[Drama Review] 'Uncontrollably Fond' - Episode 14

AKP STAFF

UNCONTROLLABLY FOND -- EPISODE 14

Just hold that pose, Jik

Noh Eul is on the bed with Joon Young. In response to his invitation, she says that she'll stay...and then squeezes her freaking eyes shut! Joon Young sees this and gets off the bed. Later, Young Ok posts a sign outside the restaurant saying "Joon Young fans welcome," replacing the one that denied them entrance. She can't stop thinking about Choi, and Choi can't get her off his mind either. Noh Eul gets news from Jik's teacher that he's not going to college. He tells her they don't have the money. Jung Eun pays a visit to Joon Young, and she flat out tries to seduce him. He tells her she's no Noh Eul which incenses her further. Later, Noh Eul meets with Joon Young's mom and she offers her a billion won (about $1 million U.S.). The catch? Push Ji Tae towards Jung Eun. Neither Ji Tae nor Na Ri like this. Na Ri kicks her out. Ji Tae gets a call from Na Ri, accusing him of turning Noh Eul into a monster. He vows to take away everything his parents have. Morning finds Jik studying for the civil service exam. Ha Ru is with him. He tries helping her with homework, but she can't concentrate on anything but him and plants a kiss on his cheek. Noh Eul is summoned to Jung Eun's, and the chaebol throws a fit, grabs Noh Eul by the coat, screams at our heroine to kill herself. Ji Tae separates them, and Noh Eul scampers off, only to see Joon Young in the elevator, holding a birthday gift intended for Jung Eun...

Okay, so Noh Eul says she's ready, and then she scrunches up her eyes. This is not a look that says "kiss me," it's a look that says "this is gonna hurt." I shouldn't have to explain to you guys this is NOT. NORMAL. I don't know whose fault it is...is it the director, the writers, or Suzy herself? We've all heard of the odd starlet who can't wink, but this is even more bizarre. Maybe her eyes hurt from that too-long staring scene last episode.

What would you do for a million bucks? Would you sell out a liar who has a crush on you? Think about it, I'll wait. Really, Noh Eul told him he has no chance with her. He dumped an engagement. He lied about who he was. So to me, that makes him a bad guy. Now let's get back to the question. All your money problems are solved. All you have to do is get this guy back with his bride to be. Could you do it? To me, this was one of the more cliche parts. I would have liked something a little more original, like the opportunity to work for her, and send Jik to one of the best schools -- with strings attached.

This conditions placed on the check highlights one of the essential problems with the show. Among the male leads, there's no one to like. Ji Tae is a liar, Joon Young is a selfish git. They're starting to do the right things, but for me it's too little too late. Ji Tae should have been a candidate for Second Lead Syndrome, but no one likes him. Joon Young has the love me/hate me thing going on and is a loose cannon, prone to childish outbursts. Who do you root for if you don't like anyone?

"Here, your lapels aren't straight..."

This episode was a little better than the last, even with the oddities. I want to see more romance, but it seems they're going to continue to tease us for a half-dozen more episodes. As I've said before, this drama appears to be heading toward an apocalyptically bad ending, but I don't know for sure. So, who are you shipping? Are you Team Ji Tae or Team Joon Young? Let me know in the comments below.