Dream High 2 Recap: Episode 13

EPISODE THIRTEEN (we’re moving forward?):

     Last week Jae-In announced that JB was eliminated from the competition. JB looks on disappointed and it becomes apparent that Hae-Sung will be blamed for having the two of them place last. Yoo-Jin confronts Rian, upset that she went about things in the manner that she did. She replies that she would do anything to win and besides JB wouldn’t crumble easily. Saying the winner has already been decided (JB). Yoo-Jin asks what the point was then and she gestures to Hae-Sung.

     Hae-Sung approaches Jae-In begging to be disqualified rather than JB. He pays no attention, like the pompous ass that he is, stating that JB knew that by picking her he was choosing to lose. He continues that JB cared more about being on stage with her than actually winning and thus he put the audience last. He then leaves. JB approaches her and she cries. He cheers her up by saying that he had been rejected once and he would for sure find his way this time around.  

     The next morning Rian sneaks into Yoo-Jin’s room and surprisingly wakes him up. He immediately covers himself in embarrassment but smiles upon hearing that she is going to treat him to breakfast. So I guess we are back to them and their awesome dynamic, totally forgetting her ice queen treatment last episode? Whatever, I’ll bite. Before meeting Rian he knocks on JB’s door, informing him of the meal. JB acknowledges even commenting on how cool Yoo-Jin was on stage, admitting defeat. He states that he has a new philosophy; getting on stage isn’t for winning but fun. Rian and her mom (wait, when did she arrive?!) serve food to everyone, buttering them up in the process. Prepared, JB pulls out a spoon (his and Hae-Sung’s love token) and Yoo-Jin questions if he is a germ-a-phobe. He just smiles.

     Outside Hae-Sung gets intercepted by a group of girls who start to bully her. Rian gets in the middle of things and dares them to attack. They back down. IS SHE BIPOLAR? One second she is a bitch, the next she is super cool. Make up your mind show!!! Rian asks Hae-Sung how she expects to protect JB when she can’t even stand up to a bunch of girls, she might as well give up. Hae-Sung stops Rian as she leaves and asks for the truth. Rian spouts some of the key points that had happened, the competition, transferring schools, etc.; it was all for JB. It’s starting to sound like a conspiracy… Hae-Sung looks upset for being kept in the dark while Rian tells her that she worries about how Hae-Sung will handle things; JB might come to hate her for stunting his growth. Hae-Sung asks why she is telling her this, and Rian replies that she feels indebted to her, since she was the one who made her aware of her own capabilities. Okay…

Jae-In announces the new competition; the students will act something out, along with writing lyrics to something. Also, it will be the last event for the selection of super idol. Everyone looks shocked.

     Later, Yoo-Jin approaches JB, asking that they make a bet. JB declines, but after nagging he agrees. Yoo-Jin begins to outline the conditions of the bet at first saying the JB must re-audition if he loses. JB says to pick something else. Yoo-Jin then begins to say he could take Hae-Sung but before finishing JB interjects that that will not happen; to save face Yoo-Jin pretends that he was going to say shoes. That silly, silly boy. The two battle it out in a free throw contest and Yoo-Jin loses. The scene ends.

     At class JYP has now become the lyric teacher and he is boring everyone to tears. He eventually divides everyone into groups of three. Hae-Sung is placed in Yoo-Jin and Rian’s group. Rian is asked about her life in the idol world and she begins some of the challenges she faced. They ask how she managed and she says that it was because she was with someone (JB). Hae-Sung understands and looks on, gloom.  

     Hae-Sung gets harassed again at a fast food joint, but this time she is prepared, taking their insults head on and leaving with finesse. Apparently she is on a date with JB and the two begin to discuss the lyrics that she is working on. He suggests that she write about someone she is closest to, hinting that she should write about him. At school, Yoo-Jin and Rian are thinking up ideas as well. He grabs her notebook and begins to tease during which she grabs his book, becoming enticed by its contents. She asks for one of the pages (is that even legal?!) and he agrees.

     The students start to practice acting, and again I think these are spoofs. Yup, they are. At one point they even do the first season of Dream High. Sometime later Hae-Sung is seen carrying a bunch of boxes, Yoo-Jin notices and goes to help her out. He opens one of the boxes (WITHOUT PERMISSION!!!) and finds a cryptic letter along with a cut up teddy bear. He angrily asks why she hasn’t said anything and grabs onto her wrist with force. Hello, you like her right?! He then asks why she even likes JB, insinuating that she might have chosen him for being a star. And then…out of nowhere he declares that he will no longer hide his feelings! WHAT!? $!$$%$?! He says he will become cooler than JB and she begins to protest, however he just says that he is sorry (in a non-sorry manner).

