like an emotional tidal wave of falling in love and I did feel that for this drama.

Robbers again gave us such a dark and chaotic look of all the characters, but with that they inject us with something human, familiar and heart-warming. Even with the theme of sadness it leaves us hand in hand with the theme of acceptance. Even at the scariest aspects of life that is uncertain the drama made you look at it with emotional splendor. This drama will be missed and will always, always have a special place in my heart. High ratings or low ratings. This is one beautiful piece.

To the superheroes here--- hjkomo, canyayasis, shirley, lilyrose, Jo and o-cha… and everyone in this Robbers addiction, the viewing wouldn’t be the same without all of you! O-cha, especially you, thank you very much for listening to all my odd ramblings in our private messages.  Haha. ‘til the next drama, I wish to have red wine and tequila with you all. Thank you everyone, thank you.

 We All Are Torn
LOBO Review: February 28, 2008

Tonight’s episode gave me a rapid heart rate, swing bat! Swing!

The narrative was crisp. The acting was top-notch and the suspense was breathing down my neck. I just knew it was coming, but hot damn, I still had to hold my breath while I watched everything unfold. I still wanted to give it a go with the bat for Gabby, but even with the nastiness of the characters and their most cunning ways, I remain as torn with them.

Being torn between a duty, or an expectation and your feelings, or being simply true to oneself was the main theme in the episode. It seems like everyone experienced this sense of being in one place and another in this drama. I appreciate the different themes they have come to build upon as weeks go by, the first was dealing with tragedy in the personas of Noah and Lyka, and how they have come to grow up to be who they are. Second, is falling in love with the past as it haunts us and the present as it looks straight back to your face. This week is all about being torn.

The Wayas are elated to know the strength in Lyka’s blood, but you see the guilt in Lady Elle’s face (Thank God! Ms. Pilapil is back!) as she realizes Lyka has fallen in love with Noah, the “bodyguard”.

She knew she has put them closer together to give Lyka a chance to live her life before she turns 21. They cannot deny the world is in Lyka’s shoulders, she’s just unaware of it. You can see in Trixie’s face that she does not want to see her best friend hurt, it is quite obvious she has come to see Lyka not just an object of duty but a real friend.
Dimples Romana effortlessly plays Trixie with both heart and logic, I appreciate the hints she puts in every time she is in a conversation with Lyka. It is almost as if she is saying one thing but she would really just want Lyka to live her life and do fall in love.



The total play on duty vs. self is Noah, it’s his whole being and epitome of all that. He stares at the night sky once again and finds solace in the moon above. He pensively looks at his dogtag and Ulay’s moonstone. He looked so good in this scene, like he just came out from the shower…

Okay, not being pervy, the scene was emotionally subdued which was the beauty of it … the music started out by using the low-tone dramatic theme but when he finally came to a realization that his drive for his duty and his feelings for Lyka are interconnected, they use the Ulay-Jayjay theme. The music has not been overpowering unlike the earlier episodes that it has become distracting, now the tinges of the music bring forth the characters and their emotions. It no longer detracts from it.

The music and breathtaking cinematography also went together in Nessa’s haunting scenes as she watched the priest from afar. I also want to ask if she is a black lobo now?

But back to the obvious and not mere speculations, Noah is in love with Lyka. Lyka is in love with Noah. Their realizations were innocent and charming. Almost idealistic, like they could find their happy endings with just saying, “I’m Jayjay. I’m Ulay.”

Noah is her secret admirer, she recounts in the restroom with Trixie unable to contain her bliss. Okay, I think Lyka could have figured out that Noah is the Mr. Photocopy guy since who else would say “Please keep it confidential,” to the Xerox man? Noah is unbelievably nerdy it is not even funny. Well… a nerd with the most delicious biceps ever.



So, it was perfect. Martin Nievera’s song in the background, their eyes meet and that certain spark was unleashed. She never looked so beautiful. He never looked so happy. He cannot wait to embrace her so tightly. She cannot wait to maybe experience her third kiss. They were going to meet each other in the center. It was romantic… he was going to run to her. It was after a hurried elevator ride. She is smiling and looking so radiant.



Remember in My Girl when Gong Chan and Yoo Rin finally met in the last episode? Or in Princess Bride when Wesley was about to get Princess Buttercup to his horse? It was like that--- fairy tale like.

