I started watching Naruto as a teenager and then finished it in my mid 20s. Watching Naruto and Hinata in the last episode was like watching a childhood friend get married while leaving you and his bachelor days behind.
I wouldn't say Naruto is my favourite anime or even the best anime out there. But it happened to be the one I grew up with and got attached to. Honestly, a bit of an underwhelming last season for Naruto. Lots of fillers, and the Kaguya and Exploding Humans arcs were quite boring.
The big underlying lesson for me is that love conquers all. The relationships that you form with people are all that matter. Value them.
Indra and Asura (Ep 420)
A very interesting episode that goes into the lore and world-building of Naruto. Indra and Asura, and therefore Sasuke and Naruto, represent a lot of the dualities we see in life.
Indra - Talent determines success. Our destinies are predetermined.
Asura - Hard work determines success. Our destinies are shaped.
Indra - Wisdom says we are nothing. Every human is alone.
Asura - Love says we are everything. Every human is connected to the world.
Indra - Power rules the world. Life is suffering and everyone is selfish.
Asura - Love rules the world. Life is joy and everyone loves everybody.
Ep 1
My first impression was, "Wow, all the girls look so pretty! Its crazy". Each of the men seemed to have different styles and personalities though. At first impression, I liked all the guys, everyone seemed to be natural and honest. Amongst the girls, I liked Da-hye the most and Yoo-Jung the least and still didn't have a very strong impression of the other two.
Hwi-hyun and Hye-won
Their story was beautiful and sad at the same time. I've always thought that if a woman loves a man who is poor, that is true love. And for that I will always respect and adore Hye-won. She supported Hwi-hyun regardless of his difficulties, was considerate not to make him feel guilty for his poverty and her story about eating the candies once a day was extremely sweet. Initially, she came across as the nervous type, and this is another timely reminder for me to not judge people too quickly and that it takes time to truly know a person.
Ep 2
The scene where they all had to read their Ex-Intro's was very emotional. It was heartwarming and bittersweet at the same time. That scene made me feel very single, no one had ever written such a beautiful, personal note for me that made me feel understood. I hope it happens one day.
Ep 3
Dongjin and Dahye
This was a sad and heartwarming story at the same time. To be with someone for 13 years and then break up is almost incomprehensible for me. I think both of them are 1 in a million people (or it occurs to me that the kind of people who can love and sacrifice so much are not as rare as I seem to imagine). They both loved each other deeply and made a lot of personal sacrifices for each other. The story about how Dahye used to follow Dongjin to Yangje by bus before going home herself was such a sweet story. I'm rooting for both of them, and this will likely be the couple I most wish to get back together.
Ep 4
I think Hyewon and Dongjin had the best date in this episode. Although it felt like Hyewon was a bit artificial, it really did seem like both of them matched and complimented each other well.
Ep 5
Dahye and Dongjin's answers to the bottle spin game was so sad and painful to watch. It was clear from the interviews, their actions and their messages to each other that they still had feelings for each other. But due to pride, ego or whatever it was they chose to talk as if they were not interested at all, when both could have at least been ambiguous and kept the door open instead of slamming it into each other's faces. This reminds me to be prideful in my relationships, and just say things as they are and be honest with how I feel even if that feels like I'm bowing down to or feeling powerless towards my partner.
Juwon and Seokyung
To me, this seemed to be the ex-couple that had the most major problem. Even though it was being shown as if a small fight had been blown out of proportion, I think there are some deeper problems here compared to the earlier two ex-couples that were revealed.
Ep 6
When Hwihyun was studying for his exam and Hyewon stopped by to study and chat with him, I somehow felt a strong desire to do the same. Studying alone for an exam is boring and stressful, but I would really enjoy it if I had a partner study for her exams with me just reading the material along with her and helping her out, that way I can be relaxed, in the present of my partner and help her with her studies.
Ep 7
Dahye's message to Dongjin was really sweet. She has been sending messages just to him the entire time. And she said, "I hope you find someone who makes you happy." which is a really selfless thing to say when you're pining over an ex. I really hope that they end up having a talk about their relationship and about other partners. It makes no sense to me why the other men aren't showing interest in Dahye, she would be my number 1 choice of the group, followed by Hyewon at least so far. But I guess everyone knows she's still hung up on her ex since she's been crying often.
Yujung and Juwon on the sofa was the best flirting and chemistry I've seen on the show so far. It was really nice to watch, but the only thing gnawing at me was that she was kinda throwing Dongjin under the bus. She should have acknowledged that its a date, or not accepted his invitation.
Hyewon sitting next to Hwihyun while he was studying and just looking at him was the sweetest thing ever. It was just a lovely, heartwarming interaction. I hope Dongjin-Dahye and Hwihyun-Hyewon are the two couples who get back together, the rest can play their games.
