The title says it all. I stopped watching American television long ago (note, I am an American) over how dull it had become with unoriginal ideas and retreads (tire reference) of old ideas over and over again. Then, I discovered K-drama. From K-drama,to C-drama with Lucky's First Love, Legally Romance, Love is Sweet, Cupid's Kitchen, and oithers.

The Ideal City is one of the most original, riveting dramas I've watched and one of the best in terms of cast, acting, and story.

Who knew that corporate construction company politics could be made into such an endearing drama? No explosions, no guns, no over-muscled Hollywood types. The Ideal City is just that. The story and writing completely engaged my suspension of disbelief. I binge watched forty episodes with one sleep break in between. The pace was consistent, not faltering, in engaging my senses and interest.

The cast? I'm in love with all of them. Top notch acting by all involved. Sympethetic characters and perhaps, characters one would want to loathe. Yu He Wei portraying a sleazy(?) CEO... Betty Sun (Sun Li)... wow, her portrayal just kept hitting in every episode. Mark Chao (Zhao Yu Ting)... great and sympathetic. My favorite character? Du Juan, the secretary, played by Yang Chao Yue... while a minor rolel, Yang Chao Yue simply gave a memorable performance. If there was ever an award for Best Portrayal of a Secretary in a Supporting Role? Yang Chao Yue wins, hands down.

Production wise? Good camera work. The skyline scenes with the weather... The music? I liked just about every song in the show. I'll buy the soundtrack when I can find it.

My biggest disappointment? 40 episodes. I would have preferred a more conclusive ending. Maybe the producers wanted to end the show there or not? Still, a must watch.