ORANGE MARMALADE - EPISODE 3


In mortal liplock

So we finally get the kiss we were waiting for. All they were doing was feeling around each other's necks, so at last they find another place for their lips.

Ma Ri reflects on all the times Jae Min was there with her, and finally realizes her feelings for him. She worries about his blood being so enticing to her. At school, uneasy glances pass between the parties. Our second leads make it perfectly obvious they're jealous -- Ah Ra of Ma Ri and Shi Hoo of Jae Min. The next day, they go about the business of forming the school band. Jae Min resisted for so long until he learned last episode that Ma Ri was into it, and began to play guitar once more. As time passes, the band -- now named Orange Marmalade -- goes from practice to performance. Jae Min finally succumbs to his love for music, but still rejects his mother when she tries to get close. Teacher Han recommends the frustrated Jae Min to head to the Wishing Lighthouse, which is where Ma Ri is headed. Face to face, the couple discusses how each of them wished the other would be there, and they kiss...


"It was a dark and stormy night? Really?"

This is 45 minutes well-spent. :) It's a tightly packed show, and there's plenty of exposition and development here. But it still doesn't feel rushed or breakneck; instead, it's like floating on a relaxing sea. The vampire aspect keeps us guessing even as the main plot and characters are somewhat predictable. Second lead? Check. Mean girl? Check. Triangle? Check. The musical aspect throws a refreshing change in there, though. The nice thing is that Seolhyun can actually sing and play, lending some veracity to the piece.

What I do worry about is Jae Min's reaction when he finds out Ma Ri's a vampire. Given that Jae Min hates vampires, that's a pretty big obstacle for a future together. For all her worrying about his sweet blood and temptation, the show seems to place that as part of the love a vampire feels and dispelled that conflict with a simple line of dialogue. A little too convenient?


"On the count of 3, we butt heads. 1...2..."

Shi Hoo is�in trouble with the authorities, which can't be good. I'm hoping they don't develop that much further than threats. Because I like his character a lot. He'd be good for a romance with Ah Ra if he'd just drop the intensity down a notch. But we rarely get happy second leads, right?� �

I love the special effects in this show. Far from being over the top, we just have glowing purple eyes and set of fangs. And the exciting incidental music. But somehow this minimalist approach works. Probably because it almost feels like an afterthought, because it has a high school romance/band story to tell and too many ideas would get confusing.


"I know I asked for requests, but I'm not sure Skrillex will sound right on this thing."

So we already have the seeds of a budding romance, as well as some conflicts to resolve. Where do you think we're headed from here?��