[HanCinema's Drama Review] Nail Shop Paris Episode 4

"Nail Shop Paris" is back on track.

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While this episode wasn't amazing, it was much stronger than the first three. The focus rested on the main characters and their development rather than on the problem of the day. Alex (Jin Hyun-bin) knows two of the people that the "Nail Shop Paris" team of superheros endeavors to help. That personal connection made it much easier to invest in the story and the character development.

The production team also gave Kei (Song Jae-rim) a lot more screentime, which is brilliant because he always ups the ante - he is the strongest actor in the cast. The more he's in the show, the higher the quality of the show becomes. And the more he's in it, the more I think he'll become the first lead.

Kei, Yeo-joo and Alex from "Nail Shop Paris" Episode 4

Because of that, we get a lot more of Kei discovering that he's attracted to Yeo-joo and doubting his sexual orientation. This is a prerequisite for at least one boy in a K-drama love triangle. I doubt they'll delve too deeply into it. It will probably just be a surface conflict because this show consistently fails to explore any issues that it raises.

There are a few other K-drama tropes thrown into this episode to help Kei fall for our heroine like forcing Kei and Yeo-joo to spend time together. Or, throwing in a scene where the cross-dressing girl has to pretend to be a cross-dressing boy. Or, having Kei catch Yeo-joo kissing Alex while he's asleep.

Kei from "Nail Shop Paris" Episode 4

In this case, I don't mind the tropes because they work towards relationship development - and because the show is ridiculously cheesy.

The problem of the day isn't as hokey as the others either: the "Nail Shop Paris" team of helpers is trying to soothe relationship issues between a mother, her son, and his girlfriend. It's a plausible scenario and that makes the show more palatable; unlike episode 3's "needy" ghost.

Am I so desperate to watch that I'm biting my nails and pulling out my hair out? No. But, am I looking forward to episode 5? Yes. Somehow, this show has managed to capture my attention despite it's very obvious failings.

Onward ho! To episode 5 we go. What surprises will it have in store for us?

Written by Raine from Raine's Dichotomy

"Nail Shop Paris" is directed by Park Soo-cheol, written by Seong Min-ji and features Park Gyu-ri, Jin Hyun-bin, Song Jae-rim and Thunder.