I was very excited to watch this and honestly, I wish I could get my time back. The show had too many questionable directing and story choices that make me wonder what on earth was going through their minds when they made it. There are obvious similarities that can be drawn between this type of story and Sherlock Holmes, but ultimately, the titular Sleuth is more of a hindrance than a help and often caused more problems than he solved.

Additionally, the music was such a poor choice that it usually pulled attention away from the plot instead of enhancing it. I kept wondering WHY they chose this music and then I couldn't even focus on what was happening.

The acting was fine at best but the haphazard plot, tone and direction were the things that really let me down in the end. The overarching plot should have been compelling and captivating, but it was mostly just tedious. I also wish they had done a better job of making me care about characters rather than having a hastily thrown in montage at supposed crucial moments. Another thing I really cannot forgive is that Sui Zhou was completely wasted in the final episode to the extent that I was either constantly looking for him or I forgot he was a character at all.

In the end though, I have to say one good thing the show had going for it was its presentation of the meals and the positive found family dynamic the leads had. Those moments with their family were wholesome and heartwarming but not enough to save the show.

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It's what happens when the stars align

The story is not a new one - two kids whose parents hate each other end up falling in love. It's a classic tale of forbidden love. The twist with Bad Buddy is not in the plot but in it's delivery. With a story that's been so played out in many forms of media, it was necessary to have near perfection in direction, acting, cinematography, music etc... and this show really delivered in spades.

My favourite thing about this show is not just the wonderful cast, but the storytelling. I love when I watch something and it's easy to see that care and thought and passion have gone into not just the performances, but also the way they are presented to the viewers. The story unfolded in a such a beautiful and intricate way that by the end, it felt like I was not just watching a show but like I'd spent quality time with these characters and we were all old friends.

My 10/10 for this comes from the journey we (myself and the characters) went through and how fulfilled and satisfied I was at the end of the show. I can see these characters existing in the real world and actually living the lives they have in the show and I love that.

A special mention has to go out for the music of the show because not only was the music lovely to listen to, but it also played a key role throughout the show.

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More than a simple love story

I came into this expecting the typical romance with some palace intruigue, but what I got was so much more. The way the story progressed through the lifetime of Deok Im and San was beautifully done, to me. I found myself completely immersed in the story and always wanting more. Even at the end, I wanted more, not because I felt they did a poor job of using the time, but because I just wanted to spend a little more time with these characters.

Although the tone shifted to a slower, more mature tale in the second half, it fit with the narrative and I never felt lost or unhappy. The acting was perfect as every actor delivered on their characters from start to finish; the music fit every scene to a tee and enhanced the storytelling perfectly; the directing was expertly done along with the cinematography; and the writing was *chef's kiss*, beautiful and meaningful.

I will be thinking of this drama for a very long time and missing my favourite court ladies for all eternity.

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A lot of lost potential

Everything about this drama looked good in theory, but when it came down to it, the writing let everyone down. I believe the actors did their best with what they were given but nothing short of a rewrite could've saved this drama.

While the plot of the main leads being opposites who attract each other and solve crimes together was enticing at first, it got pretty tiresome when you realize that they're not actually spending that much time together and we have to do most of the work of building their relationship in our imaginations. As for the palace intruigue, it was just muddled and poorly presented. I just wanted the writer to pick thing and go with it, but they seemed to keep getting distracted by aspects of the plot that they dreamed up so everything was mashed together messily in the end.

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A Completely Lovely Time

I binged this entire show in one sitting and it felt like watching a beautiful movie. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationships between the characters grow and I particularly loved that not all relationships had a smooth, happy ending. I would love to see a sequel to this because I just didn't want to let go of the characters by the end. The only reason I didn't give it a 10/10 is because I would've loved more of the story told from Da Un's pov so we could get a better understanding of his motivations.

Also have to say, the music and the cinematography were exquisite. The directing was so well done and I will be looking for everything this director does for the rest of her career.

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A RomCom That Deserves The Title

This story is not unique by any means, but its execution here was taken to the next level by the outstanding performances. The lead characters played off each other exceptionally well which gave the show all the life it needed to keep me coming back for more.

There was a lot of well-executed humour in almost every episode which I found refreshing cos sometimes these shows forget the 'com' part of ROMCOM, and it just becomes a draggy love story. This was a funny, lighthearted, warm drama with a simple yet profound message.

I absolutely enjoyed my time with it and I recommend it for anyone looking for something that will put a smile on your face and a glow in your heart.

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It lives up to its promise

I had high hopes for this drama ever since it was announced and they got even higher when I first saw the trailer. I'm happy to say that it delivered in every way. The titular Queen is probably my favourite Queen ever from a period kdrama. She was compassionate, smart, loving, kind, just, and ruthless when necessary. She sounds almost too good to be true but Kim Hye Soo brings the character to life in a way that makes you believe she can and does exist.

The palace intrigue was intricately woven and also enjoyable. I had no real idea how things would turn out in the end but once it ended I was left feeling like it was the only possible outcome. I would watch a dozen more episodes of just the Queen trying to manage the shenanigans of her children.

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Underrated Gem

I'd initially avoided this show because I wasn't sure it could put a new spin on the same old tale of the ancient detective, so imagine my absolute surprise and joy when I finally tried it out and it turned out to be not only competent but interesting and very well acted.

My first pro has to be the lead characters and their relationships. Each of them had something to contribute to the plot and it always felt very organic. The ML was smart but his wit never came at the expense of any other lead which can be tiresome. No one had to be dulled so he could shine. Similarly, the FL was extremely competent in a believable way and despite being "young and innocent" she wasn't portrayed as someone who couldn't handle real life experiences. The other leads were just as smart and contributed almost equally to the story, which rarely happens. The romance (for the lead and second lead couples) was not overbearing and felt very natural and a part of the story too. Also have to say I enjoyed watching a ML who while smart and in a position of authority, does not bully or try to control the FL unnecessarily.

As for the plot and the intrigue, I really enjoyed piecing it all together along with the characters. It wasn't over complicated or outrageous and the cases the coroner was asked to handle really showcased her abilities, as well as the abilities of the other team members. I enjoyed all of it.

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Surprising and Worth It!

This was surprisingly fun and cute and just short enough for me to enjoy without getting tired of the story. I liked lead couple a lot because they felt very well matched and I liked that they actually talked about ML's childhood trauma and had him see a therapist.

Too often, childhood trauma is presented as just another character quirk or hurdle that falling in love can overcome and I appreciated that they did more than just have it as a backdrop for why Mr Gu is Mr Gu without addressing how he plans to move forward in his new life.

It's not a groundbreaking drama by any means and there are tropes aplenty, but it doesn't take itself too seriously. You'll laugh often and smile even more watching this because it's just that silly and that inviting.

My biggest problem with it came from some of the directing and editing choices and there was an episode where an extra looked right at the camera that had me laughing for a full minute (see if you can spot it lol). But I wasn't annoyed enough to stop watching and I binged the whole show in about 3 days.

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A surprisingly good time

Story:
Well-paced, believable and heartfelt.

Characters/Acting:
Even the most annoying character had traits that were relatable to me. I enjoyed the way the characters learned from their past and grew along the way. The chemistry between the three leads was excellent. I loved the relationship between the male leads especially. The acting in the show was amazing.

Music:
The music wasn't overbearing or cloying. It was always just right. I loved that.

Overall:
I felt at peace with the end of the drama and happy with the journey I'd gone on with these characters. This is a light, easy drama that pulls you in if you let it. I binged it in 3 days and I never felt anxious about the story or tense. I just wanted to go where it was takimg me. I can see myself watching this again when I want something to just make me feel good.

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