Musings of the Obsessive Kind

Starting on Material Queen has given me a hankering to rewatch another Vanness drama, Autumn Concerto, a.k.a. Next Stop Happiness, a drama that I adore and that brought me back to twdramas after years of lack of interest. Pairing my huge favorite Ady An with Vanness, NSH is a romance par excellence (though even my infatuated self admits that the second half does occasionally get draggy - it got extended due to being a hit). It hits every fictional kink I have, and even some I didn't know I had before that drama. Let's face it, when it comes to drama narrative, for me star-crossed epic love is still >>>> everything.

Ady An is Muchen, whose name, I swear, must have been picked from the Russian word "muchenitsa", i.e. sufferer. Orphaned, poor, brought up by an indifferent aunt and aunt's sexually abusive husband, Muchen's life is beyond bleak but she hasn't given up her strength and warmth. And then her path crosses that of Guan Xi (Vanness), a rich, violently acting-out and messed-up college student who doesn't believe a woman can be loving and good yet desperately wants and needs to believe that. But she has to leave him to save his life and when they meet again, he does not remember her. It's off to the races with terminal (but not quite) illness, rescues, amnesia and more delicious make-outs and angst than you can imagine.

And yet underneath the sweeping, much larger-than-life romanticism, I really like a certain pragmatism of the underlying tropes - NSH doesn't spend episodes and episodes showing hero's jerkiness/redeeming the jerk (a storyline that usually drives me nuts - if a person is a bastard to everyone, eventually he's going to be a bastard to you). No, NSH quickly establishes Guan Xi as a decent person who would be loving and well-adjusted if he could process past trauma. Ultimately, he's a good person undreneath the mess, he just needed a catalyst to draw him out. More importantly, much as the drama loves going "hero rescues heroine from deadly peril" tropes, she rescues him right back every time - he might physically protect her - from goons, from her abuser, from drowning, from death. But she is the one who gives him a meaning in life, warmth, connection, family, even sanity. She is the one who turns him into a human.

Also, let's face it - how could I not adore a drama which has more hurt/comfort emotional pr0n than you can shake a stick at, a cancer which ends well for the patient (!!!), cute kids, Vanness' body and Ady An's glorious face?

Have an emo MV for a gloriously emo drama:

I needed some cheering up so I rewatched the last episode of last year's hit Autumn Concerto.



It always gives me such fuzzies. I adore this drama beyond 'to bits.' AC is as if Mars got crossed with My Lucky Star. He is a rich, violence-prone, messed-up boy who's given up on himself and does not believe in love either. She is soft-spoken, strong as steel, dirt poor abuse victim who has never had anyone to protect her. Together they are a match made in drama heaven. Only - she has to leave him in the worst possible way to save him and when they meet again 6 years later, he is happy, functional, engaged to be married, and does not remember her at all. And she - she has a little boy about 5+ years old. You do the math.



I confess I loved the first half, pre-time jump, better - it hit every single one of my kinks so precisely it hurt. Once we have the inevitable separation and the time jump, I still loved it, but both of them were more grown-up and better adjusted and while a part of me adored how functional and awesome they both turned out to be (even if not together - man, the shippy angst was GLORIOUS), I sort of missed the co-dependent screw-ups.



And every time I think of this ending I get pure shots of glee through my body. I mean, who thought the drama with (a) star-crossed lovers; (b) brain cancer; (c) abuse; (d) children with serious illness; (e) homicidal and/or evil parental figures would end up well, let alone so wonderfully well.

I mean. I repeat. HE HAD BRAIN CANCER AND THIS DRAMA HAD A HAPPY ENDING. !!!!! TAKE THAT, KOREA!!!!

( A few more cute caps )

Have a shippy MV:



And another one just for pre time-jump stuff.

I needed some cheering up so I rewatched the last episode of last year's hit Autumn Concerto.



It always gives me such fuzzies. I adore this drama beyond 'to bits.' AC is as if Mars got crossed with My Lucky Star. He is a rich, violence-prone, messed-up boy who's given up on himself and does not believe in love either. She is soft-spoken, strong as steel, dirt poor abuse victim who has never had anyone to protect her. Together they are a match made in drama heaven. Only - she has to leave him in the worst possible way to save him and when they meet again 6 years later, he is happy, functional, engaged to be married, and does not remember her at all. And she - she has a little boy about 5+ years old. You do the math.



