Boy, did it deliver, in way more ways than I expected.

Only minutes into first episode, the production and music both proved to be top notch. The cinematography is gorgeous to look at. By the end of the first episode it was clear the actors and writing were quality as well. With writing, it's hard for me to tell how much of the quality is the original script and how much goes to the translation. Maybe it's a combination of both.

The characters behave logically, and their motivations feel believable, even if they're immoral choices. It's incredibly satisfying watching the character arcs, and the tension built between characters flows smoothly. There is so little to complain about in every aspect of this show that I thought it'd be a sin not to leave a review.

It's remarkable how the writing transforms your opinions of the characters too. You might start out feeling one way about a character, and before you realize it you feel the opposite way about them.

Something is to be said for the little moments of humor. I didn't expect them with the tone of the show, but not only were they welcome but they fit perfectly when they happened.

There's multiple couples explored and all of them are very different types of relationships that explore very different obstacles. I feel like they were balanced well without detracting from the main storyline. All of them have chemistry too.

I'll say one thing, based on its reputation, I was honestly surprised there weren't more love scenes (and I watched the La Forte version). The way people talked about it, I thought it might be one of those 'every episode' kind of shows, or 'every other episode,' but that was not the case. I will say the scenes lasted longer and went farther than any other show, but to me it added to what the show has to offer. It's not graphic, and it's not so often that it feels excessive. The scenes are carefully placed in terms of the evolution of the characters involved. And I'll reiterate here: the cinematography is gorgeous in these scenes as well.

Without spoiling anything, my one wish is that certain characters had a more conclusive onscreen ending. It was left a little open ended without making it clear to the audience what might happen next between them. But honestly that is one of the only missteps I can think of, but the only missteps happen at the end of the last episode.

Literally everything else, I can sing nothing but praises.
I thought Manner of Death had high production value, but this one was even higher.

Watching this honestly felt like watching an award winning show/movie. Every little thing just fell into place in an amazing way that was extremely satisfying.