Chicago Typewriter: 12

Now that I know Soo Hyun didn’t kill Hwi Young, I’m only left with one person…. Shin Yul.  The question is how did he die, and who killed him? I can’t see Hwi Young pulling the trigger on his best friend. Young Min is a possibility, but if we look at the present timeline, he’s rival is Se Ju. So, it’s not reflective of their past. That leaves soo Hyun….the question is why?

I swear, those past snippets! I knew since the beginning that there’s more to the flashbacks we were given. Who would’ve thought that a scene that made us think that Soo Hyun did kill Hwi Young was a confession scene all along? Gosh, I’m really impressed with the writing on this show. I guess it’s safe to say that a mirror in this show is that both Hwi Young in the past and Se Ju in the present both professed their feelings towards their counterparts, albeit, in a different way. It is squeal inducing nonetheless. I’m pretty sure that, after Hwi Young’s confession, that was it for that couple. Their relationship ended before it started. Hence, the reincarnation of themselves. At least, in the present time, Jeon Seol and Se Ju finally moved a step forward in regard to their relationship, and we know there’s a future there. Se Ju wasn’t lying when he said that he’s doing a service for his country with that kiss. It’s about time these two affirmed their feelings for each other.

Today is definitely Jin Oh’s episode. If you haven’t felt bad for him since he appeared in this show, and you have not felt bad at all after watching this episode until the end, you are one heartless person. Since the beginning, I knew I was rooting for his character. I knew that he will not get the girl. It was worse when I found out that he’s a ghost and realized he will never get the girl. It was episode that did me in.

Even though this episode started in heartbreak for Jin Oh after witnessing Se Ju and Jeon Seol’s kiss. It was when Jeon Seol was introduced to him even he’s invisible to her. The fact that Jeon Seol is there, and he froze to say her name, that was heart wrenching. When she was finally able to see him, well I was crying puddles.. It’s a major plus that Se Ju acknowledges him as a friend. Seeing him with his two favorite people of all time with him in the same room. Oh how happy I was for him! Then – they leave me with a cliffhanger – showing how he died. Well, that was a real shocker. Whatever impact factor the writing, and directing team wanted me to feel, I felt. I was in shock, in awe of how it just ended like that.

It still didn’t answer any questions though – who killed him, and why. I guess that’s for the next episode.

Until then,

   

Chicago Typewriter: 11

Starting out with my rant. There was no need for Tae Min’s mom to be here, although it makes sense that she’s protecting Tae Min as a mother in her own sick, and twisted way. I do hope that Daddy Baek really follows through on his thoughts that he should at least try and stop her. What I want to see is that both Tae Min and his mom really get it in the end – like in the mental hospital or something. By now, some of you already know that I don’t like the idea of new characters joining in late in the show. But for progress’ sake, Jeon Seol’s mom is an exception [we only heard a voiceover] because she’s just as crucial to finding out what happened in the past. I’m sure we’ll see her again, she can’t run from her past forever. Time does catch up on a person. The other new character that showed up was Tae Min’s student[was she even a student or just sitting in the class], turns out she’s after Se Ju too because of her brother from episode 2/3. I don’t quite see where her character fits because if she’s blackmailing Tae Min, it will benefit Se Ju’s career, but if she’s also after Se Ju, doesn’t that negate her first motive? The only thing I could think of is that she’s also part of their past life, unbeknownst to everyone.

Bang Wol unintentionally burst JO’s bubble. NOOOOO!!! His heart is already broken as it is, then he gets told off about the pitfalls of being a ghost like he doesn’t know that. I hope this doesn’t deter him from actually calling out to Jeon Seol. I hope he doesn’t leave. Someone needs to tell Bang Shin she sees ghost, Stat! I couldn’t handle her crying over Jin Oh. I think that scene was unnecessary unless it’s connected in a future episode. Back to Bang Wol, I know she is protecting Bang Shin from a shaman’s fate, I can understand that, but she just caused misunderstandings that aren’t necessary. I’m not worried though, since she’s not in the know – it will get resolved somehow.

There’s not much flashbacks in this episode, but the one we have was important, because it connects Jin Oh to Tae Min and our main couple. ae Min ended up being part of their past life after all. Not surprising since Jin Oh was keen to protect Jeon Seol from him in the episode where they were typing up their contracts. I didn’t quite figure out what or why until this episode. It does look like he doesn’t remember his past or has not been triggered yet even after seeing Jin Oh’s presence. I must admit, although it wasn’t meant to be hilarious, I was laughing at how he was reacting to see Shin Yul’s ghostly antics. I guess I’m enjoying the premise of a future punishment. I think he’s about to lose it and break down. It feels like his walls are closing in and he’s starting to push back starting with Jeon Seol, the one person he wants but can’t have. I wonder if he did want her in the past too? If he ended up being her man in the past and that’s why it’s contrasting here?

Not much progress with Jin Oh today in unraveling his past. We are closer though since he did figure out how he can make his presence known to the people in his past life. Which means he just needs to call out Jeon Seol, her mom, and anyone else connected in this lifetime, and this mystery can be solved. Thing is though – there will be consequences for the parties involved in Jin Oh’s murder in this lifetime. That effect could go either way. As for our characters, they can heal and move on, whereas for our villains yet to be confirmed, when the truth does come back for them, it’s something that they can’t run away from in this time. Is that something that Jin Oh would really want in order to move on? Is that the justice he seeks to those who wronged him decades ago?

