After what felt like an eternity, Dr. Romantic returns with its third instalment. Let’s talk about how the first and second episodes were.
Note: this article is a first-impression review, it doesn’t mean this is the writer’s final thoughts on the drama. This is a spoiler review.
I, like many of you, was very excited to welcome the third season of the hit drama. And I’m pleased to say that the premier episodes were so much fun, and nostalgic at the same time, its like catching up with an old friend. Let’s talk about it.
We have a lot of fresh faces added to the cast, which I think will do a good job of adding a fresh feel to the drama. We have 16 episodes of this drama again this time, and I think for the most part, if the writing for the third season is as well as it was for the second and first, we will have a great time.
Writing for medical dramas can be successful for those who are skilled at it. One effective writing method commonly used in medical dramas is to focus on specific cases in each episode while also weaving an overarching theme or story throughout the season. This method is relatively easier compared to other writing techniques and is often employed by many screenwriters in the industry. I believe that this time we will also have lots of fun watching this drama, and I’m pretty sure everybody is excited to see the faces we’ve grown to love for the past couple of years coming together on screen again. Its truly an ensemble cast as this point, many of which have elevated their status to leading actors and gained recognition since the last time we’ve seen them.
I honestly did not think it was originally possible that almost all of the faces that were in the previous season would return for this one, but it shows you just how much the actors and the production staff liked the working environment and each other that they agreed to return for a 3rd time. Its relatively uncommon for kdramas to be able to do this and consistently keep most of its cast intact.
Its nice seeing Han Suk Kyu again as Master Kim, we’ve truly missed him. I admit I forgot many details of the drama but it was relatively easy to catch up. While it would be easier to relate and like if you have already watched season 2, I think even people who are just tuning in would have had fun watching this premiere.
Having said this, the editing for the premiere episodes was, at times, very confusing. It goes back and forth in a weird way I don’t recall happened with the previous season. But considering how long ago I’ve seen it, my taste has certainly developed so I might have caught onto the editing style just now. I don’t know if I quite like it, I wish they’d be a bit clearer when it comes to the way they frame each episode’s beginning so its not confusing.
On the other hand, I am pleasantly surprised and happy with the newly found focus on Lee Hong-Nae, a star upcoming actor who won the Baeksang new actor award last year. I’ve been watching him for a while and he’s done mostly ‘bad guy’ roles in kdramas but I am happy this time he’s playing a cute doctor. With this, I think his fame will rise, as I am sure everyone else will too.
In contrast, I found Lim Won-Hee’s performance here surprisingly wooden because I don’t recall him being like this in previous seasons… I was genuinely surprised that he felt this wooden in his acting this time, its as if something is not right. He has not always done characters I’d consider ‘funny’ in my own perception, but I’ve never seen him act like this, he’s a lot more fluid I recall.
Regardless, I’d say “Dr. Romantic 3” premiere was definitely a fun watch. Very nerve-wracking at times, but nice.
Looking forward to the upcoming episodes!
Have you guys seen the premiere of “Dr. Romantic 3” what did you think of it?
