What I watched in January
I had a lot of t.v. watching time last month while Eric & I were sick.
Asian dramas are my favorite thing to watch and I thought I’d share what I watched along with some mini reviews. All the links will bring you to the cast, synopsis and I’ll make a note of where to watch.
Finished:
Zombie Detective - Korean drama. We started this in November and finished it up this month. I went on a zombie kick this earlier winter and found this to be funny. The World King Agency detectives were absolutely hilarious. Streaming on Viki.
The King: Eternal Monarch - Korean drama. I reluctantly started watching this in December, I’m not a huge Lee Min Ho fan but this ended up being a good solid winter watch that we looked forward to each evening. Woo Do- Hwan is excellent and I didn’t realize Kim Yong-Ji was in it, she’s really good in Tale of the Nine Tailed. Streaming on Netflix.
Detective L - Chinese drama. I really like Chinese Republican Era shows and this has Sherlock vibes that I was really into. I really liked Johnny Bai in Guardian and enjoyed him in this a lot. I was one of the people who saw the last episode and shrieked “WAS THAT IT”. Apparently I’m not alone. Streaming on YouTube.
A Murderous Affair in Horizon Tower - Chinese drama. I went into this show completely blind after a friend suggested it to me knowing I love mysteries and I’m glad I did because I watched it all in one weekend. It was intense, dark, graphic, twisty and turn-y with great back story, character development and story telling. It’s interesting because each character tells the same story from their point of view with the final episodes being told by MeiBao who was the victim. I highly suggest this but TW: child abuse, neglect, rape, etc. It’s graphic. Also, there is just one song on the OST and it’s perfect. Streaming on YouTube.
Day and Night - Chinese drama. I really like mysteries but this dragged on for about 1,000 years. Pan Yue Ming did a great acting job but the writing felt choppy. Some episodes had me really interested to see where it was going, followed by a few slow, slow, slow ones. Thirty two episodes. Streaming on Netflix.
Someday or One Day - Taiwanese drama. I think this will forever be one of my favorite dramas of all time. Absolutely heartbreaking and accurate portrayal of grief, heartbreak, depression and friendship. The OST absolutely makes the show. It’s very heavy so I’m not sure I’d watch it again but I’ll listen to the soundtrack for sure. Stick with it, the first episode wasn’t for me but once you get into it, it’s good. Streaming on Viki.
Midnight Diner - Japanese drama. I watched the first three seasons and wasn’t prepared for how much I loved it. I found it very comforting to watch for some reason. Seeing the characters interact, watching them eat their favorite foods and learning all their personalities was really satisfying for me. I watched them all back to back in three days. Streaming on Netflix.
Reply 1988 - Korean drama. Eric watched this while he was quarantined in the living room, I didn’t watch it but he enjoyed it so I may check it out in the future? The cast is fantastic and it’s a classic. Streaming on Netflix.
Currently Watching:
Midnight Diner Tokyo Stories - Japanese drama. I’ve only watched season one and three episodes of season two because I’m trying to pace myself. I discovered that Just One Cookbook has an entire collection of recipes from the show, I’ve had great success with her recipes before so I’m looking forward to trying some of these. Streaming on Netflix.
Run On - Korean Drama. This drama has been such a treat. It’s lighthearted but not, it has lots of energy but it’s relaxing to watch and the characters are fantastic. I might suggest this to someone who hasn’t watched a k-drama before because it’s moving at a good pace, some of the familiar tropes are there but it’s entertaining. Seo Dan-A’s wardrobe is absolutely perfect, so many great sneaker and dress combos. I’ll be sad when this wraps up. Streaming on Netflix.
The Devil Punisher - Taiwanese drama. I’m on the fence about this drama. Some times it’s great, others I’m a bit bored, it definitely is a bit too drawn out. It only releases once a week so I’m sticking with it as something to watch on Sunday nights. I think I wanted a bit more mythology? Streaming on Netflix.
To My Star - Korean BL Webtoon, I’ve watched up to episode five. I’m enjoying this, I love the shorter episodes but I’m nervous about how it’s going to end. Streaming on Viki.
Awaken - Korean Drama. We got to episode eleven before pausing for a bit. The subject matter is pretty intense but the acting is great. We’ll likely come back to it later. Also Namkoong Min keeps reminding me of Jang Hyuk? Streaming on Viki.
To Love - Chinese drama. I’m on episode twenty one and I’m not sure if I’ll keep going? Part of me is OBSESSED and wants to know how it ends, the OST is great, the acting is good, the storytelling is unique. But I’m also not sure it needs to be forty episodes. Streaming on Viki.
Do You Like Brahms? - Korean Drama. I’m up to episode 12 and will likely finish it this next weekend. I love the OST, the acting and the cinematography. It is a bit sad to see Chae Song-A constantly kicked around.
I probably will watch a bit less in February. I’m playing a lot of Animal Crossing at the moment and working on some SkillShare classes but I really want to wrap up some of these shows before starting something new.