I knew it. She was going to lie to Se Ju even after he had made it clear that she needs to tell him whenever she sees her visions. I knew she was going to be the noble idiot and try to run away from Se Ju. I can’t believe that even after what her mother did to her, she still let her words get in her head. I understand that she has so many questions when everything was happening to her at the same time. It didn’t help that Bang Wol unintentionally made it worse for her – making her feel like that she will be the cause of Se Ju’s future death. Thankfully, Se Ju has a different perspective in life that this didn’t last longer than this episode. It didn’t have to take an accident for her to change her mind about staying, though but – I’ll take it. It’s natural that she’s having doubts that she wants to know how their story ends. Quite understandable, especially when your memories aren’t everything. I do hope that this is not a hint that just like the past, the story was never finished.

Se Ju is definitely the hero of the show, if not this episode. He has grown so much since episode 1. From keeping everyone behind his wall, to accepting them as part of his life, both past and present. I like his outlook on life which is the opposite of how mostly everyone thinks as a society. It’s sad that he had to experience life differently for him to have a different view in life, but his logic is still beyond his years. As far as his relationship with Jeon Seol goes, even the way he says that Jeon Seol is shameless is even gentler than when they were first getting acquainted with each other. He’s a mand of his word. We knew that from the beginning, but back then was words, this episode, I saw actions. He gave Tae Min the draft of Fate, and he’s keeping his promise that he will finish the novel no matter what.

I saw one main theme in this episode: Protection. Some were shown in Tae Min, and Bang Wol’s mom. Some were underlying – Se Ju/Jeon Seol protecting each other’s feelings bye not ending the novel. One was mentioned in the end, when Se Ju told Jeon Seol that he’s been saving [protecting] him all this time.

As far as mirrors, and contrast goes, the only thing that I could see as a mirror which was Jeon Seol’s street date with Se Ju which mirrors Se Ju’s street date with her as their form of goodybye. I guess, I could add a second one, where Tae Min is still a scoundrel, but that’s still have to be proven in the present timeline. We all see and know it, but that still has to be played out in front of Jeon Seol and the literary world.

For the contrast, fist is Jeon Seol’s belief that she’s ill fated with Se Ju [no thanks to Bang Wol adding to her worries], but he thinks she’s his savior. Although it’s not shown here but we’ve seen their past kiss before, that kiss is a contrast to their present kiss. I kept saying it before that I wasn’t convinced that he likes her. I somewhat saw it today, I still must feel it though. The feelings are there but it’s somewhat contrasting from their past. And, I think I like it. I like that Se Ju does have feelings for Jeon Seol, and it’s not an extension of his past life nor hers. I like that she just grew on him and he didn’t even know it, until he started caring for her well being. I didn’t see it before, because it was a gradual process for Se Ju breaking down his wall, and changing the sources of his motivation in life. He had to let go of his internal fears and beliefs first, before he can express his feelings to anyone around him. Contrasting that to the past, I think that with what Hwi Young had with Soo Hyun, their kiss was more passionate because it has been suppressed due to their mission, it wasn’t unrequited at all – it was just ill timed. At least, they won’t have to repeat that in this lifetime, at least I hope.

Until then.

   

Chicago Typewriter: 10

Secrets are not always taken to the grave. Sometimes, they transcend in time and reveals itself right when things are going good. If the last episode is about Se Ju learning from his past life, this episode is about Jeon Seol having to deal with the consequences. As a bonus, someone else knows Tae Min’s secret.

Well, I’ve been asking who else in the present is connected in the past, and I got my answer. We’ve know our trio are the heroes, and we’ve had plenty of time to get to know them in both timelines. So, it’s time to introduce a couple of villains: Jeon Seol’ mom, and Tae Min.

I’m a little disappointed about the reveal of Jeon Seol’ mom’s connection with her Soo Hyun. I was kind of hoping that Jeon Seol would remember her first, and that trauma carried on in this life. Makes for a better strained mother-daughter relationship. Deeply strained, but healable. Instead what I got is a coward mom who had memories of her past life with Soo Hyun, and didn’t even remotely try to correct that in this lifetime with Jeon Seol. I think she’s still stringing Jeon Seol along because she’s a dutiful daughter who all she ever wanted was a mother. I’m not even questioning the validity of her villainess, no mother abandons her child and can still call herself a hero.

Then there’s Tae Min. I don’t have much to say because I’m still waiting for this pot to boil over. I’m waiting for that one trigger for him to lose it. I thought it was his student [which may or may not play a role in future episodes], but when he saw Jin Oh, I think that might be his snapping point. I’m a little worried though. This can go either way. One, he can use Jin Oh as a source of Se Ju’s downfall. He can run to mommy and say Se Ju really has a ghostwriter, and there goes Se Ju’s career. Two, Tae Min will snap, remember his past and cause more harm to Se Ju, and Jeon Seol – and Jin Oh won’t be able to do anything about it.

Jin Oh keeps breaking my heart. You guys all heard that he can’t be too far away, and be away for a long period of time from his typewriter. Lines like that are always ominous. It means that when Se Ju, and/or Jeon Seol is in trouble in the hands of let’s say, Tae Min, he won’t be able to do anything about it.

Se Ju is remembering more of his past life. I am still not convinced that he’s really attracted to Jeon Seol. I think those are his feelings for Soo Hyun that he’s subconscious and his instinct is following through. Their dates, it’s like he’s making up for the past that he[Hwi Young] couldn’t tell her [Jeon Seol] his feelings for her, and now he can. Why else would he encourage Jeon Seol to remember him? I do think part of him is attached to Jeon Seol because she did rescue him at the cabin, and has been somewhat a pillar when he was facing controversies, and the fact that there really is no other women vying for his affection. So yes, he genuinely cares for her, is it love? Yes but from Hwi Young to Soo Hyun through Se Ju to Jeon Seol. Wow – this is more tragic than Romeo and Juliet.