I confess I loved the first half, pre-time jump, better - it hit every single one of my kinks so precisely it hurt. Once we have the inevitable separation and the time jump, I still loved it, but both of them were more grown-up and better adjusted and while a part of me adored how functional and awesome they both turned out to be (even if not together - man, the shippy angst was GLORIOUS), I sort of missed the co-dependent screw-ups.



And every time I think of this ending I get pure shots of glee through my body. I mean, who thought the drama with (a) star-crossed lovers; (b) brain cancer; (c) abuse; (d) children with serious illness; (e) homicidal and/or evil parental figures would end up well, let alone so wonderfully well.

I mean. I repeat. HE HAD BRAIN CANCER AND THIS DRAMA HAD A HAPPY ENDING. !!!!! TAKE THAT, KOREA!!!!

( A few more cute caps )

Have a shippy MV:



And another one just for pre time-jump stuff.

You know, I have just finished watching eps 16 and 17 of Next Stop Happiness and my crush on Guan Xi is so freaking huge! How much do I love having a grown-up for a hero? Oddly, it's not the Guan Xi/Mu Chen interactions that got me so swoony (though their slow rapproachment is wonderful to see - especially since his knowing why she left 6 years ago does not seem a necessary prerequisite for his feelings rekindling, YES). No, it was the whole storyline with Suicide Girl.

Guan Xi defended this guy who the girl accused of molesting her and he won. But it turned out her accusations were true and she tried to kill herself. And I love that Mu Chen went to visit the girl in the hospital (because she was abuse victim herself so she knows how it felt) and I love that later Guan Xi apologizes to the girl, even if Mu Chen is injured because of her - he is so quiet and sensible and tells her it's not her fault his wife is in the hospital and tells her he is sorry. And (I love that even more) that he won't apologize for anything he did in court because once he takes the case, it's his duty and ethics to win. But he apologizes for taking the case against the doubts of his conscience. And he turns over the incriminating tape (that came to light later and he ended up having) of the guy which means he'll go to jail for molestation. Even if that means his career is likely over - as he's breaking confidentialty. And he is so LOWKEY about it all - he tells the girl his family is wealthy so it's no big deal and he is GENUINELY not unhappy (even though he is such an A-type and he worked so hard at becoming the best at his job and he really loves it). And he gets the girl help so she can enroll in a University. And then goes for a walk with his wife. SO AWESOME.

Also, best viikii comment ever goes to this one (when, earlier, in a previous ep, Guan Xi pushes Mu Chen onto the bed, does some angry kissing and comments about her being his new wife and thus obliged to put out, then she starts crying, and he stops and walks off super-upset. And that is all he does):

"If this were a Thai drama, he would have raped her!!"

Indeed.

It is made even better by someone else replying "Of course, because a thai drama w/o a rape scene is barely a thai drama"

Bwaaaaa. And that is why I am enjoying AC and ship the couple and wanted to burn the last Thai drama I ever tried.

Also, walkswithheroes post made me want to check out Demi Gods and Semi Devils. I meanmm Jimmy Lin! Crystal Liu!

I have been catching up with the Taiwanese drama Autumn's Concerto (also known as Next Stop Happiness) and such adoration!

I fell madly for it when it came out but then got sidetracked which worked out brilliantly - now I have all these yummy eps to catch up on. I am through ep 14 now and OMG. OMG.

The story of NSH, in case you don't remember, involves two damaged individuals - Ren Guanxi, an utterly screwed-up son of a soulless rich bitch and Mu Chen, a poor girl working in a school canteen and living with a predatory stepfather. They end up being drawn to each other, of course - it's the first time he comes across genuine warmth and goodness and she has finally found someone who will protect her, no matter what.

So far, so Mars (the shades of my favorite Taiwanese drama of all time are there, even if it's not as amazing as Mars) but that is basically the set-up. Guan Xi is severely ill with brain cancer and Mu Chen makes a bargain with the devil (or next best thing, his Mama) and promises to disappear from his life in exchange for a better chance at a cure. In one of the most cruel break-up scenes ever, she tells begging Guan Xi (who is running after her car) that she doesn't want to be with someone who has no future and drives off. Of course, it's a twdrama, and she does not know she is pregnant.

