Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• bravekoala

  Overall 7

  Story 6,  Acting 7,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 1

  Alright, so let's talk about this drama. But fair warning, my friends, there might be some spoilers ahead. Now, if you enjoy torturing yourself with intense dramas, then go right ahead and dive into this one. But let me tell you, I kinda set myself up for disappointment with this show. I patiently waited to binge-watch it, only to end up feeling a bit let down.
  
  Don't get me wrong, it had its cute moments. But I couldn't help but get a headache from some of...

  the absolutely ridiculous things that happened. Seriously, there's only so much evil a girl can take, you know?
  
  So, what were the issues for me? Well, it started off strong, with lots of intrigue. But as it went on, it felt like a major letdown. The pacing was off, with all the important stuff happening early on and the middle and end feeling a bit lackluster. And let's talk about the male lead. He had the looks, no doubt about that. But when it came to romance, it just didn't quite hit the mark. Sure, he showed emotion during tough times, but his relationship with the leading lady just didn't feel right. It was like they would have these cute moments, and then they would fizzle out. It just didn't have that lasting impact. Such a shame, because they looked great together.
  
  Now, let's get into the romance itself. Usually, I'm pretty good at picking up on the subtle cues that indicate a budding romance. But in this case, it was a bit tricky. There were some cute moments in the beginning, but then things simmered down in the middle episodes and only picked up again towards the end. It was hard to pinpoint when exactly the leads started catching feelings and falling in love, especially the male lead. It just felt like an afterthought compared to all the unnecessary villains thrown into the mix.
  
  And speaking of villains, boy, were there a bunch in this drama! One of them, the male lead's ex-girlfriend and supposed best friend, was just detestable. She committed crimes, lacked common sense, and was basically a terrible person overall. And don't even get me started on the doctor who helped her because he had a crush on her. Equally despicable. The female lead's own cousin was no better, mean and hateful for no apparent reason. And let's not forget about that "little cheater" Victor. That guy deserved a serious slap for what he did. It was frustrating to watch them all take up so much screen time with their schemes, leaving very little room for the main couple.
  
  But what really got to me was how nobody said anything in response to all the terrible things these villains did to the main leads. No disqualifications, no reporting to the police, no defending themselves. It was infuriating to see so many missed opportunities for justice.
  
  Now, let's talk about the redeeming qualities of this drama. The female lead, played by Song Zu Er, was a joy to watch. She was cute, funny, and had this tough side to her. I first saw her in another drama and became an instant fan. I highly recommend that one over this drama, to be honest. And the background music in this drama? Absolutely lovely. Some of the songs have even made it into my playlist. Plus, the food scenes were top-notch. I mean, they made me so hungry with all that delicious-looking food.
  
  And, of course, there were those cute moments between the main couple. They were sweet and almost made me forget about all the frustrating parts of the drama. Visually, they looked great together. So, if you just want to watch those cute, fluffy moments, I suggest looking up some clips and sparing yourself from the agony of the whole drama.
  
  In the end, if you're into intense dramas with lots of villains and screen time, then this might be the drama for you. But honestly, the writing could have been better. There were too many characters to hate, and the unpleasant moments outweighed the cuteness and romance that was supposed to be the focus. It had the potential to be a captivating drama, but it just didn't live up to expectations. Personally, I felt like I wasted a lot of time on it. I won't say it was terrible, because it did have its moments that made my heart flutter. But for the most part, it was just about watchable, with lots of skipping involved.
  
  I won't be rewatching this one, it stressed me out way too much. But I'll definitely keep an eye out for more works by the male and female leads. And remember, these are just my opinions. Respect to all the actors, actresses, directors, and screenwriters involved in this drama.

• hothelen63

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8.5,  Acting 9.5,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 6

  A culinary drama that will leave your taste buds craving for more! When I first tuned in, it was Ethan who caught my eye, and boy, did he deliver! As always, his performance was top-notch. As a fan of food dramas, I was ready to feast on this series, but the amount of food scenes, including the random street food chorus, left me with a bellyache!
  
