PRODUCER EPISODES 3-4

With these two episodes, we move more into the personal realm, which is what I'm more familiar with. The pacing is better, as well, like it's finally settled into what it's comfortable being. So, what's happening now?

Seung Chan hates his job and has a nightmare of himself on a variety show complaining about it. In their shared apartment, veteran producers Ye Jin and Joon Mo start the morning fighting like people already attached at the hip, with her riding him about his relationship choices and him deriding her for being homeless and having to squat at his flat.


"And what noise does the owl make?"

Workplace follies continue, but they finally get '1 Night 2 Days'�hammered out, thanks to several suggestions by Seung Chan, who is initially ridiculed before his ideas are adopted.

Ye Jin throws all caution out the window and texts Joon Mo: "Call me back." She knows what she wants. When there's a knock on her door, she answers, thinking it's Joon Mo. Instead it's Seung Chan, three sheets to the wind, who promptly passes out.� �


"Just five more minutes, mom!"

In the morning, they all discuss the living situation, how Ye Jin's just staying there til her place is ready, and Joon Mo and she are just friends. Seung Chan, unaware that Joon Mo has broken up with his girl, thinks he's a two-timer. Of course, Joon Mo's explanation does not make Ye Jin too happy -- she'd be totally okay with living together and not just "sharing an address."

The cast is finally assembled for '1 Night 2 Days,' and includes Dara (2NE1), Minwoo (Boyfriend), Kang Seung Yoon�(Winner), and Cindy (IU). Cindy has agreed to do it if they agree to a list of demands as well as things she will not do -- which pretty much encompasses most things they do on the show.


"You think the coffee's a sweet deal, just wait til you find out what I've added to your cup" *snicker*

Filming starts, and as instructed, the cast picks their partners, leaving Cindy out entirely. She's stuck with Seung Chan, who is a less-than-ideal partner, though earnest and eager. And, at the end, in slo-mo, they meet each others' gaze...

Admittedly, workplace dramas really tend to be a drier sense of humor. My own humor is dry and acerbic at times, and I find myself just bored when TV and movie writers attempt that style. I can tell where they want me to laugh, but I just sit there like a block of wood, not moved to even muster a chuckle.


"Mirror, mirror, on the wall...oh, wait..."

But this drama is picking up. And I like the shipping they're trying to do. It's funny because sweet, naive Seung Chan has no clue that Cindy's trying to come on to him. And she's annoyed because her charms aren't working on him. I also have to laugh at the Joon Mo-Ye Jin pairing; it's totally obvious to everyone but themselves that they like each other.

Dumping the mockumentary angle was a smart move IMHO. It wasn't working for me, except one time when they deliberately mis-edited an interview with Seung Chan to be spiteful. Other than that, I think it detracted from the overall feel. It was a bit awkward, and other dramas manage to skillfully introduce you to the setting and characters without a mockumentary crutch.


"It talks. I'm serious. Say something to it."

The only quibble I have is with IU's portrayal of Cindy. As much as she's great eye-candy, she affects a bored tone most of the time. Jun Ji Hyun in 'My Love From the Stars' was far more convincing as the bitchy starlet. And to be fair, it may be what IU has been told to do, but it doesn't work as well as it could.

I think I've spent enough time boring you. What do you guys think?��

SEE ALSO: IU to become the first Korean solo artist to hold a show at the Philippine Arena in June