[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Fated to Love You" Episode 14

"Fated to Love You" is in the midst of re-establishing the relationship between Geon and Mi-young - that is to say, they really don't have a relationship anymore. It is also now that we see that not all is well with Mi-young, and that Geon cannot seem to let her go. The episode is inwardly turned as it explores the troubles of not only Mi-young and Geon, but of their families and Daniel. Se-ra is still conspicuously underdeveloped.

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The biggest revelation this episode is the fact that Mi-young has a decided aversion to all things related to Geon. He is still an extremely sore subject for her and seeing him nearly paralyzes her. The thought of her child still saddens her, but she has accepted that more. It is Geon who she cannot handle and systematically avoids.

However, because of that, she turns to a customer who bought a painting for comfort who, unbeknownst to her, is Geon disguised by text. The way the reworked texting relationship between Geon and Mi-young is filmed is brilliant. They sit side by side, or are filmed in split screens, and the two converse as if with each other, but Mi-young thinks it is with the female buyer of her painting. It's such a powerful way to film that shows how much the couple misses each other, needs each other, and needs comfort. It breaks down the wall of her aversion and gives him a way to communicate with her.

Daniel is ready to settle down with Mi-young who has been decidedly antsy with his romantic overtures the past few episodes. He proceeds anyway, blinded by his affections for her. His is a better kind of second lead than most dramas. He pushes, but always stops when she gives him unconscious signals that she's uncomfortable. Oftentimes male second leads are domineering with their desires. It is also telling that Mi-young appreciates him to no end, but still turns to her new text friend for comfort - not Daniel. An inability to rely on a significant other or spouse is a warning sign, and Daniel is ignoring it.

The other family members desire Geon and Mi-young's reunion, but it isn't so easy. The familial support of each part of the couple is endearing, though. Yong is now close to Geon. It would've been better had we seen that relationship grow, and see how it bolsters Geon to have another person to consider family. Mi-young has her mother, sisters and in-law, all of whom support her and understand her need to escape. This show handles the nagging parent trope so well. Mi-young's mother and Geon's grandmother nag like normal matriarchs, but they also listen to their children and don't nag to the point of extreme annoyance. It allows for parental intervention without viewer frustration at the parent.

"Fated to Love You" is still on the right track. It's engaging, well-developed, neatly written, and fun. I hope it's safe to say that it will continue this way for the last six episodes.

Written by: Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'

Follow @ raine0211

"Fated to Love You" is directed by Kim Hee-won-II, Lee Dong-yoon, written by Jo Jin-gook, Joo Chan-ok and features Jang Hyuk, Jang Nara, Choi Jin-hyuk and Wang Ji-won

 

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