JTBC’s “The Atypical Family” presents the Boks’ journey in restoring their power and protecting their family against the swindlers.
In the sea of unrealistic drama leads, Do Da Hae (Chun Woo Hee) reminds us that niceties can be fake. Like her, some people use affection to swindle rich men. But her plan fails when her affection for Bok Gwi Ju (Jang Ki Yong) becomes real. Now the couple has to save each other from the threats of their family. This drama on Netflix truly justifies the title, “Family” because it has wholesome and educational reasons to watch.
Grim and Nostalgic Vibe
Bok’s family house is sophisticated, classic, old, and dim. It differs from Da Hae’s family house which is worn out and bright. So whenever the lead couple visits each other’s house, the vibe feels eerie. Also, one might think the couple will soon fall into their family’s trap. It’s expected to feel on guard given that Boks, except Eom Soon Gu (Oh Man Seok), holds a unique power. Bok Man Heum (Go Doo Shim) sees the future in her dreams. Her eldest daughter Bok Dong Hee (Claudia Kim) can fly. The youngest, Bok Gwi Ju can return to the past. Gwi Ju’s daughter, Bok Ina (Park So Yi) can read minds by looking at their eyes. Hence, the Bok Family is like “The Incredibles” but has the characteristics of the “Addams Family.” Da Hae’s family resembles the “Kim Family” in “Parasite.” But Da Hae’s family cares more for the well-being of their prey than the latter’s family.
As the majority of the scenes show Gwi Ju’s power, a nostalgic feeling ignites. But the thrill remains since Gwi Ju can only go back to the time he spent with Da Hae. This means Gwi Ju can catch Da Hae’s evil plan, anytime.
Massive Cautionary Tales
It’s heart-fluttering to see the drama begin with the Boks losing their power because of lifestyle diseases. It goes to show that the drama immediately showed their concern for the viewers’ health. Then there’s the recurring scenes of Dong Hee’s extensive workout which feels like they are lighting our motivation to exercise. Other setbacks that are prominent in the show are the fire and car accidents. So one can skip them if they feel uncomfortable, as it’ll ignite their awareness on the prevention of those accidents. Dwelling in the past and conditional love are probably the most relevant cautionary tale of all. Since the positive effects of Gwi Ju’s unconditional love confession to Dong Hee and Ina emanate to people around them.
Charming Villains
Generally, it’s difficult to get mad at Da Hae’s foster family. Each of them shows natural compassion to the Boks. Il Hong’s staff: Da Hae, Grace, and Noh Hyung Tae (Choi Gwang Rok) are both a guardian angel and a devil to their assigned Bok, as they’re always behind their target ready to aid their victim’s distress. Although the swindlers eventually experience setbacks on their way, they continue to show confidence and perseverance in approaching their tasks. These are enough to make the viewers feel inspired, weird, and cringe at the same time.
The mixed signals that Il Hong and her staff show to their target are probably the most intriguing part of every episode, as the anticipation of whether the Boks will be double-crossed is similar to people’s daily struggle in relationships.
Romance For All Ages
Gwi Ju and Da Hae
Three couples are visible in the drama: Gwi Ju and Da Hae for the young adult couple, Soon Gu and Man Heum for the middle-aged couple, and the teenage couple, Jun Woo (Moon Woo Jin) and Ina. Gwi Ju and Da Hae’s love story is like the short version of Gong Shil (Go Hyo Jin) and Joong Won’s (So Ji Sub) love story in the K-drama, “Master’s Sun.” The chasing, avoiding, and showing (each other’s vulnerable side,) coaxing and saving already happened in episode two and in episode three Gwi Ju starts to experience romantic feelings towards Da Hae. Perhaps, the greatest heart-fluttering moments of the main couple were the times they were with Ina as they had the appearance of a married couple.
Soon Gu and Man Heum
This couple does not have extravagant romantic scenes at the beginning to the middle part of the show. At first, Soon Gu’s role is confusing. His children missed out on calling him, “Dad,” Soon Gu’s demure and respectful tone of voice looks like a servant, especially when he converses with his wife. Also, most of his scenes in the beginning parts of the show revolved around doing household chores. But all these doubts ended when he called his wife, “Honey” in the latter parts of the first episode. From there his identity is known and in the seventh episode, he finally said his long-held feeling of being his wife’s shadow. This is one of the romantic scenes between them.
Teenage couple, Jun Woo and Ina have the shortest appearance on the show but their scenes are to die for. As Ina receives special attention from Jun Woo, their romance radiates the puppy love experience of, “He loves me, he loves me not.” Jun Woo being the classic popular guy who fell in love with Ina’s insecure disposition is not new but feels one in a million among the countless K-dramas with similar tropes – probably because of the following reasons: It’s rare to see true teenagers in a school drama, the couple have scanty mind-games scenes, and no over the top romantic moves from Jun Woo – just natural show of affection such as checking on Ina, waiting for her, respecting her boundaries and making sure to be beside her all the time.
It’s worth noting the invisible romance between Dong Hee and Grace (Ryu Abel.) Their platonic relationship is undeniable and one can feel swoony just by watching their witty and endless banter. But their most romantic scenes are the times when Grace becomes Dong Hee’s knight and shining armor.
Relatable Family and Relationship Issues
Da Hae and Dong Hee’s similar experience of not being able to live the life they want proves that dreams don’t always depend on family’s financial status, instead, it’s more of whether the significant people in the person’s life support the person’s dream. But since Da Hae is paying her father’s loan to Il Hong, one cannot deny that money is a great trigger to lack of support. In this part, child favoritism was also present but it’s not that dramatic.
The parallel life of Da Hae and Ina which is having an estranged and alcoholic father, as well as, experiencing bullying at school is a smart move to educate Gwi Ju on his shortcomings as a father and possibly where Ina’s angst is coming from. Ina’s journey to puberty is specific enough for parents to use it as a guide to educate their upcoming teenagers who are yet to experience the awkward phase of growing up. Miscommunication and honesty are the takeaway lessons from the relationship issue that happened between Ina and Goh Hye Rim (Kim Soo In,) as well as, Soon Gu and Man Heum.
Provided Spotlight To Platonic Love
The show gives “all kinds of platonic love” the recognition they deserve when they put lots of touching scenes between Gwi Ju and Ina, comforting scenes between Gwi Ju and Dong Hee, amazing girl power scenes between Grace, Da Hae and Dong Hee, breath-taking friendship confession from Ina and surprising favorite dish question from Da Hae (that Soon Gu felt touched because for the first time someone asked what he likes.)
To Sum Up
“The Atypical Family” has a grim nature, it feels slow to like it as it resembles the process of entering a rock bottom. You overthink and anticipate the next worst-case scenario, so you won’t be surprised. But despite the preparation, unexpected setbacks, lessons, strategies, hope, and love will still befall that eventually you’ll realize rock bottom is not always grim. This gives you a headstart to adapt and enjoy the show, as Gwi Ju said, “It may seem like the end, but it’s far from it. There’s always tomorrow.” Each character gives their audience a cautionary tale to watch out for and work in their lives. Yet in the big picture, the drama seems to speak about the the famous wisdom: “Setbacks can be a blessing in disguise.”
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Featured Image Credit: JTBC Drama Official Facebook Page
