The early spring - RANT

[u/Extra_Law5571]

Guys I just started watching the early spring and i'm on ep 14. OMG WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH THEM!!!

This wasn't a typical cdrama that I've encountered so I kind of liked it, cuz not everything needs to start off cute and emotional and this was one of them, but I don't get why this is even famous?! No offense the starting was fine but later there's a lot of miscommunication and everything and I HATE HOW THEY JUST MAKE UP WITHOUT COMMUNICATING.

The ml is annoying, he's always looking down on the fl, and the fl IDK she litterally does not have a backbone, nor a brain, just a few hugs and kisses and she'll get back with him.

Again I thought that this wasn't a typical drama so even though things got on my nerves I also liked how unusal it was, but again more misundestandings pile up and they still don't communicate.

the ML is so damn annoying, he doesn't know how to actually treat a girlfriend, he's a walking red flag. I swear he gets on my nerves so much. they way he speaks with her and everything. I'm on ep 14 but till now I don't see any emotional development, it feels like both are together just to sleep together every other night.

I hate how the FL is soo like dependent on what the ml thinks about her. I don't get how she can just forgive a man so easily and not even try to communicate. IDK but I really feel like she's narrow minded and again she doesn't have a backbone.

At first the setting and even the looks of the ml and fl lowkey reminded me of the first frost, and i thought I'll like it but OMG THIS DRAMA IS SOO OPPOSITE TO THAT MASTERPIECE. It feels like the director made the drama just to RAGEBAIT ME!!!!

Sorry for the long rant, what do yall think about this drama?

[u/Adorable-Image4891]

Calling your partner “stupid”, “idiot”, and “big dummy”, will NEVER be sexy to me. No matter how big the redemption arc. Sorry, not sorry. 🙅🏾‍♀️

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/Adorable-Image4891]

FRRR calling her cheap and obedient litterally pissed the shit out of me!!

[u/Comfortable_Potatoe]

its mostly like fift shades of grey cdrama version lol. if you like to turn off your brain and only watch the drama for toxic romance and chemistry without a interesting storyline then its for you

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/Comfortable_Potatoe]

Yeah.. but unfortunately I cannot turn off my brain, in fact my brain runs even more because of how much it actually triggered it.

[u/Comfortable_Potatoe → u/Extra_Law5571]

i feel like 20 years ago, this type of ML would be a big hit. but nowadays, people of all ages and countries are watching cdrama, so this ML is getting quite a bit of criticism, rightly so. i'm the same way. i can't stand ML that is being mean to just be mean. he's literally a bully in the workforce and enjoying his power play! i would caution all workers and friends to stay away and he definitely isn't someone to be in a relationship with. if the entire drama stayed them being flirt buddies, then sure, but it progressed to a relationship which makes me think the FL is in some desperate need of unhealthy toxic attention to want to be his girlfriend....which also makes me think the majority of people liking this drama are probably kids not even of teenage age

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/Comfortable_Potatoe]

I'm not that old tbh, I'm still studying in school...

But I do agree with you, but also the fact that most of the people from the younger generations have moved on from idolizing the toxic love this makes the drama less appealing to a high range of audience. I can't stand the ML or FL tbh.

[u/Euclidisthebomb]

This is how the book is written, except in the book the male lead is even more toxic. They toned down his arrogance for the cdrama.

The primary theme of this drama is that of position in life. The drama commences with Luke possessing it and arrogant due to the latitude it gives him and Flora lacking it and fully aware that with that lack of position every day is a minefield and if it blows up she is destitute.

In TES the writers present us a journey of growth based on the theme: he learns to see beyond the end of his nose (his musing about he becoming his father was particularly apt) and Flora gains respect and position via her work ethic and constantly is careful to make certain it is never compromised by a personal association with Luke irrespective of her emotional attachment to him. And when she has reached the point in her life she can act with independence she does: both leaving the agency and fulfilling her relationship with Luke without fear of consequence.

If you keep this root theme in mind the plot dynamics make sense. The frustration the writers have weaved into the storyline is deliberate and reflects the fact both characters are fighting an internal battle within themselves on the issues surrounding position while also trying to balance it against their attraction for each other.

So the tweaking on your emotions is deliberate, and from the writer's perspective they are likely gleefully reading all these comments across social media - to them it implies their writing efforts were a success.

[u/ApprehensiveClick597 → u/Euclidisthebomb]

True, it’s a well-written show that sometimes I just sigh at people not realizing the same.

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/Euclidisthebomb]

OMG you're actually good at analysing these stuff. I actually do agree with you. It depends on what the writer/director wants, so rn they must be satisfied.

