i never say this, especially for a slice of life kdrama, but samdalri is really set up to have a season 2. it doesnt even have to be a full 16 episodes—12 is honestly enough, maybe even 8 or 10 :0
there is so much potential to explore the side characters, but also to show how samdal supports yongpil and his dreams when he supported her throughout this entire show (i like the idea of yongpil being like “samdal is my dream” BUT THAT IS BESIDES THE POINT LOL). there has been complaints about how it almost seems like yongpil is too in love with samdal, but in the context of the story where samdal’s career and life pretty much falls apart, it makes sense for him to be the major support in the plot to complete her character arc of finding herself again. so i think it would be really nice to see it reversed and samdal supporting him in the hypothetical second season.
that also means we get to explore the side relationships that they teased throughout the whole show. i like that we really focused on samdal and yongpil and didnt give more than necessary screentime to the side characters (as many other kdramas do and it ends up being filler that no one cares about), but it almost seems like we didnt get ENOUGH.
our favorite haedal x dolphin boy NEEDS more screentime, and i really want them to explore more of the relationship of a family unit with hayul if they end up dating. also just haedal and training to become a haenyo—i wonder why they gave us that information so late, as well as hayul wanting to be a swimmer! that is such a good plotline on its own!! because then we also get to explore the relationship of ko mija passing on her beloved career to a daughter, and i think that is super intriguing.
i know jindal and her ex are somewhat comedic relief, but they also need to have a proper resolution? because he seems to really care for her, and it would be nice seeing him become someone she can rely on and eventually fall back in love with. i’m not sure which route would be better: him leaving his rich life or him completely inheriting the company, but both have a lot of potential. i think it would have to focus more on his character development rather than jindal’s, but i don’t mind seeing how their relationship plays out because it’s such an interesting dynamic and kind of unfortunate for them the way they broke up if they really loved each other. in fact, there’s also the minor relationship between him and jindal’s dad if his own relationship with his father isn’t the greatest
and i cannot belieVEE they introduced us to gyeongtae and eunbi AN EPISODE BEFORE THE FINALE?! AND THEN DROPPING THE “it’s been twenty years since his first love” LIKE HELLO?! THE POTENTIAL?! once again, another ship for comedic purposes, but it’s almost kind of sweet and i want to see more!! especially the classic “i wasn’t loved for me, but i can be myself around you and you don’t mind it” type of trope!! it’s very city girl x country boy too HAHA
i also just want to see more of eunu and see him and his wife and daughters!!! LET ME SEE HIM AS A DAD BUT ALSO LET THE OTHER CHARACTERS INTERACT WITH HIS KIDS!!! and imagine A LEGITIMATE CHA EUNWOO CAMEO that would be so FUN!!! especially if his daughter has a crush on him HAH
there is so much potential to expand on these characters for a couple more episodes and i really think they deserve it :’)
