Early Access: Mad For Each Other E11

E11. Oof. This turned out to be a difficult episode to watch. I mean, we do get some flashes of warm and cozy, but by and large, this was a challenging episode for our OTP.

For a start, I'm glad that Min Kyung wasn't actually being threatened by the guy in the gas mask, but from the looks of things, it does seem that Min Kyung's suspicions are on point, this time. That supposed woodworking workshop really does appear to be a drug factory after all. Not only that, it seems like the biggest drug dealer of them all, that Hwi Oh's been after all this time, is working out of that very drug factory. Wow.

It was nice to see Hwi Oh and Min Kyung out on that movie date, but that shot of them being watched was creepy, and upon second inspection, after finishing the episode, I realize that it was Terrible Ex stalking them at the movie theater, ack. It does say something, though, that Min Kyung's relaxed enough while with Hwi Oh, that she doesn't actually pick up the vibe that someone's watching her.

I cringed somewhat, at the scene in the cafe, where Hwi Oh's colleagues invade his date without realizing, and for a time, Min Kyung sits at the next table and just listens to their conversation. That was awkward, and while I understand that it's a weird and uncomfortable situation, I wanted Hwi Oh to clarify the situation, so that Min Kyung would be acknowledged, and not be relegated to sitting at the next table like a stranger. That was not cool, and I'd expected more from Hwi Oh, given that we've seen empathy come from him so easily, in earlier episodes.

However, it's good that the cafe thing doesn't actually become an issue between Hwi Oh and Min Kyung, and I'm glad that they're both able to laugh it off, more or less.

I also like the detail, that as Hwi Oh and Min Kyung settle into their new relationship, they're both able to process it properly, with the help of their therapist. That feels needful and healthy, particularly since they're both emotionally vulnerable, in different ways. I love that Min Kyung chooses to trust Hwi Oh, even though there's a part of her that's still afraid, and I like that Hwi Oh articulates that he wants to be a good cop and a good person, even though he's a little scared that he'll mess up again. This feels like good and important progress.

The thing is, though, as Hwi Oh gets that doctor's letter and starts the process of going back to work, I see a disconnect between what Min Kyung needs right now, and what Hwi Oh would be able to provide. One of the key things that has made their connection so helpful to Min Kyung, has been Hwi Oh's availability. He's been there, within easy reach, whenever she's needed him. But in his line of work, when he's at work, he is the opposite of within easy reach. And so, even before this episode's Big Event happened, I had a sinking feeling about Hwi Oh going back to work. How would his sudden unavailability affect Min Kyung, especially since she's still so vulnerable?

I imagine that the kind of woman who would be most compatible with a detective, would be someone who's independent, because a detective would be at work at all hours of the day and night, and wouldn't be available for a lot of things. There's no option for that detective to be at his significant other's beck and call; he can't suddenly drop an investigation because his girlfriend needs him.

And yet, that's exactly what Min Kyung needs right now. And that's not even counting the fact that Terrible Ex is back, and is stalking Min Kyung with a vengeance.

UGH. I am so upset that Terrible Ex targets little Howhi, because he's a tiny little helpless thing. But that's completely in line with the profile of perpetrators of dating violence, which our psychiatrist provides on TV; he preys on the weak. And little Howhi is absolutely helpless and weak.

I hate that Terrible Ex goes to the apartment complex, clearly looking for a way to terrorize Min Kyung. And I HATE that he hurts Howhi. I am, however, very relieved that Howhi looks to be hurt, but not dead. Still, it's awful, and I can imagine just how distressed Min Kyung must be.

No wonder she goes running to Hwi Oh's apartment, the first chance she gets. And what a terrible shock it must be, to have the door answered by another woman. I want to know as well: who is this woman, and why is she answering Hwi Oh's door? And, Howhi's gonna be ok, right? Right?!??? 😭

Next episode notes will be out on: Thursday, 2 Sept 2021!