     Yoo-Jin approaches the head honchos, telling them that he has signed the contract, determined now more than ever to beat JB. Umm…I think JB being eliminated from the competition might have already done that…? A montage of success occurs for Yoo-Jin and during an interview it is discovered that he used to act as kid. The interviewer asks we he quit and Yoo-Jin says he would like to pass the question. For some reason Rian is there and she looks at him, concerned. Meanwhile there is breaking news that an online shopping mall that is somehow connected to Rian has been caught selling counterfeit goods. The students rush to tell her, but by the time they get there reporters have already surrounded her. Hae-Sung acts fast and pulls Rian out of the room. Rian ask why she helped and she replies that she was returning the favor. Damn this mysterious, thinly fabricated favor! Hae-Sung then asks why Rian dumped JB and she replies that he dumped her. Recounting that he was trying to be his best for his deceased father and he felt it was necessary to have no distractions to do so (nothing new).  Hae-Sung listens, unsure of what she should feel.

     Since a lot happened that day, both Hae-Sung and Yoo-Jin are up thinking. She writes in a journal that she wishes for him to fulfill his dreams, leaving the room afterwards to talk to JB. She finds him in the training hall dancing up a storm and realizes that he has been doing this every night. Rather than confronting him she begins working on her lyrics, composing some as well. She looks t her finished product and sighs in content. In bed, JB hears his phone vibrate and sleepily checks it. Hae-Sung has texted him to go out on a date. When they arrive at their destination she hands him the lyrics and tells him he belongs on stage, not her. She then goes on to say that no matter what, time, age, appearances, she will always be his fan. Meaning she wants to break up, seeing him lose his shine is too hard on her. She leaves. Ah, there’s the noble idiot we all love/hate (mostly hate). No satisfied JB chases after her only to find some kid playing soccer in the street. A truck comes hurling in his path and JB jumps in to the rescue. Hae-Sung sees it all, stunned. WHAT THE FU*!&!!! The camera zooms onto the lyrics, to find that it was written for him and Rian. 

QUICK SUMMARY:

Hae-Sung realizes the down side of being JB’s girlfriend and feels responsible for his recent downfall. Rian starts acting nice? Yoo-Jin confesses and becomes determined to make it as a star. Rian’s mom gets her into a scandal. Hae-Sung breaks up with JB. He gets hurt in a truck accident and this drama finally goes to the deep end… 

REMARKS:

I feel like this drama doesn’t know what it is; hell it can’t even define its own characters. Taking a look at Rian, I don’t know what to feel. She acts nice one minute and bitchy the next, it’s so freaking mind twisting. She isn’t the only one either, take JB, Hae-Sung, Yoo-Jin; they all change without warning. But the biggest issue is the end of this episode, it KILLED ME! It’s just so unbelievable that they even decided to take that route…

Throughout this episode I really was wondering if Hae-Sung and Yoo-Jin would end up together (WE ARE ON EPISODE FREAKING THIRTEEN!!) and after he confessed to her I think it is safe to say this drama intends to do so. But this far into the game, no thank you. Take my advice, keep the pairing we have now, it works (when they don’t screw it up). Also, the reason behind Hae-Sung breaking up with JB seems a bit like a cop out…you know?

COMMENTS AS THE WRITER:

I really tried my best to condense things, trying to stick to things only relevant to the plot, but it is hard to weed things out. I mean, by the time I finished writing about the basketball game I learned that it had no significance. Unless I watch the episode first and write later, things are going to stay this way…

Art Plug: Dream High 2 - Odd Man Out

Aside from writing I dabble in art, and decided to share. Please let me know what you think!! Thanks!

 

Scene - Episode Ten

Also, I just made a deviantart account specifically for this blog, so if anyone wants to check it out - "http://firstpostdramas.deviantart.com/". There isn't really much right now (cough cough only one picture...), but I plan to add more. If you want, you could leave a suggestion. That would be cool!

Dream High 2 Recap: Episode 12

 EPISODE TWELVE (Stupid couple time…):

     The last episode ended with JB basically confessing to Hae-Sung in front of everyone, with whether or not she would accept him still up in the air. And to no surprise she does, but I am not sure how I feel about it. On one hand good for her for pursuing love (or feelings or whatever…) but on the other it seems like she hasn’t thought it through, despite warnings from Rian. Lastly we know that it’s not going to last. So, why bother? Or at least that’s what I think right now. Afterwards they are seen holding hands and Rian approaches the two, pissed. Like any other typical villain/bitch she pretends she doesn’t care and mockingly thanks JB for letting her figure out she had been delusional. JB gives out a scowl and leads Hae-Sung away. Yoo-Jin approaches Rian (the two are now partners) and says, with a determined look, that he will do his best to ensure they win.

