Friday, December 31, 2010

2011 YAY!!!

Happy holidays, everyone!!! So sorry, I haven't been keeping tabs on this blog for so long (and I still have that Dr. Champ Finale Recap/Review to work on.. gah!).  Hey, I'm just glad that Blogger hasn't deleted this blog yet inspite of its month-long inactivity.  Things have been so crazy and hectic, particularly with the final exams and the winter storms that have been raging the East Coast these past few days.  And the Christmas Parties and family gatherings/reunions... they don't seem to end, do they?  

Anyways, one of my new year resolutions will be to do my best to keep on writing and posting articles for this blog.  So here's hoping I can stick to that.  Hee! :D  

A blessed new year, guys and gals! This 2011, make the sky your limit! :D


Monday, November 22, 2010

Uh...Sorry!

Sorry, kiddos!  Been out of circulation for several days.  Will post my latest review of Dr. Champ's finale ASAP.  Got a lot of catching up to do.  Augh!

I and some classmates were in New Jersey the other week, doing some research on molecular stuffs, and we ate on this restaurant where the waiters seemed to be disgusted by the entree they were serving.  Their reactions, as we perused over each dish in the menu, while asking for their opinion, reminded me of this hilarious skit by Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert.  Enjoy!     


Friday, November 12, 2010

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: Dr. Champ Recap/Review (Episodes 13-14)

I always love me a good, epic confrontation scene.  You know, it's the climactic moment where the hero and the villain face and taunt each other -- trying to get under each other's skin, expressing their emotions, playing a blame-game, throwing witty, caustic remarks, bantering, reflecting on past events, and discussing their outright enmity towards one other.  Sometimes, murderous gazes and subtleties are not enough and the opponents go right away into a legendary violent brawl with high-powered weapons or awesome kung-fu -- both sides hitting,  missing, defending, evading, getting hit, falling, staggering, stumbling...

Warning:  This is not what happens between Lee Do Wook and Park Ji Heon.  To say the least, their confrontation scene can best be described as two baby rabbits bumping into each other, with one of the bunnies slightly more annoyed than the other one.  


Taereung Parking Lot.  Ji Heon asserts to the medical director; Kim Yeon Woo belongs to me, man.  You like another.  So back off.  Nonetheless, the doctor is more interested in knowing how Ji Heon is able to find out his re-lay-shun-ship with Kang Hee Young and the athlete replies that the female doc told him.  "It makes me feel bad that you two are talking about me like that," Do Wook says, shaking his head.  But he clarifies that he had already broken up with said woman, and to be precise, they haven't actually even started anything.  Ji Heon is irked by the doctor's seeming casualness and ease.

Do Wook's office.  The director is surprised to see Yeon Woo inside and he reminds her of her decision to stop treating patients in his spot but she in turn, reiterates his promise to make her a great doctor.  

Now, it's the single lah-dies turn to have their heart to hearts.  The female doc tells the coach of the director's plan to quit.  Hee Young isn't too surprised at this news but the doctor has a personal request to her, "Please hold on to the director."  WHAAAAT????  "His leaving has got everything to do with you," she reasons.  Ired that the subject is getting too personal, the coach leaves but not before asking Yeon Woo, "You said you like Lee Do Wook.  Don't you think this worked out for the best?"  Hee Young also informs her that Do Wook became the grouchy person that he is because of her.  She then asks Yeon Woo to keep mum on the subject because things are already way too complicated as they are.



The female doc goes back inside the hospital but there are so many thoughts running through her head that she forgets how to put bandages properly.  Of course, she gets a nasty scolding from the director.  Where's your head, girlfriend?  She reasons that taping is a job for physical therapists but Do Wook bites back, "If you're going to learn taping.  Learn it right."  Yeon Woo then asks for a private moment with the director and he jests, "Are you going to confess your love for me or something?"  Do Wook, you and your smart mouth. :) 

Sang Bong's Room.  The medical director uses reverse psychology pep talk aimed at lifting Sang Bong's spirits.  "I told you last time that there are miracles, right?  However, miracles definitely won't happen if you are this way," he tells the lonely, albeit gorgeous bedridden figure of Sang Bong.  




Later that night, Do Wook and Yeon Woo have dinner together.  She tells him that Hee Young knows what he knows.  "Are you telling me that since she rejected me because of her guilt, I should go hold onto her?" the medical director demands.  She shakes her head, "You know I have no power.  I want you to stay here.  But there's no use in me trying to hold onto you."  Oh man, my ship is sinking...

Hee Young gets a call from the medical director.  Okay, will somebody turn on the frickin' lights?  He informs her that he knows that she knows that he knows.  Okay, prep yourself for another major whaaa fest scene, kids.  "I'm  the person who stole your laughter fourteen years ago," the coach cries at Do Wook.  She adds, "No matter how much love you pour to me, oppa.  I'm someone that can't hold it in me because of the guilt." She rambles on about memories, pain, and love, and hurt, and longing, and anguish, and I start slouching in my chair, bored to death.  "We're just painful memories," she finally says.  She embraces him (hopefully, for the last time).  "I'm sorry," she weeps softly and then tells the director that he should be with someone who can make him laugh again.  