Fast forward 6 years and Mu Chen is a single mother living with her son in a small village in a somewhat poor but happy existence. And Guan Xi is a successful lawyer engaged to a young doctor who helped save his life. You see, he has forgotten everything before his surgery and everyone, his fiancee included, has conspired to keep his past from him. It's not all bad - without remembering his traumas, he is not really screwed up any more. And then fate brings him back face to face with Mu Chen and her son. And he finds himself falling for her all over again without remembering her...

Anyway, the main reason I adore NSH is that it's totally like this perfect fanfic written by my 14-year-old self. There is everything I want! Boys shielding girls with their body, angsty make-outs in the rain, adorable cute children who long for a father, angry remembrances etc.

Ep 14 made me SCREAM. SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM. Because OMG he finally remembered her. On the day of his wedding. And the way he is falling apart OMG. Because, of course, he believes she was such a horrible soulless person to him (and he also realized he has a kid he never knew about). We are back to screwed up Ren Guanxi. And for a good reason, too. I would go on a rampage!

The scene where he confronts her about is SO GOOD. Because I can so understand his anger. He was almost shaking, and he was crying OMG. I have to say, I wanted to shake Mu Chen and tell her, "tell him, dummy! Tell him the truth as to why you did it!" But I guess she's supposed to be super-good and doesn't want to destroy his new bond with his mother.

In some ways, NSH set-up now reminds me of My Lucky Star (which I adored) where the Hero wants to make Heroine pay (having valid reasons to believe she walked out at the worst time of his life etc) but is just so bad at it because he can't help but love her. Mmmm.

Have a shippy MV:



ETA: Remember that drama that was supposed to be with Joo Ji Hoon about a straight guy who pretends to be gay in order to get a room (his roomie is a girl). They are going forward with it, casting LEE MIN HO IN THE ROLE OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGTHANKYOU.

ETA2: Ugh, it's the writer of Stained Glass, a total trainwreck, storywise. I hope he/she got better since then.

I have been catching up with the Taiwanese drama Autumn's Concerto (also known as Next Stop Happiness) and such adoration!

I fell madly for it when it came out but then got sidetracked which worked out brilliantly - now I have all these yummy eps to catch up on. I am through ep 14 now and OMG. OMG.

The story of NSH, in case you don't remember, involves two damaged individuals - Ren Guanxi, an utterly screwed-up son of a soulless rich bitch and Mu Chen, a poor girl working in a school canteen and living with a predatory stepfather. They end up being drawn to each other, of course - it's the first time he comes across genuine warmth and goodness and she has finally found someone who will protect her, no matter what.

So far, so Mars (the shades of my favorite Taiwanese drama of all time are there, even if it's not as amazing as Mars) but that is basically the set-up. Guan Xi is severely ill with brain cancer and Mu Chen makes a bargain with the devil (or next best thing, his Mama) and promises to disappear from his life in exchange for a better chance at a cure. In one of the most cruel break-up scenes ever, she tells begging Guan Xi (who is running after her car) that she doesn't want to be with someone who has no future and drives off. Of course, it's a twdrama, and she does not know she is pregnant.

Fast forward 6 years and Mu Chen is a single mother living with her son in a small village in a somewhat poor but happy existence. And Guan Xi is a successful lawyer engaged to a young doctor who helped save his life. You see, he has forgotten everything before his surgery and everyone, his fiancee included, has conspired to keep his past from him. It's not all bad - without remembering his traumas, he is not really screwed up any more. And then fate brings him back face to face with Mu Chen and her son. And he finds himself falling for her all over again without remembering her...

Anyway, the main reason I adore NSH is that it's totally like this perfect fanfic written by my 14-year-old self. There is everything I want! Boys shielding girls with their body, angsty make-outs in the rain, adorable cute children who long for a father, angry remembrances etc.

Ep 14 made me SCREAM. SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM. Because OMG he finally remembered her. On the day of his wedding. And the way he is falling apart OMG. Because, of course, he believes she was such a horrible soulless person to him (and he also realized he has a kid he never knew about). We are back to screwed up Ren Guanxi. And for a good reason, too. I would go on a rampage!

The scene where he confronts her about is SO GOOD. Because I can so understand his anger. He was almost shaking, and he was crying OMG. I have to say, I wanted to shake Mu Chen and tell her, "tell him, dummy! Tell him the truth as to why you did it!" But I guess she's supposed to be super-good and doesn't want to destroy his new bond with his mother.

