Drama Review: The King of Dramas Finale

The King of Dramas

Episode 18~ the Finale

            The beginning was the last scene of episode 17—that was one of the most awaited by the faithful viewers of this under rated drama.  I simply don’t understand but I don’t really care either.  This drama is one of the best, and that’s it for me.

            Because this scene is more than just an exchange of lines but rather an exchange of deep-seated emotions that hits me in all the right spots, I decided to present it in its raw form.  So here it is:

Go Eun:  Where have you been?

Anthony:  Did you finish the script?  Don’t catch cold in this cold weather.  Hurry and go in.

Go Eun:  Until when are you going to hide that?  Until when are you going to hide the fact that you’re going blind now?  You said what, depression?  Didn’t you say it’s none of my business so don’t bother?

Anthony:  Yes.  It’s none of your business so back off. 

Go Eun:  Why is it none of my business?

Anthony:  So what? What can you do for me then?  That’s right, as you said; it’s true that I won’t be able to see any longer.  I won’t be able to eat or go to the washroom by myself.  I won’t be able to see the dramas I made, or your scripts, or your face either.  Even where you’re standing, even whether you’re smiling at me or crying, I won’t be able to see all of them. 

Go Eun:  Is that why you’re giving up?  What if I say it still doesn’t matter?  I’m saying it doesn’t matter to me. 

            Haaaah!  This scene still gets to me.  These two leads were a powerhouse of emotions, especially at that particular moment.  Finally, instead of bickering and cold shoulders, from here they can just simply love each other and they did.

            After the long kiss, Anthony looked at Go Eun with so much passion and adoration towards her.  Oh my God!  It looked so real.  While Go Eun, appeared like she still could not believe what just happened—the man she loves, is now reciprocating her feelings! 

            Anthony and Go Eun welcomed the sunrise together.  Anthony mentioned that, this may be his last chance to witness the sunrise.  In her head, she told him that even if he wouldn’t be able to see the sunrise, she will make him feel it; that even if he can’t see the dramas she will write, where he is, whether he is crying or smiling, she will definitely see because she will be by his side forever.  At this point Go Eun was so focused on enjoying the moment with Anthony that she didn’t even hear clearly what Anthony said to her. 

            Anthony grabbed Go Eun’s hand signaling it was time to go when she stopped him to tell him that she is not an easy woman.  Anthony was astonished and found it funny that Go Eun was thinking of “something else”, when in fact what he was suggesting was for them to take a nap in the car because they won’t have enough time before they have to go back to work.  Then afterward, said “So vulgar!”  Oh that was so funny!  I tell you this guy is good!  Did he win best actor last 2012?  Go Eun of course was embarrassed in a cute way.  On the way back, it was Go Eun who drove the car and Anthony was teasing her about her driving skills.  Part of the time they were together, they were taking turns teasing each other. 

            Back in their office, Anthony met with his crew and gave them updates on how the rest of the drama should be worked on.  Although the job required of everyone to finish the drama is quite demanding, Anthony did a good job motivating his people by giving inspiring words.  Right after the meeting, he told Go Eun one of the problems they have to overcome and that is Min Nah doing shoots for both a movie and their drama.  Go Eun basically said it’s not a problem.  She could even “kill” her character if she has to at the last episode.  You could tell she doesn’t want to add to the load on Anthony’s shoulders. 

            Almost everyone, including the director is trying their best to work around Min Nah’s new schedule.  Because of Min Nah’s busy schedule [busier than Hyun Min], Hyun Min had more scenes in episode 20 which made this self-fanatic very happy.  And of course he thinks it’s because the real value of his acting has finally moved Lee Go Eun.  Then he turned to his assistant, telling him to find his own flaw because a person who doesn’t find a flaw in himself won’t improve. 

Hyun Min:  Sung Mo (the assistant), what is your flaw?

Sung Mo:  (very shyly) Well, I don’t know.  My flaw is…hemorrhoids.  (Hahahahah!  That was me laughing out loud!)

Suddenly, Sung Mo asked Hyun Min if he could memorize all his lines in the script.  The very valiant Hyun Min just said that if the script was really short, he might have a problem me, but not the other way around.  He said he is taking this opportunity to show his burning acting skills! 

            Alright, back to the two love birds.  Anthony and Go Eun were discussing the plot for episode 22.  Both of them looked extra inspired because of we all know what.  Later, Go Eun asked Anthony how his eyes were and his initial reply is a heart fluttering wink!  After that, Anthony just watched Go Eun with so much adoration (and I don’t know why I kept on seeing a look of disbelief that they are finally together now).  Then he asked her again when she started liking him.  She replied with a question but was cut short by Anthony saying he asked first [demanding for her answer].   So, Go Eun told him that she started liking him when he supported her  during the plagiarism issue; when he said he believes her when almost everyone have nothing but doubts.  When it was her turn to hear an answer from Anthony, the latter said he could not remember.  This flipped Go Eun but at the end of this battle of two sweethearts, Anthony won.  Go Eun will just have to wait, although she was left happy nonetheless. 