     With the competition still in the works the students are told to ask their partners questions in order to know each other more. JB and Hae-Sung are giggling up a storm and Rian and Yoo-Jin look back in jealousy. I am going to say it now, before I forget or change my mind; I think they should end up together. He calms her down and makes her more human, and both are macking on unavailable people. It feels so much better to have that off my chest! As Yoo-Jin looks back at Hae-Sung she notices him as well and he quickly averts his eyes. Rian observes and comfortably tells him to admit that he likes her, but he continues to deny the OBVIOUS. 

     The students are taken to a photo shoot and each pair is told to make an identity for the other. The two boys (Si-Woo and Hong-Joo) dress as a pianist and pilot. Hae-Sung and JB are dressed as a swan (?) and student. Rian dresses as a modern princess and Yoo-Jin is forced to dress as a glamorous rocker. When he sees her, he comments that she should wear less make up and Rian jokingly asks if he would go for her if she did. He replies that he will think about. See they do well together!! The other two pairs also have a scene, and I am beginning to realize that these are most likely spoofs of other dramas. Back in unknown place, (Shin Jae-In—composer guy) looks at a picture of JB as ominous music plays. 

     At school now, the teachers JYP and Ji Soo show the students how to tango, and the students awkwardly follow in suit. Hae-Sung gets a bit frustrated because she messes up, but JB quickly changes that as he pulls her in for an embrace.  Ji-Soo tells them that are doing it wrong, the key to tango is restraint. On Rian and Yoo-Jin’s turn they seem to be doing well at first, but Yoo-Jin stumbles a bit near the end. JYP intercepts and shows Yoo-Jin a thing or two, getting awfully close as he does. The teachers watch, commenting on Yoo-Jin’s growth. Later JB and Hae-Sung practice dancing some more, and another embrace ensues. As they dance JB flashes back to a conversation with Jae-In and Kang-Chul, he had promised that he will win and prove that he can be top idol. One would think that he would want to practice more, but instead he opts to go out on a date.

     Rian and Yoo-Jin are seen practicing some and the two are doing well. I really am falling for them as a pair, and seeing as we are at episode 12 it just might happen. Yoo-Jin stops and complains that he is pooped and he doesn’t need to practice too hard because he was picked as a super idol. This is done in a mock tone rather than dead on arrogance though. Not happy, Rian nears him and asks him why he thinks he was chosen before JB, implying things are rigged. IDIOT!!!!! He gets angered/baffled and she spells out that he is a pacemaker. He storms out of the room. Once he is gone Rian states aloud that she wanted him to be on his toes because she intends to do whatever it takes to win. However I don’t think pissing your partner off is the best way to go about doing it, but WHATEVER.

     Yoo-Jin barges into Jae-In and Kang-Chul’s office, shouting that they are swindlers, but they nonchalantly pass him a piece of paper. It turns out to be a contract with both of his parents’ signatures (as a side note: I think he didn’t know who is parents were, so this is supposed to be shocking). Back in la-la land Hae-Sung and JB are roaming the streets and doing what typical couples do in dramas. Hae-Sung stops to buy some chopsticks and a spoon; it becomes obvious that this will now be there item of bonding. The reasoning was that he likes to eat. He hands her the chopsticks and says that when she looks at them she should think of him, because when do you see chopsticks without a spoon. Okay…On the bus ride home Hae-Sung begins to nod off and JB smiles like a goof as he puts her head on his shoulder. Like that hasn’t been done before. But I guess it is a little cute.

     Yoo-Jin slowly makes his way to a window and stares at an older woman making food, he flashes back to his earlier conversation (with the contract) and we learn that she is his mom. He stays for a couple of seconds and runs away upset and sad. Later he is seen throwing a basketball at a hoop, not aiming just venting out steam. Rian notices him, but before anything is said, JB and Hae-Sung walks in. JB calls out to him but notices something is wrong and asks. Instead of answering Yoo-Jin tells him that they should make a bet; if JB can land a basket he wins but if not he gets Hae-Sung. Out of nowhere Yoo-Jin punches JB and shouts that he knew from the beginning that he was set up to be a pacemaker. Hae-Sung tries to stop them, but they are now in their own world. JB says he knew, but he planned to stick with things till the end and make it as far as he could. 

     Outside, JB peers over a railing and Hae-Sung goes to him. She places a band aid over his face. He asks if she is curious about the fight and she said it doesn’t matter. She then goes on about her feelings for him, how it is like a dream. He looks at her and plants a kiss on her cheek. I feel nothing, but thankfully she does. The scene ends with the two of them looking off into the stars.