But then I saw Gabby’s face block the two of them, the music stopped, and with these words…

“I miss you…” sealed with a kiss.

Despite it being such a BAD way to ruin a reunion... it was a BRILLIANTLY EXECUTED SCENE!

I think I cussed my lungs out. I was ready with a steel bat. I was really ready to call this character… a 13 year old spy… no a Telly Tubby… no, a friggin’ fetus!


I know Gabby was torn with a mission… it was either that or Lyka’s life. Yet, I do question her prime intention to KISS Noah in front of Lyka. There are other ways to stop him, but she chose such a clear move of intimacy that would really break Lyka’s heart.

And it did. It broke the poor girl’s heart to pieces. She dreaded this. She dreaded to be hurt by Noah again. It was that part of her that kept hesitating, afraid that it will be another realization that she does not deserve anyone’s love.

Angel Locsin mirrored Lyka’s pain with her eyes as she watched the two kiss, she tried to remain strong as tears were half-brimming in her eyes. When she finally got to her sanctuary… the restroom… she totally broke down, her shoulders all caved in and the tears pouring endlessly. She looked helpless. She cried like that eight year old little girl Ulay. It was a short scene, the melodrama was not prolonged but it was a strike to the heart.

For a while she was torn between protecting herself or falling for Noah, it seems like she has made her decision, and figured out she had learned her lesson.

Okay, am I experiencing a miracle? Are these Filipino protagonists that are not written to be dumbarses?! I can hear Josh Groban’s choir going with me, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”

Noah is questioning the mission. He is asking, why? Why? Why? Like any sane human being. Why his feelings for Lyka are even involved in such? Or why is Lyka involved for that matter? He is even going to work behind his authority’s back to figure it all out.

Piolo Pascual was so amazing in this scene, the desperation, rage and confusion was all restrained but I still felt the weight of Noah’s problems. At first he remained controlled but then when he was reeling in perplexity, he was half-shouting, his eyes had a stabbing kind of force, he was sweating like hell and even his spit was coming out.

However, tonight’s episode is Gabby Dizon’s story as much as I would really like to call her a fetus or throw a swing at her in my television, I saw the underlying pain she is going through. She is in love with Noah, and she knows he does not love her. She is faithful to her mission and I also believe she is no killer inside. It’s just that her actions are also being controlled by her strong feelings for the guy. It was an irrational decision.

Shaina Magdayao has had a rough path in this drama. First off, she’s at least five years younger than this person she is playing, and second, she mostly has scenes with Piolo Pascual who is a great actor. She has had a hard time with her emotional moments but in tonight’s episode when she hid her pain in front of Noah she brought us to Gabby’s torn heart.

Noah asked her what the next step was after breaking their cover. I sympathized for the character when Noah told her that he will not pretend to be her boyfriend, they can just settle telling everyone she’s a lovelorn girl he does not like. Ouch… because it was so true. Much worse, she was the one who gave these choices for him.

And it’s hard for me to sympathize… because I do not like her character and I am at the brink with Shaina’s performance so far... plus, she’s doing a dramatic scene with a shirtless, sweaty, dripping, Noah Ortega. *brain short circuits* I need a biiiiiiiib, please.

In all seriousness, this was a very well-acted episode, the actors all brought it home tonight. But much to the credit has to go to the screenplay they manage to give us such rich and layered characters with their own inner struggles to hurdle on. The themes have also made them all inter-connected, I cannot wait for them to make it come full circle. The main draw of this drama is its SUBSTANCE even for it bordering on fantasy and cliché love triangles it keeps you surprised. It is never without dimension. Kudos to the writers.

Now that Lyka is turning 21 and her love for Noah has seemed to faltered for a bit, I wonder how it will all turn out.

 Reluctant Villains
Lobo Review: February 27, 2008

Tonight’s episode trims the fat, meaning it gives us a lean plot-driven episode rather than the usual character studies that have been given to us in the past few days. It is INTENSE and very fast paced for a drama, you blink and you might miss a beat. Blink and you may see that the blurred lines between “hero” and “villain”. What is vile? And what is the plain victimized?

Again, watching two dramas at the same time and now both seemed to give me a wham of different of emotions, I will need some whiskey after all these episodes!

