Drama Review: Scripting Your Destiny

10

Rating

★★★★

Duration

00 Hrs 25 Mins

Episodes

10

Drama Digest

Shin Ho Yoon is the god responsible for the determination of human fate. However, when he encounters the duty of penning the way a romantic destiny unfolds, he decides to steal the line of occurrences and other ideas from Go Chae Kyung, adrama screenwriter who writes sappy, dramatic storylines. Ho Yoon pairs Chae Kyung with Jung Ba Reum, a television producer, who possesses an almost-too-good-to-be-true personality. Ho Yoon assumes the avatar of Chae Kyung’s landlord, and tries to orchestrate her romance with Ba Reum. However, things go haywire when Ho Yoon starts falling for Chae Kyung.

The Feel-Good Part

This series combines the elements of fantasy and romance well, using some quintessential k-drama tropes but ultimately churning out an entertaining storyline. It offers some intriguing moments, especially when Chae Kyung realises the dramatic irony in the correlation between her life and the screenplays she writes. The burn-out that Ho Yoon feels is quite relatable, and so are the moments when he feels like he loses functionality when he comes to terms with his crush on Chae Kyung. There are several references to popular k-dramas with slight alterations in the titles, and it is conscious on the show’s part, and that adds an element of hilarity. The production value and the cinematography are impressive considering it is a mini-series. The dialogues are well written and impactful, some even being poetic enough to draw out a surprise from the viewers.

The Disappointing Factor

The drama has remarkable similarities with the iconic drama Goblin, and too many parallels can be drawn to it.  It is not too unexpected, though, because Kim Eun Sook is a common factor between the two dramas. Several of the crucial moments in the show are too reminiscent of Goblin, and that works to the show’s disadvantage because comparing a 10 episode long web-drama that is light-hearted in its storytelling, and comparing it to a series of the titanic stature that Goblin has will inadvertently equal to holding a magnifying glass on the shortcomings of the former.

There is also the problem of this drama creating more questions than answers, as it does not ever address who is in control of Ho Yoon’s trajectory of romance. It never properly explores the characters besides the leading pairs and the second male lead.

In-Depth Analysis

This k-drama is suitable for a light watch and ends up being way more unpredictable than the synopsis lets on. The entire trope of a celestial being falling for the human he is supposed to watch over is not new, but the way this show presents it is refreshing. The dialogues are well-written and have a certain degree of poeticism to them. The production value, art direction, and cinematography stand out for a mini web series. The show often makes the viewers laugh, the jokes hitting well.

The problem with this series is the similarity with the show Goblin and the parallels that exist between the two. The comparison ends the flaws in this show because Goblin is undoubtedly better written, directed and executed. The drama does not explain the deities well. It raises too many questions and does not bother answering them. The cast features an ensemble of rookies, people whose inexperience reflects in their performances. The male lead overdoes the stand-offish demeanour, and his performance ends up looking hollow instead.

Star Power

Jeon Sonee is the best performer in the entire cast and manages to shine throughout the drama.

Overall Opinion

This is perfect for a lazy binge-watching session where you want something light and entertaining.