That night, the medical director broods at his Fortress while staring longingly at the shiny happy people picture.  With the massive amounts of holding, clutching, and abuses that picture has been receiving, I'm surprised it's not even dog-eared yet or worse, covered with the director's dried tears and snot.  He dramatically puts back the picture inside the book and returns it on his shelf.  
  


Another ordinary day at Taereung.  The docs continue with their usual work of assessing, diagnosing, and prescribing meds for their athletes.  Gawd, I miss those seven-year old soccer kids.  

Initiation Day.  The team tries to pull off the initiation stunt they did to Ji Heon and Super Junior but ends up getting themselves pawned instead.



Hospital.  Our physicians check in on Sang Bong and since the athlete's dad has declared Ji Heon as persona non grata, Judo Boy requests the two doctors to deliver a letter to the injured athlete.  Do Wook opens Ji Heon's letter and sees pictures of the beach, sunset, and Jeju Island.  Sang Bong then remembers his and Ji Heon's conversation about going on a "honeymoon".  The director sees through the athlete's pain and tells him, "Do you rally blame that friend?  When you cry, he will cry forever as well.  When you smile, similarly, he will smile as well."  He adds that since the two athletes have to carry the same burden, wouldn't it be better if they help each other along?  "Why did it have to be Park Ji Heon?" is all Sang Bong could say.




On the bright side, the budget issues of Taereung have been resolved and they could now purchase the elusive MRI machine.  The director is extremely pleased with this good news and he, at last, learns to start flashing his winsome smile and pearly whites again. :)))))))  He goes outside and breathes in the sweet scent of Autumn.  

Not to be outdone, Sang Bong finally awakens and tells the director he wants to start rehab the next day, not for the gold medal but for his desire to be able to walk again.  "My heart is about to explode just as much as I've felt when I was able to walk," the director happily tells Yeon Woo. The dynamic duo delivers the good news to Ji Heon.  The latter embarrassingly thanks the director and the latter laughs it off.  Do Wook then asks Yeon Woo to take athlete boy home.  Seems like everyone had a massive dose of happy pills after dinner.  Even Enya is singing happy elvish songs in the background.




Inside the female doc's car, Judo Boy feigns motion sickness.  Yeon Woo panics, No!  Not on my leather seats!  They stop and get out of the car so Ji Heon could fake toss his fake cookies.  They stop on a lovely spot overlooking the city and the athlete points out the doctor's growing habit of eating with the medical director.  Jealous vibes!  "This is why you're being called a little kid," Yeon Woo jokes.    She brings out her Samsung Galaxy S Mobile (now selling on a store near you) and they talk about stars, horoscopes, and other sweet child-like stuffs. 



Yeon Woo gets a call from the director -- the athlete they have diagnosed early that morning had trouble breathing.  The coach blames the director for not subjecting the athlete to tests.  Early on, the latter was diagnosed with cardiomegaly but the director shrugs it off as normal for sports people.  Yeon Woo rushes to the hospital but the the patient's condition seems to get worse.  Stumped at this medical conundrum, the director spots some ominous white particulates on the surface of the coach's track pants.  Suddenly, Do Wook has a House moment.  He correctly deduces that the athlete's shortness of breath is caused by an allergy to Rosin.  

Dr. Kim is angered by the fact that the coach had the nerve to blame Do Wook for the athlete's condition but he takes the unfair criticism good-naturedly.  He likens a doctor to Tenzing Norgay and an athlete to Edmund Hillary.  "No matter how well we perform, no one will remember us because we are sherpas," he tells her.  "It's a thankless job," she agrees.  He invites her out for a drink.  She suddenly remembers Ji Heon and his jealous butt.  Do Wook laughs and tells her to fetch the whiny kid.  Okay, now I'm definitely starting to give up all hope on my Do Wook/Yeon Woo ship.  Aish!

Yeon Woo returns to Ji Heon and catches him still sitting on the same spot where she last dropped him.  He grumbles that she left him shivering in the cold like a wet kitten to be with that director.  It's a patient, she insists.  She asks why he didn't just take a cab and go home.  He bolts up and goes near her.  "There's something I wanted to do," he says earnestly at Yeon Woo.  He gently puts his hand to her face, pulls her towards him, and gives her a sweet kiss on the lips.  The Ji Heon/Yeon Woo followers in the world swoon and faint.  I'm so jealous of you guys!