When the 4 girls were together I laughed when they all said, "Daega paabu-indae" when wondering if its based on the text messages, since Da-hye and Hye-won had almost exclusively texted their ex's up to that point. Yup, you have to take your chances when you get them.
"Wah, I can't believe that." was what I thought when they showed Dongjin's interview after Dahye sent him that message. How could he say it was like spam email? That he didn't remember, and it made him uncomfortable? That was very rude of him, and I lost a lot of respect for him. I wish he would handle Dahye's feelings more empathetically.
Ep 8
Ever since Changjin entered the show, it seemed like Dahye became a lot brighter. She looked so beautiful at the end of the show, when Changjin choose her as his date. I wished earlier on that Dongjin and Dahye would get back together, but since he seems to be so against it, this couple looks promising as well. And Dahye, she's always been beautiful and now with a genuine smile she looks more beautiful.
Ep 9
"No!!!!" was what I said when Hwihyun brought out the candies that Hyewon gave him. That was insensitive. Hwihyun is so emotionally immature, its hard to watch.
Ep 10
The Ex-room vs Personal room is a great idea from the production team. This is going to make us cry and make the show even more emotional.
Ep 11
Dongjin and Dahye's Ex-room was something else. The only thing I could think of was "Why would you let a girl like Dahye go?". Where in this world will you find a girl who writes you 30+ letters when you're away for years? Who watches football matches just to remember you? Who never fails to pick up your calls even when she doesn't know when to expect them? People with so much love to give are rare in this world, and its clear to see that Dahye was one of them.
Ep 12
As I've been watching this show, I didn't really have the best opinion of Kwangtae. Probably, he was the male member I liked the least, maybe because I felt like was playing the field with Yujung and Seokyung. But after watching his ex back story, I could relate a lot with him and his experience. I too know how it feels to love someone elder than you and not be taken seriously and I also feel that I have a lot of love to give in relationships, which might end up being more than the other person can take. This story made me reassess how I saw Kwangtae, he know seems more innocent, just a boy who has a lot of love to give but can't find the right way or right person to give it to.
Ep 13
When Min-hyung went to speak to Sang-jeong, he spoke so tenderly and nicely, I thought, "Wow, he's such a nice guy!". As they went to speak in the common area, it became quite clear that he spoke that way only because he thought Sangjeong wanted to get back with him. On reflection, its clear that Sangjeong was the one who was more honest and straightforward.
This is an important reminder for me, that some people are genuinely nice and some people are nice just when they want something from you.
Ep 14
The cloth and wish burning scene was very beautiful, and the BGM at that scene was amazing too.
During this episode, I was wondering, "Who amongst the men am I most like?". I think in terms of being an emotional person, I am most like Kwangtae (and who would have thought that? I really wasn't liking him in the first half) but I think I also have a little bit of Changjin, but I will update this later as we see more of everyone's character.
Ep 15
To be honest, if you choose someone your ex is not into for the women's selected date, that clearly shows she still has feelings for him. It feels a bit petty too. I think Seokyung doing it was not unexpected, but I didn't expect Hyewon to do that especially after all the men had chosen according to their ex's wishes.
I had such mixed feelings about the conversation between Dahye and Dongjin. Clearly, Dahye wants to get back together but Dongjin, doesn't want to and I wish I knew the reasons more clearly, but what seems quite clear is that he is determined not to get back together. Regardless, I feel he could have treated Dahye's feelings better and spoken to her more often. But it was sweet to see their little fight in the end. Regardless of whether they get together or not, I hope that they still laugh and enjoy each other's company, realizing the 13 years they've given each other.
Ep 16
The more I think about Hyewon and Dongjin, the more I think they're right for each other. Dongjin can be very caring and thoughtful, and Hyewon needs that and she's like that as well. Over the show, my favourite women have been Dahye and Hyewon, and while initially I thought Hyewon lacked a little bit of "personality", over time she's really grown on me. She's the most sensitive of the group, so I really hope things go well for her.
Ep 17
The dynamic between Hyewon and Dahye when compared to Seokyung and Juwon from the previous night is so strikingly different. Dahye has a really big heart when she asks Hyewon not to worry about her and Hyewon is always so considerate. Of course, these two are my favourites here.
"You look gloomy today, I want to make you feel better." Where is my Hyewon? Where? While everyone else is trying to send messages subtly, either to protect their ego or not show too much interest, here is Hyewon being clear as day. Where do you find girls like her?
When I saw that Dongjin had messaged Jong-eun, I was like, "Nooooo!!!". It didn't make sense to me, if you care about Dahye and Hyewon, you successfully managed to upset both. What was funny was that Dahye was the only one who actually knew who Dongjin messaged and could comfort her.