The past is a different story now that a little bit more light has been shed in their past life. There’s definitely an unspoken love, and passion between Se Ju and Jeon Seol. It wouldn’t be wise for the leader of the resistance to break his own secret agent rule. So as much as he wanted to say “Yeah, I saved you, and I grew to love you”, he can’t. The contrast in this episode is Soo Hyun, and Shin Yul’s bike ride to Jeon Seol, and Se Ju’s bike ride in the present. I want more their 1930s loveline please.

****STOP READING HERE UNLESS YOU WANT MY THOUGHTS ON WHAT COULD HAPPEN IN THE NEXT EPISODES*****

I normally end my episodes without watching the previews, because I don’t want my questions answered before my post gets published. But,the last scene really got to me especially the part where Jeon Seol’s moms’ words are getting in her head. I had to know what happens next. Well, this is why I don’t watch previews.

Based on what I saw, I’m more convinced now that she killed Shin Yul- but, by accident. Her target could’ve been Hwi Young, but Shin Yul took the bullet for the mission. Would make sense because Se Ju is their leader, when their leader fall, the mission fails.

Jeon Seol is going to mirror Se Ju’s attempt at a farewell. She’s going to have one last date with him then ghost him. I mean, I’m expecting a separation, that’s inevitable in a kdrama. I just think that she’s stronger than her guilt, which is really not even hers but an extension of her past.

   

Chicago Typewriter: 9

Who else cried in this episode? Well, I’m sad for Jin Oh who knew that there’s nothing he can do in this lifetime to win Jeon Seol’s heart. That, and that a lot has changed since his death, that what he once knew then doesn’t exist now. But he’s wrong. There’s something that exist now: his dream of freeing Joseon to what Korea is now. Sadly, he can’t really experience it as a live human being, but being able to see the change should be consolation enough, if that was his unfinished business. It got to me when he put his arms around Jeon Seol, I was yelling see him, feel him, something!!!! What made it worse? When he didn’t even show up in the photo, not even as an orb, mist, or a glow.

There’s very little time to dislike any characters in this episode since Tae Min’s mom got burned when her plan to bring Se Ju burst into a humiliating flame. Tae Min’s dad failed to get Tae Min to his copycat crime. Tae Min looked ever determined to stay afloat. At this point, this family will go down together, either Tae Min loses what’s left of his sanity first, then mom loses it, or dad just throws everything out in the open. Either way, I cannot wait. I still have to see thought if any of these family members is part of Se Ju’s life in the past.

Se Ju had a transformation in this episode. He’s more accepting of Jeon Seol and Jin Oh. Dare I say he softened up a bit. It was touching that he finally offered Jin Oh a meal, and found a friend even though he’s in denial about it. He’s not resisting to Jin Oh’s presence and persistence like when they first met. I think as he’s re-writing his novel from 80 years ago, he’s realizing that he’s living this lifetime similar to Hwi Young and wants to change that. Although he hasn’t said it out loud. His intentions are clear though especially when it comes to Jeon Seol.

We finally meet Jeon Seol’s mom even though it’s only through Jeon Seol’s recollections. And, wow! Who knew that she’s connected to her past life. This was a new revelation through Jin Oh’s recollection as well. I sm always iffy about new characters entering shows past its halfway mark, but I welcome this one because, there’s still so much more to know about what happened in the 1930s. There’s still a lot more webs to untangle, and cords to connect to this present timeline. I wonder if Jeon Seol hasn’t recollected much of her memories that she failed to recognize her mother in her past visions. I wonder if her mom knows of her past life too. Gosh, this just opened up more doors to the past that we needed to connect the trio together.

We’re getting more information from the events of the past. That’s been something I wanted to do with the little snippets they provide us each episode. Se Ju was the leader of the resistance. Everyone else probably figured that out, but I didn’t. I thought that it was Shin Yul. I guess it makes sense that it’s Se Ju because he’s clever enough to pass coded messages through his “third rate” novels. Which brings me to the question, why did Soo Hyun delay him when Hwi Young fell off his bike? I had a bad feeling about it.

OMG if that was not the most passionate kiss I’ve watched in 2017. That was intense even if for a minute. Yes, Hwi Young delivered for his country if not the world.

   

Chicago Typewriter: 8

***Images will be added soon.***

I’m not sure if Daddy Baek is trying to make amends with Se Ju, or still protecting Tae Min, or both. He’s gotten a few minutes of screentime since the show aired, so I’m sure his character is going to contribute to something bigger that will affect Se Ju more than he’s affected him now, much later on. I think it’s been long established that he’s not Se Ju’s biological father. I wonder what he was in Hwi Young’s life? I am hoping that he will be the one to put an end to Tae Min and his wife’s antics towards Se Ju, that in the end he will sacrifice everything. As much as I wanted Se Ju to single handedly bring that family down, I think it would be more worthy and humbling for the dad to that and close up any possibility of last minute revenge from the mother and son. This way too, it would be a true gesture that his relationship to Se Ju is more important than his writing career.

I still can’t pinpoint where Tae Min fits into our couple’s lives. I’ve said this last time where there’s got to be more to him than being Se Ju’s rival. Well now, rival isn’t even the word. Se Ju’s pretty up there since he obviously wasn’t the original author the book he published. But, there’s got to be something else that’s tying Se Ju, and Jeon Seol, and possibly Jin Oh together. When it comes to fate, destiny, and untangling those cords, I’m pretty convinced that Tae Min is living a karmaic life, like Se Ju and Jeon Seol, but I just couldn’t quite make the fit anywhere. There has to be something about his character being a good guy on the outside, but really a bad guy deep down. Maybe it’s just me secretly hoping for there to have something more that shouldn’t.