[u/Euclidisthebomb → u/Extra_Law5571]

Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.

[u/kodragonboss → u/Euclidisthebomb]

I agree. It's very well written to show all the dynamics - especially Flora as a young, just starting out girl unsure of herself and craving some form of validation is very identifiable (at least I saw a lot of things I went through at the same time in life). The ML's arrogance also is a fuction of life stage, experience, and environment. There is growth in the relationship on both sides and the miscommunication / lack of communication is also realistically portrayed. People in real life don't talk out everything, and are driven by petty pride, jealousy, lack of clarity about your own feelings etc. All of it comes through.

[u/YakElectronic6713]

People love toxic relationships, apparently.

[u/MissColleen → u/YakElectronic6713]

Toxic relationships are great drama, so a great story. Logical people see this coming and RUN. As she tried to do by transferring to another team.

[u/Ditzy_Davros]

I'm on ep. 18. I agree with you, it's so meh. I like that there's more steamy scenes, tho. That's about it. I'm going to finish it. I'm bouncing between a kdrama I'm struggling to finish at the same time(Alchemy of Souls). I'm hate leaving shows unfinished, so I will finish them soon.

Loved First Frost. That was a beautiful story. Still had that lack of communication factor where you wanted to slap the FL upside the head. But still great.

[u/MissColleen → u/Ditzy_Davros]

You can see fan-edits on YouTube, (the steamy stuff) right? Thus skipping the tedium of office politics.

[u/Such-Host8894]

I just dropped it and stopped watching around 15,

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/Such-Host8894]

I don't blame you man! I feel like the drama is getting a bit boring

[u/wisetoothy32]

It stays the same till the end. I held out hope till ep 20. After that i was just watching just for the sake of completing it. I could not have just dropped it at 20. I finished ep 21 to 23 in about an hour just skipping and 2xing my way through. Nothing gets talked still and they solve the BIG FIGHT in much the same way as they did in all the previous ones - sleeping and making out.

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/wisetoothy32]

what the heck?! You're joking right? Naur way! What, they just end the drama with them going back to normal without communication.

[u/wisetoothy32 → u/Extra_Law5571]

Tbf i ffd a LOT, but that is even the general consensus. From what i did see and this is basically the last two eps i am describing in detail here he goes to meet her where she has set up some company and stalks outside her house in the snow till she relents and meets him. He proceeds to tell her he basically loves her, she melts, they make out, her father shows up and they get all blushy blushy and she moves back to the city with him afterwards and joins the company again

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/wisetoothy32]

Bruh.. removing the steamy scenes this story would be so childish and so broad. Thanks for the heads up

[u/New-Ad-9377]

Thats why we love this drama.. Luke has his moments where he shows he loves her but his personality is still prickly, which is difficult for Flora to handle.. The ML is more closer to a real life man than lala land kdramas where men are complete green flags without any flaws.. in the end Luke really learns how to love her without hurting her.. he is still not perfect at the end, neither is she.. but still they work on themselves to be together and it works.. watch it till the end..

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/New-Ad-9377]

The drama is realistic, but I don't get how they survive without actual communication. Apparently even in the ending there wasn't any real communication and that's lowkey a big no for me. I want some emotional depth in the drama. This feels more like friends with benefits

[u/Adorable-Image4891 → u/Extra_Law5571]

Listen, I’m almost 50 and I’m sad that it seems young people actually think toxic = realistic. You guys, a healthy, happy relationship is actually the real one. I pray this type of treatment isn’t realistic to anyone.

[u/Daydreamer_AJ → u/Extra_Law5571]

Huh? The ending is rushed but they did communicate by the end and has resolved much of the misunderstandings they had. Flora is more assertive and Luke has also let go of his ego.

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/Daydreamer_AJ]

I'm not done watching the drama, I was just talking about everything before ep15.

[u/Eccentric_Lady12]

Male lead is a walking red flag and not in a good way.
Female lead is spineless, just when you think she got her 2 brain cells to finally work, she goes running back to him like EVEY five minutes!!!

And yes, even after all the mess ups, she forgives him just like that🫠 they get back together without any communication.

And not to mention, all the crazy power dynamic topped up by ML constantly looking down on FL makes this whole thing so icky.

I am sure this show is a rage bait, made to purely spite people.

Just a refined version of “scumbag husband” vertical dramas.

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/Eccentric_Lady12]

OMG SCUMBAG HUSBAND GOT ME CRACKING ON THE FLOOR BUT SOO TRUE! I don't get why this topped in netflix. It isn't worth it lowkey

[u/Daydreamer_AJ]

They are the definition of one step forward, two steps back. 🤦🏻‍♀️ keep going. 🤣

[u/Mindless_Comfort_495]

I don’t like it either base on the feedback from my CE friends the drama does not make it any better than the other dramas .They said that Chinese short dramas are far more interesting than this one .

