Okie dokie. I am a huge fan of Park Bo-young, I think she is an incredible actress and I love her chemistry with her leading men. But I also can’t handle dumb writing or horror elements so I’m sad to say I haven’t been able to finish watching a single drama she’s been in, lol.
I’m not as big of a fan of Seo In-guk and initially thought, with a title like “Doom At Your Service”, it would also be scary. But social media got me. Lol. I’ve been seeing clips of it everywhere and eventually read a recap of the first two episodes online. And I loved it.
There’s just something about the plot that interests me. I mean, there are parts that don’t make sense to me but everything else is just done so well and it seems like things align within its fantasy world, so I’m willing to look past those bits. In addition, I love PBY’s character.
Usually I’m content to just read the recaps without watching, but this drama contains so much beauty and nuance that it really must be watched to be appreciated. I’ve started watching it and so far I’m enjoying it a lot.
Note this contains spoilers for the first 2 episodes so proceed with caution!
Things I’m loving lots
The special effects
This scene where everything was frozen still… with a giant splash of water stopping right before the truck was due to hit Dong-kyung, then Myeol-mang bursting the water droplets in mid-air as he walked through them, followed by him leading her forwards to the other side of the road while everything else rolled backwards… Man, that scene took my breath away. It was done so well.
The humour
It’s a depressing premise: being doomed for life. Our heroine has been through hell and back with probably one of the worst bad days in history, losing both her parents as a child and being told she has a terminal illness with only a few months left to live. There is a sense of longing, nostalgia and wistful melancholy as an underlying tone that is played up beautifully where the scene calls for it.
And yet, there are many playful moments that help to bring balance and a little joy to the mix. I have had a couple of laugh out loud moments (especially at some of the deadpan sarcastic humour, which is right up my alley) and am having a lot of fun with it.
The main characters
I haven’t really had time to connect with many of the side characters, but PBY’s character is so well-written and well rounded. Not to mention realistic. She’s kind but can hold her own. She’s grieving but remains strong. She picks her battles and makes the best of what she’s given, yet isn’t OTT about it. Myeol-mang is also such an interesting character, and I must give a lot of credit to Seo In-guk for making him so enjoyable to watch.
Things I’m loving less
The confusing contract
Can someone please explain to me what his obsession with her was? I don’t quite understand why he chased her down to get her to be in a contract with him where he allows her to live painlessly for the rest of her short life, while also granting a wish of hers. What does he get from it? Unless it’s just a birthday thing?
My best guess is that he wants her to wish for the doom that she initially wished for that called him to her in the first place, but didn’t he already bring doom upon her by essentially cutting her life to 100 days?
Also, not that I mind the skinship elements, but what is up with the hand holding or recharge by handholding to ensure she doesn’t die? How long do they need to hold hands anyway? I’m beginning to think that’s something he just made up to be honest lol.
Final thoughts
I felt like the show was trying to tell me something about the team leader and it looks like he’ll be one of the more key characters after all. I’m all for that! I loved the way he stood up for Dong-kyung when crazy ex showed up at the office.
Also I didn’t realise that Kang Tae-oh was going to be one of the main cast too! He appeared for like a split second in the second episode. Awww throwback to The Tale of Nokdu! He’s got a completely different character in this one though. I guess we’ll find out more about him later.
I’m only on episode 2 so far so may write another post later as I get through more of the drama, but for now, it’s something to look forward to each week.
Muchos love,