Se Ju doesn’t know anything about the complexity of a woman’s feelings. I think it’s cute that he’s innocent when it comes to issues like this. Is Hwi Young the same in the past? Se Ju is at the brink of transformation. He’s able to express how really feels towards his mentor, and he’s finally opened up to someone – Jeon Seol. The same goes for Jeon Seol, she doesn’t understand what Se Ju is thinking, and really going through aside from what she knows as a fan. I knew Jeon Seol wouldn’t stop caring for Se Ju, and not just because she’s his first fan. It’s also because her past life is seeping through her that having Se Ju around brings an aura of comfort, and camaraderie. Of course, she doesn’t know all that. It’s finally been established that Jeon Seol does have feelings for Se Ju, and vice versa. It’s a nice revelation for both, which might pave way to a lot of things concerning their past. Who knows, they can recollect memories together. Now can we publish the novel and find out who killed Jin Oh?

Jin Oh is up for an awakening. I really feel for him because here he is, a harmless, lovesick puppy who just wants to tell Jeon Seol how he feels, but she did end up liking Se Ju. Now what? I don’t think it will drive a wedge between Se Ju and him though. I think for Jin Oh, this is just like his normal missions back in the day, only less violent, and he can’t do much without Se Ju’s memories. What makes me really sad is that despite the humor injected in his character and the scenes that he’s in, deep down, he’s this sad lost soul just barely struggling to survive in order to move on.

   

Chicago Typewriter: 7

***Images will be added soon.***

I’m going to post my reviews without them until I can get caught up. Tae Min is getting to the point where his true colors will show. Every viewer knows, but Jeon Seol doesn’t see it. Se Ju knows, but I think that’s only a portion of it through his experience. I’m waiting for the day that he’ll just lose it, and that will be the day that he’ll lose everything and everyone. It’s like a punishment, as if he’s done something horrible in the past.

I think this episode is setting us up for a lot of things. 1. Jeon Seol, and Se Ju romance. Se Ju doesn’t want to be abandoned, so he’s trying in his own way to get Jeon Seol back. Jeon Seol is still hurting, but I’m sure she’s still just as concerned for Se Ju. 2. The novel hasn’t been published, which means Se Ju, and Jin Oh still have some things to settle. 3. It’s also setting up Tae Min’s fall from grace. I did question as to why Jin Oh was insistent on making sure Tae Min stays away from Jeon Seol. Is he only going to do that everytime Tae Min is hovering around Jeon Seol? Does that mean that Jin Oh knows something else about Tae Min than what the writers have given us so far?

Sooooo, Hwi Young was disowned in the past, which is an equivalent to being abandoned, which explains Se Ju’s current fear. It is natural for one’s past life experience show up as a fear in your current life. For example, if Se Ju had drowned in his past life, he would have a fear of water this life. So that would be a natural fear, and because he’s focused on what he’s afraid of, he got exactly just that [Law of Attraction] which lead him to the betrayal that he experienced with Tae Min’s family….yes he has issues.

It was nice to see the history of Ji Seok, and Se Ju. Now I see why he’s so protective of him, yet still be at a professional distance about it. See, Se Ju is surrounded by loyal people. He just needs to see it. Wouldn’t it be nice if Ji Seok was Se Ju’s dad in the past, and he’s unknowingly making up for it now in this lifetime?

So, there’s a couple of mirrored “event” in here…..Hwi Young and Se Ju both does not to publish “Chicago Typewriter” I’m sure the reason why is a contrast, but it wasn’t clear to me why Hwi Young didn’t want to publish it at the time, Se Ju on the other hand has his pride on the line, and a moral compass to follow so he won’t publish something that isn’t his. But, like what Jin Oh pointed out last time, it is his only 80 years ago his. The second one, although slightly different, is when Soo Hyun in the past, and Jin Oh in the future is encouraging Se Ju to publish his novel. If I could add a third mirror to this, it would be the outcome if it does…..readers in the past could be free from their desperation even by just reading, Jin Oh on the other hand, can be freed from what’s keeping him from this world.

Now that these points have been set up, on to the next episode!

   

Chicago Typewriter: 6

I still have to understand Tae Min’s role in this show. Being Se Ju’s rival is not cutting it for me. I think there’s something more sinister than what’s being shown. I have a feeling that he’s capable of something more evil than what his mother could muster up. I just hope that it doesn’t go the violent way and ruining the show.

It finally dawns on Bang Shin’s mom that her daughter can see ghosts. Well, DUH!!! She’s her daughter. Why wouldn’t she not have any supernatural abilities? I appreciate these two characters aside from out trio and Gyun Woo, because they are the link to the supernatural realm in this show.Meaning, in order for everyone to move on, especially Jin Oh, their assistance will be needed. For now, they’re supportive of Jeon Seol, but something tells me that Bang Wol knows more than what she’s leading on. Who knows Bang Shin might be the one to help Jin Oh crossover and somewhere in the distant future – they do end up together. I really hope that Bang Shin will be the link for Jeon Seol to see Jin Oh, and/or recollect her past memories.

So now it’s making a little sense which I should’ve figured out by episode 3 or 4. Jin Oh is a ghost. Ghosts who tend to linger in this world do have unfinished business. In this case, his unfinished business is the novel, and the fact that he needs to remember how he died before he moves on. Dare I add one more, he needs to confess to So Hyoon through Jeon Seol. I do understand why though, because Jeon Seol’s feelings for Se Ju hasn’t solidified yet, and Se Ju needs to get his act together and get his first fan back.

Well, I’m kind of, sort of glad that Se Ju is not in denial that he’s seeing ghosts. I’d like to believe that he believes in the supernatural. Who knows, maybe he’s had these visions before, but because other traumatic events happened in his life, those memories were blocked. I’m confused as to why Se Ju’s doctor said something about fear of abandonment. Shouldn’t it be fear of betrayal, or is that the same when it comes to Se Ju? From what I understand, he left the Baek family. Unless the abandonment stems from his biological parents, which means, I need to see a backstory on that! Could it also be that fear of abandonment didn’t happen in this timeline, but something that carried through from his past when he was reincarnated?

