Amor ao Redor (2013)

OMG...the writers totally ruined this drama with the extension. I was ranking this around an 8 until episode 13ish. I love melodramas, but occasionally I like fluffy romance dramas. I chose this drama because I thought it would be a lovely romance. I was so disappointed. It starts with a little bickering between the leads that quickly changes to sweet slow romance. Then left turn to stupid. Then there is all the inconsequential side stories. I also hate that at the end they used the narrator voice instead of using the last "extended" episodes to actually develop the characters and story. Anyway, I can't go into it with out spoilers.

The actors are good. George as Zhou Zhen and Annie as Xiao Shu are good actors and have great chemistry together. Too bad it was wasted. The other actors are ok too.

The song was good at first, but slowly started to get on my nerves.

I won't rewatch this.

If you watch this, then I recommend only watching to episode 13. Just pretend that was the end of the drama.

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Drama extensions are often cited as chancy. When planned for early and well, additional episodes hold the promise of potential. Time constraints are lessened and allow further opportunities to strengthen story and characters. Yet when mishandled (as they typically are), an extension might lead instead to the ruin of an otherwise pleasant watch. Which category does Love Around fall into then? The second, sad to say, though it isn't a total loss.

At first (and for most of its duration), Love Around is pleasant and simple. It never attempts to be more than a light-hearted romp centered on relationships. Some bubbles of conflict surface along the way; these are either dealt with swiftly or swept so far to the side as to be partially forgotten. Early episodes are relatively strong, with the warm dynamic between leads generating bright interest. How refreshing to see honest friendship predate romance, rather than the staple: bickering hatred! Though loveline development is slow, it is also remarkably sweet and natural. And the "comedy" paired with "romantic" in the genre tag? This aspect works well enough, with the usual stumbles here and there.

Major problems emerge around episode 15, coinciding with the first extension. Shift in tone swings so wildly toward melodrama as to be startling. Cliche suddenly invades in force, chomping away at most everything previously fun and original. Once the main conflict is remembered and brought to the forefront, it is milked dry quickly. Worst of all, passable pacing ultimately gives way to scenes as tiring as they are repetitive. These extra portions often center on unabashed filler plots and characters, some of which are wholly new. Once the second extension ends the series, one will find the conclusion rushed though rewarding. Admittedly, some of the sweetness comes from the entire experience finally ending.

The cast remains consistently likable despite late-game overcrowding. George Hu plays gentle melancholy beyond expectation, lending much-needed variety to a genre overpopulated by arrogant princes. His chemistry with Annie Chen is unquestionable; they complement each other just as well as everyone says. Her Xiao Shu stands rather sympathetic until the extension removes her spine and pluck, carried onward mostly by her innate affability. The second leads are a mixed bag, with Jack Lee depicting dull Gao Zhe Xuan without much flair of his own. Idol singer Elleya Tao fares much better, molding the spoiled brat archetype into lovable rather than annoying. Her scenes eventually became an unlooked for pleasure (and a bright spot in the extension doldrums).

Heard of singer Bii? If not, Love Around will introduce you. His songs are heavily promoted throughout the drama, from the catchy theme ("Come Back To Me") to inserts ("Nothing To Do With Happiness," "I'll Be By Your Side," a duet with Miu Chu). One of the only non-Bii tracks belongs to none other than Elleya Tao: "I Love You," an infectious upbeat number.

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