DramaMeans

This week, we discuss how tone can transform the same subject mattter into two drastically different shows and question whether or not actors need to have real life intimacy with their co-stars in order to become a convincing on screen couple.

In this episode, we discuss why satire done well is so satisfying and debate the societal logic of a ridiculous dystopian SciFi universe. We also think if there was money to be made by broadcasting the end of civilization, there is for sure a reality TV producer that would make it happen.

In this episode, we discuss the tried and true story trope of stolen/swapped identities and talk about how a show can elevate itself by caring for each and every character even if they aren't the lead. We also petition to bring back "happily ever after." Sorry for the long episode, we will try to have a shorter episode next week!

In this episode, we discuss what it’s like to be young again and be accepted unconditionally by a group of people that have your back, how enjoyable a show can be when you find yourself wishing all the characters were your friends in real life.

This week, we discuss how building a strong bond between two characters can carry an otherwise pretty simple story. But if a show doesn’t stay true to itself all the way through to the end, it ultimately can be a bitter pill to swallow.

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...

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?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!!!

In an epic rant, Mel and Ryan question toxic relationships, irredeemable actions, and whether or not you should fall in love with an asshole.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, we examine meet cutes, confusing love triangles, and why romance writers should never try to be gangsta.