You know, even though Jeon Seol is upset by all this, and words have been exchanged. Her feelings as a fan, if not more, will not change. She’s been abandoned too. The difference between her and Se Ju is that she’s not the type to push people away. She’s the kind of person that will get mad, but given the right gestures, and sincere words of apology, all things are back to normal. This, is the kind of person that Se Ju needs in his life. Someone that won’t push him away like Tae Min’s family. We’ve seen it before in episode 2. She didn’t leave Se Ju in the car, and she did what she could to get him out of the cabin when he fell ill. This episode is no different, because there was clearly a misunderstanding. They just need to see each other eye to eye.

I think this episode is a pure case of bad timing for our trio. For Jin Oh, it’s a bad time to confess because he’s a ghost. For Se Ju, because even when he tries to be sincere towards Jeon Seol, it comes out wrong. And, for Jeon Seol, because she’s not aware of the underlying situation that Se Ju is in, misunderstands Se Ju. I do understand Jeon Seol’s position towards Se Ju, because he’s been hot and cold towards her – which makes the loveline a little bit harder to believe that there’s an attraction there. But – there definitely was major attraction going on in their past lives. I can’t wait for those feelings to spill over in their present reincarnations.

I am honestly starting to get confused with the 1930s flashbacks, but that’s just because I’m also multitasking while watching. Don’t get me wrong. I like the 1930s story more than the present timeline. I can’t wait to see the entire sequence of events. I wish I can figure out the chronological sequence of their respective flashbacks. Since I’m seeing these happen to Se Ju, and Jeon Seol, I don’t really know what happened first. It would be nice to figure this out in order for their story to come full circle. It is too soon for everything to merge since there’s still a lot we don’t know about aside from their friendship in the past. It’s piecing together slowly, on how the three of them are connected in the past. What needs to piece together is the three of them in the present- which is a challenge because Jin Oh is a ghost.

Other than that, the show put a nice touch by making ghost haunt in a comedic way. I wouldn’t mind having a little humor here and there. Also, you can’t end the show saying she’s both their lovers. What does that even mean? I guess I’ll find out the next episode.

   

Chicago Typewriter: 5

As always, I’ll start with the characters I don’t like.

Tae Min’s family is the poster family for the dysfunctional[s]. I’m not surprised why Tae Min is the way he is. I was going to give him an ounce of pity until he decided to abuse his cat. I’m a cat lady so that scene was a definite no-no to me. The pity I had just flew in the litter box and there’s no way Tae Min will redeem himself in my eyes. I can’t wait for Jeon Seol to see all of this in the future episodes.

Now to the good parts

I definitely wasn’t expecting Jin Oh to be an actual GHOST at the end of this episode. Nice one! Now that’s what you call a plot twist. I didn’t even see it coming. [This is what I get by completely ignoring anything about this show. I wanted to watch this show without reading the spoilers, thoughts, and recaps. The occasional quotes I see on the facebook page didn’t affect me so I don’t consider them as spoilers.] Now this makes this show much more interesting. I should’ve seen it in episode 3 when he played the turntable that he’s a ghost. I fell for it thinking that he’s having a conversation with Ji Seok. When he said that Se Ju tied him up like a dead body in episode 4. Then I wondered why he wouldn’t meet Jeon Seol. That’s because no one can see him
I’m excited to see how everything will play out, but at the same time, I’m really sad now that Jin Oh will definitely not get the girl. This character is by far the sorriest second lead ever. So now it made sense that Bang Shin can see him and not Jeon Seol. She can see ghosts, I don’t think she knows though. Her mom can only sense their energies but not see them.

I really felt bad for Se Ju in this episode, not only is Jeon Seol’s words getting to him because she’s the only sincere fan he knows, she’s also pushing him to be better than he already is. Then, there’s this part of him that’s desperate to meet a deadline. He’s so torn, and he can’t help it. In the end, I admired his bravery in choosing to lose it all because he didn’t accomplish something, rather than him getting credit for something he didn’t do. There’s not many people like that nowadays. Take Tae Min for example, rather than quitting after his first book, he continued to write a series of novels, but he’s only famous for the first one, which we all know it’s not his.

Bang Shin sees ghosts!! The only other human that see’s Jin Oh. I knew there’s something that’s tying her to the show aside from being Jeon Seol’s friend. It makes sense too since her mom is a shaman. I wonder if she’s the link that will help him connect to Jeon Seol.

Jeon Seol’s fangirl dna is embedded in her that it’s kind of cute. Her subconscious took over when Se Ju was being slammed with negative comments. It was nice to see that she was somehow “rewarded” with a couple of hours with her idol.

Both Jeon Seol, and Se Ju are now having major flashbacks. I say major because it’s not a glimpse of a past, it’s not even a trailer, more like an entire scene. There are many forms of flashbacks, and many ways to trigger these….Any of these flashbacks could’ve been by a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual reaction. We all know that Se Ju’s emotionally conflicted, and so is Jeon Seol.

When this happened to Jeon Seol as a child, I am going to assume that this was in a dream state at first, then as she’s growing up, it’s an offhand remark, [“I must’ve killed someone in my past life.”], and finally a common object [pocket watch]. For now, it’s just visions of her past self that’s manifesting
In Se Ju’s case it was a common object [typewriter], an instant flashback [when he was about to throw the typewriter]. Finally, he had a total recall where he in his present form was reliving a moment of his past life. [when he went through the fog.]in more occurrence, it’s going to be a mater of time before we get an actual recall.

Now that the flashbacks we see are from Se Ju and Jeon Seol, our past characters might be manifesting to this timeline for some healing. At least, that’s what I’m hoping for.