     For some reason Rian is all upset and she flashes back to meeting JB at the hospital the night his father died (?). When she goes to console him he tells her that they should break up, because he had promised he would do his best to his father and I guess he wanted no distractions to do so. LAME. Back in the present, she talks aloud and wonders why it wasn’t okay for them to date but fine when it came Hae-Sung. Good point.

     It is now the day of the competition. One pair goes up and performs a song from “Grease”, afterwards Rian talks to Hae-Sung and hands her a pendant necklace (the one from last season…I didn’t mention it because it is completely devoid of meaning at this point) saying that she is giving her JB as well. Hae-Sung quickly questions about her true feelings, even reminding her about the time that she warned her to stay away from him. She replies that it is all in the past and because of Hae-Sung he will definitely get hurt. Hae-Sung states that Rian sounds like she wants that to happen but never the less she will protect him. Rian looks back with her expressionless face and says she hopes so. Hae-Sung looks unnerved, squeezing the pendant. 

     Hae-Sung and JB get on stage, performing a happy-go-lucky song. It’s okay, but JB is mostly singing. Yoo-Jin and Rian perform a song by Clazziqua and I’m already sold. I prefer a nice duet to a cheesy act anytime. The only thing that bothers me is that this requires little dancing, meaning Rian didn’t have to be such a bitch earlier!! Everyone starts to feel sorry for her, murmuring about her being dumped by JB. Apparently she had this all planned, even making sure to be perform right after JB and Hae-Sung. As they exit the stage Yoo-Jin looks a bit uneasy, he knows Rian’s plan, but whether or not he knew beforehand is up in the air. Jae-In gets on stage and begins to spout out shit, announcing that one person from the lowest ranking act will be cut out if the competition for Super Idol. Everyone gulps in anticipation and….JB is disqualified. Huh?! Well that definitely was a twist!

QUICK SUMMARY:

JB and Hae-Sung are basically an item now, but the road ahead is bumpy and JB has a lot at stake. Yoo-Jin learns about his parents and his place as a pacemaker, and is now determined to win more than ever. The reason behind JB and Rian’s relationship is finally clarified and for once Rian is starting to make some sense. JB is kicked out of the competition. 

REMARKS:

What I liked in this episode was the dynamic between Yoo-Jin and Rian, that is, until she screwed things up! I also liked finding some reasoning behind her because she has definitely been given the short end of this stick. And I know I should have mentioned this last episode, but what was the point of even having JB and Rian holding hands and exchanging glances at the end of episode 9 if they were going to pull all of this shit? She was led on!! However this show manages to take some of this away by having us question whether or not she is being bitchier than she needs to.

What I didn’t like, was the pointlessness of the first thirty minutes or so. It was just an excuse to get the characters together while adding some spoofs and gags into the mix. Take for instance the tango scene. NO ONE DID IT IN THE END. It wasn’t until the very last minutes of this episode that we finally go to move forward, barely. There is a lot more that I was not content with (TRUST ME), but I feel I don’t feel like hating too much, so I will let it slide.

As a small thing; doesn’t it seem like the drama ends with Rian a lot?

COMMENTS AS THE WRITER:

I know I said I would stop with the long posts, but I haven’t. So, no more predictions about whether or not I will. What will happen, will happen. Also, I find it hard to change tenses. Like when I am talking about what happened in the show and what I am thinking as I watched it. I am doing both simultaneously so it is a bit hard figuring out how to go about it. Let me know if it is bothering you.

Dream High 2: Episode 11 Recap

EPISODE ELEVEN (Love is the AIIIRRRR!!!):

    

     I guess the show has gotten into the habit of replaying the last two minutes of the previous episode and it is starting to annoy me. I don’t mind the concept of refreshing the viewer’s memory, but it is usually done by taking clips and editing them into the key points of the previous episode rather than just taking the last two minutes, attaching it to the beginning, and calling it a day. I guess what I am trying to say, is that it just seems lazy.

      After the rehashed clip, things start with Yoo-Jin trying to buy coffee only to be noticed by the cashier. She exclaims that he is one of the super idols and everyone gathers; apparently it is all over TV. He comes back to school exhausted and uses Hae-Sung’s shoulder as an arm rest. It’s kind of funny, because it doesn’t look like she likes it or perhaps she is finally becoming aware of his existence.  Lower class is also watching TV and by the sound of it I think upper class won the bet. I think. There was really no video that I saw of theirs, unless you count the press conference, but wasn’t that after the time limit? Finishing the scene, news of JB and Rian back together begins to surface. At first Yoo-Jin teases Hae-Sung like a grade school kid with a crush, but he stops when he realizes she is hurting.