New Episode.  Lots of slow-mo kiss with beautiful piano music soaring in the background.  Both Ji Heon and Yeon Woo are overwhelmed and shocked at the intimacy of the moment and are all, "Ah...Uh...Uhrm...Eh...Erm..." like two 14-year olds who have just had their first experience in the world of lip action.  Hee!  They're all awkward and absent-minded inside the car and the music in the radio does not help ease the sweet tension one bit.  It's all very cute and adorable! :)))         


At their respective homes, both Ji Heon and Yeon Woo ponder the day's events.  It's safe to assume that no one will be sleeping tonight.  The next day, the doctor confides to Mama Kim;  "Liking someone while kissing another..." she starts.  "Is that what you're up to these days??!" she exclaims, horrified.  LOL!  Yeon Woo, I'm loving  yo mama right now!  She denies and feigns it's a friend she's talking about.  Mama Kim points out that since said "friend" just stood there during  the kiss, she must definitely have feelings for the kisser too.  "She has feelings for him?" Yeon Woo asks aloud, confused. 

Hospital grounds.  Sang Bong's dad wheels him around while Ji Heon lurks in the background.  The latter sees Sang Bong struggling to move his wheelchair forward on his own and he is deeply moved and extremely saddened.


Judo Boy gets a call from Yeon Woo.  She wants to talk about what transpired yesterday evening;  "Yesterday, I was not in my right mind.  I was very nervous because an athlete was in the emergency room.  And I didn't know how to react because you did that all of a sudden.  And plus, the weather was really cold.  In case you might misunderstand, yesterday... yesterday, that incident had no meaning.  So, don't think it was weird."  She says all this very fast.  "I don't think it's weird," he replies.  Yeon Woo starts to leave but Ji Heon stops her and buys her a scarf.  The doctor gives the scarf back to him and tells Ji Heon that for the nth time, she only sees him as a friend and nothing more.  Ji Heon, in return, insists that she keep the scarf and states, for the nth time that he wants more than her friendship --  he wants to hold her hand, touch her, and give her some sweet lovin'.  "If you're not going to give me your all, then don't give me anything," he tells her.  Well, ain't we a little pushy, huh?  


Elsewhere, Do Wook meets with the hospital staff and he cheerfully informs them that their budget has been raised to half a million.  Everyone oohs and aahs at the medical director's amazing powers of persuasion.  He is about to tell them about his impending resignation, with Yeon Woo looking at him like she's tethering on the verge of a breakdown, but he decides not to spoil the happy atmosphere.  The doctor inquires what changed his mind and he says, "I don't think I can tell them today.  As you can tell, I was quite popular." :)  

Back at the hospital, Lee is particularly pleased with Yeon Woo's growing competence and confidence.  After the examination, Do Wook orders Yeon Woo to "graduate" and stop doing treatments in his office.  "I told you that I want to examine patients with you until you leave," she persists.  "What if you become attached?" he asks casually.  The question stops her dead on her tracks.  Hee Young calls Yeon Woo over the phone.  Wow, they're really that close now?  The swimming coach informs her that she and the director have finally found closure and it's the director's birthday.    

Ji Heon and Super Junior spot Yeon Woo carrying a birthday cake.  She returns the scarf to Ji Heon saying it would be uncomfortable if she keeps it.  "What about the guitar?" he says.  She steps inside the hospital and overhears the staff and Do Wook talking.  Apparently, the staff has already heard about the director's plans of resigning from the Olympic Village and they're all extremely sad and disappointed.  "You haven't been here that long.  It makes no sense that you're leaving soon.  How can you quit when you haven't even been here for a year?" they all echo at Do Wook.  Yeon Woo runs after Dr. Lee.  "Will you stay with me for the next five and a half hours?" she asks sheepishly.  He is amused.  They go to dinner and then take a lovely after dinner walk, with her insisting that she'll buy him any present that he wants.



You know, when a movie or a TV character starts to coughs, it's always bad news and that person is bound to have a 50/50 chance of making it through the end of the film or series.  Just saying... Go Bum has caught Kwon Yoo Ri vandalizing his car and he is very pissed off.  More athlete drama transpires.


Olympic Village Skating Rink.  The director confesses to Yeon Woo that the ice rink is the only place he hasn't visited since his return to Taereung.  Thus, he is very much relieved that the place doesn't remind him of bad memories at all.  Do Wook turns and asks her if she could skate and with all confidence, the doctor says YES!  Turns out she's lying and as she tries her darndest to glide even a few inches forward,  the director projects all sorts of funny, amused, concerned, and "can you believe this?" faces at her.  ROTFL!  She clumsily falls on her butt and the director goes to help her.  "You came into the rink,"  she points out.  The remarks hits him home -- he is slowly healing.  And for the first time in 14 years, he laughs.  They then spend the next few hours having super happy fun time in the rink.  


  


Of course, Compartment Syndrome catches Do Wook and Yeon Woo leaving the rink together and he's all terribly hurt and dejected.  The director sees Ji Heon and tells Yeon Woo to cap the night off.  "But there's still an hour left," she points out.  "Why don't you invest that hour to someone who will stay by your side in the future?" he tells her.  "It's too useless to put effort towards someone who's going to leave."  Ah, shoot!  

Ji Heon goes into his room and sulks while Yeon Woo plays with her teddy bears, mimicking the director's words.    "Fine go!" she yells at the stuffed toy and beats the poor thing like a rag doll.  She spots the guitar in the corner.  Hmm.



