My Love by My Side

Every episode is good in this 50 episode drama about a teenage pregnancy and it's ramifications on 3 families. Without fail there is something that makes you have to tune in to the next episode. It has the excitement of a makjang drama but the realistic characters of a family drama that doesn't get out of hand - a winning combination. I mostly enjoyed the characters - and what is special is even the villains are surprisingly entertaining because they are so funny especially Seok Bin and his evil mother. There is a comic theme that runs throughout and that keeps things watchable and not too heavy. Although at times the lead actress's keeping secrets is frustrating. Every time things get too bad for the good guys there is some sort of comeuppance and it's satisfying as problems get solved in a believable way and that keeps you watching till the end. Teenage pregnancy and adoption are the themes are tackled here. The story is well constructed and complicated but if you concentrate it isn't confusing. All the connections and secrets are carefully plotted and it makes sense all the way to the satisfying funny ending. The cast is well chosen for their roles. Lee So Yeon as the girl who gets knocked up Do Mi Sol gets prettier as the series continues. Lee Jae Yoon makes a likeable square jawed good guy for her. The villains are terrific - Lee Hwi Hyang from Stairway to Heaven has a really juicy role as the crazy evil mother of Seok Bin played by On Joo Wan. A clever and funny show.