     Back in upper class land, JB and Rian get a talking to by Kang-Chul, who tells JB to be good to her. In some ways he reminds me of a mafia boss. Things go back to Hae-Sung and Yoo-Jin, she is sewing on a button that she had knocked off of his shirt earlier. He compliments her and she says that she used to be the neighborhood leader, which I guess demanded sewing skills…Anyways he leans toward her and plops a kiss on her cheek!!!! See, why didn’t this happen five episodes back?! He blames it on her, claiming that she had her head in a certain position. Ha! 

     To develop the lovey dovey atmosphere the next competition that is announced is all about confessions. By showing a few more clips, we can see that almost every character has another character that they have the hots for; they are teenagers after all. Apparently this challenge requires a partner thing along with a proposal and it looks like Yoo-Jin has just the person in mind (COUGH COUGH Hae-Sung). Last episode I had mentioned one of lower class’s members (Hong-Joo) liking Nana and this week he intends to be her partner however Si-Woo has the same thing in mind. Noticing their struggle she pairs the two. Another lower class student manages to pair up with one upper class student. And Lee Seul nabs fellow lower class member (Soon-Dong), by force. Meanwhile Yoo-Jin does his best to be partners with Hae-Sung, and by “best” I mean he basically tells her that he will settle for her. Awe, he is so pathetically clueless when it comes to the love department. JB watches.

     Rian approaches JB about being partners, but JB says he might be thinking about someone else. She replies that there is no one better than her. He doesn’t say anything, almost agreeing. Somewhere in between JYP has become the new dance teacher and he begins a class with Ji-Soo on how to dance with a partner. He does a sampler of the concept and the two share a bit of unsaid intimacy. It’s so odd to see the pairing of Kahi and JYP, don’t you think?!

     JB continues his pursuit for Hae-Sung, but she ignores him with the help of Soon-Dong. Eventually getting past her, he asks her to be his partner. She refuses asking why they should. He begins to mutter something, but just on cue it is announced that her father has stopped by. JB brightens, hoping to get on his good side. They end up having an outside lunch that consists of her father, sister, JB, and Yoo-Jin. Her sister brings out the rumor of JB and Rian to which JB slightly chokes, he says it is a misunderstanding and Yoo-Jin comments that he should be focused on only one woman (TRUE THAT). Her sister does not relent, eventually making JB consent to go to Karaoke to make it up to her. 

     At the Karaoke establishment Yoo-Jin does his best to impress Hae-Sung’s sister, but fails miserably. JB takes the mic and begins to sing “Marshmallow”, and let’s just say it doesn’t work well with men. Never the less, her sister enjoys it. The father takes the stage and JB begins to work his magic on Hae-Sung. Her sister asks Yoo-Jin why he even came; he says that they are really close. She sees through this and calls him on his EXTREMELY one-side crush.  As an aside Yoo-Jin ends up bumping into Rian for some reason or another.

     As the group (except Yoo-Jin) exits some fans notice JB and begin to take pictures. When the father and sister leave, Hae-Sung begins to question his feelings, even asking why he likes her. Unfortunately for the two, the fans are noticed by him and he is left speechless. Taking this as a sign, she begins to make her own assumptions. She is a fan and he mistook her mindset, or some shit like that, it’s DUMB. And of course he says nothing, because he is afraid of losing his image. Meanwhile Rian is shopping and Yoo-Jin is keeping her company. They begin to talk about their respective partners (although it has yet to happen), and Rian tells him to admit that he likes Hae-Sung. 

      Kang-Chul finds the pictures of Hae-Sung of JB surfacing the net and he does his best to do damage control. When he finds JB he chews him out and in result JB begins to ignore Hae-Sung. Damn misunderstandings and stupid situations!! Sigh. Rian approaches Hae-Sung and tells her that she should let JB go because it could end his career. She asks her to do it as a favor to a friend. So I guess she considers them friends now?! HELL NO!!! $@#$@T%$^ Off at the practice rooms, JB sits alone recalling all his past experiences with Hae-Sung.

     The following day the competition partner choosing begins, though I didn’t know would be a spectacle, but JB is nowhere to be found. Yoo-Jin finds him and tells him what we all have been thinking, to man up. After mulling it over he eventually agrees. On stage the competitors stand, half of them wait to be chosen and the other half become the choosers. After a couple of partners are made JB rushes in and “proposes” to Hae-Sung.

     Once again the following is a quick summary. Upper class won the video competition and a new one is announced involving confessions of the heart. Yoo-Jin and Hae-Sung FINALLY have a moment, while JB begins to like her more. RIan is back in love with JB. Just as things are going well with Hae-Sung and JB, he gets cold feet but steps up to the plate in the end. 

REMARKS:

I feel like stuff is happening, but at the same time we are barely inching forward. I think the biggest problem with the show right now is the lack of direction and focus. I mean one minute it’s about growing as a group and another it’s about who wants to get in whose pants. Figuratively of course, though that would be slightly more entertaining…When Yoo-Jin kissed Hae-Sung I thought things were finally picking up, but apparently not. I mean she is going to end up with him right?  

