Episodes
In this episode, we discuss how sticking to a tried and true formula can make a drama too predictable to be enjoyable and how exacting revenge isn’t always the smartest idea because…there’s always a corrupt politician behind the scenes pulling the strings. Duh...
Published 06/03/24
In this episode, we discuss how a demanding audience got this previously canceled project put back on the air, and we also have a spirited debate about the difference between friendship and romance. We also tackle the age-old question: Is being trapped inside an ultra realistic video game that is constantly trying to kill you, worse than facing the horrors of reality?
Published 05/27/24
This week, we're talking about the 2024 Japanese movie City Hunter. We discuss why the 2024 rendition does it better than the 1993 Hong Kong version. And if there's character motivation, the perverse jokes can help balance out the character rather than be a hindrance to the story.
Published 05/20/24
This week, we discuss how two dramas handle a very specific superpower while also asking whether or not it is possible to like an actor's performance while simultaneously hating the character they are portraying.
Published 05/13/24
In the wake of a serious "Unknown" Drama Hangover, we had a change of pace and watched the "Spy Family" movie in theaters. Now, listen to what we thought about the movie and Anime movies in general. Ryan also suggests an "Unknown" Anime series, and Mel is sooooo down for that!
Published 05/06/24
In this episode, we discuss the complexities of falling in love, the subtleties and nuance of portraying deep emotions on screen, and the vulnerability of Optimus Prime. Listen to the end to hear our thoughts on how they could have made this very strong story indestructible.
Published 04/29/24
In this episode, we discuss the prevalence of transmigration tropes and how we all sometimes use TV to escape real life. And Mel makes a desperate plea for someone to create a romance edit of the drama so she can relive all the love!!!
Published 04/22/24
In an epic rant, Mel and Ryan question toxic relationships, irredeemable actions, and whether or not you should fall in love with an a*****e.
Published 04/15/24
In this episode, we discuss how being in love with a ghost isn't all it's cracked up to be. Especially, when you have to communicate all of your most intimate feelings through a third party. And stay to the end to find out if sublty drawn emotions and fantastic chemistry can overcome clunky plotting and cartoonish villains.
Published 04/08/24
We take a peek into the life of a massive Hong Kong star and discuss why losing touch with reality is sometimes inevitable in the entertainment industry. We also learned that violence against innocent farm animals is one of Mel’s automatic red flags.
Published 04/01/24
In this episode we discuss whether or not good action and a strong lead actor can save a mediocre plot and a nonsensical backstory. Or maybe this is all just a dream and none of it ever happened.
Published 03/25/24
In this episode we talk about how good acting can save weak material and how hindsight can expose the flaws of a show you thought you loved. We also ask an important philosophical question: if a boy falls in love in a video game, but none of the people are real, did he really fall in love?
Published 03/18/24
We talk about the highs and if it's enough to cancel out the lows, what a character arc should look like, and is it ok to end this episode with a BLEEP BLEEP...
Published 03/11/24
Mel and Ryan welcome you to the introductory episode of DramaMeans podcast where they discuss what you can expect going forward and introducing their new DramaMeans ranking scale while they disect dramas from all over the world.
Published 03/10/24
We discuss why endings are hard, why plagiarism always comes back to bite you, and why it's very important to do your research when you're writing policeman.
As always, SPOILERS and STRONG LANGUAGE.
Also, not sure why Spotify isn't letting us play the full song...
Published 03/10/24
This week we discuss the power of self discovery, love, and virginity. Turns out waiting for the right person does have its benefits...so does becoming a mind reading wizard.
Published 03/10/24
Join us as we compare and contrast Shining For One Thing the movie and the drama. Find out how we think the movie fared against the 2022 drama version...and if it's necessary to create CG visuals that are reminiscent of a blow-up doll.
Published 02/26/24
This week we discuss the surpises that await you if you happen to travel back in time to hang out with your parents as high schoolers. And if magical music shop owners are really necessary in this economy.
Published 02/20/24
Join us, for our first ever DramaMeans Awards Ceremony and last episode of Season 1! Find out which dramas, actors, or scenes deserved an award from DramaMeans Podcast! We'll be taking a quick break for the holidays and will be back soon next year for Season 2.
Published 11/22/23
In this episode, we examine meet cutes, confusing love triangles, and why romance writers should never try to be gangsta.
Published 11/14/23
We have a heated discussion about whether or not despicable characters can be redeemed. And if rose colored glasses can overlook a bad ending or could said bad ending, ruin an entire show.
Published 11/07/23
In this episode, we prove once and for all that AI isn't as cool, interesting, or intelligent as people think. We'd also like to formally apologize for the lateness of the episode. We also blame AI for that...
Published 10/31/23
We discuss the fun character dynamics between a trio of unlikely friends, and how important it is for a show to remain true to its tone. Especially when it comes to creating a satisfying ending.
Published 10/24/23
We discuss awkward relationships and the fine line between a budding romance and a stalker story.
Yet again, Spoilers and Strong Language.
Published 10/17/23
We discuss giant character arcs of a sprawling costume drama and explain why sometimes money is the solution to all of life's problems.
Correction: "Those Years In Quest Of Honor Mine" can be read on Perpetual Daydreams.
Published 10/02/23