[mslee's thoughts] A New Leaf Final Thoughts

The truth is, I was not happy how the story ended. Maybe the two episodes that were cut down from the story could have given the finale a  more interesting ending.  The drama was supposed to have 18 episodes but then they ended with 16 episodes. A big difference, about two hours, same amount time of a full movie. A lot can happen in those two episodes and perhaps the awaited face off between Cha Young Woo could be there.

Well, I am not sure but I know that how the drama ended was a bit hanging. It was like the story builds it's climax only to go downhill without any good results. Even the final settlement in the case Seok Joo accepted just closed without so much noise. His big loss against Cha Young Woo's firm only showed how a big firm can do anything in their power to get what they want, results in their favor. It showed that someone like Seok Joo can not go against them even if he is a good lawyer. 

Ah...seriously disappointed that my expectation was not met. I have enjoyed the first couple of episodes, the chemistry of Kim Myung min and Park Min Young and the funny moments they had. I also enjoyed the bromance with Park Sang Tae [Oh Jung Se]. Even Chae Jung Ahn's role as the fiancee [Yoo Jung Sun] did not have any weight at all in the drama. Although I was leaning towards Seok Joo/Ji Yoon romance, I can acknowledged that Seok Joo decided to give his attention to Jung Sun in the end. Not sure why the writer let it be, but for me as a viewer, I did not see any spark between them unlike with Ji Yoon where every opportunity was a nice moment and clearly the girl is infatuated with Seok Joo.  Guess Seok Joo only sees her as his subordinate, a colleague and a hoobae, nothing more. 

There were parts in the final episode that Jeon Ji Won felt surreal of what was happening before him. He has the look of surprise at how powerful and cunning Cha Young Woo. But he stayed still, so I am kind of not sure how his mind works or how he took everything inside. I can never tell if he let go of his principles and that he will take the place Seok Joo left onwards.

One of the good thing was when Ji Yeon resigned in the firm and found Seok Joo instead and works for him. Either she really wants to be close to him or that she knows Seok Joo is a new man and will be one of the lawyers who can help many people in need of assistance against big and powerful corporation that eats the small companies.

Actually, I never understood the last part of the drama, especially the conversation of Cha Young Woo and his VP. It ended there. But one thing is sure, Kim Seok Joo will be someone who will always be their opponent in the coming days.

I really hoped the drama has 18 episodes and maybe I could have a clear ending. It just felt that the story was cut abruptly.

This is my second Kim Myung Min drama and I do like him as an actor and I think I understand his choice of story. It has a lot of potential and even the legal terms did not deter me from dropping the drama. Well, for all it's worth, I can say that courtroom drama never bored me especially when it is a criminal case. One thing I can say, the title A New Leaf was achieved by the hero of the drama. It was not too late to turn around and start anew.

-mslee1107-