bluelovesorange | I have a dream that I will not have to reference the Godfather

First: a positive thing - Dev Patel and Freida Pinto apparently fell for each other offscreen as well! How adorable are they?

Episode 2 of Smile was much more satisfying and less cringe inducing than episode 1, but considering the bar has been lowered so far that its just skimming the floor for me in regards to this drama, ...I suppose 'damning with faint praise' would be the best way to sum up e2?

My aborted attempt at episode 1 review is here.

I think my biggest problem with Smile so far is that I want to like it more than I actually do, which is adding to the disappointment factor - because it has the ingredients to be a good solid drama, but I am currently iffy about the execution of said story/message. Because what's overshadowing the basic concept of underdog defeats evil/adapts to hostile environment/finds true love is the PSA/hamfisted attempt to provide social commentary ala Asano Taeko I am never going to get tired of bringing her into it because her writing is indicative of this trend the worst in j-dramas, and yes, I know what TBS, et al are trying to promote here. Of course it's a lovely sentiment/heart in the right place gesture - but that's what it feels like to me, just a gesture. I'm not naive enough to think that Smile is going to seriously affect the on going conversation/denial of immigration issues/racial tensions that exist in Japan (and other civilized countries) because prejudice and racist behavior is learned, and un-learning it is a hard and difficult process.

Baby steps, though. Episode 3 features Evil!Shun and maybe my enjoyment of his Dickensian evil will finally make me warm up to Smile (and