[ASKKPOP] [Drama Review] 'Emergency Couple' - Episode 17

EMERGENCY COUPLE EPISODE 17

Chang Min'sfather,Tae-Seok, has passed away and the bulk of this episode is spent dealing with this. We flash forward to the funeral proceedings,Chang Minhaving changed into a hemp armband that indicates his relation to the deceased.

The world is a lonelier, darker place after the death of a loved one and everyone handles it in their own way.

Chang Mindeals with the guests and relatives that come to pay their respects. His grief is made obvious throughout the episode. At several points he breaks down and weeps and as the episode develops we see the depth of feeling he had for his father. Memories spring into his mind and he tears up. He eventually develops a fever; Jin Hee is let in by the building manager and she cooks for him. She finds their wedding ring and shows it to Chang Min.

Dr. GukexcusesJin HeeandChang Minfrom work for the day. He feels that no one benefits by making grieving doctors work their shifts. It's done under the guise of protocol, but I think also it shows that there's more than cogs and wires under his skin. I think he genuinely cares for not onlyJin Heebut alsoChangMinand wants to see them do well.

Jin Heefeels like she should do something other than be there, so she serves food to the guests.Chang Minescorts her out and tells her to come back as a guest herself. She has a hard time acceptingTae Seok'sdeath and she sobs as well. I think in many ways he represented the father figure she never had and they had developed a closer relationship than what was initially shown. Of course, we didn't see any tutoring sessions or anything like that. It is merely stated that he helped her through medical school. Still, there was undoubtedly a feeling of familial care that characterized their relationship.

Sung Sookis surprisingly civilized during this time. It may well be that she is in shock, but is well-composed except for the understandable bouts of sobbing. She is restrained, polite. It's obvious here she knows how to act, but just chooses not to do so generally? She even thanksJin Heeand a ghost of a smile plays acrossJinHee'sface.Sung Sookdoesn't even butt heads withJin Hee's mother, who comes to pay her respects. In this episode she is not overplayed at all, but instead seems to portray grief quite skillfully. What we don't know is how this will affect the future. Will she become a quieter, more respectful woman? Or will she go back to the naggingahjummathat she has been in the past?

The other characters are not put on hold while this plays out.Dr. Gukis suspended following his assault onProfessor Ahn,Ji Hye'sbaby daddy has shacked up with another woman,Yong Gyuis brought in as the victim of a beating. Apparently, he feels he deserved to be beaten for his mistake with a patient. AndYoung Aegoes through various tests at the ER only to find she is not pregnant.

Yong Gyuis quite badly shaken over his inability to correctly treat his patient and he shows that here by punishing himself. We see his sensitive side here, laid bare for anyone to notice. He is far too hard on himself.Ah Reumsticks by his side, though, an ever faithful friend. The longer this show goes, the more she proves herself to be a good person. I like her relationship withYong Gyuand I hope it develops into something more. Maybe he can be happy once again?

This episode is full of nuggets of wisdom: Chang Min's uncle tells him not to give up on himself like his father did, because his father's death is not his fault;Dr. GukcounselsJin Heenot to to get overTae Seok'sdeath, but to simply accept it; and a book thatJin Heeis borrowing fromDr. Gukadvises that there are no right or wrong answers in life, that a wise person makes a decision andmakesit the right one. I like wisdom in a TV show or movie as long as it's not too preachy. It works well here, simply because it doesn't all come from one person. Make one character too wise and it comes off hokey. Everyone has pieces of advice that they dispense at one time or another. A good drama will reflect that part of real life.

I've said my piece, now it's your turn. I look forward to seeing your comments.