It was so funny how the matched dates were sent just when Hyewon and Hwihyun were arguing, showing the truth about their preferences. This is one of those shows, where it's quite hard to completely truthful to every person and understandably so.
I loved Yujung's last words of the episode about Juwon and Changjin. I think the essence of this show is to realize that there was a reason you broke up with your ex, not get lured in by past memories and old feelings, and open your heart to someone new. Yujung has realized this but Sangjeong has not.
Ep 18
I think its a bit cruel, what this show does to people who want to get back together with their exes. I really feel for Dahye. Now, it seems like Changjin wanted to get back together with Yujung from the beginning, but because of the structure of the show wherein you can't date your ex, Changjin had to choose someone and after all that time its quite natural for Dahye to have developed feelings. Dahye can't seem to win either way.
Before all hell breaks loose on this Truth or Dare night, can we take a moment to admire how good Dahye looks in that white formal shirt!
Hwihyun is so bad at communicating himself, its not even funny anymore.
Ep 19
When Seokyung said, "Why do you keep asking me?", that really made me think about how women are a different when it comes to dating. Men are expected to chase, and women to be chased. So just as with Seokyung, I think other women too might accept the advances of a man who is straightforward and direct, rather than what Juwon did, who was trying to understand where she stood. As long as she likes you, or is even neutral, I think a lot of women are swayed by men who take initiative and put in the effort.
Wahhh, whoever planned a photo studio date for Dahye and Dongjin was cruel. That was too much for them.
"Can you hug me one last time?", that really broke my heart. Dahye still has so much love for Dongjin.
Seeing Yujung and Juwon still being unsure and speaking to their exes despite how obviously they like each other and get along got me thinking, memories and emotions for your ex are still very strong and powerful.
Ep 20
My predictions
1. Jongeun will choose Juwon - T
2. Juwon will not choose Jong-eun - T
Minhyung will choose Sangjeong - T
Dahye will choose Dongjin - F, Changjin
Kwangtae will choose Seokyung - T
Seokyung will choose Kwangtae - F, Juwon
Juwon will not choose Seokyung - T
Hyewon unsure - F, Dongjin
Dongjin will choose Hyewon - T
Juwon will choose Yujung - T
Changjin will choose Yujung - T
Yujung will choose Juwon - F, Changjin
I think it was a bit unfortunate for Jongeun overall, primarily cause she came so late. Things could have been quite different for her if she had arrived earlier with the rest of the girls. Its a pity, because personality-wise I really liked her, and wish I had seen more of her.
Personally, I don't think Sangjeong should have chosen Minhyung, they just had awful communication throughout and Minhyung really needs to figure out how to speak with consideration and not put her in a corner every time.
"There was never a moment you weren't too good for me."
Wah, how cruel is this show? Imagine you had a 13 year relationship with your ex, you have to live with them for 3 weeks as they went on dates with other people, and finally you have to drive your ex to their new partner at the end. All for our viewing pleasure. Like, I love this show, but sometimes its a bit too much.
"I was happy because it was you."
Those 10 minutes with Dahye and Dongjin in the car, must be the most emotional moments of a show I've ever watched.
Hyewon and Dongjin I think will make the best couple from this show. I'm glad that they chose each other. Hyewon Fighting!
That smile that Yujung had the moment that she saw Juwon should tell you all you need to know.
WTF! I can't believe she chose Changjin, how could she refuse Juwon! They had it all! I give up.
Juwon throughout the show has been a champ, everyone on the show agreed that he was an amazing guy and as I saw the way he spoke to Yujung at the end, I got to say I agree. He handled it in the nicest, most mature way. It just so happened that Yujung was very hung up on her ex, but almost any other girl would have chosen him. This made me think that maybe when you're dating a girl, its good to be a little forward, express yourself more, engage in some skinship to build the connection. Maybe if Yujung didn't just like him, but was more attached to him and saw it as a "relationship", she would have chosen him.
The End
Wah, just absolutely love this show and hope I get to watch it again soon (with company, hopefully a GF!). Really loved this bunch, and they really all were nice, genuine people for the most part. Wonderfully directed and hosted by TVING. Can't wait for the next season!
It was such an emotional rollercoaster. It was wonderful to see such a happy, positive and mature group of 20-year-olds. I will miss this show.
Seoyoung: I felt quite sad for Seoyoung, she was so sweet and sincere. It reinforced my beliefs, that at the end of the day, when it comes to dating you need to be desirable and know how to play the game, just being nice was never enough.