            In the drama shoot, Hyun Min was struggling with his lines—he kept on forgetting them.  He looked stupid and funny at the same time!  It was a good thing they weren’t shooting outside in the snow, or else Min Nah would have lost her patience already and threw a fit at him.  The director gave them a 5 minute break.  Min Nah suggested he should use a prompter but this time, she’s actually pretty friendly.  He took that suggestion as an insult, of course, so he said when he gets back, his acting will be better and he’ll have all his lines memorized. 

            After the break, the shoot of the same scene continued.  He forgot his line again but this time Min Nah wrote part it on the pillar [in small prints] so when he turn his head he was stupefied upon seeing his lines [on the pillar].  He gave Min Nah a questioning look and Min Nah just smiled at him like, “see I told you so!”  This prompter battle goes to Min Nah this time. The director was impressed.  Hyun Min and Min Nah exchanged thumbs up.  Yeah…Hmm…something is brewing and it smells good! J

            From something that smells good, let’s go to something that smells hope.  Anthony visited his doctor and his doctor mentioned about the first clinical trial of a DNA treatment for his disease in an eye institute in Florida.  Apparently although the success rate is very low, the record shows that some patients were cured.  The doctor said that although it won’t be easy to get on the list [for the second trial of the treatment], he will try his best.  Anthony was speechless.  His face showed a glint of hope.

            Meanwhile, Go Eun’s mom visited her in her studio.  She told her mom she had to finish the script as soon as possible.  Uhuh…I wonder what her real reason for wanting to finish the script?  Hmm…I think this has to do with Anthony’s promise to tell her, the answer to her question earlier.  Her mom put some things away and went to the bathroom.  She noticed 2 toothbrushes (plus men’s lotion) so she ask Go Eun if she has an assistant writer.  Go Eun didn’t know how and what to answer her mom.  The mom suddenly suspected that Go Eun was letting “Kim Bong Dal” in her studio.  I can’t help but laugh and felt embarrass for her.  Laugh because, little did the mom know Kim Bong Dal is Anthony, and yes, he was there not just for romantic reason but professional as well.  Embarrassed for her because now the mom knows that her daughter is now a “lady”?  J

            In the middle of the “misunderstanding”, Anthony a.k.a. Kim Bong Dal came.  The mom asked Anthony Kim’s contact information, since he mentioned before that he knows him while waving Kim’s toothbrush which didn’t skipped Anthony’s eyes.  He was shocked to see what the mother was holding.  Anthony and Go Eun looked nervous especially when the mom said she needs to see this “bastard” Kim Bong Dal.  He tried to pacify the mom by saying Kim is not a bad person.  When the mom said that’s exactly the reason why she wants to meet him, Go Eun said “later” she will introduce him to her.  The mom didn’t sound convinced, though so she grabbed Go Eun’s phone and called Kim.  Of course Anthony’s phone rang.  Everyone was quiet—the mom turned her head to see the source of the ringing when Anthony said, “it’s my alarm”.  I can’t believe the mom bought that alibi.  But then maybe not.  Now that I think about it, I’m not so sure anymore!

            In the film site, Hyun Min gave Min Nah coffee and asked her why she helped him (referring to the lines she wrote on the pillar).  Despite Min Nah telling him that there was nothing to it, he kept on insisting that she has deep feelings for him and he understands that she wants to keep her pride.  She was in awe of his unbelievable illusions so she left him there. 

Min Nah was releasing her perturbation over Hyun Min’s ridiculous illusions about her when she received a call from a director asking her about her next project.  She asked the director if Anthony already agreed to it.  The director explained to her the nullification of Anthony’s agreement with Taesan Group.  This came as a total surprised to Min Nah so she called Anthony asking for an explanation.    Anthony just told her that he will explain the reason when the drama they’re working on ends.

            Despite all the things boggling Min Nah’s mind, she continued to shoot the episode like any professional artist would and, her and her co-workers effort were rewarded by a good rating. 

            Anthony and Go Eun continued to work happily together in her studio.  He hasn’t told her about the positive news from the doctor.  Also, it seemed like Go Eun asked one of Anthony’s crew to take pictures of the setting to send to her.  She showed the photos to Anthony.  Could it be because she wants him not to miss anything about the last drama he will get to see with his eyes? 

            The staff and the artists involve in the drama celebrated New Year together and the success of the episode that was just aired.   But of course the celebration won’t be complete without Hyun Min teasing Min Nah in his cute childish ways.  I am referring to the scene when they were supposed to blow the candles together.