Next day.  Kwon Yoo Ri inquires about Yeon Woo's feelings for Ji Heon while they're waiting for the results of her medical exam.  The doctor sighs and gives her a passive look.  She reviews Yoo Ri's x-ray and gets all troubled.  "Does cancer run in your family?" she asks the athlete.  Apparently, the x-ray has revealed a tumor in Yoo Ri's lungs and she needs a biopsy ASAP.  She breaks the bad news to the swimming coach who then asks for the the medical director's opinion.  It's good that these two exes can finally be civil to each other and can talk without tearing each other's heads apart.

Clearly, Yoo Ri is still in denial.  She continues with her laps and when she surfaces, she spots Dr. Lee at the edge of the pool.  He proceeds to talk some sense to her and gives her two options:  One, she can get the exam immediately and if the tumor turns out to be benign, then there's no need to worry.  Two, she can get the exam after the Asian Games but she has to live through all the lingering doubts in her head.  "What if I get the exam and it turns out to be cancer?" she asks.  The director replies that she can have surgery immediately.  Unfortunately, the procedure would cost her the games.  At this painful realization, the athlete pours her heart out to Do Wook.  In between sobs, she tells him that no matter how serious her condition is, she is not going to give up -- the Asian Games might be her last opportunity to compete and to show the world the great athlete that she is.  




Honestly, this is the first time I have seen Yoo Ri in a completely new light.  Initially, I have always thought of her as just this silly, annoying and clingy character who just happens to be the fifth leg in this weird love pentangle.  But the swimmer's conversation with Do Wook reveals a whole new side of her -- she is not just another spoiled, self-absorbed athlete but a dedicated player who would not shirk away despite physical limitations.  "The more serious it is, the more I'm going to persevere," she tells the director.  Do Wook sighs.  He understands.  Ah, these kids.

After he's done talking to the swimmer, the medical director huddles with the coach and the female doc.  "It's better to keep Yoo Ri's condition a secret and wait 50 more days to get the exam," he tells them.  He specifically reinforces his decision to Yeon Woo, knowing full well how her moral fiber in issues such as this have created a problem for her in the past.  Yeon Woo is clearly disappointed with the director's plan and she dashes to his office.  The medical director explains his side and brings the point home by comparing the  swimmer's situation to a young doctor, who after spending almost a decade in medical school to be a surgeon, suddenly discovers a tumor inside him.  Would the doctor give up performing surgery because of his tumor?  The director doesn't think so.  Nonetheless, Yeon Woo, stubborn as ever, insists that they need to perform a biopsy  right away and if they need to use force, then so be it.  She quickly leaves.  The director looks troubled.


The female doc goes to the Vice President and spills the beans.  The VP then calls for a meeting.


The director confronts Yeon Woo after their intense meeting with the VP.  "Is this another whistle blowing?" he asks her.  "Tomorrow, Kwon Yoo Ri might be dismissed and Coach Kang Hee Young might be fired (Me: YESSS!).  Are you happy now?" he snaps, rather cruelly to our girl.  Oh Yeon Woo, you are too good for your profession.  

Soju time!  Why do these people hate their livers so much?


Lonely and hurt, Yeon Woo calls Judo Boy and he finds her huddled in a sad little bench, drunk and depressed.  "Just tell me that I was right and I did a good job," she pleads.  He proceeds to do exactly what she says like an obedient 8-year old, but without any trace of concern or feeling.  "Thank you," she tells him.  Slightly annoyed at all her late-night racket, Ji Heon warns her,  "If you call me one more time, I'll take it that you don't want to be friends with me."  Poor Yeon Woo.  Ji Heon turns to go but she calls after him,  "Park Ji Heon!"  He freezes, surprised at the earnestness in her voice.  I fall in love with you!




And with that, I'm officially crushed to smithereens because my hope for a Do Wook/Yeon Woo pairing is becoming more and more next to impossible and I'll just have to accept whatever fate The Powers That Be have in store for our characters.  Why do I always have the tendency to root for damaged, bad boys (Lost's Sawyer, Gilmore Girl's Jess, Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Spike, etc.) anyway?  Why Why Why? 

 I have been reading some forums on Dr. Champ last night, and apparently, a lot of you viewers are betting that the medical director will leave Taereung for good and he'll end up being alone.  Well, that's kinda sad but with the recent storyline developments, said scenario seems plausible.  At any rate, with these last two episodes, I'm sincerely hoping that the writers will give the medical director more chance to repair his broken and wounded soul  We've already seen some hints of healing during the skating rink scenes and I want more of that.  

Finally, Ji Heo/Yeon Woo shippers, move your tokens forward while I slowly hang my head in shame, put on my robes, and haul my butt to Dagobah because the Force is clearly strong with you -- your OTP seems more and more likely to happen, what with all the cute kissy scenes and the cliffhanger on the last episode. 

