Perhaps disproportionately rated high but this show was such a confusing enigma to me when I was watching it that it deserves a nod of respect, at this point. In a landscape where mediocrity was reigning over an unusually lackluster year of disappointing kdramas, Atypical Family was released with little fanfare. It wasn't a hyped drama. It didn't start trends or move viewers to rally behind its fantastical romance or revenge plot. I had no expectations for it. I didn't even like the first episode. The acting seemed meh, the plot seemed meh, the nonexisting romance felt meh, nothing about this drama was particularly interesting or outstanding.
And yet, I kept going back to it, week after week. It was so bizarre. If you asked me what I loved about it, I wouldn't be able to come up with anything. But then, week after week, the show ended on an intriguing note that brought me back for more, then before I knew it...I cared! I cared about the characters, about their lives, about their ending.
That's just so bizarre until I was hooked. But then I was hooked on, like, episode 9! It took forever but the show had the longevity to bring you back each week until you got invested.
No one has so subtly managed to succeed so quietly, just from being unassuming. So I have no choice but to salute this show.
That said, there were definitely certain elements to this show that set it aside. It was in fact an unusual kdrama with elements that are either taboo in kdramas or challenge what is widely accepted as a natural part of the rom-com of SK. Perhaps that's why it went under the radar because I have noticed most seem to prefer watching the same repetitive stereotype with massive plot holes instead of trying something new. I kind of get the comforting familiarity of that but then you miss out on the unexpected interesting stories.
This show had an interesting female lead. She was experienced, scheming, and not cute. The male lead is a depressed blob who has no machismo or masculine charisma. The rest of the points...I don't remember! I watched this show so long ago and I should have reviewed it then but I was too confused then and now it's too late! But there were more stuff setting it apart!
The acting here was okay. I know some people didn't like the male lead. But I don't think it was the actor's fault. The main character is literally depressed. He's not gonna be your typical drama oppa, okay?! The whole point is that he drink to forget he is alive. And same goes for every other character. They have a lot of personal defects and those are intentionally highlighted in the show. So, the characters are intentionally irritable, distant, lethargic or moody.
What stood out from this was the production value. The sets are gorgeous, the lighting is immaculate. The music is so beautiful. The outfts are meticulously chosen to fit everyone's personality and their consistency game is off the charts because little changes in scenes are all part of the plot and one mistake would ruin that.
Rewatch: I still won't rewatch unless I was determined to pitch it to someone else.
Overall: I highly recommend this as it's a good show and it keeps it interesting in a respectable number of episodes. Some say they wanted more but experience has shown that Kdramas don't do well with MORE episode! Less is your way to go.