            Everyone involve in the making of the drama continued to work hard and the drama continued to soar.  And Go Eun is finally finished working on the last episode.  Anthony asked her to get changed because they are going somewhere.  They both visited his mom in the care facility.  Anthony told his mom that he kept his promise.  Go Eun got curious and ask what the secret was about.  Since Anthony wasn’t telling her anything, she asked Anthony’s mom.  Before she got her answer, Anthony’s phone rang and the call was from his doctor asking him to go to the hospital as soon as possible because the doctor already heard the news from the US.    It was good news.  He is on the list for the second trial but he had to leave the next day.  He didn’t really know what to say to that since he was thinking about all the work that he still had to do for the drama.  Go Eun, on the other hand, encouraged him to just go even if he doesn’t get to see the last episode if it means his condition getting cured—then he could continue to see her face! J

            That evening, Go Eun couldn’t sleep so she went outside [on the rooftop].  When she saw Anthony also standing on the rooftop of his building, she called him, asked him if he booked a ticket, and said that she will do the explaining to the staff since Anthony won’t have time to tell them the next day.  That and some sweet nothings then off she went. 

            Before his flight, Anthony met with a couple of people.  One is Director Nam of SBC.  They reminisce about what happened between them on the same spot where they were at the moment.  Nam said he is looking forward to working with him again on his next drama.  Instead of directly replying to that, he just kind of entrusts Go Eun to him.  Next is Empire Representative Oh.  He said his sincere apology to him regarding the Representatives absence during his dad’s last minutes because of Anthony’s drama they were working on.  Rep. Oh couldn’t believe what he was hearing from Anthony.  He looked like he was touched by his sincerity, however decided to tell Anthony that just because Anthony said sorry doesn’t mean he is forgiving him.  It didn’t matter to Anthony because what mattered to him was that he was able to sincerely apologize. 

            The drama shoot is almost done.  They just had to wait for Min Nah because she’s going to be late for 2 hours.  The director told Hyun Min to rest in his car.  The leading man sounded like he was already missing his leading lady when he asked the director about her being late. 

            In the meantime, at the airport the two love birds said their goodbyes to each other.  Go Eun sounded like a loving wife asking Anthony to call her as soon as he gets to Florida and Anthony, gave her a hug of assurance. 

            Anthony was about to board the plane when he received a call from PD Joo saying Min Nah was stuck in a traffic jam so she won’t make it on time for the shoot which means it would be impossible to finish the scenes and send the finished tape before airtime.  He was left to choose between himself and the drama.  In the end he chose to stay and help take care of the problem.  Go Eun was not so happy with his decision.  Her point:  why does it have to be him who should take care of the problem when there are a lot of people in the film site (she does have a point, doesn’t she?).  His point:  As if the 3 PM flight is the only flight to Florida, then showed Go Eun his flight ticket for the evening. 

            They talked about revising the script.  Fortunately for Go Eun an airport employee let her use a computer in their office.   She worked on the script while Anthony went ahead and contacted Min Nah on his way to the filming site.  He told her to get out of her car, stop any motorcycle and ride it on the way to the filming site.  Min Nah found a motorcycle and went ahead with the plan. 

            On site, PD Joo announced to the director that Min Nah was on her way but he couldn’t contact her.  Remember none of these people knew that she was on a motorcycle, that’s why.  Hyun Min was just listening but looked concern.  It was already dark and Anthony got there but there was no Min Nah.  This time they were already told that Min Nah is coming on a motorcycle.  Anthony assured the worried staffs that Min Nah will be there just in time.  They continued to shoot Hyun Min’s side of the scenes while waiting for Min Nah.  Min Nah arrived at the site just in time when Go Eun finished sending the revised script. 

            Min Nah apologized to Hyun Min for being late.  As expected of Hyun Min, he was acting out by not accepting Min Nah’s apology.  But when Min Nah continued to say sorry instead of raising her voice and throwing a fit, he was flabbergasted so he just told her, he’ll see after the filming.  But to me he looked just like a baby sulking, really.   

            Finally the last tape is ready to be sent to SBC.  This time it will be Anthony who took the responsibility.  He was already in the car when Go Eun called him.  She was a little upset that Anthony is taking the tape to the station himself when PD Joo could do it too.  Anthony on the other hand said since it is the last, he wanted to do it himself.  For a minute there she sounded like a nagging wife concerned that her husband would be late for his flight.

