dangermousie | More Family Honor (Reply)

1. This writer has a thing for icy, competent heroes who have emotion phobia and have major trauma due to a dysfunctional background - see Gloria, Pick the Stars and How to Pick a Perfect Neighbor (for my money, hero of Pick the Stars had it the worst - hello there, major child abuse!). In that regard, Kang Suk seems to break the pattern - sure he's icy and competent but any trauma and dysfunctional background are absent - his parents love each other and him, his little sis caress for him insofar she's capable of caring for any family member in her messed-up state. And he is extremely functional and well-adjusted, no issues anywhere except for somewhat of a chip on his shoulder about his parents being looked down on due to being nuveau riche, which is hardly something I'd consider trauma. I find him pretty realistic and interesting, if not necessarily likeable outside the interactions with his family. Of course, this pretty much denies him any excuse for being a jerk, but that is often true in life too.

2. Dan Ah is a really atypical heroine. Not because she's competent and not quirky (though that is rare enough) but because she's a widow, and not just any widow, but one who had a loving marriage (though shortlived - her husband seems to have died on honeymoon - ouch).

3. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying the mellow vibe and lack of villains but I am puzzled how people talk about this being soooooo shippy and angsty - it is not in the least either of these. I suppose I have 42 eps to go so it can change but I don't see how.

4. For my money, Gloria is still by far my favorite of this writer's works but this is so very very very solid. I love it.