I did see one contrast from the 1930s to the present. In the past, it was Jin Oh providing a lesson to Soo Hyun. In the present, Se Ju gave some advise to Jeon Seol in the arcade. Both have valuable lessons. Even the positioning of Jin Oh/Se Ju is a contrast. It is looking like there’s a shift happening…..It’s somewhat of a you can’t change the past, or history is not repeating itself this lifetime around.

The underlying theme of this episode: Live life to the fullest. Move on.

I guess it’s pretty obvious now that I’m a total believer of past lives, reincarnation, and all things supernatural. This is why I like this show so much. I spent my hour not looking for a loveline, but to see how they’re tackling the supernatural end of it. They got me with Jin Oh though. That was really good.

   

Chicago Typewriter: 4

I have more reaction questions that actual reactions.

Wait, did we have two ghostwriters? The ghostwriter that Ji Seok knows is not the ghostwriter Han Se Ju just met. Why did Yoo Jin Oh run out when he was already caught red handed? I’d be more confused too, if I were Han Se Ju. Is it Jeon Seol’s turn to have a stalker? This time it’s Yoo Jin Oh? But why, did he come back for Bang Shin and not introduce himself to Jeon Seol?

Is Tae Min really interested in Jeon Seol, or is he showing interest because he knows that she means something to Se Ju? I wonder if he’s part of their past life.

Objects tend to let themselves known when they have a message to convey. What is the watch trying to say? Is it catching up to the present now, or our characters are in for a major flashback? At this point in time, who is the true owner of the watch now?

This is not the first time that Jeon Seol told herself that she killed someone in her past life. It’s as if the writers are embedding this notion in our heads. They’re slowly building up this plot. I’m curious how this will play out. I think it’s time to delve in deeper in her past life so I can understand her a little bit more.

It’s obvious to me that Bang Wol has not lost her shamanic powers. I think she’s just downplaying her skills. She knows more than what she shows us. For now, they’re shining the comedic light on her, but maybe in the future episodes, she’ll play a key role in closing the veil between the past and present life. It’s notable when Bang Wool mentioned that there’s something evil, between Se Ju and Jin Oh.

I think the theme for today is loyalty aside from Se Ju’s trust issues. Se Ju is still way too far to see this, but as far as loyalty and honesty comes, both Jeon Seol, and Jin Oh have been honest, and loyal to Se Ju. Jeon Seol answered Se Ju’s questions with honesty since the beginning. She’s been freely open and expressive and had nothing to hide. She could very well be the poster child for loyal fans. Sadly, it will be a future contrast to her past life character since it’s yet to be revealed who she betrayed in her past life.

Jin Oh could’ve been easily famous if he published the series as his considering the popularity it gained. Sure, he was a little bit sneaky for a ghostwriter but he still supported Se Ju despite his violence towards Jin Oh. He just kept coming back even though he’s not wanted. Again, just like Jeon Seol, his loyalty now could be a contrast of his past life if he also betrayed Se Ju in the past, since Bang Shin’s mom sensed the evil energy.

Another person that could fall in this category could be his father figure – Tea Min’s dad. He could’ve easily ignored the press releases about Se Ju’s scandal, but he came in front of his door. He came out of concern for him. It did however make me curious at first why Se Ju would resent him more than his wife. Turns out, he covered up for Tae Min. Still, he came for Se Ju now amidst all these issues surrounding him, when he could’ve easily used his connections to raise Tae Min’s level in the industry. That should rake in some loyalty points.

So, four episodes in, I’m somewhat connected to the characters, but not fully. I have to hand it to Se Ju though, his resolve to be a writer that cannot be imitated is so strong, that he’s willing to give it all up. Is it just me or is Se Ju is bad at convincing me that he’s starting to have feelings for Jeon Seol? I’m more convinced that he had feelings for the Jeon Seol in the past even though we haven’t seen a lot of flashbacks encouraging the idea. I can feel his frustrations as a writer in both past, and present life, but I can’t feel the attraction he supposedly has for her.

What kept me from coming back is the curiosity of how the past will catch up to the present. I get that Jeon Seol is the trusted fan. Jin Oh is the silent lover from afar. Tae Min is a Se Ju wannabe. Se Ju has MAJOR trust issues and borderline paranoid. But, none of the actors have fully embraced their respective as their own. In this case, I rely heavily on the underlying tones that’s in the script. So far, it hasn’t disappointed me. But, when we have the 1930s flashback, not only do I see the characters, I feel them. Even when it’s a really small jump back in time. I was sucked in.

   

Chicago Typewriter: 3

I like the time jumps like these, that it just flows in the episode without a major twist. It was casually mentioned in a conversation. To think of it, this wasn’t the first time they did this. I still appreciate it either way.

So, Tae Min is not living up to his father’s expectations. Add that to his mother’s craziness, I won’t be surprised if he’s a psychopath deep down. Speaking of his mother, what does she have against Se Ju that she’s willing to pay to see him fail? Wasn’t it already established that Se Ju isn’t her husband’s biological son?

Bang Shin, and Bang Wool, their characters are useful because of the supernatural theme that this show represents. I can understand Bang Wool’s part in this show because she’s the modern shaman. I still have to wait and see what Bang Shin’s role in this show aside from being Jeon Seol’s best friend and a shaman’s daughter.

I kind of feel bad for Han Se Ju in this episode. He’s so conflicted. He’s inconsistent with himself. I’d go crazy too if I was him. First, we have Jeon Seol confusing his feelings. I can see that part of him wants to open up to Jeon Seol, but his past is giving him major trust issues. So, he pushes her away, but doesn’t want to lose her. He’s isolated himself so much, that he must be told what they’re doing in order for him to comprehend what’s happening, but at the same time he’s doubting that same person.