I know I mentioned that last time would be the last long post, but I couldn’t help myself. This next one however will most likely be shorter, but I don’t have the time….UNLESS YOU WANT ME TO MAKE SOME. Let me know.

Dream High 2: Episode 10 Recap

EPISODE TEN (everyone has problems…):  

    

     Last episode the lower class performed their “B Class” song and managed to awe the whole crowd. One would think that this episode would pick up where it left off, but no. Instead a short, pointless flash forward of JYP and the lower class ensues. He is ecstatic about their performance and believes that he can teach them how to dance, even claiming that anyone can. I beg to differ. Somehow things go back to the competition, right before upper class is to perform. By showing a conversation between two of their members it becomes apparent that one of them has a vocal problem, however whether or not this is a foreshadowing to their nearing performance is unknown.

     Their performance begins with one of their girls singing a song that sounds familiar, a cover. The boys, JB and his friend (and “Eden” idol mate) Si-Woo dance in the background. When the girl finishes her part they pick it up, however changing the song. To my dismay they are performing a medley of various songs involving rain, or sadness. So no originality for them…All the while Rian, still hospital bound, is watching on an I-pad, though I don’t recall hearing that the performance would be broadcasted. To no surprise the previous chat turns out to indeed be foreshadowing and one of their members (Nana) messes up slightly. Some people take notice. At the end Shin Jae-In (the hotshot composer who has come up with the whole “super idol” concept) comes on stage to explain what he meant by the phrase “B” (which can be interpreted as rain or the actual letter B). Somehow things turn into a moral lesson in life. When he finally gets near to announcing the winner things cut off to the lower class celebrating with a big bowl of fried rice. I am pretty sure they won.

     During their small victory meal JB comes in and quickly gets intercepted by Yoo Jin, who is determined to rub in their (his) victory. Hae-Sung ushers JB to their table, saying that she invited him. Still, Yoo-Jin continues gloating, but JB states that as long as Hae-Sung won it didn’t matter. In result he comes out looking like the better man. Noticing this, the rest of their group asks if they are dating, to which Hae-Sung says no, and Yoo-Jin smiles. This whole scene kind of made me chuckle.

     Trouble with upper class brews, as Nana (the one with the vocal problems) is sent to the hospital. Si-Woo is all pissed because she is gone and takes it out on JB. Insert broody music. Meanwhile things go back to lower class, who is studying music by drawing themselves…yeah I don’t get it either. JB decides to join in on the class, to “learn”. JB offers to hold Hae-Sung’s mirror and Yoo-Jin goes nuts, even beckoning JB over to kneel down to him as per their bet in the previous episode. Partly by accident JB knocks down Yoo-Jin and everyone laughs. On the outside JYP and the former headmaster peer in, commenting on JB’s feelings toward Hae-Sung, which I am never a fan of. The whole concept of people talking about a relationship within a show bothers me. I mean, isn’t that our jobs as a viewer?! I don’t need to be spoon fed.

     Almost as if we took a time capsule for the past, moody, shit is going down music begins to play. Ahn Tae-Yeon, headmaster Lee Kang-Chul, and Shin Jae-In are seen, Tae-Yeon is adamant about something involving HershE and I am guessing that they are contemplating disbanding the group? Things then go to Rian who gets a text about Nana being in the same hospital and she decides to go for a visit, but gets in a quarrel once she arrives.

     Back at lower class, the kids drawings are shown, and let’s just say it’s a good thing that they aren’t artist. JB draws Hae-Sung, Yoo-Jin fumes. When it gets to Hae-Sung’s drawing she turns it away in embarrassment. Later when almost everyone is gone, it is revealed that she is pretty good at it. JB watches her in awe, eventually grabbing her sketchbook that is in her backpack (talk about invasion of privacy), to take a gander. Inside are numerous pictures of him. He comments aloud that he looks better in person and Hae-Sung realizes in horror what he has found. She runs after him but ends up tripping and the two fall to the ground. She lands directly on top of him; they blush and get up slightly awkward. For some reason Lee Kang-Chul is in the background, monitoring the whole situation.

     A new challenge is presented. The team’s (upper and lower class) must release a video to the internet and whoever gets the most views will win. On a side note, where are the other students? I always say upper and lower class, but in reality it is just Hae-Sung’s group and JB’s group. Perhaps the others failed to make it this far? If you know, please tell me. Lower class begins to contemplate the meaning of the video, figuring it a secret message. They come up with the following, highly viewed videos are things that gain public sentiment...deep. A montage of the group goofing off in front of a camera ensues. For some reason JB is also there and in some ways he becomes part of the group. I don’t know how that works though, seeing as he is their rival.