Okay first off, TPTB, do you guys read our reviews? Because let me just say, the editing has improved immensely ever since we all ranted about it, the lighting has been more consistent, the music has been less over-the-top, and Oh My God! ESTABLISHING SHOTS?! I thought I was just seeing things last night but tonight you guys showed the Binondo building once again with the light streaks of the purple sky… you listen to us? Why thank you. Or if it’s just purely coincidence, why thank you again for being psychic.

The episode opened in such a haunting way, with a naked Nessa hugging on to the memory of her child, Lyka’s pillow. Though, I was confused at the place she was at was it their old burnt home in San Adolfo or was it her old home with her husband? Whatever it is, Agot Isidro really delivered well, I could feel her pain and anguish as a mother and there was something so “animal” about it as she wailed there looking for her daughter. What an underrated actress, though, I have not seen much of her work to really know how good she is as a performer.



The episode’s main arc was Lyka quickly but hesitantly, confronting Noah. You guys know that sort of gushy scene in “Notting Hill” when Julia Roberts’ Anna told Hugh Grant that she was simply a girl in front of a boy asking him to love her?

Angel Locsin’s portrayal of vulnerability from her nervousness, to her constant ramblings to her controlled tears was reminiscent of the same kind of openness Julia Roberts gave in this particular scene.

She did have a rough start though, when she first stated her lines it was almost a bit too “scripty” as if she was acting in a sitcom rather than in a drama, she needs to be aware of her line delivery at times, but she completely redeemed herself when her eyes showed that sweet vulnerability of someone afraid to get hurt. Her eyes pleaded for her, it was like she was half-expecting Noah will reject her right at that moment.

And does she really need the answer? The way Noah looked at her, with the same kind of pleading eyes as if dying to just burst it all out! It was as if his heart is going to explode any minute. We all agree that we truly see Noah in Lyka’s eyes now; when she falls deeper, we fall with her.



I do not know why but we all know that Lyka is the “mythical” character here; we are far from becoming werewolves! But you know how she comes off so human to all of us? With her extreme vigor and her weaknesses, it is like we know her so much and we live through her.

Noah is the human one but he seems more mythical, the way he loves Lyka from afar hiding his feelings from his coldness, lack of answers, and secret admirer ways. The way he takes her to “different places” with the fruits or how he makes her a replica of a moon stone. All these great gestures make him a sort of a mysterious romantic figure, the same way Edward does it to Bella in “Twilight” or a less brash Phantom in the Phantom of the Opera… but instead he’s human! A human who does not know he may be infiltrating into a world beyond what his mind could ever grasp. I love the contrast of this, how someone so mythical comes off human and someone human comes off as mythical.

When he struggles with his feelings for her, I can feel his hollowness when he’s apart from her. When he told his friend that this was the one person he adored his entire life, can I blame him for being swayed with emotion?

But of course, these young (would be?) lovers have bigger problems than stages of human-lobo courtship.

The Lunas are now hoodie gangstas! What the hell… now they are a cult? It’s a lot like the secret society in “The Da Vinci Code” but this is extreme much? Please, can we really lessen all these Luna scenes? Wayas are like a thousand times cooler than these wannabe ninjas or whatever the hell they are.



No matter how utterly laughable and weird that scene was it brought a poignant point they think Noah is WEAK. His emotions control him, even when he tries hard to hide it; he at his foundation is driven by his sensitivity and all around idealism. Like a boy still stuck in stupefaction and heroism. Another reason why Piolo Pascual plays this role perfectly.

They want to stir his anger and his sadness, but his love for Lyka overpowers that. And uh-uh did that shadowy general just say might as well get rid of Lyka? Uh-uh! Oh no he didn’t! Try shooting her, you’ll wake a million Lobos inside her! Please, amateurs! Psh!

The Waya council is also having their own meeting which is a thousand times cooler than lame Lunas. Minerva vs. Lady Elle biznitch fights make good TV. I love Minerva! And Lady Elle is back, hells yeah! I love feisty female leaders.

So, the Waya council has a bigger fish to fry than just the Lunas but the Black Lobos who are one of them.

Okay, the introduction of the Black Lobos was like an entrance to an Ozzy Osborne concert. Manic, scary and at times very cheesy. But that was saved as soon as their plight was focused on. Eric Fructuso brings forth one menacing villain, he looks like Wolverine on drugs, which is a good thing.