Second, he must deal with a ghostwriter writing for him. He can chalk it up to his dream visions, alcohol and medications, but he knows he didn’t write the novel series. Don’t forget the fact that the said ghostwriter is still nameless, and faceless as far Se Ju’s concern. I don’t get however, why Ji Seok didn’t just introduce him right then and there. I know he went against Se Ju’s wishes, but why does he have to ghost write in secret, only to get caught in the end?  I guess this is a build up for the next episode.

Jeon Seol didn’t have much growth in this episode, or maybe she did? She seemed to not have given up on Se Ju like she said she would. That’s growth for a fan girl, right? I don’t think I’d have it another way given that our characters are still learning about each other while learning about themselves.

“Father” seems to be the undertone of a part of this show. We saw Tae Min’s father being critical of him. We saw Jeon Seol honoring her father, and lastly, Se Ju’s father was mentioned during his dream vision.

The mirror in this episode will be the watch. The same item could be a contrast of events. In Jeon Seol’s present life, her father handed her the watch. In Se Ju’s dream, Jeon Seol mentioned that it was Se Ju’s father that gave him in the past life. The mirror is their respective father giving it to them. The contrast is that Se Ju owned the watch in the past, while Jeon Seol is the owner in the present. Oh, what web did the Fates weave for our couple?

There’s another symbolism in this show that’s supernatural in nature. Fog. The fog can be translated in many ways, but it all applied to Se Ju. We can’t see what’s beyond the fog unless we go through it. This is like Se Ju’s character, he can’t see past his writer’s block unless he comes up with new material, or a ghostwriter can do it for him. It could also represent Se Ju’s wall. There are issues memories he doesn’t want to remember – both past, and present, so he created a spiritual wall of fog. For Se Ju’s emotions, it symbolizes his confusion/misery. Se Ju has mentioned this before when he compared Jeon Seol to Annie. It’s like his worst fear – to be involved in “misery”, which he’s now in – but a deeper meaning. It could also mean as a sign of future revelations, in this case he had a dream/vision of his past life.

I’m invested in this show not because of the love story that transcends time. But because the writing in the writing. Just like today’s episode, there’s more to the Se Ju/Jeon Seol loveline. This was about their fathers, about their subconscious. What are they really trying to tell us? How will the past catch up to the present? How will that make go forward in the future?

   

Chicago Typewriter: 2

Wow. Just wow. If I didn’t need to go to work in a few hours, I would’ve watched the next episode. I had to re-watch this episode twice just to make sense of everything I saw before I type. I think I’m going into a rabbit hole in this episode especially when tackling the supernatural parts of this show.

It would be interesting to see the following characters were in each other’s past life, but I prefer to keep them just in this timeline.

Secretary Kim – Ji Seok. Last episode, he struck as me a man who’d do anything that would translate to money. I still think he does, but in this episode, I’d like to think he has good intentions for Se Joo. He’s the man behind the ghostwriter idea. Now it makes me wonder if any of my favorite authors ever hired one……

Tae Min. I didn’t see in episode 1, but I saw it today. He seems to be this gentle person, but something inside me tells me, he’s up to no good. [Great! Another eye candy that’s a villain. I guess I do have a type]. From the looks of it, he’ll be Se Joo’s rival. Will he vie for Jeon Seol’s heart too? It makes me wonder if his first book wasn’t his but Se Joo’s. There’s a contrast in this character that caught my thoughts. He has a cat, and Jeon Seol [not technically] has a dog. It’s like telling me that they’ll be against each other like cats and dog.

Tae Min’s mom. You can’t have a show with the rich and famous without an evil stepmom. I can only imagine the schemes this woman will do.

Jeon Seol grew up a little in this episode when she realized that her idol isn’t perfect. But she hasn’t realized it yet- that Se Joo is just human just like her. I don’t know if this episode is what made her really quit being a fan girl. Which made me think, if this will mirror her past life. Meaning, she shot Se Joo in the past.

If episode 1 focused on Jeon Seol, this episode is a little bit more about Se Joo. So, is he or is he not an orphan? Did he really have a family but he left home? I’m still confused because celebrities tend to fabricate their own backstories for better sympathy and empathy from fans. So I can’t really be sure of his family’s background, not that it matters anyway. It would only matter because that made him into the person that he is now…guarded, holed up in his castle, suspicious of anyone and everything. He’s thrown the “don’t even think about it” to anyone that might want to get close to him. It’s not because he doesn’t want them, but because he’s afraid that he’ll be left behind, or he’ll end up leaving.  He kind of, sorta reminds me of Go Dok Mi in Flower Boy Next Door – minus the never leaving the house part.

We have parallels in this episode, though some we’ve seen before. Their past life is slowly mirroring their present life. Although the past events shown in the present wasn’t in chronological order.  Now that I think of it, I should start compiling the scenes in the 1930s and figure out the entire scene chronologically.

Jeon Seol’s vision of Yoo Soo Yeon aiming a gun at someone. Did she know who she shot?

Jeon Seol/Soo Yeon typing for Se Joo to meet a deadline.This one though, wasn’t shown in the same scene, but it’s a parallel to me.

Se Joo lost control of his car – Jeon Seol was there. Se Joo lost control of his bike – Jeon Seol was there……both timelines.

I finally get to see the ghostwriter. As much as I like Yoo Ah In back from SKKS days, I am more excited to see Go Gyung Pyo. [Second Lead Syndrome is kicking in.] I just found it strange that he didn’t have his own laptop, and just decided to use the typewriter that’s available. I found it even stranger that he started typing without any notes from Se Joo.  So, great minds think alike?

I’m not too worried about Se Joo’s accident. This might be a wake up call for him, or maybe get more visions of his past life. Jeon Seol is there, and as much as she’d like to believe that her fangirling days are over, she’s not giving up on Se Joo. This can also be a connection to what Bang Shin’s mom said that two people will save him. She’s the first one, and ghostwriter Yoo is the other. Se Joo just doesn’t know it yet.