Two more episodes and we're done!  Yay! :)))))  

Question for the finale:  Will Do Wook leave Taereung forever?  Will Yeon Woo's love for Do Wook finally be requited or for that matter, will Yeon Woo ever love Ji Heon the way he loves her?  Does Yoo Ri really have cancer and will she and Judo Boy finally win the gold?  Will Sang Bong have the heart to forgive Ji Heon and be able to walk again?  Will they have their planned "honeymoon" in Jeju Island? :) Will Go Bum stop being an asshat?  And finally, will Kang Hee Young ever wear clothes that would actually fit her and not just hang on her body like a loose giant tent?  

Tune in next week for all the answers!

Again, thanks for reading, guys and remember to honor our veterans for their service and sacrifice to our country.  Have a great weekend everyone! :)      

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Friday, November 5, 2010

Cuts Like A Knife: Dr. Champ Recap/Review (Episodes 11-12)

Well, midterm elections are over and now it's time to part-tay!  I would have worked on this recap earlier had not my parents insisted that I drive them to this GOP celebration event that was a few miles away from our home.  "Why can't you drive by yourselves," I told them.  "Because we're tired," my mom replied.  "Whaddaya mean tired?  All you did was watch Fox News the whole day,"  I snapped.  My dad's evil eye told me to shut up.  Anyways, for once I'm so happy that the midterm elections are finally over.  Now, I can watch TV without being bombarded by campaign ads, polling data, and pundits spouting off.  Next week, the real work begins.

Now let's go to my favorite non-existent physician: Dr. Champ. 


In the wake of Sang Bong's unfortunate accident, everyone just tries to survive the damaged left-over that is Park Ji Heon as he accesses his scary-broody-Healthcliffy side and takes his broke ass home.  


Kim Yeon Woo pleads to Judo Boy over the phone, "Talk to me.  Please talk to me."  "I want to see you.  I'm afraid," Ji Heon cries softly but he hangs up.  The female doc rushes to her car and then realizes she doesn't know where to go.  Devastated, she slumps then messes her hair.  

Lee Do Wook's Fortress of Solitude.  He wrist-grabs Kang Hee Young just as she was about to depart.  "Stay here.  Just today," he begs.  She freezes and then turns around.  She could tell that he's terribly hurt because of Sang Bong's accident.    He strokes her face, leans forward, and kisses her passionately.  Then my mom enters my room.  "You need to drive us," she orders, dangling the car keys.  Harumph!  


The scene is intimate, sad, and very brief; and boy, am I ever so glad it isn't something manic like THIS or I'll be screaming my tonsils out and abandoning Do Wook forever!  Heh!  (BTW, still spastic after Monday's scorching hot Gossip Girl OMG Chair moment!)  You could tell that the medical director is the only one who feels and finds the whole thing meaningful .  Indeed, this love affair seems to be very much one-sided as Hee Young whispers to Do Wook (after they did the nasty), to hurry up and sleep already.  She'll be doing the walk of shame in five minutes.  

Meanwhile, Yeon Woo cries her heart out to her mom.  Nothing numbs grief like good old Soju with your "crazy" mom by your side.  The doc weeps, "Because of that medical director -- that loser, my heart aches so much."  and then adds, "I think I'm going crazy because of that athlete as well."  Well, isn't this love triangle just a pain in the butt huh, Yeon Woo? 


Mom helpfully suggests to pick just one -- the one with the most ability.  Ahem.  Let's see... Yeon Woo, would you prefer the super intelligent but super grouchy doc who at this moment, ISN'T giving you ANY proper attention or would you choose the super sweet but super weepy athlete who smothers you with a WHOLE LOT of attention?

Finally, Sang Bong regains consciousness.  Yeon Woo rushes to visit him and sees the medical director at the athlete's bedside.  He gives the athlete some needed encouragement and pep talk,  "Don't believe everything the doctors tell you.  I'm your walking miracle."  Nonetheless, the athlete refuses to speak.  The female doc asks him if Sang Bong's silence is pathologic but the medical director disagrees.  Clearly, the athlete is still in denial and just doesn't want to talk.  The medical director then orders Yeon Woo to look for Ji Heon and make sure his guilt doesn't transform him into a crazy monster.  Adding to Judo Boy's troubles is the coach's severe warning that unless he appears in practice the next day, the team is going to kick him out (again).


Hee Yang and her favorite girl athlete, Kwon Yoo Ri take a walk around the village and they run into our doctors.  Awkward!  The medical director tells Hee Young he wants to have dinner with her the next day.  Yeon Woo surmises that everything is now going well with Do Wook and Hee Young.  This gotta hurt.  Later that evening, the female doc drops by Ji Heon's family.  His sister-in-law's seeming apathy disconcerts Yeon Woo.  She states, "No matter how much you dislike Ji Heon, you should at least worry about him.  He's family."  Yeon Woo goes home and relives her happy moments with Judo Boy.




Morning call.  Ji Heon is still nowhere to be seen.  Yeon Woo is concerned that our athlete might miss his deadline and she heads outside the hospital.  She sees him walking towards the field but he's all very crabby towards her.

