Hierarquia

I expected to turn it off within 30 minutes. I expected it to be as bad as a Lifetime movie. As bad as all the other Netflix romantic shows and movies. But when I got to the end credits of the first episode and realized it wasn't a movie, I felt an inkling of hope that this might actually be interesting.

It is borderline cheesy most of the time. But somehow, it manages to skirt that line and overcome it with relatively compelling characters and story, as well as just enough chemistry and decent pacing. I am on episode 7 and haven't fast forwarded once.

Maybe it was the low expectations... maybe it was the mood... Either way, it's nice to be pleasantly surprised.

Just finished 3rd episode and I am truly surprised how easy to watch it is. Very refreshing show, characters are really likable, story too. Something between Harvey & Mike from Suits relation & Rom-com. It got potential, its relatable. The main character has drive yet she is searching balance between career and private life, like most of us in our 30s.

The story is not that bad, quite a stereotypical story about ruthless lawyers and quite predictable, but my god the acting is beyond terrible especially Arden Cho's. Apparently the only thing she is capable of doing is sighing, give falsely intense stares and doing a lot of fake smiles (even when the smiles are supposed to be authentic..). The supporting cast (her office friends) was a bit better but could not save the show.

And don't get me started on the music. Felt like a bad teenage soap and made the whole thing even more cringy.

It really spoilt the whole experience and that's a shame because it is enjoyable to see Asian female leads for once.

Watch it without any expectation, it's an average brain dump for when you are exceedingly bored.

As a partner at a law firm this show is annoyingly unrealistic about the practice of law. So much so that I found it impossible to watch. Here are reasons it's unrealistic:

1. The show does not show the grind of what it's like to bill hours at a major New York law firm; 2. A corporate associate working on M&A (even a 6 year associate) is still spending the vast majority of their time reviewing documents, drafting documents and working on due diligence; 3. Even the Partners don't have as nice of offices as the 6 year associate in this show; 4. Most Partners nowadays share their assistant with multiple lawyers; 5. In the first episode two associates compete to be on a $2.9 billion dollar merger. On a merger that larger many associates would be working on it; 6. If there was silly competition and high school level interactions between associates like portrayed in this show they would be fired; and 7. This one is more joking but I don't think almost any law office is as crowded as shown post-pandemic which is a real bummer for most young lawyers.

If you are considering law school and watching this show that's great but just don't think this portrays what your life would be like post law school.

I never read the book this was based on so I cannot say if they did it justice but by itself I thought this was good. IF you think this is going to be a generic rom com show themed around lawyers with a roses and rainbows predictable ending, think again. It's not perfect mind you. Some cringe. Some cheesiness. Some iffy acting here and there. Quite like a soapy kdrama sort?

The characters here are flawed too. They make weighted decisions that the audience might find off putting considering they're supposed to be the main characters. This is also a slow burn. First half is about the build up and presentation the second half is where it shines. The end is a great closure with potential for future story.

There's some 'this won't happen irl' moments like any other show as they tend to crank stuff up a notch but it's all still relatable. Most especially one of their main focus of 'finding what you want in life' which really hits a lot for me. It's not a heavy drama, quite light hearted but serious.

The side characters have their own personality and adds to the dynamic. I was rooting for Rachel's storyline more but Ingrid's storyline focus isn't so bad. My gripe honestly is that I wish they focused more on the lawyer journey and sidelined the romance plot so we get a more genuine slow burn tension.