The introduction to the black Lobos shows that there is more depth to them than just wild villains who just want to wreak havoc. No odd character motivations or just plain shallow plot directions, they are VICTIMS of circumstance. They are renegades who have either been bitten by a Lobo or have defended themselves against Lunas. I feel an odd sense of sympathy because they are exactly like LORENZO (Diether Ocampo's character/Lyka's lolo). This new plot twist is actually refreshing, more because of their motivation, now if only they would really lessen the “I’m-so-scary” stunt; they would actually scare me more. Just their plain animalistic movements and the light flickering in their eyes are quite enough to give me a good jump. No weird howling, please.

But yes, there is a blur of lines when it comes to the villains. Are the villains those who have been victims of circumstance? Or the righteous council who just want to live peacefully with humans? Or is it the humans who see these mutants as menaces to our society? Or is it a young woman who really has the foundation of someone with a conscience who is torn? I really do not think she would go far as killing Lyka, her sense of conscience just kicked in.

Such deep-rooted characters that I could not really despise any of them at the moment…

Well until I saw THAT preview. Whoever made that preview is a genius because I would be only an inch from my television tomorrow. I will be ready with my BAT as I watch that episode. What a B^^^^^^^^tch!!!!
“I missed you.” Those lines I will dread forever.

If I come on here calling on Gabby to play with her Barney collection… I may move on to Telletubbies collection after this episode. Ugh! No!

I will see you all tomorrow with a bat ready for Gabby.

Overall an intense ride of an episode that made me think of who everyone really may be.

 Seeing with New Lenses
Robbers Episode 15 Review

I remember in Episode 4 of Robbers, we are led to view such a scary lens of a man’s life. I cannot bear looking at those lenses! A life of a man that seems to have had no conscience; he looks at himself in the mirror with a certain fury that bore into his hollow eyes. He lives life, in fast and dizzy moments of both hatred and indifference towards himself. He knows he was going through a downward spiral. A self destructive mode… he hurts himself, he also hurts everyone around him. He was like a storm causing devastation in everyone. From his friend Man Doo to his sister who would hurt for him. Not to mention the victims of his swindling schemes. He was a soul that was far from redemption. It was such a dark portrait for a protagonist… such a bleak picture of Kwon Oh Joon, people had said that they were even sick to their stomach seeing him on screen. I saw the dark portrait of this man, but as I watched him look at the naïve but complex Jin Dal Rae, I saw little speckles of light in that portrait. In tonight’s episode… those little speckles of light burst within and filled everything in. This was definitely a new man … one who walked into his new shoes. Unbeknownst to him his presence in of itself is what brings light into their empty lives. Far from the feeling of either pain or hollowness he used to give off. This was Episode 15, the Oh Joon Effect.

This is the poignant aspect of this episode is the Oh Joon effect. It was not like he came in as a saint or a hero that’s suddenly all self-righteous… he was still the same Oh Joon who had his insecurities and brash ways, but it is in the ways of his unselfish heart that has made him the new man we see.

Jang Hyuk really breathes life to this Oh Joon character and makes these subtle but extremely commanding changes from episode to episode… we have come to despise him and love him and this time, really feel for him. A weak actor would not have pulled this off, only someone with undeniable range can make us believe that we can see the world into an anti-hero’s eyes. I somehow see the Robbers world right now in Oh Joon’s eyes. And now, it’s different looking at his lenses.

The story starts with Oh Joon and Dal Rae struggling with their reunion… one point he pushes her away, then a second later he comes running back into her arms and crying in front of her.

Then they go on for a shirtless Jang Hyuk… oh wait, no… just my imagination.

The intimate hug they shared in the gym had a mix sense of hope but also despair. It was as if they are literally being torn apart from each other, it was as if someone was pulling them out of each other’s embrace. Even though, it was only his words that are pulling them apart.





He says things about parting ways and break-ups but his actions betray him. He smelled the scent of her hair, kissed her on the ear, and embraced her even more tightly. He even lingered in the moment as the two of them lazily sat there still in the moment. It was a beautiful scene that emphasized Lee Da Hae and Jang Hyuk’s onscreen chemistry, it’s not only about surges of giddiness that would attribute to chemistry but the amount of emotion they can release from the audience and at that moment it was as if I have lived their lives, I felt I also had to linger some more. It was a simple and beautifully acted scene.