  The storyline is a classic one in culinary dramas: a chef who loses his sense of taste. It's executed...

  really well, and the first few episodes had me hooked. However, as the series progressed, I found myself drowning in a sea of additional characters, parallel stories, and unnecessary scenes, which made the narration slow and, dare I say, a tad boring.
  
  The relationship between our main characters, CL, takes its sweet time to develop. From chef to apprentice, and then eventually to lovers, it's a slow burn that's worth the wait. But I have to admit, I wish there were more moments of romance on the screen. The focus is mostly on cooking and competitions, which might disappoint some die-hard OTP (One True Pairing) enthusiasts.
  
  While the main "villain" character is consistent in her actions, I couldn't fully comprehend the motivations of her "accomplices" – the doctor/lover and the brother. How could they stand by and let her sink deeper into her obsession? It left me scratching my head.
  
  On a positive note, the soundtrack is fantastic, even if the occasional singers seem to be singing different lyrics (oops!). However, I have to confess, I was completely baffled and not a fan of the "Bollywood" finale at all. It felt out of place and left me wanting more closure.
  
  Overall, this culinary drama has its highlights, but it doesn't quite reach the level of being unforgettable. It's an enjoyable ride for foodies, but be prepared for some slow-paced moments and a finale that may not hit the mark for everyone.

• BrightReindeer

  Overall 9

  Story 8.5,  Acting 10,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 8.5

  The TV series delivers stunning food shots that are captivating and visually impressive. Although initially drawn to its culinary aspect, I found myself engrossed in the love story as well. The remarkable chemistry between the main lead (ML) and female lead (FL) is evident, as they complement each other perfectly. While some may argue that their romance develops slowly, I believe it progresses at just the right pace to suit the storyline. However, I personally would have appreciated more romantic scenes to further enhance the...

  connection between the characters.
  
  Another highlight of the show is its ability to evoke a constant craving for food. Almost every episode left me hungry, and the series succeeds in teaching viewers a variety of new and interesting facts about various dishes. The addictive nature of the show is undeniable; I was so engrossed that I barely noticed the passage of time, becoming completely absorbed in the storyline. In conclusion, this series is undoubtedly worth watching, as it succeeds in captivating viewers with its breathtaking food shots, engaging love story, and the genuine allure of gastronomy.

• grumpyfox

  Overall 7

  Story 7,  Acting 8,  Music 7.5,  Rewatch Value 7

  Once upon a time, in a world filled with food enthusiasts, a renowned Michelin star chef found himself in a predicament. Losing his ability to taste food, he embarked on a journey to find a new apprentice with a supernatural sense of taste. But this chef wasn't motivated by kindness; he needed someone to taste his creations for him. However, when he unexpectedly chose a young girl who couldn't cook at all, the culinary community was bewildered. To make matters worse, he was quite prickly...

  and temperamental. Yet, as expected in a rom-com, their relationship took a more personal turn, blending sweetness with the ups and downs of mentorship.
  
  Food played a central role in this tale, enticing viewers with its mouthwatering display. From humble street food to extravagant Michelin-starred dishes, the show captured the art of cooking with finesse. The attention to detail in food styling and photography was remarkable, making it a redeeming quality of the series.
  
  While the central storyline seemed interesting and delectable, the show took unexpected turns. Antagonistic forces and drastic shifts in tone complicated the narrative, transforming what began as a lighthearted rom-com into a darker and twisted genre altogether.
  
  The odd couple at the center of the series, though peculiar, radiated chemistry that was hard to ignore. Their romantic moments were undeniably heartwarming, leaving viewers swooning. However, the presence of multiple side romantic storylines felt forced and unnecessary, creating distractions and diluting the overall plot. This problem intensified when the show became darker and more intense, as these additional narratives felt out of place and trivial.
  