     Because one of lower class’s members likes Nana everyone follows him to the hospital in support. After   he serenades her things jump to Rian, Lee Kang-Chul and her mom who is sobbing. Apparently I was right, the group has been disbanded.  JB goes back to school, arguing with Kang-Chul on HershE’s behalf. I wouldn’t really call it an argument though, because he simmers down easily after being told his place, he is an idol. Back at the hospital it is found that Nana is locked in her room, or somewhere, because she believes her voice is the only thing she has going for her. Her friends find her and give encouragement, eventually calming her nerves. For some things suddenly flash back to both HershE and Eden’s pre-debut days, where Rian first meets everyone. It is a bit weird because things were focused on Nana up to this point… Anyway they take a picture and the scene ends.

      At night Hae-Sung is seen writing lyrics or something down, her classmate (Lee Seul ) joins her. Somehow Lee Seul begins to talk about a person she likes but also finds annoying. Hae-Sung ask if she is talking about a boyfriend, but she replies that she was referring to her dad (Kang-Chul), though Hae-Sung is unaware of his identity. They both hear and noise and decide to check it out. Outside JB and Si-Woo are circled by both the press and fans (though it is a slightly small crowd). They announce that they will disbanding in respect to HershE’s disbandment. Wait, WAH?!  To commemorate the moment they break out into a song, Rian and another HershE member join in while Nana watches in amusement. The song is one of those that has everyone moving, including lower class. At the end upper class hold hands; JB and Rian exchange glances because of this and the episode ends. To be frank, this kind of pisses me off. I knew it was coming, but it kinds of throws away all the interaction between Hae-Sung and JB.

PHEW! That was a doozy. This entry was pretty long and I think it might the last (UNLESS SOMEONE COMMENTS AND SUGGEST I DO MORE LIKE THIS...JUST SAYING). I had decided to write this as I watched, but it ended up taking twice the time. For those who have just started reading, here is a quick summary. First competition ends, lower class wins. Hae-Sung and JB get their flirt on while Yoo-Jin puffs his chest in jealousy. A new competition that involves a video and the highest viewership is announced. HershE and Eden disband.

REMARKS:

Although I kind of mentioned this previously I would like to mention it again; my biggest issue with this show is the romance between Hae-Sung and Yoo-Jin, there is none. He just pines for her and does nothing to win her over. You know the basics; like being nice or actually TALKING (!!!) to her…On the other hand she is off doing her own thing and hanging out with JB most of the time. On another topic; I think it is safe to say that there is no definite good or bad guy. Whether by purpose or accident the show has decided to show both classes struggling by sporadically jumping from character to character. I don’t know if any of you are familiar with Japanese dramas but this reminds me of them. There are morals, friendships, and life lessons; but at the end of the day we have moved little plot wise.

Dream High 2: Episode 9 (Recap?)

EPISODE NINE (misunderstanding, angst, Hae-Sung comes back):

JB rushes over and Hae-Sung looks onward, panicked. The boys head to the hospital and Hae-Sung stays with her sister. At the hospital, Rian shoos JB away stating that her health is none of his concern (basically more misunderstanding…AGGGHH!).  After JB leaves, Yoo Jin becomes sort of a mediator and says that JB was really worried. I don’t think JB ever returns to Hae-Sung, he just appears back at school in later scenes… Momma Rian comes in all pissed that her precious daughter has been humiliated, venting out on Lee Kang-Chul  (aka the agency’s boss and the director of Kiran Arts High School) who refutes that Rian just choked, which is true… Meanwhile Hae-Sung and Yoo Jin have a nice chat at the hospital and he asks for her to come back. She declines.

As a side story a new band of misfits has formed, consisting of Yoo Jin and Hae-Sung (they are eagerly awaiting her return) and three of their friends plus Lee Kang-Chul’s daughter. As they practice their teacher (Choi Yeo-Jin) begs for a hint for the competition (a bet that had been made between the upper and lower class…it’s a blur). Getting rejected she leaves and gets scoffed at by the upper class teacher (Ahn Tae-Yeon – Kahi) on her way out to the hallway. Later JB and Yoo Jin meet up and some cute bickering over Hae-Sung ensues, followed by Yoo Jin realizing that he had once met JB during their auditions. When they met JB was called average, but Yoo Jin cheered him up, since then JB had vowed to beat him (which makes no sense seeing as Yoo Jin was being nice, at least that’s how I took it). Their bickering has turned from something made from unwarranted animosity to that of childish chest puffing, which is kind of funny.

