Highlights: "Heard It Through the Grapevine" Episode 8

Last night’s episode of “Heard It Through the Grapevine” was a relatively quiet one—no knock-down, drag-out fights here!—but that doesn’t mean nothing happened. On the contrary, it’s a hugely eventful episode, as Bom’s future in the Han family (and at Hansong Law Firm) starts to take shape. After all the trials that Bom (Go Ah Sung) as been through, it’s great to finally see her worth be recognized.

These were my five favorite scenes in “Heard It Through the Grapevine” episode 8:

1. Jung Ho is not happy about his hair transplant surgery

I am enjoying this subplot about Jung Ho (Yoo Joon Sang) and his hair loss far too much. But then again, what’s not to enjoy about this one short scene, in which Jung Ho makes a gloriously strange noise of frustration? It’s odd and funny, and sometimes that’s all you need.

2. Bom receives a gift

I found this scene, in which Yun Hee (Yoo Ho Jeong) gives Bom a necklace, surprisingly sweet. Yun Hee still isn’t quite capable of being kind to her daughter-in-law, but this one gesture—made, Yun Hee says, due to Bom’s unfailing honesty—is enough to make Bom laugh with joy. It’s nice to see Bom happy, and to see Yun Hee admitting that her daughter-in-law has any virtues to speak of.

3. Jung Ho and Yun Hee receive an honest evaluation of Bom’s potential

YES. This scene is beyond amazing. It is glorious. It is what we’ve been waiting for since the first episode, practically. Jung Ho and Yun Hee ask In Sang’s tutor for an honest evaluation of Bom’s potential as a student. So he tells them: Bom has way more potential than In Sang (Lee Joon). She has a greater chance to pass the bar than her husband. She is the symbol of Hansong’s bright future, not In Sang.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love In Sang. He is a sweet, earnest puppy, and I want for him to be very happy (and receive the years of therapy that he so clearly needs). But if I’m in trouble with the law, Bom is the person I want representing me. I’m so glad that someone recognizes just how remarkable she is—and that the tutor is someone Jung Ho and Yun Hee actually listen to. Okay, and I also enjoyed their expressions of shock and horror on hearing the news.

4. Bom’s examination

Jung Ho’s personal examination of Bom made me very happy for several reasons: for one thing, it was just nice to see him clearly understand how bright she is. Even better, though, was In Sang’s reaction to the examination. He was so happy for Bom, so happy to see her recognized, and so proud of how smart she is. Even being reprimanded by Yun Hee for failing to be smarter than his wife, even though he’s had a far more extensive, expensive, education than Bom has, didn’t get In Sang down. He’s not jealous—just delighted. How wonderful is that?

5. Bom’s most difficult moment

This episode ends on a slightly melancholy, contemplative note, as In Sang asks Bom what the most difficult moment in her life has been. We get to see her answer: the day she told her family that she was pregnant. This was just heart-wrenching, as we see Jin Ae try to convince Bom to get an abortion, while Bom stubbornly refuses. When Hyung Shik furiously demands to know who the father is, Bom only answers that he’s not a bad boy (that moment just broke my heart). Before long, the entire family is sobbing with the knowledge that Bom’s life is changed forever. It’s a wonderfully raw, painful scene. Back in the present, all In Sang can do is hug Bom and try to show her how much he loves her—and that even if he wasn’t there for her at the most difficult moment of her life, he’s here for her now.

What did you think of last night’s episode of “Heard It Through the Grapevine”? Let us know in the comments below!

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