Times (2021)

An okayish attempt of mixing too many genres ....or maybe it was just a political drama

Times starts as a fantasy plot where a daughter is trying to save her dad with the help of another reporter who’s also connected to them indirectly …..the first 4 eps were really to my liking …the thrill of changing the past and creating a new future keeps you hooked.
And then suddenly the writer changes from fantasy to politics….even though the change doesn’t feel forced, it feels a tad bit abrupt. For the next few episodes, it feels quite draggy and heavy ….all due to the sudden shift to politics and journalism. Slowly you adjust to it turning to a political mess and then you are again abruptly handed a change of perspective for I appreciate the idea of having the focus on only ML or FL at a time and giving them time to develop as individual characters who you grow affectionate towards; which is quite rare in drama land to see... but again if it wasn’t that abrupt. I would like to see something of this sort happening again where different narratives are given equal importance.

The actors did a great job knowing that they did not shoot together for most of the time ...they managed to bring us really good chemistry ….and no romance angle could be seen as perks of the show ….
To be honest, I don’t know what went so wrong ...it did have me hooked in the initial eps even after the introduction of politics as the main narrative ….though I am not a big fan of the genre in itself I still did want to continue the show ….but towards the end, I found myself uninterested in everything ...neither the characters seemed appealing nor did the storyline felt surprising... everything was down to okay ..yaa that was supposed to happen what next ….oh are we finally done ...good then let’s go watch something more interesting now.

It did have good points ….it felt quite realistic at times even after being a fantasy ….for it raises questions that you won’t be able to find answers to ...for everyone wishes to change the world ..to turn it into a better place but when you actually hold the power does the wish remain same ….? Is saving a life at the cost of another life right ? There exists a right answer but when it’s up to you to decide is the choice that simple ….let me not hype you so much when it’s not that great or maybe let me leave you to decide ….
In short, the drama had potential ...in terms of writing and the actors could have shined more if not for the plot that sadly dragged everything down even after having so many fresh moments and creative ideas ….
It wasn’t a waste of my time but I expect more from an OCN “thriller” ….but do give it a try for if you love political stuff as for fantasy and other things just watch the first 4 eps or find another show…that might be all I wish to say about the drama I hope you enjoy watching.

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When Does Power Begin to Corrupt?

I am going to start this review by saying that Times is a solid and well-written show. I love the way they applied the time-warp concept. I think the distortion that enabled the cross-times connection, the seemingly unpredictable and ever-changing future (or present reality, depends on how you see it) because of it, and the X factor that hindered the main characters from creating a perfect new reality (in which everyone is happy and well) were not merely treated as means to build the suspense.

The cross-times connection and the changing realities proposed a question about personal values and power; will you get swayed once you are in a close proximity to power, will you stay true to your values if you are in a position of power. While the show felt less enthralling once it entered the more political-drama-centered half of the show, it was still enjoyable. I personally think it was necessary as it served as the bridge between the two genres. The show also touched on abuse of power and technology. I think the show did a good job in weaving these themes to the plot.

The soundtracks are great, but I don't think they were effective in creating certain atmosphere or adding more depth to the experience. I like how the characters were all actively involved in the whole thing, regardless they were aware or not aware about the cross-times connection. The leads are amazing and I just love their connection!

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