In some ways, NSH set-up now reminds me of My Lucky Star (which I adored) where the Hero wants to make Heroine pay (having valid reasons to believe she walked out at the worst time of his life etc) but is just so bad at it because he can't help but love her. Mmmm.

Have a shippy MV:



ETA: Remember that drama that was supposed to be with Joo Ji Hoon about a straight guy who pretends to be gay in order to get a room (his roomie is a girl). They are going forward with it, casting LEE MIN HO IN THE ROLE OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGTHANKYOU.

ETA2: Ugh, it's the writer of Stained Glass, a total trainwreck, storywise. I hope he/she got better since then.

Ep 6 of Next Stop Happiness is out. I cannot wait to watch it - it's like those guilty pleasure romances I used to read when younger :)

Also, apparently subs are out for eps 5-7 of IRIS. Oh. My. GOD. Not to mention I need to watch more JIN.

Are there other twdramas or jdramas I should be watching? (My kdrama slate is full). I sm tempted by Momo Love (because I adore Jiro and Cindy) and Hi Sweetheart sounds cute, and has Rainie and Show Luo but Show's horrifying terrifying wig/haircut is enough to scare me blind:



I've also been watching They Kiss Again - the thing is I ff through parts of it (some parts I adore some parts bore me) but the dvd player I was using doesn't allow the subs to be shown on fastforward so I will try it on a different one. It's my 'happy place' drama.

This was a scene of great emotional import for Next Stop Happiness (not to mention pivotal to the plot) but in-between my sniffling, I did find myself wondering why on earth Ren Guanxi was wearing suspenders with his jeans. Perhaps it is the makers' insightful commentary on how the tumor in his brain is affecting his taste?

( Further evidence )

Psssst, Guanxi - she might believe you better you don't care for her if you don't go haring off to rescue her from deadly peril on a regular basis. Though I do love Muchen being ridiculously mature - no misunderstandings for her - she is going to get the truth out of him if it's the last thing she does. Or maybe she just wants to get rid of those horrific suspenders.

If you want to gaze more at suspenders (and their coming off) here you go:



Somewhere, Korean and Japanese censors are clutching each other in horror, weeping at the fact that impressionable youth gets to see this. Shock!

Go, Muchen the agressor!

This was a scene of great emotional import for Next Stop Happiness (not to mention pivotal to the plot) but in-between my sniffling, I did find myself wondering why on earth Ren Guanxi was wearing suspenders with his jeans. Perhaps it is the makers' insightful commentary on how the tumor in his brain is affecting his taste?

( Further evidence )

Psssst, Guanxi - she might believe you better you don't care for her if you don't go haring off to rescue her from deadly peril on a regular basis. Though I do love Muchen being ridiculously mature - no misunderstandings for her - she is going to get the truth out of him if it's the last thing she does. Or maybe she just wants to get rid of those horrific suspenders.

If you want to gaze more at suspenders (and their coming off) here you go:



Somewhere, Korean and Japanese censors are clutching each other in horror, weeping at the fact that impressionable youth gets to see this. Shock!

Go, Muchen the agressor!

(I know I owe replies to everyone, I promise to get to them asap).

1. Mr. Mousie's reaction on walking into the room just as I was watching that scene in Next Stop Happiness was laughing at my embarassement and asking "Am I so much a failure as a husband that you need to watch Taiwanese porn?" LOLOLOLOL. He teased me mercilessly over this. Heh. Also, even though he's only watched 2 dramas in his life (Hong Gil Dong and The Grand Family) he has picked enough of my ramblings over the years to guess right away that there will be amnesia. Heh.

But the scene is my favorite lovemaking scene in dramas, even with his teasing, because it all happens after he rescued her yet again and then tries to do the whole 'push her away for her own good' thing he's been doing since he found out he was dying and she is totally not buying and she tells him she is in love with him and tells her he owes her the real reason and he breaks down and tells her he's got only a month to live and he's crying and she leans up and kisses him and takes his hand and puts it to her face (she is totally the agressor here which is so sweet seeing his rep and her utter lack of experience). And dangermousie forgets her commas. And off it goes and they are so desperate and sweet. And then they wake up all clinging to each other...

2. When we were in a bookstore today they had two Mr. Darcy-as-a-vampire books within a foot of each other: Vampire Darcy's Diary and Mr Darcy Vampire. Ugh. UGH. I finally understand the book-burning guys.