Seohyun: I really loved her vibe and energy throughout the show. Seohyun x Jungyun is one of the big "what ifs" that was on my mind at the end. They would have been such a legendary couple, I wish I had gotten to see that. As Seohyun said in the end, feelings change very quickly, so if you like someone you should take a chance and confess your feelings.
Sangwon: Talking slowly is important, when you speak in a rush you appear unsure. It's quite hard when you can feel someone's affection for you slowly go away, but as Seohyun herself said coming on too strongly can push someone away. Unfortunately, in the dating game, showing your affection can come off as feeling needy and people's emotions change when they can feel your desperation.
Heeji: Probably my favourite one in the group. She was so caring towards everyone, like a mom of the group.
Jiwoo: I really appreciated Jiwoo's maturity and honesty, especially in the way she spoke to Jungyun and Seoyun. She was very honest about her feelings throughout the show and navigated some tough situations quite well.
Heeji + Pyeongseok: This couple looked so secure and comfortable with each other from the beginning, as if they had been dating for 10 years. I think it's those kinds of couples that last, where there is mutual affection and comfort with each other and feelings naturally grow stronger as you spend time together. I really admire Heeji's patience with Pyeongseok, even though he was shy for a long time and not very communicative, Heeji continued to trust and spend time with him until he became more comfortable with her. They didn't need to constantly step up their physical or emotional intimacy to feel secure in their connection.
It was quite baffling to me that Jiwoo would go for Jungyun instead of Seyeon. To me, it seemed like Seyeon was the better choice - he was more communicative of his feelings, took initiative, was mature and arguably more handsome.
But while reflecting on this, I began to understand relationships a bit better. The initial attraction that Jiwoo felt towards Jungyun was probably quite strong, you could also say that they started to build an emotional connection much earlier (at the Ferris wheel). Choosing one person over the other is not a cold, rational decision as I sometimes see it, the connection and desire that you feel for someone initially can be quite sticky and resistant to change.
The endings of the following episodes were really thrilling and exciting
1. Ep 8 - The whole time I was unsure if Do-il was going to betray In-joo or not. But if you think about it Do-il never, through his direct experience, gave In-joo anything to suspect him. He was true to her. And props to In-joo for trusting him. Tragedy of my life that they didn't have a romantic scene even in the last episode. Like what? You don't risk your life for a stranger.
But Ep 8 had me on the edge. I even thought Hwa-young was there too. And of course, the final uno reverse card when In-joo pulls out the gun. Nice ending for the episode but inconsequential as the show went on.
Ep 10 - Holy shit, who would have thought Jae-sang would commit suicide. I definitely thought that it was someone who looked like him so he could go into a more shadow role while receiving the support and goodwill of a popular figure after they're dead. But no he actually died which added a lot of mystery to the show.
Ep 11 - Hwa-young's entry here, of course, is super surprising. But the show wasn't really as interesting from here.
Ep 2
Did Jiyeon just say, "There are two cute women here, even I wouldn't choose myself"? Damn, I need that level of objectivity and self-awareness in my life. Jiyeon is not the prettiest, but she's winning me over with her attitude.
Ep 3
My man Wonbin is a pure one for getting those blankets for Yihyun, I always root for the nice guys.
Ep 5
I really like the attitude that Nayeon is showing on this date. She's excited, conveying interest, being open about herself and looks amazing to boot. This is the date I would send a girl if she asks me how she should act on a first date.
Wah, I can't believe how loving Hae-eun was to Gyumin, its the kind of love that really warms your heart and makes you feel loved. I kind of regret not dating anyone in my early 20s, maybe this is the kind of love we could have had for each other.
Ep 6
Wah, Nayeon is such a natural flirt, in a good way. I can't handle it!
I can't believe Haeeun actually sent her message to Gyumin after that date. I guess even an amazing date, no matter how good, really can't change the way a person feels, unless she is open to it.
The scene where Nayeon reveals her age and both her Gyumin are laughing out loud is one of my favourite scenes! Had a huge smile and replayed it like 10 times.
Ep 8
"How much do you want to see me?" I think I'll rewatch this season just to hear these flirty and heartwarming lines from Nayeon. She responds, just as I wish a girl I like would respond.
Ep 10
Its so hard to watch Hae-eun, she's obviously really suffering a lot. And every time Gyumin expresses himself to another woman in her presence, I cringe internally, worried about how Hae-eun will take it. Hae-eun reminds me of Dahye from S3. Even now, when Gyumin calls Nayeon in vision of Hae-eun, I'm already bracing myself for Hae-eun's reaction.
Tbh, I generally liked Gyumin, but the way he interacted with Hae-eun wasn't nice. The dynamic between Heedo - Nayeon, who still have feelings for each other, is much better than Gyumin - Haeeun. I wish he had treated her better, and possibly even communicated that he's not interested in her so she can move on.
