BetCin (2021)

Huge potential, poor execution and disappointing ending

Let me preface this by saying this was one of my most anticipated dramas of 2021. From the trailer, it looked like we were finally getting a good sapphic love story with an actual, intriguing plot. I was so, so wrong.

The story revolves around Beth and Cindy, an online couple with thousands of followers. They seem to be the perfect couple in their fans, the Umamis, eyes. But unbeknownst to others, every thing they post is a facade of what they want other to see, with one cheating and the other exploiting their relationship for likes/subscribers. When Beth finally snaps and demands they call it quits so she can move in with the person's she's been cheating with, Cindy reluctantly agrees. Right before they can announce their breakup, fate sends them a message that could change everything. They could earn millions — only if they can convince others they are head-over-heels in love, and therefore deserving of the cash prize in a relationship goals contest.

They only have to pretend for 10 days to achieve this. What could go wrong? A lot, as this drama properly showcased. What could've possibly gone right? A lot, as this drama didn't showcase at all.

This was one of the most toxic relationships I've seen in a series. There wasn't a single moment in the show where I wished they'd end up together. All I wanted to do was put them on opposite sides of the Earth and wish they never interacted with each other again. Cindy was extremely manipulative and never really expressed remorse for her actions. Making bad decisions without thinking was Beth's strong point, as she proved continuously over the span of 8 episodes. At the penultimate episode, there was a small glimmer of hope — maybe they were about to do right thing for once. But the ending completely crushed my hopes. It felt unsatisfying and abrupt. In a way, it also filled me with dread. Every lesson they had learnt was suddenly un-learnt. There was no point in this drama at all.

They tried to distract us from the weak plot and irritating characters with a dash of humour every now and then. Unfortunately, it didn't work. I didn't really notice the music in the show because I was too busy seething with rage. Rewatch value is 1.0 only because MDL doesn't allow a lower rating than that. I wouldn't touch this drama again with a 10-foot pole.

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