But the most moving of all moments did not really come from Oh Joon and Dal Rae, and that’s shocking coming from me, because y’all know I am so into that love story like no other. There are actually two very touching arcs for me in this episode.

Drum roll please…



One is the portrayal of Man Doo and Oh Joon’s relationship, the scene when Oh Joon carried Man Doo home as his way of acceptance. He looked at Man Doo the same way he always did, he will always be his best friend, no matter what his sexual orientation is. I do not think Oh Joon’s that naïve not to discover after Man Doo’s mother kept hitting him on his yellow (and distracting) scarf, blaming ANYONE really asking why her son turned out that way. Man Doo stood there in both fear and utter humiliation, tears and sweat mixing on his face.
Oh Joon did not look at Man Doo as if he was confused or with judgment, he looked at his friend who was running away with nothing but concern in his eyes.

It is no surprise for me that the actors are really friends in real life. It was just so precious seeing the two of them this way.

But when it comes to colossal of all emotions in terms of being truly moved---was the scene between Oh Joon and his sister. Jang Hyuk really remarkable in this scene, his silent brilliance of control with just his eyes, matched with his cunning attack of such grand emotions is what made the scene. I felt his pent up anger as he beat up his sister’s abusive husband. I felt how he wanted to cry knowing these circumstances are what made him who he was before. I felt his sorrow and rage as he watched his sister pick up the watermelons he already stepped on.





The actress playing the sister was very good too, when she hugged the one huge wedge of watermelon that was left, it just broke my heart to pieces. It was also a great parallelism of the pork soup scene in Episode 5 when he desperately tried to pick up the remains of his sister’s hot soup on the floor.

When they both sat down to eat the watermelons, he started tearing up, it somehow made me feel better because it was his way to show vulnerability in front of his sister, something he has refused to do.

It seems like the theme of this episode is being saved by people you least likely expect, being led at the forefront by Oh Joon. Little Soon Dae has her own ways with Jin Goo and even Mr. Godfather himself (ZOMG! He has a heart!).



Jin Goo had so much growth as a character, I cannot stress that enough. The old socially inept, neat-freak of a chauvinist, who lived only by his father’s rules is gone and now comes a man who seems to have lived his life for the first time. It really is like watching a child. Kim Jung Tae deserved Lee Da Hae’s newcomer award.

If Oh Joon has come to save people without really knowing it in this episode, his biggest save is the love of his life, Jin Dal Rae. Who now bravely faces the forefront that she may lose him, a woman who no longer just depends on her Omma’s wishes and comforting words, a woman no longer afraid of anything sudden or anything far from her comfort zone.

Lee Da Hae and Kim Hae-Sook portrayed the challenges of Soon Seom and Dal Rae with much emotional effectiveness. We have seen what these two women have gone through; we know that their reactions are far from bouts of melodrama because they have been invested with each other. We know how much LOVE they have for each other. So, when Soon Seom agrees to bring Dal Rae to the hospital to look for Oh Joon it was great movement for her character.

Dal Rae is now unstoppable, she loves Oh Joon and she did not want to waste anymore time. When she followed him to the old pool hall, intensely and sternly she made sure that Oh Joon will be hers. Again they do a romantic scene in the most unromantic places, cobwebs and all... but they still manage to capture the feelings that are built up upon. These are the contrasts that I like about the drama.

The embrace at the end was in contrast to the embrace in Episode 14… this time Oh Joon gives in and melts with her. He lingers and does not leave this time.





This episode shows us that everyone can be saved, even us… even though it is at the most unlikely places and the most unlikely people like Kwon Oh Joon. Seeing it through his lenses captured that emotion, the writer successfully did that.

Episode 15 showed us it has enough heart without the drama being overwhelming, the way each moment played on showed redemption. Before we only saw redemption through Oh Joon, now we saw redemption in everyone. It has shown the same kind of warmth it has promised despite its main premise of the main character having an illness. It is far more layered yet again, it does not give justice to the drama if we only look at it as if he lives or dies. It is more than that. The characters from the bit parts to the protagonists have come close to my heart. I AM heartbroken as I await the last episode, for something so simple and beautiful has to end.