Judo Boy joins the team although it's clear that his heart and head aren't on the game.  After the practice, the team's leader decides that they all need to visit Sang Bong.  Ji Heon announces he's not going and everyone is aghast and infuriated at this sudden insensitive ass-ttitude.  Team Leader grabs Ji Heon and proceeds to beat the living daylights out of him but his Judo mates stop him.  


Ji Heon goes to the clinic and tells Yeon Woo to cover up his bruises and just like that morning, he's very cranky towards her.  Okay, who is this arrogant prat inside Ji Heon's body? 

Meanwhile, Do Wook prepares for his date night.  "Do you think it's deplorable to have a dinner date with a woman in this crisis?" he asks his colleague.  Umm, yes?  But Yeon Woo shakes her head.  He reasons, "Everyone has a different way of coping with a difficult time.  Some cry, some drink alcohol, and some get angry.  My way is this."  Yeah right, like dinner and meaningless sex.

A great celebration calls for the best wine in the house and Lee Do Wook chooses something fancy and very expensive.  "Today must be a special day", the waitress notes.  Yes, this is the first time we haven't seen Hee Young mope.  The director concurs, "I'm having dinner with the a woman I've been waiting for over 10 years."  Oh Do Wook, I betcha you'll be eating pain before the night ends.


We unearth some more major revelations -- the head nurse tells Kang Hee Young that it was all because of her that Do Wook met his unfortunate accident and left him paralyzed.  Wow, the guilt must be eating you now, coach.  I'm still hazy with the details but it seems that a few weeks prior to Do Wook's speed-skating competition, he shielded Hee Young from something which left his body weak and vulnerable. 


Restaurant.  The medical director waits for Hee Young.  He waits... And waits... Then waits some more... Until finally, before the classical music inside the restaurant changes to Closing Time by Semisonic, Hee Young's ghostly apparition materializes.  Instead of getting angry, the director tells her about how he spent his waiting time downloading a cell phone app for a guy spacing out while waiting for his date who is running late.  Haha!  Hee Young isn't amused.  She sits down and confesses that she felt sorry for Do Wook that night.  She further adds that the whole thing was just a consolation for him and that none of it was real.  As this painful realization hits him home, Do Wook fires back at Hee Young that it was just as meaningless for him as well.  Lies!  Hurt and terribly dejected, the swimming coach leaves Do Wook.  Poor director.  He looks like a five-year old kid who's been denied Christmas.  He tells the waiter to give the wine to another couple.  See I told you Do Wook, you'll be eating MAJOR PAIN for dinner.



And now we're back to Hee Young's heartful personal woes and mopey pathos.   


Next day.  Where are the bouncy songs?  "You'll have to start treating with me from now on," Do Wook tells Yeon Woo.  Yeah, let's make this work, doctors!  They then spend the entire day putting their heads together, challenging themselves to find solutions for their patients' various medical problems, with the medical director tossing in a few medical lessons for Yeon Woo.  


Ji Heon keeps giving everyone the silent treatment and he's clearly out of focus.  The Judo director asks how he's doing and he tells him that he's fine.  More lies!

Meanwhile, as the day goes on, Do Wook gets crabbier and crabbier towards Yeon Woo.  Why do these characters vent out their anger on other persons?  It's not healthy, yo!  Ji Heon zombie-walks inside the examination room.  Yeon Woo does not see anything wrong with him but the director informs them that there is inflammation in his knee.  He prescribes some medications for him and when he leaves, the director explains that he just pulled off the good old placebo effect phenomenon on Ji Heon -- all the pain is just in his head.  They have an intense argument and Yeon Woo confronts her boss, why are you being an ass all of a sudden?  He retorts, "When was I ever kind to you?" and then tells her to follow up with Ji Heon as the three of them will be visiting Sang Bong later.  "If  you want to hear compliments, you'll have to work harder," he snaps. 




Yeon Woo finds Ji Heon lurking at the gym's shadows.  She tells him that all his physical hurtin' is purely psychological and he needs to let go off the burden by checking in on Sang Bong.  However, he's still as douchy as ever.  All of a sudden, he grabs her hand and leans towards her.  "I need comfort right now", he hisses with an evil glint in his eyes.  Uh, oh... He moves closer to her as she struggles to get out from his tight grip.   JI HEON, WHAT THE FRAG IS WRONG WITH YOU?  Fortunately, the medical director steps in.  "Let go of that hand," he snarls while I melt with joy.  The love triangle rears its ubiquitous head yet again.  As Johnny Bravo says, "Whoa mama, major drama!"




New Episode.  Do Wook deplores Ji Heon's indecent behavior and scolds him like a seven-year old.  Judo Boy is insulted and grabs the director by his shirt.  "Just try and hit me," Do Wook challenges.  "I'll make sure that you'll leave this National Village right away."  Ji Heon loosens his grip and the medical director decides not to let Judo Boy go with them at the hospital.  Yeon Woo again tries to persuade Ji Heon to come, but the director barks, "Dr. Kim Yeon Woo!  Get out!"  Ji Heon stands in silence, mad at himself, ashamed at himself.