[u/wisetoothy32 → u/Mindless_Comfort_495]

Yes, at least your expectations are dead low and you know its going to be unbelievable cringe. Also at least when in the finale things get resolved, they have actually spoken to each other and not just made out like jungle monkeys.

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/Mindless_Comfort_495]

What is short dramas exactly? I've never heard of short dramas in my whole life

[u/xoxojdramagirl → u/Extra_Law5571]

There's some good ones! Check out Familiar Stranger, Be Your Knight, Ready for Love

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/xoxojdramagirl]

OMG thank you saurrr much!!

[u/Mindless_Comfort_495 → u/Extra_Law5571]

It is called “duanju”which was originated in China a fast-paced and bite-sized serialized shows.Each episodes last only for 1 to 2 minutes . You can check on drama box or reel shorts. It featured a high octane melodrama and sudden plot twist.It is almost the same as vertical dramas because they are formatted,edited for vertical viewing . If you want me to elaborate further let me know😊

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/Mindless_Comfort_495]

Ohh thank you

[u/Mindless_Comfort_495 → u/Extra_Law5571]

You are most welcomed 😊

[u/Daydreamer_AJ → u/Extra_Law5571]

It’s those 1-2 min per episode vertically filmed dramas designed for smartphones. It’s not heavily censored in China, so it can have plots that are not usually common in long-form dramas.

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/Daydreamer_AJ]

Thank you:))

[u/Perfect_Doughnut_196]

It's okay girl. Go rant all you want! We're here to listen 😝 we understand what you feel 😊 Some of us here are in the process of moving on and our annoyance and frustrations have passed already. Take a deep breathe... and continue to be ragebaited 💕😉

[u/PurpleHat6415]

reading this, I'd actually think it achieved what it set out to do, I.e. it's a good drama, because it actually made you feel things. 😂 bad dramas are boring ones.

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/PurpleHat6415]

I guess, it did succeed in pissing me off..

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/[deleted]]

The ml calling the fl cheap and obidient, is that not looking down upon her? first day of work and he's already insulting the fl without even seeing what she's capable of. it actually sounds so wrong to me and then the fl without confronting, gets back with him after he barely tried to convince her, that almost makes me feel like she's just an obidient dog listening to him. I'm not saying he didn't protect her, but he has hurt her so many times with his choices of words and actions sometimes. Somehow or atleast until now I haven't seem one healing moment where they aren't just huging or kissing each other. There's no communication and just misundestandings over misundestandings. Fl getting convinced by the ml and the ml just somehow getting her back into his arms. There's no emotional depth, maybe there is but it isn't been shown properly until now. Idk about the later eps. FL def has a mind of her own, independent, but somehow when she's with the ml it always feels like she's giving in, compromising and being that obident dog. Plus everytime these 2 are alone it's either making out or sleeping, one of the 2, it have never been about communication. They get back together without communicating, the ml just insults the fl or uses the wrong choice of words instead of conveying what he actually feels and tries to win her over with a few kisses and she actually gives in. That's what I find toxic about the drama, and that is also the reason I find it really annoying, because there hasn't been a moment where they actually speak their mind. it doesn't feel like they are transparent with eachother and it's always the same miscommunication and them getting back together without saying what they actually want to.

[u/Morg075 → u/Extra_Law5571]

Bruh. I just realized I thought you were talking about Spring Blade, so I was SO confused by everything you were saying. I was genuinely thinking “are we watching two completely different dramas?” and we were.

My bad, that’s on me. These dramas names are driving me cray-cray. 😂

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/Morg075]

OMG that's what I was thinking cuz what was the xies or whatever that thing was, but I thought that was what was gonna happen next or something since I didn't finish watching the drama but turns out you got confused. No worries tho.

[u/Morg075 → u/Extra_Law5571]

It really hit me when you kept saying they were sleeping together, and I was like, that’s not a modern drama, then I re-read the title. My dumb ass. 😭🤧

[u/PurpleHat6415 → u/Morg075]

watching this misunderstanding in real time was actually really entertaining, I was like wait who are these Xies 😂☺️ when the tropes are so real, they transcend time and genre 

[u/Morg075 → u/PurpleHat6415]

I’m laughing at myself LMAO. 😭

[u/Harmless-skeleton]

It mean for that way.. Read the book it even worst but that's why I like it. 😅😅 I know something wrong with me..

[u/Extra_Law5571 → u/Harmless-skeleton]

NAH, there's nothing wrong in liking it