The two groups then begin to decipher the hidden message for the challenge, the word “Rain”. Upper class learns that “Rain” is a metaphor for tears or sadness and lower class scratch their heads, stumped. Somewhere within the last two episodes (probably the same episode that announced the challenge…) it was made clear that Yoo Jin was chosen to be in the new super idol group; and in this episode it is learned that he was chosen only to make JB work harder and shine more. Is that trouble I smell??! On another note, Hae-Sung is asked to be on a radio show for her song (the one that Yoo Jin and Rian played in episode 7) by Wonder Girls member Yenny. To her surprise she meets Rian who acts like they are friends and Hae-Sung goes along with her lies, even shocking her(because nothing hurts more than realizing you’re an ass). Hae-Sung returns to school, having gained energy from her song's publicity, though it seems a bit like a cop out. After having heard Hae-Sung’s song Yeo-Jin finds out the meaning to the code word and the group gets to practicing. Insert more lovey dovey scenes between JB and Hae-Sung…sigh. After their outing she comes back transformed (wearing different clothes and a little more makeup) and Yoo Jin pouts. Later JB goes to Hae-Sung’s and Rian’s room for the former only to find the latter (meaning...more hurt feelings!! aslkfjlksdjg!?!?@#), she asks if he likes Hae-Sung and he replies that all he knows is that he wants to be near her (so apparently the confession that occurred last episode was pointless?) and coincidentally Hae-Sung is also there to overhear. The show ends with the lower class performing their song about being B (or average), but being okay with it as well. I will admit that it was cute, but not jaw dropping…none the less everyone loves it.

Summing things up, Hae-Sung comes back, JB and Rian’s relationship is as broken as ever, Yoo Jin is still getting nothing, and with a little effort (which should have been made from the get go) lower class can bring it. So little plot development, though my recap (?) is lengthier due to the shorter time gap between watching the episode and writing about it.

Dream High 2: Episode 8 (Recap?)

Episode Eight (confession tiiimmeee!!):

Last episode ended with some hurt feelings between JB and Rian along with hinting that Yoo Jin is to be chosen as the next super idol. The kids (the lower class ones/ Hae-Sung’s “friends”) are still moping about, but their teacher is now determined to make things work having been responsible for Hae-Sung leaving. With that the students gain some new motivation and the hard work truly begins…or something similar to that, I watched this last week and I only remember the main points…Meanwhile JB decides to visit Hae-sung, even admitting that he likes her. When he gets there he meets her little sister (remind you of anyone else’s little sister?) and embarrasses himself. Anyhow the sister goes in cahoots with him and suggests to her father that he stay the night. He agrees, which makes little sense given he is a preacher and he seemed pretty conservative up to this point. But I am not one to quarrel with silly reasons to get two people together. That night Hae-Sung is at a church and JB finds her there. They talk some and JB begins to tell her how he feels but is unable to do so, fortunately due to the miraculous effect of wine (which I think is the communion?) he is able to sputter out that he likes her. She doesn’t take him seriously though (typical). As JB sits down next to her she dozes off and he goes on to sing (insert small montage).  Oh yeah, somewhere around this time frame it is discovered that JB knows her because their parents died around the same time. I think this was already told but I skipped it the first time around, making it new information. All the while Yoo Jin has learned that JB went to see her and of course he does NOTHING, okay he does mope around a bit but that hardly counts. This is what I hate about love triangles or squares, the writers are so caught up on making us believe that the main character and the other guy/girl could be a plausible couple that they forget to put effort in the main one. In this case I see a JB/Hae-Sung future and not a JB/Yoo Jin thing. Think back to Boys Over Flowers where the main girl liked two guys and she ended up choosing Joon Pyo (the main lead) despite having numerous romantic scenes with Ji Hoo. It ANNOYS me… The following day JB agrees to take Hae-Sung and her sister to a pageant for the sister and two are in good spirits. Back at school Rian is having troubles with her nagging mom (another tool that I hate being used), who demands that Rian is given some jobs. The boss, Lee Kang-Chul, agrees but with a face that is not pleased. Rian apologizes. Sometime later she is told by Kang-Chul of a solo gig and she heads out to perform. By “coincidence” (though nothing in this drama is a coincidence) Yoo Jin is heading out to the same direction. When Rian arrives to her designated location it is discovered that it is where the pageant is to be held (though she knows nothing of JB or Hae-Sung’s presence). To her dismay she learns that she is to perform in a cat costume and though she tries to refuse she learns that her mom was already paid (damn parents…). During this time Yoo Jin discovers that Hae-Sung is at the pageant and heads on over. When Rian gets up to perform she is nerve struck and gets negative comments (boos), but nobody knows her identity at this point because she has on a mask. Just as Yoo Jin arrives Rian gets hit by a soccer ball, faints and everyone learns who she is. DUN DUN DUNNNN!!!