  The most perplexing aspect came near the end of the series. Antagonists became reformed, and all the problems faced by the characters magically vanished, leaving viewers perplexed and disappointed. The abrupt shift from reality to fantastical elements in the form of attacking unicorns and a Bollywood-inspired ending felt jarring and disconnected from the rest of the story.
  
  The acting, on the whole, was solid, with some exaggerated stereotypes, particularly with foreign characters. Although younger actors had room for improvement, their commitment to their roles was evident, even if the characters themselves were less substantial.
  
  The show boasted an appealing OST and impressive production values, but its lack of focus and unclear message hindered its potential. Whether it aimed to be sweet and bubbly or dark and crazy, it ended up being a rollercoaster ride that left viewers feeling cheated and confused. While individual scenes were well-executed, the series as a whole fell short of its promising premise.

• quickgroundhogday

  Overall 7

  Story 7.5,  Acting 8.5,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 2

  **Spoilers are at the bottom** Get ready to indulge in delicious dishes and a sprinkle of comedy in this heavenly food drama, Cupid's Skippable Kitchen. While romance takes a backseat, food takes the spotlight in this entertaining series.
  
  Let's start with the good stuff! The colorful cutscenes that occasionally grace our screens are simply breathtaking. I wish there were more of them, but alas, we only get a taste. Speaking of taste, the high-quality food cutscenes are a feast for the eyes. Although they didn't quite...

  reach the satisfaction level of those in Dating In The Kitchen, they still looked amazing.
  
  Our charismatic leads deserve a standing ovation. Their acting skills truly shine, and their performances kept me hooked throughout. I owe them for making the series worth watching.
  
  The soundtrack of this drama deserves a special mention. It's refreshing and sets it apart from other modern c-dramas. Kudos to the music team!
  
  Now, let's turn our attention to the not-so-good aspects. Cupid's Skippable Kitchen suffers from a slow pace. Apart from the first and last episodes, I found myself losing interest in some of the middle episodes. The side stories only added to the overall sluggishness.
  
  Love and romance seem to be lacking in the series. Where are those heart-fluttering moments that make you believe in true love? The chemistry between the leads falls short of delivering those much-needed romantic vibes. A missed opportunity indeed.
  
  The side stories, unfortunately, failed to captivate me. I ended up skipping most of them, as they didn't contribute much to the main plot or the characters' development. They simply fell flat.
  
  Another complaint lies with the abundance of evil and bad characters. Everyone seems to possess a dark side, except for the leads and a select few. One particular character's actions are outrageously psychotic, making her a standout in the worst possible way. It's disappointing that she's surrounded by enablers who turn a blind eye to her behavior.
  
  Additionally, the dubbing for the female lead stands out for all the wrong reasons. It feels out of sync and distracts from an otherwise beautifully produced drama.
  
  ***Spoilers Below***
  
  I can't help but express my frustration with how the male lead takes out his frustrations on the female lead. It's unfair and unnecessary, even considering the difficult circumstances he's facing. Blaming her for his loss of taste is completely unjustifiable.
  
  What bothers me even more is how the male lead fails to thoroughly investigate the female lead, despite suspicious hints and questioning about forgiveness. He dismisses her involvement while firing a loyal employee. The revelation of her betrayal should have led to severe consequences, but it astonishes me that he lets her off the hook so easily.
  
  The male lead's doctor friend deserves his share of criticism too. Instead of exposing the female lead's poisoning scheme, he chooses to hide the truth and becomes an accomplice. It's unacceptable behavior that warrants severe consequences. My sympathy for him evaporated instantly.
  
  What disappointed me the most is the lack of consequences for the characters' actions. Bad behavior goes unpunished, leaving a bitter taste. I expected a more realistic resolution rather than everything turning sunny and rosy in the end.
  
  Amidst these highs and lows, the cutest part of this drama is undoubtedly the appearance of an adorable husky puppy in the final episode.
  
  Overall, Cupid's Skippable Kitchen left me with mixed feelings. I wouldn't recommend it, and I wouldn't watch it again. However, if you have a craving for food-focused entertainment, it might be worth a try.