We have two symbolisms in this show. First, the  Moon/Moonlight. In this episode the moon wasn’t shown. What was mentioned, and what shown was the moonlight. To me, it’s the same as showing the Moon itself. The Moon is always represented as feminine. So, it would only make sense that the focus on this episode, if not the entire show is Jeon Seol. In literature, it is a symbol of the soul. This could mean that both our characters are undergoing a period of soul searching. Scientifically, it is also most often associated with tides. In this show, the tides are changing for Se Joo and Jeon Seol.  Now back to the moonlight. It’s a symbol of illumination. The darkest part of their souls are being illuminated. Their darkest past, which in this case is their past life – is being illuminated. For what reason, well – we have 14 more episodes to go. Basically, this episode starts their journey from the past.

Second, we have the earthquake. Some would call it a phantom earthquake, but I think it’s unheard of that two people experienced it at the same time and place. Earthquake is a symbolism for both characters. Something big is happening to both of them, aside from the representation of the quake to each character. For both, it characterizes their suppressed thoughts, and emotions that’s waking up. In this case, they’re not being awakened slowly, but forcefully like an earthquake. For Jeon Seol, it symbolizes that a major shift is happening, starting with the return of her visions from her former life. For Se Joo, he’s been facing a lot of chaos physically, mentally, pretty soon – emotionally. From his crazy fans, stalkers, busy schedule and still needs to meet a deadline. What finally made him “crack” recently his meeting with Jeon Seol, which also happens to be the girl in his dream visions. It’s not a matter of if, but when he breaks down. Everything has fallen into place causing the earthquake.

Well, I can’t wait what happens in the next episode. I’m curious to see how all three will meet in the present life, given that we’ve already seen their closeness in the past.

Stay tuned.

First Impression: Chicago Typewriter

This was one of the dramas I had wanted to watch when news about this show first came out. I didn’t read any news article that came out, and I haven’t checked the forums to read what’s been happening in this show, aside from the quotes that I see on the Kdrama Quotes Facebook page. Basically, I don’t know anything aside from who’s writing the show, and who are acting in it.I wanted to see how they can fuse a modern timeline with the theme of the past.  I am a firm believer of past lives, reincarnations, destiny, fate,…..etc. That’s why no matter how tired I am at the end of the day, I make the effort to watch this show. I tried at least twice, and was only able to reach halfway and I fell asleep. I [finally! ] was able to finish the episode in its entirety because I decided to watch where I left off the last time instead of starting over and I can’t wait to share my thoughts. I’m 6 episodes behind so you will obviously know that answer to my questions, indulge me.

Thanks to Bang Shin, we get a basic back story [I love back stories!], and I was able to know and like Im Soo Jung’s character. Jeon Sol. I found her character appealing right away. I’m curious because she’s the link, if not the main reason that we’ll be travelling back in time. I’d like to think that the episode, if not the show should center on her instead of our famous author. I’m thankful that she’s not an obsessed fan. It’s less complicated when you add that to the show. Right away I’ve been given a clue to her past life when she mused to herself that she must’ve been a traitor in her past life. So, does that mean that she’ll get to meet who she betrayed in this lifetime? If so, who is it? I’m actually not too worried because all that happened in the past, and whatever it is, she can put closure to that in this lifetime and move on. It’s interesting that a “legend” like her opted to live a life of part time jobs because of her visions of her past life. What visions did she see?

For now, her present is mirroring her past life. She was good at handling guns in the past – that’s why she’s a sharp shooter athlete in the present. She’s a writer/fan of a writer because in her past she was involved with one. Does her having a veterinarian knowledge have a connection in the past too?

I will admit that in the beginning, I wasn’t sure if I’m impressed or not at Yoo Ah In’s character Se Joo. I appreciated the fact that he’s willing to get dirty to play the part of a character he’s writing, but I kind of cringed at what it seemed like boasting that he was rich and famous living in mansion complete with a staff fit for a king, but then again, he’s nice enough to give them all a day off, oh and asking for a deer???. But after finding out that Se Joo is an orphan, that all changed. I absolutely LOVE stories about orphans who make a name for themselves – he definitely earned ALL of it. They probably went a little overboard with the mansion, but I’ll take it for what it is.

That’s the only back story I know of him, which is okay since I prefer to know his 1930s life and why it’s coming back for him now. If only Se Joo knows how true his words were about destiny and past lives. What was he writing in the past that a haunted typewriter made its way back to him.

Have I mentioned before that I love mystery and period/historically themed shows? Chicago Typewriter has both. It’s a no brainer that I’ll be sticking with this show and putting another in the back burner. So it’s not a literal time travelling story where our characters get sucked into the typewriter and will have to type their story as a way out to get back to the present. The 1930’s will be a flashback of their past lives. That would be really cool to see both parallels and contrast of their past and present and how this will affect their future.

So far, I like the set up of our characters, and it was a smooth transition between this time and their past, and going back. For now we’ve seen glimpses of Se Joo’s past connected with Jeon Sol’s. Se Joo’s link to his past is the typewriter, while Jeon Seol’s is a gun. We’ve been introduced to mostly everyone we need to know in their current life. I’ll get into more detail about our supporting characters in the future episodes.

Do they have a mirrored past with them? Will Se Joo have a recollection of his own past life? Will Jeon Seol see her visions again? We’ve heard the 3^rd person’s “voice” from the past and I wonder how he will connect to them in the present. We still have to see Go Kyung Pyo’s character before their lives from their past connect to the present.

Let’s not forget that there’s a love story here too. Our couple have already met, and they’re already met with circumstances that led them to share a moment or two to connect. I’m just waiting for the second lead to come and break my heart, because I’m not rooting for the main couple as of today’s episode.