It's hard to write a short review of this drama because I loved so many things about it and because it offered so much more than I expected. But if there's one word that can sum up the whole show, it's this: heartwarming. I watched Reply 1997, the first installment of the franchise, and loved it. I also saw positive reviews of 1988 so I came in expecting to be entertained. But I've always believed that first installments, whether a movie or a book or a show, are the best so I didn't expect too much. And so from episode 1 to 20, I kept on being surprised and impressed because not only was 1988 a good drama -- it was also better than 1997 and definitely one of the best, if not the best, 2015 kdramas. Like its predecessors, Reply 1988 is an ode to youth, a tribute to a time long gone. I think this installment was more nostalgic because the era was the oldest. 88 stood out though because it focused less on romance and the typical Reply franchise trope of husband hunting but more on youth, friendship, and family. First loves and romance also played a part but it took a back seat, which was both a good and bad thing. 88 had a strong cast and I love that even though Duk Seon was the lead, each of the cast got their own shining moments. They were so fleshed out that it felt like I knew them in real life. The strength of this show lies in its characters and the way they interacted with each other. The camaraderie and rapport not only among the younger characters but also among the parents was so heartwarming. And the conflicts presented in each episode were real-life problems. This kept the show real, relatable, and deeply engrossing. Reply 1988's most touching moments were the ones centered on family and friendship. I swear, there wasn't an episode where I didn't shed tears and during the latter part of the show I was crying multiple times per episode. The dynamics between Bora and her dad, for instance, broke my heart to pieces, as well as the friendship of the three ahjummas. I also loved moments between Jung Hwan and her mom, and Taek and his dad. The romance, at first, seemed predictable. From the pilot episode, I was so sure who Duk Seon will end up with. Up until the 18th episode I was confident of my guess. And then the opposite happened and I was shocked. Viewers were shocked. I did not see that coming at all and if you watched, you'd know that one of the guys was painted as the typical male lead so it was a real surprise when he wasn't chosen. This is not to say that it wasn't justified. The guy Duk Seon ends up with truly deserved her because be was braver and more determined to get the girl. Since both guys are good, I was okay with either one and I couldn't choose. I just felt a little played because of the unexpected twist. I wonder if this was the original plan of the writer or if it was changed midway. I only wish more attention was given to the romance. Since it took a back seat, there wasn't a clear narrative on how Duk Seon fell for the guy. Other than that, I have no complaints. Reply 1994 is next on my to-watch list but I'm not expecting much since it has not-so-positive reviews. Plus, it would be hard to top Reply 1988. I'm still reeling from the hole it left in my heart.