Yeon Woo accosts Do Wook, "Your words were too harsh.  He's in a psychologically troubled state."  The medical director raises an eyebrow, "Well then, if I hadn't shown up, were you thinking of actually kissing him?  Is that a new technique you've discovered?"  He tells her he doesn't care about her "methods" but they don't have much time.  Erm, time for what?

Next day.  Another ordinary day at Taereung Olympic Hospital.  Do Wook sees a big improvement with Yeon Woo's treatment.  She tells him that she has been studying every night because she's sick of being reprimanded by him all the time.  Do Wook is visibly pleased, "You're growing."   She asks him, "Until when do I have to continue to treat patients in your office?"  He pouts, "Until I say that it's okay."  Haha!  This is going to be a looooong day.  



More medical moments and I'm in an all-time high.  As I've written before, I get giddy at this developing mentor-pupil relationship between Do Wook and Yeon Woo.  

Break time.  "What do you think should we do?" the director asks our girl.  "Play paintball!!!" I scream at my laptop.  However, the director has other ideas.  He wants to watch Team Judo practice.  

During practice, Ji Heon starts to hallucinate about unicorns, err... about Sang Bong and keeps dropping his guard.  



The coach is displeased and tells Ji Heon to take a break.  The two physicians discuss Ji Heon's predicament.  Yeon Woo insists that three days of rest would be good for the athlete.  The director sighs, what the athlete needs to do is to see Sang Bong.  The coach wants to remove Ji Heon from the the team (again) but the medical director insists they could make Judo Boy better, or more specifically, Yeon Woo could make him better.  The coach informs the docs that there'll be a goodwill match between the Japanese and the Koreans in ten days and if Ji Heon is still in his depressed, moody state during that time, he'll be booted out.

Outside the gym, Yeon Woo appeals to the director to take Ji Heon's case since according to her, he understands athletes better than she does.  The director rebuffs her.

"Park Ji Heon is really messed up right now too.  It would be great if the two of you could get better right away,"  Yeon Woo states as she looks sadly at the sleeping form of Sang Bong.  Sang Bong, heal already, will you?  We need you!  Everyone needs you! Aargh!


More cafeteria drama.  Gawd, I hate Go Bum!  


Finally, Yeon Woo comes up with a clever plan to cheer up Ji Heon.  She goes to him and plays the guitar he gave to her as a present, "I'll make you smile, whenever you're sad.  Carry you around when your arthritis is bad."  :P Heh!  That's not exactly what she sings but sometimes I wish I could understand even some tiny wee bit of Korean phrases.    



Hee Young checks in her favorite athlete; Yoo Ri at the medical center and chances upon Yeon Woo and Do Wook working together.  It's all very awkward and the tension between her and the medical director is palpable.  She recoils at his every gaze while Yeon Woo wonders just what the heck is going on.

The female doc and the swimming coach bump into each other later that night at the parking lot.  Yeon Woo can't help but be curious, "Aren't you and the medical director back together?" she asks Hee Young.  The coach shakes her head, "No. We're not dating."  A light bulb seems to suddenly flash above Yeon Woo's head and she floors the accelerator like hell while racing towards Casa de Lee.  She dashes inside his house (wow, she can do that now?) and we're in for some good drama.  Prep yourselves, kids!


 "You're thinking about leaving, aren't you?" she yells at Do Wook, breathless.  "Is that why you're pushing me all of a sudden?"  The director affirms and states that he'll only be staying for  two more months after which he'll be transferring the responsibility to Yeon Woo.  Seems like the director is really heartbroken over the swimming coach.  Sheesh, that Kang Hee Young.  I keeel her! :P

C'mon Do Wook, why are you suddenly being all wimpy?  "Director, I'm so disappointed in you," Yeon Woo exclaims, bewildered, and near the verge of tears.  She reminds him of his dream to be a great medical director.  Is he giving all that up just because of that spineless Kang Hee Young?  "That's how much of a loser I am," he says glumly.  "Fine!" Yeon Woo declares, infuriated.  "I can do well without you!"  With these final words, she storms out.




Ji Heon and his nephew watch an old news reel of Sang Bong on TV.  In the interview, the athlete subtly mentions Ji Heon, telling the reporter that he is extremely happy when his pal made it to the national team.  He ends the interview with a wide, silly smile.  I and Ji Heon try hard not to cry.  



Judo Boy finally musters the courage to visit Sang Bong.  Sang Bong opens his eyes and it's all tantrum of the opera.  "Get lost!  Get lost!" he screams.  Ji Heon is shocked and utterly devastated.  Yeon Woo gives him a warm, tender hug and pats his back.  




He goes to the coach a little later and makes his intentions of quitting clear but his mentor refuses to accept all this scaredy cat attitude.  Dramatic music in the background.  "From now on, you are competing with me," the coach declares.  "You will not stop until you can flip me over."  The two spar it out all night.  


