First Thoughts

[mikey]

Since I’m ahead of Chicago, I thought I’d lead off with a few comments.

For me, “Goodbye Solo” has been a rather peculiar show. It’s not one I would watch over and over, but some of the California fans (at least initially) really raved about it, so I’d definitely suggest giving it a shot, so you can see if it appeals to you.

Note that this show seems to be more “character driven” than “plot driven.” Heck, I’m not even sure that there’s even a main storyline; it’s more like a number of minor storylines that are revolving around several (admittedly) fascinating characters. Watch it with that thought in mind, and you’ll get the feel of the show more quickly.

First episode: do pay attention to the “deaf-mute grandmother" and the “odd neighbor lady.” Those are the two characters that have kept me watching every week. The “gangster and his girlfriend” storyline is okay, but (truth be told) the lead character’s issues (with his girlfriend and brother) have actually been among the *least* interesting parts of the show for me.

Don’t be surprised if you’re left confused after the first two or three episodes. I’ve watched up to about episode #12, and I’m *still* a little confused!

[fantasticeel]

I think I missed the first episode, but based on the second one, I think it looks really good. A nice change from stuff like Summer Scent, which I skipped because it looked like more of the same old love-triangle cliches done to death. This one even had that gangster character making fun of romantic cliches on TV dramas, which was a nice touch.

[kathleen unlogged]

Thanks mickey ... liked your overview

I found precious little that endeared me last evening. I liked deaf grandma.

I found the love stuff rather simple and sappy ... Perhaps because this comes on the heels of Golden Apple, I just could not get into it... The very first episode of GoldenApple hooked me with it's characters, actors and story line. Not so here.

It may be that I won't continue here. I didn't even find the music redeeming. BUT THEN I started out hating... just hating ... a love to kill. And after skipping several weeks I came back to it only to throughly appreciate the characters and story line.I also liked the music right off.

If I continue it will be because of deaf grandma.

[Alexa]

I haven't watched a korean drama in a few months, so I think I will stick with this one. After the first episode, I thought it was okay. The gangster man was one of my favorite characters in Yi Soon Shin. In this drama, he plays a completely different role. I loved him in Yi Soon Shin, but here he kinda seems like a jerk when it comes to women. I guess the guy is a really good actor to play such different roles and be convincing..Okay, so who was that woman in the wheelchair? And who were the kids he kept referring too? his children? I'll probably keep watching to find out who they are.

[FlowerLady]

Kathleen, seems like we're pretty much on the same page here, right at the moment! There really wasn't anything very significant that caught my interest yet in the first episode of this drama. I'll give it a few more episodes to see if anything develops.
-- The main draw for me currently is that there are so many good actors in this show whom I recognize from quite a few other K-dramas I've watched.

[HappyCamper]

I liked how edgy the first episode was. It's a complete change from Golden Apple, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I didn't exactly love the characters on first sight, as I did with Hello God, but they are interesting enough to continue watching. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the gangster also the same actor that played the son on that drama with 700+ episodes? (The Jujube Tree or something like that) Quite a change of pace for him. Anyway, I was hooked enough from the first episode to keep on watching.

[christi09]

Christi, I would classify this as a spoiler, and I'm going to put it into the spoiler thread. Particularly, I refer to your information about who will hook up with whom, and information about peoples' medical conditions.

People, please be careful about giving away "what will happen."

Bo

[christi09]

OPPS! SORRY!!!!

[TheBo]

christi09 said:

OPPS! SORRY!!!!

S'all righ...! Gives me a chance to post my spoiler warning. LOL.

Bo

[zorro]

I like all the new actors I haven't seen before. They have a nice variety of talent in these K dramas.

The best part about this series so far is: no preoccupation with Doctors or hospitals… I hope it stays that way.

[justaviewer]

I don't know if I like this show yet but there characters that are interesting. I really adore Minho. His character is so sweet and gentle. He's so cute in his little shy way. And Honcheol (or is it Hocheol?) is kind of lovable too. As you watch him with Miri you just know that underneath that crusty grumpy tough exterior is a big ole softy with a heart of gold. He'll come through in the end and do the right thing by Miri I think. And the grandmother is a very expressive actress. Well, at least these are my impressions of the show so far.

[TheBo]

So, is the gangster Minister Ryu? (Yi Sun-shin's best friend and the King's favorite confidante) For some reason, I thought YSS was playing the role. In any case, he looks so SMALL without his many ceremonial robes.

I like it so far. I've seen 5 episodes this weekend. Looking for more.

Bo

[HappyCamper]

Does anyone else here think that the actor playing Minho in this drama would have been perfect to play the adult version of the younger brother in Golden Apple? To me, he looks like he could even be related to that cute little boy that played the child version. Even their smiles are similar. In any case, I'm really enjoying this drama. It's edgy and kind of odd. Can't wait for next week's episodes.

[gpaul]

I'm really enjoying this drama, I hope there are others who are also enjoying it. All of the characters are so real. None of the slow walking, or being run over by a truck. These are real people who are all very lonely. It is interesting to see how their relationships develop and how they will end up.

[mikey]

I have to admit that, except for the deaf-mute grandma story, I didn’t really enjoy this drama too much (I finished it a few weeks ago). However, the actress who played the grandma deserves a prize for her performance here. She did an amazing job.

The odd neighbor lady is an interesting character, too, but it always seemed like she was playing more of a supporting role in this drama. Wish they’d shown more of her. I liked her a lot.

happycamper said:

Does anyone else here think that the actor playing Minho in this drama would have been perfect to play the adult version of the younger brother in Golden Apple?

Boy, I had exactly the same thought! Back when “Golden Apple” was running, I criticized the selection of the actor who played the grown-up kid (forgot his name already) because I didn’t see a hint of resemblance to his younger self. But “Minho” could absolutely pass as the grown-up “Golden Apple” kid. They look closer than brothers!