            While Go Eun was waiting for Anthony at the airport, she noticed that there wasn’t any flight to Florida at 11:45 p.m.  To clarify, she asked the information desk and learned for sure that there was indeed no such flight at that time.  Once again she was upset.  Actually, so upset that she couldn’t wait to meet Anthony in person before she confronts him with the issue.  I can’t really blame her.  She’s just concern that he might miss the only opportunity to get the treatment that might cure his condition.  Anthony gave her very strong arguments as to why he chose the drama over her eyes—it’s his last drama and her first.  That’s where their conversation ended.  Few moments right after PD Joo asked Anthony about his conversation with Go Eun, when their car got hit by another car.  PD Joo didn’t know what to do when the latter just fell off the car.  Meanwhile, Anthony seemed to be in a state of shock that he was seeing a guy that died in a motorcycle accident.  I think this was the motorcycle guy he hired in the first episode. 

            Despite his condition, Anthony once again chose his drama.  He asked PD Joo to take the tape to SBC rather than basically saving him.  PD Joo didn’t really wanted to leave him there but he pushed him to go.  Anthony was left there like the motorcycle guy he hired to take the tape to a broadcasting station in the.  It was like a Déjà vu, except this time he was the one left behind.

            Meanwhile, Go Eun tried to contact Anthony again but couldn’t reach him.  PD Joo called her and gave her the bad news.  She was stunned and dumbstruck!  In the taxi on her way to Anthony, Go Eun was really tensed.  Her anxiety is so high, she asked the driver to go faster.  She couldn’t wait to see Anthony’s condition. 

            Simultaneously, Anthony was in an ambulance receiving first aid, on his way to the hospital.  PD Joo, however, was able to turn in the tape just in time.  Through him, PD Nam and the rest of SBC who were present learned about Anthony’s accident.  Anthony was almost lifeless on the stretcher/bed while he was being transported to the emergency room.  When Go Eun arrived Anthony was already being given defibrillation. 

            Meanwhile, the finale of the drama got a 32.3% rating; just what Anthony and the rest of the crew had hoped for.  The tension about the drama was gone but the tension in the hearts of the people who are worried about Anthony is still there. 

Going back to Anthony…

            The doctor in the emergency room tried their best to make Anthony’s heart beat again but to no accord.  When the doctor looked like he was giving up on the patient, Go Eun just could not believe it.  That instant change in her facial expression is like saying, “What? That was it?”  It was like she could not believe this was happening.  Just this morning, they were very happy and now, he gone?  Then reality sunk in.  Her heart was crushed and all that pain was very evident.  What just happened was so painful for Go Eun that she couldn’t even cry out loud.  Tears were flowing like they have a mind of their own.  She then remembered the moment when she first fell in love with this amazing man; the time when he stood up for her when everyone else lost their faith in her; the time when they were in the back of the truck gathering heat from each other to survive the cold winter night; and those times when he told her things he didn’t tell anyone else.  Probably it’s the fact that Anthony survived despite the hardship that he had experienced since he was young to this point, made her say that Anthony, this man, will not die easily.  She tried to wake him up while holding his hand.  But there was no response.  Then a miracle happened.  His pulse came back!  I guess she’s right!  Not even a serious accident can put a strong man 6 feet under the ground.  His coming back to life was just as unbelievable to Go Eun as his death. 

One year later…

            Hyun min and Mina was so sweet while doing their photo shoot.  Even the photographer made a comment about them looking so good together and that they should win the best couple award.  Kim Hyun Min happily agreed to the comment and suggested that, next time, the photographer should renew the contract with them again.  Min Nah was just smiling and wasn’t saying anything. 

            When it was just the two of them, Hyun Min suggested to Min Nah that they should target water purifier CF.  At first she could not believe that he is targeting another CF when basically they already have many.  He said, compared to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, they still have a long ways to go.  Then very sweetly plus a gentle tap on his face, she said, “you’re so smart!  You’re much smarter than Bad Pitt.”  That’s not all.  This couple sure knows how to flatter each other but, I must say, they looked really sweet. J

            A lot of things happened after a year.  One of them was the promotion of Director Nam to Chief Director of Production and his reviving his relationship with his dad (the Chairman of Empire).  Empire production remained to be the most successful drama production in Korea except this time the representative was the assistant of Rep. Oh.  Rep. Oh was kicked out and now is trying to come back to his feet.  Lee Go Eun has become a well-recognized drama writer and her Kim Bong Dal?  He is promoting the comeback of radio drama and is now a third-rate drama producer.  He lost his eyesight but Go Eun stayed with him just like what she promised him that first morning they were together waiting for the sunrise.  And to Mrs. Kim Bong Dal, her husband remains to be the king of dramas.

Reaction:

            Anthony, specially, in this last episode never ceased to display his unending adoration to Go Eun.  And Go Eun’s love for him made their story even more beautiful which makes me wonder if such pure love still exists.

            King of Drama is definitely one of the best.  J  It will make you cry, laugh, tensed but in the end, it will make you feel good.  This is not just a story of romance but also of life’s challenges, comedy, and acceptance.

Thank you for taking time reading! J