Meanwhile, back at the Hospital, the female doctor wants to move out of her office.  She reports the "progress" between Ji Heon and Sang Bong and tells the medical director that from now on, she will learn to accept responsibility for her mistakes since Do Wook won't always be around to save her butt anymore.

The Japanese Team arrives.  Konnichiwa!

Yeon Woo cannot concentrate on her work as her mind drifts towards the incoming goodwill match.  She super-fast texts Ji Heon: D Match wEnt weL, Ryt?  Suddenly, she gets a call from the director.  The Vice President has arranged a dinner between her, Do Wook, and the Bureau Chief to settle all the budget issues in Taereung.  The VP requests for the director not to be rude during the meeting. 

Japan vs South Korea.  Ji Heon vs Nakamura.  (Side note:  Why are all the Japanese on TV shows named Nakamura?  And Koreans are named Park?  Just asking.)  The Japanese athlete and Judo Boy battle it out with a complex series of maneuvers -- wrestling, grappling, and pinning one another.  


Taereung Parking Lot.  Ji Heon runs after Yeon Woo but spots her with Do Wook instead.  Sometimes, I wish that Judo Boy would go easy on the jealousy vibes.  Do Wook and Yeon Woo are after all, colleagues.  Ergo, it's given that they would work closely together.  If this were Seattle Grace, then there'd be a reason for Ji Heon to be afraid, very afraid.  But since we're not seeing the director dropping any hints of attraction for Yeon Woo at the moment, I think Ji Heon can totally relax... or should he???

Do Wook sees Ji Heon and calls after him.  I half expect he'll invite him over to that dinner and we'll have more awkward conversations.  Hee hee!  "How did it go with today's match?  Did you win?"  the two docs inquire.  "Yes," he answers sadly.  He stares at them forlornly as they leave. 



Dinner dinner dinner, Batman!  At long last, Yeon Woo gets to have dinner with Do Wook even though it's strictly business.  Lots of colorful food but how come no one's eating???   They discuss the Olympic Village's budget, the need for MRI, and other medical stuffs until the conversation shifts to Do Wook's accident.  Yeon Woo is bothered at the sudden change of topic and she shoots looks of concern at the director.  Nonetheless, he remains stoic and casually proceeds to tell his personal story.



After dinner, the female doc is repulsed at the director's seeming apathy.  "You don't have to bring up that painful past," she says aloud.  "Are you drunk?" he asks.  When she tells him no, he takes a few steps away and tells her to follow him.

They stop over a sweet little spot overlooking a bridge and he opens himself up to her and exposes the sad little athlete-boy inside.  He tells her that he became a doctor because he wants to make sure that no athlete has to suffer from what he went through ever again.  He further adds that he initially thought he'd be able to put the past behind him, but it's increasingly clear that Hee Young's presence makes it very difficult for him to do so. Consequently, this makes him an ineffective and weak medical director and that's the reason why he's leaving.  But before he submits his two-week notice, he promises Yeon Woo that he'll do whatever it takes to help her be a great physician.  "Before I leave, if I can just help you, I plan to do everything.  Just like today.  Even if it requires bringing up my painful past, it doesn't matter," he tells her earnestly.  Yeon Woo cries and pleads "CAN YOU NOT GO?  I NEED YOU, DIRECTOR."  She reiterates, "I SAID I NEED YOU."  




YESSSSSS!!! (Raises fists in the air and self-fives).  

Ji Heon broods like Batman if Batman does brood on a parking lot at daytime.  The medical director arrives and seems slightly troubled as Yeon Woo's words reverberate in his mind.  He gets out of the car and the athlete walks towards him.  "There's something I need to talk to you," he says, stepping forward.  It doesn't take too long for the doctor to guess what he wants or whom he wants to discuss about, "Dr. Kim Yeon Woo, right?"  He gives Ji Heon his signature smirk.  OMG!  They're jump-starting the love triangle!  Wow, am I stoked!  



I'm very much pleased with these episodes.  They're not much of a whaaambulance like last week but they struck all the right notes, chords, and strings of the heart.  There is real chemistry among the actors (even with Cha Rye Yun, but that may be because I rarely feel her presence here), with a good mix of funny and serious.  Though the episodes are still far from rocking my world (I'm reserving that feeling for the finale), they are solidly good and tap into the things that make K-dramas work; interesting character dynamics, witty banter, and just the right dose of emotions and drama.  Yep, I'm  not busting out the confetti yet but I do keep a bag handy.

There are also a couple of new nifty plot threads (i.e. Do Wook's impending resignation) and I cannot wait to see the conversation between the doctor and the athlete next week.  I'm still not sure where this series is going but I'm confident that whatever happens, it will be legendary!  

Finally, we end the episode with clips of Sang Bong.  They should just make a whole show out of this.  Nay, a series.  Jeong Seok Won could pretty much read an entire catalog of fungi specimens and I'd still be riveted.  We need us some more Sang Bong lovin', writers!